Elden Ring is now officially available worldwide, letting players step into the shoes of a Tarnished as they hunt for the fabled Elden Ring. With such an expansive world, featuring dozens if not hundreds of hours of content for players. When you begin your adventure though, you get the choice of a starting keepsake gift that will aid you in the rest of your adventures. Given that this is a boon you can’t change though, you may be torn on which you should pick. No need to worry though as, in this guide, we’ll explain what is the best starting keepsake gift you can get in Elden Ring!

What is the Best Starting Keepsake Gift in Elden Ring?

Before we get to which keepsake gift you should pick, let’s lay out the basics first. When starting your run of Elden Ring, you’re given the following choices as described in-game:

  • Crimson Amber Medallion: A medallion inlaid with Crimson Amber. Raises max HP.
  • Lands Between Rune: The gold of grace shining in the eyes of the people of the Lands Between. Use to gain many runes.
  • Golden Seed: A golden seed washed ashore from the Lands Between. Said to reinforce Sacred Flasks.
  • Fanged Imp Ashes: The ashes of small, diminutive golems. Ashes are said to hold spirits within.
  • Cracked Pot: Three strange cracked pots that somehow mend themselves. A container for certain thrown items.
  • Stonesword Key: Two stone keys shaped like swords. Breaks the seal on imp statues but can only be used once.
  • Bewitching Branch: Five sacred branches charged with beguiling power. Said to originate from Demigod Miquella.
  • Boiled Prawn: Five pieces of boiled prawn. Boosts physical damage negation.
  • Shabriri’s Woe: The crazed likeness of a goddess with no eyes. Attracts enemy aggression.

With that out of the way, which of these should you choose? Well, the choice isn’t quite as simple as me giving you a specific keepsake gift and us being on our way. See, due to the nature of each of these buffs being so varied, it’ll depend on your playstyle in soulslike games and what works for you. With that being said, I can send you in the right direction. As one example, if you’re new to soulslikes or find your ability to dodge to be subpar, then the Crimson Amber Medallion, Golden Seed, or Boiled Prawn will be your best bet.

If you’re a bit more confident in yourself, then something like the Stonesword Key or the Lands Between Rune may suit you a bit better. The Stonesword Key is especially good, since it can open otherwise inaccessible areas to score you a healthy amount of loot. One that we can suggest against without a doubt though is Shabriri’s Woe, unless you feel like having an extra challenge.

No matter what starting keepsake gift you feel may be best for your playstyle, this guide hopefully gears you in the right direction.

Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.