Whether you're delving into the eerie catacombs of Limgrave or braving the fiery tunnels of Mount Gelmir, dungeons in Elden Ring are never forgiving. With enemies lurking around every corner, traps waiting to snap you in half, and bosses that test the limits of your build, preparation can be the difference between success and a long trek back from your last Site of Grace. Here are eight essential items every Tarnished should carry into every dungeon run—regardless of level or playstyle.
1. Stanching Boluses
Bleed buildup is one of the most dangerous mechanics in Elden Ring, especially in dungeons filled with skeletal enemies, dogs, or other quick-striking foes. Stanching Boluses can instantly stop Hemorrhage buildup, potentially saving you from a devastating health drop. They're lightweight and can be purchased or crafted, making them an easy inclusion in any inventory.
2. Lantern
Many dungeons in Elden Ring are cloaked in near-total darkness. Equipping a torch is an option, but it costs you a hand slot—something you might not want to sacrifice. The Lantern, which can be equipped to your belt, provides passive illumination and keeps both hands free for weapons or shields. It’s a simple quality-of-life upgrade that dramatically improves visibility.
3. Soft Cotton
If a dungeon features verticality or hidden platforms, Soft Cotton can soften your landing and silence your steps. The fall damage mitigation might seem minor, but in some situations, it’s the difference between exploration and death. Additionally, the noise suppression can help with stealthier approaches.
4. Bewitching Branch
These consumables temporarily charm most humanoid enemies, turning them into allies. While limited in number, they can be extremely helpful in tight dungeon spaces where you’re outnumbered. Think of it as crowd control without committing to a specific spell or Ash of War. Keep a few on hand for tricky encounters.
5. Preserving Boluses
Scarlet Rot is a brutal status effect in many of the game’s later dungeons, especially in areas like the Lake of Rot or Caelid tunnels. Preserving Boluses remove Scarlet Rot buildup and cure the effect instantly. If you don’t have the tools to cleanse it with Incantations or gear, these are your best line of defense.
6. Warming Stone
For players without access to strong healing spells, Warming Stones are excellent tools for slow but steady group healing. Whether you’re traveling with Spirit Ashes or co-op partners, placing a Warming Stone before a boss or in a lull between waves can give you a tactical edge—especially when you want to save Flask uses.
7. Bone Darts
Bone Darts are incredibly cheap, easy to craft, and invaluable for triggering enemy movement, baiting attacks, or drawing attention away from narrow passages. They don’t do much damage, but their utility in dungeon exploration shouldn’t be underestimated. When used well, they can create windows of opportunity that a sword never could.
8. Rune Arcs
Using a Rune Arc while under the effect of a Great Rune can grant you massive buffs, from increased health and stamina to bonus resistances. If you're about to face a tough boss or explore a dungeon for the first time, activating a Rune Arc can give you the boost you need to survive. They're relatively rare, so reserve them for your most challenging dives.
Dungeon crawling in Elden Ring is about more than just powerful weapons and flashy spells—success often hinges on how well you’ve packed your inventory. The right items can help you counter environmental hazards, status effects, or unexpected enemy tactics.
For players just starting out or returning on a new character, it's worth noting that preparation includes having the right gear before the dungeon even begins. Many players look for the best place to buy Elden Ring Runes to speed up their leveling and gear acquisition. Others playing on console might explore how to buy Elden Ring items Xbox to save time on farming.