Elden Ring: selecting the right Keepsake

Here's a rundown of the Keepsakes and why the Golden Seed is generally considered the best starting Elden Ring items:

Elden Ring Keepsakes List

Golden Seed: Grants an additional Flask use (HP or FP).

Fanged Imp Ashes: Summons Fanged Imp Spirit Ashes to aid in battle.

Crimson Amber Medallion: Increases maximum HP.

Stonesword Key: Opens special doors and sealed areas.

Shabriri's Woe: Attracts enemy aggression.

X16 Runes: Provides a small amount of runes.

Meteorite of Estelle: Offers a magical meteorite.

Boots of the Champion: Provides a modest boost to certain stats.

Royal Remains: Increases vitality.

No Keepsake: Offers no special benefits, suited for players seeking a challenge.

Best Keepsake Choices

1. Golden Seed

Benefit: Provides an additional Flask use at the start of the game, which is invaluable for healing and FP restoration.

Why It's Best: Flask uses are crucial for survival, especially in the early stages of Elden Ring. While you can find additional Golden Seeds throughout the game, having one from the beginning allows for greater flexibility in managing health and magic.

2. Crimson Amber Medallion

Benefit: Increases maximum HP, which can be useful for taking more damage.

Considerations: You can find this medallion early in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, so while it is a good option, it's not as unique as the Golden Seed.

3. Fanged Imp Ashes

Benefit: Summons Fanged Imp Spirit Ashes to distract and fight enemies.

Considerations: Spirit Ashes are common and can be found in various dungeons and areas, so having this at the start doesn't offer a significant advantage over other choices.

4. Stonesword Key

Benefit: Opens locked doors and special areas.

Considerations: While Stonesword Keys are useful, they can also lead you to challenging dungeons like the Fringefolk Hero's Grave, which might be too difficult to tackle early on. Moreover, Stonesword Keys are not as crucial as additional Flask uses or HP boosts.

Why Golden Seed is Optimal

Immediate Benefit: An extra Flask use (whether for HP or FP) is immediately beneficial and can make a substantial difference in surviving early encounters.

Versatility: Enhances your ability to recover health or manage magic, which is essential as you learn the game mechanics and face tough enemies.

Ease of Access: Golden Seeds are scattered throughout the world, but having one from the start can ease your early journey, giving you a better head start.

In summary, Golden Seed is the most advantageous Keepsake to choose at the beginning of Elden Ring. It offers a significant boost in survivability by providing an additional Flask use, which is essential for managing health and magic in the challenging early stages of the game.