Elden Ring is a game built on exploration, risk, and reward. While most players focus on boss drops or crafting materials, there’s an often-overlooked layer of gameplay: trading rare items for stronger gear or valuable enhancements. Whether it’s with NPCs, in PvP-friendly exchanges, or strategic swaps with friends, many items found throughout the Lands Between can lead to superior loot if you know what to look for.
Here are 20 rare Elden Ring Items worth holding onto—not just for collecting, but for leveraging into better rewards.
1. Remembrance of the Grafted
You can trade this for powerful boss weapons or spells. Depending on your build, it may be better spent than consumed.
2. Remembrance of the Rot Goddess
Another boss drop that gives you access to two different high-end rewards. Choose wisely or trade with others to get both.
3. Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
Extremely rare and perfect for upgrading special weapons. Some players value these highly and may be willing to swap for multiple powerful items.
4. Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
Used for maxing out standard gear. If you’re not planning to use it soon, it’s great trade material in co-op circles.
5. Larval Tears
These let you respec at Rennala’s chamber. Because they’re limited, many players will trade heavily for them late-game.
6. Deathroot
Can be traded to Gurranq for bestial incantations. While not traditionally valuable, the rewards are unique and grow stronger over time.
7. Dragon Hearts
Used at dragon communion altars for draconic spells. These are often hoarded, but their spell rewards are rare and desirable.
8. Bell Bearings
Given to the Twin Maiden Husks, they unlock vendors’ inventories. Some high-tier bearings drastically change item availability and trade value.
9. Haligdrake Talisman +2
Incredibly niche, but useful for holy defense builds. It holds good value in PvP exchanges.
10. Numen’s Rune
One of the most potent runes in the game. Often traded for large bundles of crafting or upgrade materials.
11. Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot
Enhances item discovery. Since farming them is tedious, they’re good bartering chips in co-op or farming-focused groups.
12. Perfume Bottles
Required for creating powerful perfumer bombs. These are limited and often desired by niche build users.
13. Black Knifeprint
A key item in certain questlines. Can be offered in trade for exclusive story progress or hidden item access.
14. Rune Arcs
These enhance your Great Runes. Players often trade multiples of them for upgrade materials or specialty gear.
15. Starlight Shards
Recharge FP slowly and are appreciated in magic-based trades, especially among co-op allies.
16. Sentry’s Torch
Reveals invisible enemies. Surprisingly powerful utility item that PvP players sometimes seek.
17. Regal Ancestor Spirit Remembrance
Trade this for one of the most visually unique weapons or a rare incantation.
18. Dectus Medallion (Left and Right)
Essential for a major shortcut. Players in multiplayer or challenge runs will sometimes trade for these if dropped.
19. Tonic of Forgetfulness
Used in Rya’s questline. While its direct utility is minimal, lore enthusiasts sometimes offer rare gear in trade for quest-specific items.
20. Celestial Dew
Used to reset NPC aggro. This can be a game-saver for some builds and is often traded for other valuable quest-related items.
With the right timing and community engagement, many of these items can be used to negotiate for more powerful equipment or crafting ingredients. Whether you’re working with NPCs or coordinating through co-op lobbies, trading smartly can give you the edge you need in the harsh world of Elden Ring.
And if you find yourself low on resources, many players turn to platforms like U4GM, a popular choice to buy Elden Ring Items or top off their supply of Elden Ring Runes without grinding. While trading is part of the fun, sometimes convenience wins the day.
Knowing what to trade and when can mean the difference between struggling through a boss fight or dominating with upgraded gear. Keep your inventory tidy and your mind open—you never know what your rarest item might be worth to someone else.