Because naming them rings would create a lot of confusion among players since the titular Elden Ring isn’t an actual ring you can equip, we call the equipable perks in Elden Ring “talismans”. Never mind the nomenclature, though, as they do the same job as the rings from the Souls series.
Elden Ring features nearly one hundred talismans, all with varied perks and possible downsides. You’ll find it hard if not completely impossible to come up with the best combo of four that you can wield at any time — especially since some parts of the game seriously benefit from the timely usage of some specific sets of talismans — but it’s possible to come up with ten talismans that never fail to make one run even more awesome.
10. Sacrificial Twig
This might feel like an underwhelming pick for a best-of list, but I’ll let the person who never felt crushed by losing an immense amount of runes cast the first stone. Sacrificial Twigs are talismans that don’t do anything other than break and prevent you from losing runes upon death. That is a big deal, especially when combined with three other awesome talismans.
9. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Want the benefits of a mega-shield without having to deal with the hassle of carrying one and correctly timing your defense against the attacks of your enemies? Well, this talisman reduces 20% of the physical damage that you would get from pointy and blunt-y things alike.
It won’t save you from a meteor — something that yeah, can actually come for you in this game — but it’s pretty amazing at negating damage for free and with no downsides.
8. Gold Scarab
Unlike most other talismans on this list, the Gold Scarab doesn’t give players any combat advantage, but it’s unmatched regarding riches. This one is pure Stonks. It increases the amount of runes you get everywhere by 20%, which is an unparalleled amount for anyone who wants to get big in no time.
7. Crimson Amber Medallion
I think that most would agree that what makes the Souls series difficult is the immense propensity of our character to die. Fret not, as the Crimson Amber Medallion exists to greatly boost your maximum HP.
If you don’t find that enough, you’ll probably be happy to learn that the game also features even more powerful versions of this Medallion. It’s great for all combat scenarios — just be mindful that its warranty doesn’t cover lethal falls.
6. Radagon Icon
If you’re playing as a spellcaster, then you can do no wrong with the Radagon Icon. It greatly increases the casting speed of spells (it adds 30 dexterity just for spellcasting). It’s an absolute must both for PVE and PVP encounters, as it is one of the items that will turn you into one of those absolute monsters who invade someone else’s game and murders everyone without your enemy ever realizing what the hell just happened.
The only reason not to get this one is if you’re a brute, like me.
5. Erdtree’s Favor
You can do no wrong with this one as it simply raises your HP, Stamina, and Equip Load attributes without bringing any setbacks to the table. That’s quite a miracle in a FromSoft game.
This one is an absolute must-have for any player who still hasn’t completely adapted to the game’s most challenging elements, i.e. pretty much everyone.
4. Great-Jar’s Arsenal
This one makes you immensely strong, but not in a way that will hurt others — directly, at least. The great Jar’s talisman greatly enhances your load capacity, by about one-fifth of your total, which allows you to do much nimbler rolls even if you’re wearing a heavier set of armor.
This was a classic in the original Dark Souls, and it remains a classic here. It’s also arguably easier to get here, as you don’t have to destroy the warship that is Havel to get it.
3. Green Turtle Talisman
I remember stumbling upon this one completely by accident, and immediately going “Oh, my source of power is a tiny turtle now? Thanks for another troll item, Miyazaki.” I grew much wiser since then, as I equipped the Turtle Talisman and realized that getting over 15% of stamina recovery speed is just about one of the best things you can get in any Souls game.
I got it near the start of the game and I kept it till the end.
2. Radagon’s Scarseal
Ok, this one comes with a huge neon warning sign. If you’re the kind of player who’s still not fully accommodated to the dangers of the Lands Between and doesn’t want to risk it all whenever they head into battle, please ignore this entry altogether.
Radagon’s Scarseal makes you more dangerous by raising your strength, endurance, vigor, and dexterity, but it also makes you take 10% more damage, which, in this game, is a lot. Still, as soon as you begin to master the game, you’ll feel tempted to become a mega glass cannon — as you should.
1. Radagon’s Soreseal
Remember what I said about Radagon’s Scarseal being dangerous? Well, this one is like that, but even more so — for everyone. Instead of giving you three points in vigor, strength, endurance, and dex, it gives you FIVE, but it makes you take 15% more damage.
Once again, people who’re not yet very adept at the arts of dodging should do their best to dodge this one, but the Radagon’s Soreseal is the best talisman to have if you’re already feeling like fighting to take the Elden Throne.
