Should I Use the Golden Seed Right Away in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: probably, yes. Using a Golden Seed immediately to upgrade your Flasks is generally a good strategy for most players in Elden Ring. It provides a significant boost to your survivability and resource management early on, making the initial challenges of the Lands Between far more manageable. However, as with many decisions in this complex game, the “best” answer depends on your playstyle, build, and current progress. This guide will delve into the nuances of Golden Seed usage, helping you make the most informed decision.
Understanding Golden Seeds and Flask Upgrades
What are Golden Seeds?
Golden Seeds are rare and valuable items found throughout the Lands Between. Their primary purpose is to upgrade your Flasks of Crimson Tears (healing) and Flasks of Cerulean Tears (FP recovery). They are not consumed upon use; rather, they permanently increase the number of Flasks you can carry.
Why are Flasks Important?
Flasks are your lifeline in Elden Ring. Unlike many other Soulslike games, reliable healing and FP recovery are not readily available outside of Flasks or specific skills. Therefore, having a sufficient number of Flasks significantly increases your chances of survival, especially during challenging boss fights and exploration.
How do I Upgrade My Flasks?
To upgrade your Flasks with Golden Seeds, you need to visit a Site of Grace. Select the “Flasks” option from the menu, then choose “Add Flask”. The game will then prompt you to use a Golden Seed to increase your available Flask slots. The number of Golden Seeds required to upgrade increases with each upgrade.
The Case for Using Golden Seeds Immediately
Early Game Survivability
The early game in Elden Ring can be brutal. Enemies are tough, resources are scarce, and you’re still learning the ropes. Having extra Flasks allows you to make more mistakes, explore more confidently, and survive encounters that might otherwise be impossible. This added survivability translates to faster progression and less frustration.
Easier Boss Fights
Early game bosses like Margit, the Fell Omen, and Godrick the Grafted are significant roadblocks for many players. More Flasks provide more opportunities to heal and/or replenish FP for weapon skills and spells, giving you a crucial edge in these demanding fights. The extra healing alone can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Encourages Exploration
Knowing you have a buffer of extra Flasks encourages you to explore more freely without worrying about running out of healing or FP. This allows you to discover hidden areas, find valuable items, and gain experience, ultimately making you stronger.
Minimizes Farming
Without enough Flasks, you might find yourself constantly farming enemies for runes to level up or for materials to craft healing items. Upgrading your Flasks early on reduces the need for this tedious grinding, allowing you to focus on progressing the story and enjoying the game.
Considerations Before Using a Golden Seed
Build and Playstyle
If you’re playing a build that relies heavily on FP, such as a mage or a weapon skill-focused character, prioritizing Flasks of Cerulean Tears might be more beneficial than Flasks of Crimson Tears. However, even in these cases, a balanced allocation is usually recommended.
Alternative Healing Methods
Some players rely on alternative healing methods, such as specific talismans, spells, or weapons with innate healing properties. If you have access to reliable alternative healing, you might consider delaying using your Golden Seeds until later in the game when the required amount for flask upgrades increases. However, these alternatives are often less reliable than Flasks, especially in fast-paced combat.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the decision of when to use a Golden Seed comes down to personal preference. If you’re struggling with the game and feel like you need more healing or FP, then using a Golden Seed is a no-brainer. If you’re confident in your abilities and resource management, you might choose to save them for later.
Alternatives to Upgrading Flasks Immediately
Talismans
Some talismans, such as the Blessed Dew Talisman, provide passive healing over time. While not as immediate as a Flask, these can supplement your healing and potentially delay the need for more Flasks. However, they often provide minimal healing per second.
Spells and Incantations
Certain spells and incantations offer healing, but these typically require FP and can be risky to cast in combat. They might be useful for topping off your health between fights, but are less reliable in emergencies.
Weapon Skills and Arts of War
Some weapons have skills or Arts of War that can heal the user. These can be effective, but often have long animations and require FP, making them less versatile than Flasks.
Conclusion
In most cases, using a Golden Seed early in Elden Ring to upgrade your Flasks is a worthwhile investment. The increased survivability and resource management provided by extra Flasks can significantly ease your journey through the Lands Between. While there are alternative healing methods and considerations to keep in mind, the immediate benefits of upgrading your Flasks usually outweigh the potential advantages of saving your Golden Seeds for later. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for most players, prioritizing Flask upgrades will make the early game a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Golden Seeds
1. How many Golden Seeds are there in Elden Ring?
The exact number of Golden Seeds in Elden Ring is not officially confirmed, but there are a significant amount scattered throughout the Lands Between. You will find more than enough to fully upgrade your Flasks, even without exploring every single nook and cranny.
2. Where can I find Golden Seeds?
Golden Seeds are often found at the base of Erdtrees throughout the world. Look for small, glowing, golden saplings. They are also sometimes dropped by bosses or found as rewards for completing certain tasks. Paying close attention to the environment is key to finding them.
3. How many Golden Seeds do I need to fully upgrade my Flasks?
The number of Golden Seeds required to upgrade your Flasks increases with each upgrade. Fully upgrading your Flasks will require a considerable number of Golden Seeds, but the exact amount depends on your individual playstyle and how many Flasks you choose to carry.
4. Can I trade Golden Seeds with other players?
No, Golden Seeds cannot be traded with other players. They are considered key items and are therefore non-tradeable.
5. Can I sell Golden Seeds for runes?
No, Golden Seeds cannot be sold for runes. Their only purpose is to upgrade your Flasks.
6. Is it better to upgrade Crimson Tears or Cerulean Tears Flasks?
The best approach is generally a balanced one. Consider your build. If you rely heavily on FP for spells or weapon skills, prioritize Cerulean Tears Flasks. If you’re primarily a melee fighter, Crimson Tears Flasks might be more important. A mix of both is usually the most versatile.
7. What happens if I die with a Golden Seed in my inventory?
Nothing happens to your Golden Seed upon death. It remains safely in your inventory.
8. Can I respec my Flask allocation later in the game?
Yes, after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, you can respec your stats, including your Flask allocation, using Larval Tears. This allows you to experiment with different builds and playstyles without permanently committing to a particular Flask distribution.
9. Are there any consequences to using Golden Seeds?
No, there are no negative consequences to using Golden Seeds. The only consideration is whether you might prefer to save them for a later upgrade.
10. Should I use Golden Seeds even if I’m playing a coop playthrough?
Yes, even in a coop playthrough, upgrading your Flasks is highly beneficial. It allows you to contribute more effectively to the team by staying alive longer and supporting your allies.
11. Are Golden Seeds missable?
While some Golden Seeds may be located in areas that become inaccessible later in the game, there are enough available that you shouldn’t need to worry about missing a crucial one. Focus on exploring thoroughly and you’ll find plenty.
12. Does difficulty affect the drop rate of Golden Seeds?
No, the difficulty setting does not affect the drop rate of Golden Seeds. They are always found in the same locations and are not affected by game difficulty.
13. How many Flasks should I aim for in the early game?
Aiming for at least 4-6 Flasks in the early game is a good target. This will provide a comfortable buffer and allow you to survive most encounters without too much difficulty. Adjust as you get more comfortable with the game.
14. Are there any merchants who sell Golden Seeds?
No, Golden Seeds cannot be purchased from merchants. They must be found in the world.
15. What is the best way to farm Golden Seeds?
You cannot “farm” Golden Seeds in the traditional sense. They are not reliably dropped by enemies. Instead, focus on exploring the Lands Between thoroughly and checking the base of Erdtrees. Consulting online guides can help you locate specific Golden Seeds that you may have missed.