What is Safe to Sell in Elden Ring? A Tarnished Trader’s Guide

Elden Ring, the sprawling action RPG from FromSoftware, presents players with a vast inventory of items, many of which seem utterly useless. Deciding what to keep and what to sell can feel like a crucial decision, especially when you’re trying to amass enough Runes to level up or upgrade your gear. So, what’s genuinely safe to sell without regretting it later?

Generally, you can safely sell the following categories of items in Elden Ring:

• Consumables you don’t use: This is the biggest category. If you consistently find yourself with a surplus of Frenzyflame Stones, Beast Blood, or other consumables that don’t fit your playstyle, vendors are happy to take them off your hands. Consider whether you actually use items like Ruin Fragments regularly.
• Duplicate Materials: Some crafting materials are plentiful, and you’ll acquire far more than you need. Selling excess materials like Warhawk’s Talon isn’t usually a problem.
• Low-Level Smithing Stones (Early Game): In the late game, Smithing Stone [1] and [2] become virtually worthless for your current weapon upgrade needs. Selling any extras once you’ve progressed significantly is perfectly fine. Focus on keeping the higher tier smithing stones.
• Duplicate Weapons and Armor (Carefully): If you find a second copy of a weapon or piece of armor, assess if you plan to dual-wield or use it on another character. If not, selling the duplicate is safe. HOWEVER, always double-check you aren’t selling your only copy of a unique or rare item.
• Unwanted Greases and Perfumes: Similar to consumables, if you never use specific greases or perfumes, their only value is in the Runes they provide.
• Arrows (with Considerations): Arrows are a reliable source of Runes, but don’t sell all your arrows! Maintain a supply of common arrows and consider selling specialized arrows you rarely use. Remember that some arrow types can be crafted.
• Runes: Golden Runes, Hero Runes, and similar items can be sold for a good number of Runes. Use these when you need a quick boost for leveling up or buying equipment.

Ultimately, selling decisions depend on your build and play style. A mage will have different needs than a strength-based warrior. If you are still unsure, it’s often best to hold onto the items until you have better understanding of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Selling in Elden Ring

What happens if I accidentally sell something important?

After selling an item to a shop NPC, a Buy Back tab appears in their store menu. You can purchase the item back, but only until you log out of the game. After logging out, the Buy Back tab resets. This gives you a safety net for accidental sales. If you lose an item through other means (such as death or NPC theft), it is permanently lost.

Can I get back a legendary armament if I sell it?

No, you cannot repurchase Legendary Armaments from merchants. However, you can still obtain the “Legendary Armaments” achievement/trophy even if you accidentally sold one. As long as you acquire all other legendary armaments, the game will still recognize your progress. But you cannot wield that weapon in the same playthrough.

What’s the best item to buy to save Runes, then sell back later?

Elden Ring doesn’t have a traditional banking system. Buying items to sell back for rune preservation is inefficient due to the significant loss you take. A 50% return on arrows, purchased at 20 runes and sold at 10, is still a loss of runes overall. Your rune level progress can be impeded by selling and rebuying the items over and over again. It’s generally better to spend Runes on leveling up or upgrading your equipment to avoid losing them upon death.

Should I sell my Smithing Stones?

Low-level Smithing Stones are typically safe to sell once you reach the mid-to-late game. However, always keep a stockpile of higher-level Smithing Stones for upgrading your preferred weapons. Keep the ones you need for upgrades, sell the extras that don’t serve you anymore.

Is it worth selling Golden Runes?

Yes, Golden Runes are designed to be used or sold for Runes. If you need a quick infusion of Runes to level up or buy something specific, using or selling Golden Runes is a good idea. They are best used when you need a specific amount to level up or purchase equipment.

What about crafting materials? Are they safe to sell in excess?

Generally, yes. If you have an abundance of a particular crafting material and don’t foresee needing it, selling the excess is fine. Be mindful of rare materials or those required for essential recipes. Always sell in moderation.

Can I sell armor and weapons I don’t use?

Yes, but exercise caution. Before selling a weapon or armor piece, consider if you might use it in a future build or if it has unique properties. If it’s a common item that you can easily acquire again, it’s safe to sell. Look for clues about the weapons and armor online. This can help with the decision of whether to sell or not.

What happens if I sell a Key Item?

You cannot sell key items in Elden Ring. The game prevents you from selling items essential to story progression.

Does selling items affect the game’s ending?

No, selling items does not affect the game’s ending. Your choices during quests and interactions with NPCs are what determine the outcome of the story.

Should I sell boss weapons or Remembrance items?

No. Remembrance items can be exchanged for powerful weapons, spells, or talismans at the Roundtable Hold. These are very important and should not be sold for Runes. Selling these is not recommended.

Why am I not getting many Runes for selling items?

Vendors in Elden Ring offer approximately 50% of the item’s original purchase price (if applicable). Some items, especially common consumables and crafting materials, have a low base value. Therefore, don’t rely on selling as a primary source of income. Focus on farming enemies or using Golden Runes for significant Rune gains.

Is there a limit to how many items I can carry?

Yes. The maximum number of each individual item you can carry is 99. Once you exceed that amount, excess items are sent to your storage. There’s no overall limit to your storage, so you don’t need to worry about filling it up.

Where are the best places to farm Runes instead of selling items?

Elden Ring features several excellent Rune farming locations. Early game, the trolls near Stormgate are a good option. Mid-game locations include Redmane Castle and Lenne’s Rise. Late game, Mohgwyn Palace is widely regarded as the best Rune farming spot. Exploring and experimenting with different farming locations is key to finding what works best for your character.

Can I trade items with other players?

Yes, you can trade items with other players in Elden Ring through multiplayer. However, be aware of potential risks. Trading or dropping illegal items was patched out in update 1.04, but be cautious when accepting items from unknown players to avoid potential anti-cheat issues. Always be alert when trading items with other players.

How do I know if an item is rare or important?

Read item descriptions carefully. They often provide hints about an item’s purpose or rarity. If you’re unsure, search online for the item’s name to find information about its uses and value. The Elden Ring community is very helpful when it comes to helping other players.

What is a good rule of thumb when deciding to sell items?

A good rule of thumb is “when in doubt, hold on to it!”. Given the game’s complexity and the potential for unexpected build ideas, it’s generally better to keep an item until you fully understand its use or have a clear need for the Runes. This is especially true for unique or rare items that may be difficult or impossible to obtain again.

Understanding what’s safe to sell in Elden Ring requires a balance of knowledge, intuition, and a bit of risk assessment. While Runes are essential, selling the wrong item can lead to regret. By following these guidelines and asking the right questions, you can navigate the complexities of Elden Ring’s economy and make informed decisions about your inventory.

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