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When I first stepped into the hauntingly beautiful world of Elden Ring, I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of weapons, talismans, and tools available. Like many players, I quickly learned that blindly picking up everything wasn’t going to cut it. If you want to thrive in the Lands Between, understanding how to select the right Elden Ring items for your character class is key.

Over the course of several playthroughs using different builds—Faith caster, Strength tank, Dexterity assassin—I’ve developed a clear approach to optimizing item selection. If you're wondering how to make smart choices or looking to purchase Elden Ring items that complement your build, these seven tips will help guide your journey.

1. Know Your Class’s Core StrengthsEach class in Elden Ring starts with specific stats that lean toward a certain playstyle. A Confessor favors Faith and melee, while the Samurai leans into Dexterity and range. Understanding your base stats and intended growth path will help you filter Elden Ring items more effectively. In one of my earlier runs, I mistakenly used Intelligence-based staves as a Prophet and wondered why my spells lacked power—learning this saved me a lot of time on future builds.

2. Match Weapons With Scaling StatsWeapons in Elden Ring scale with your attributes. Look for items that have good scaling in your class's primary stat. For example, a Strength-based character should prioritize items like the Greatsword or Ruins Greatsword, which scale heavily with Strength. I once purchased Elden Ring items based purely on appearance (the Moonveil katana, to be specific) but found them underwhelming because they didn’t scale with my build. Lesson learned.

3. Don’t Overlook Passive EffectsMany items offer more than raw damage—they come with effects like bleed buildup, poison, or FP regeneration. These passive bonuses can align perfectly with your class’s strengths. For instance, my Dexterity bleed build came alive once I started using weapons with innate hemorrhage effects. Passive abilities often define high-level PvP and PvE success.

4. Use Talismans to Round Out WeaknessesTalismans can compensate for class shortcomings. If you’re a heavy melee class, equip talismans that boost stamina regeneration or reduce FP cost for weapon skills. As a Sorcerer, I relied heavily on talismans that cut casting time and increased FP. They turned near-impossible boss fights into manageable duels.

5. Buy With Purpose When You Purchase Elden Ring ItemsWhen you decide to purchase Elden Ring items—whether to skip farming or to try out a build quickly—be intentional. Focus on what serves your class build, not just what looks powerful. On my second run, I purchased a full set of caster gear from an online vendor and built around it, saving hours of grinding and testing. It allowed me to get right to the gameplay I loved without compromising on performance.

6. Adapt Your Loadout as You Level UpElden Ring is flexible; the best item at level 30 might not serve you at level 80. Keep checking new items against your current build and respec when necessary. I discovered the value of this during my Strength-Faith hybrid build—once I unlocked certain incantations and weapons, I shifted my whole strategy mid-game.

7. Prioritize Survivability for BeginnersIf you're just starting out, look for items that improve your chances of survival—such as shields with 100% physical block or armor that boosts resistance to status effects. Survivability often outweighs flashy damage, especially when learning boss patterns. One of my most stable early-game builds used a simple Claymore, a medium shield, and a talisman that slowly restored HP. It wasn’t glamorous, but it carried me far.

Choosing the best Elden Ring items isn't just about damage numbers—it’s about synergy with your class and playstyle. After hundreds of hours of experimentation, I’ve learned that taking the time to understand your character’s strengths leads to better performance and a more rewarding experience.

If you're looking to purchase Elden Ring items, make sure they complement your build instead of forcing you into one. Whether you're a sorcerer seeking powerful staves or a vagabond craving high-defense gear, the right items can turn a tough game into a thrilling adventure.

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