Elden Ring: Best starting Keepsake for main game and Shadow of the Erdtree
Find out what the best starting Keepsake is in Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree, getting you off on the right foot with the ideal items for your journey.
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Keepsakes - while not a defining aspect of your Elden Ring experience - can definitely put you on the right path, especially if you want to dive into Shadow of the Erdtree.
With a plethora of options to choose from though it's difficult to know which ones to go for - so I've made sure to highlight all of the best picks below for you!
Best keepsakes
- Crimson Amber Medallion
- Golden Seed
- Stonesword Key
While there are nine different options to choose from (ten if you include selecting none!) only three Keepsakes are actually worthwhile for the journey ahead. Out of the three, I'd say that the Golden Seed is the best, but you might be better off picking one of the other two depending on your current skill level.
Crimson Amber Medallion
Like most other FromSoftware titles, it's never a bad idea to pick the item that increases your HP. Raising your health by 6% whenever equipped, this item is never not useful on your journey, as having more health will give you a greater chance of survival.
It can, however, be bought from the Nomadic Merchant in Weeping Penninsula for just 1,500 Runes, making this choice a bit weak in the long run as it's so easy to pick up in the early game.
Golden Seed
In my eyes, the Golden Seed is the best option, as it lets you immediately increase the number of flask charges that you have. This is far more powerful than a small health increase and will help you survive more consistently in those endurance boss fights and out in the wild.
Yes, there are more Golden Seeds than you need in the Lands Between so this isn't 'essential', but it'll definitely help out not only in the early game but as you progress through, helping you get your flasks up earlier.
Stonesword Key
While not the worst pick, a Stonesword Key is definitely the least immediate of the three best choices and is only best served by players already experienced in the Lands Between.
It can be good if you're able to locate another one quickly after getting out into Limgrave, as you'll be able to unlock the Fringefolk Hero's Grave by the Stranded Graveyard Site of Grace.
Inside you'll find the strong Erdtree's Favor Talisman and a Golden Seed (after beating the boss), which essentially gives you the other two best Keepsakes in one. It will take some skill and knowledge though, so if you're new this might not be the best option.
Best keepsake for Shadow of the Erdtree
If you're starting a new character for the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion then I'd wholeheartedly recommend opting for the Golden Seed Keepsake.
This is due to the fact that you'll want to spend as little time in the base game as possible, so having the benefit of an added seed will let you get to max flasks as quickly as possible. We've highlighted this as a key part of our Shadow of the Erdtree preparation guide, outlining the steps you should take before heading into the Shadow Realm:
You'll also find significantly improved versions of the Crimson Amber Medallion both later on in the game and in the DLC, and there's not a single use for Stonesword Keys in the expansion, making your choice super easy in the end.
About The Author
Harry Boulton
Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.
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