In the expansive and perilous world of Elden Ring, survival often hinges on the items you carry. From healing flasks to rare buff items, knowing which consumables to keep in your inventory can make all the difference when facing powerful bosses or exploring treacherous dungeons. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer exploring the Lands Between, this guide will walk you through the top 5 consumable Elden Ring items that should always have a spot in your pouch or bag. For a more comprehensive overview, be sure to check out the full Elden Ring Items List to optimize your build and gameplay strategy.

1. Flask of Crimson Tears
Arguably the most important item in the game, the Flask of Crimson Tears is your primary healing source. It restores a significant portion of your HP and can be upgraded to heal even more. You can increase the number of uses and potency with Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears respectively. Every Tarnished should have this in their quick item slot at all times.

2. Flask of Cerulean Tears
For magic users, the Flask of Cerulean Tears is a must-have. It replenishes FP, allowing for continued use of sorceries, incantations, or Ashes of War. Having a few charges of this flask is vital for those relying on a magic-focused build or hybrid combat strategies.

3. Boiled Crab
Boiled Crab is a deceptively simple consumable that greatly boosts physical damage negation for a short period. Especially useful in boss fights or PVP encounters, this item gives you that extra bit of defense when it counts most. It can be purchased from a few NPCs and is a staple in many PVP players’ loadouts.

4. Rune Arc
Rune Arcs are used to activate the effects of Great Runes, which grant powerful buffs depending on which Rune you’ve equipped. These consumables are relatively rare, so they should be used wisely, but the stat boosts and unique abilities they unlock make them invaluable during tough encounters.

5. Preserving Boluses
Scarlet Rot is one of the most dangerous status effects in Elden Ring, and Preserving Boluses are your best bet to counter it. Found in limited supply or crafted with the right materials, these consumables cure and provide resistance to Scarlet Rot, which is especially handy in areas like Caelid or Lake of Rot.

Keeping these consumables on hand can be the difference between triumph and defeat. While this list highlights five of the most critical Elden Ring items, players would benefit from exploring the full Elden Ring Items List to discover tools tailored to their unique playstyle and challenges ahead. Stay prepared, Tarnished — the Lands Between are unforgiving.