Crafting in Elden Ring is more than a simple side mechanic—it can be the difference between surviving a deadly encounter or facing a long trek back from a Site of Grace. Rare crafting materials are particularly valuable, as they allow players to create powerful consumables, status-curing items, and offensive tools that can greatly aid progression. While cheap Elden Ring items from trusted platforms can fill gaps in your inventory, nothing beats the satisfaction of hunting down rare materials yourself.

From personal experience across multiple playthroughs—including high-level support through Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting—I’ve found that rare materials often hide in places most players overlook. Here are seven effective methods to find them.

1. Explore Underground Zones Thoroughly

The underground regions—Siofra River, Nokron, Ainsel River, and Deeproot Depths—are rich in rare crafting items like Ghost Glovewort, Silver Fireflies, and more. These areas aren’t just visually stunning; they’re packed with hidden treasures.

During my second playthrough, I nearly missed the Great Grave Glovewort hidden deep within Nokstella. It was only after joining a Nightreign Boosting session and exploring the zone in full that I realized how many top-tier crafting ingredients I had overlooked.

2. Farm Specific Enemy Types

Certain enemies have high drop rates for rare materials. For example:

• Miranda Sprouts drop Miranda Powder (used in poison bombs).

• Land Octopus enemies often drop Land Octopus Ovary.

• Crystal Snails in Raya Lucaria drop Crystal Bud.

I once spent over an hour farming Land Octopuses near the Isolated Merchant’s Shack in the Weeping Peninsula just to stock up on ovaries for crafting bleed-resistant items. It wasn’t glamorous, but it paid off during a difficult stretch in Caelid.

3. Scour Elevated Cliffs and Ledges

Some of the rarest crafting ingredients—like Sacramental Buds and Golden Sunflowers—can be found only on narrow cliffside paths or tucked away on ledges that require precise jumping.

When I was exploring Altus Plateau, I discovered a patch of Golden Sunflowers off a seemingly inaccessible edge. It took careful platforming, but the payoff was worth it. These are vital for crafting healing and fire-resistant items, which are a must for late-game zones.

4. Raid Evergaols and Hero Graves

Evergaols and Hero Graves are home to powerful enemies and valuable loot. Some of the rarest materials like Ghost Glovewort or unique crafting books can be found within these optional but rewarding dungeons.

I recommend clearing the Auriza Hero's Grave early if your build allows. Not only do you get powerful Spirit upgrades, but I also found rare Grave Gloveworts and crafting stones during a boosting run there.

5. Purchase From Specific NPCs

Several NPCs sell crafting materials, and their stock improves as you progress. For example, Pidia in Caria Manor and the Nomadic Merchants scattered throughout the world offer items that can’t be easily found elsewhere.

If you prefer not to grind endlessly, this is a reliable and time-efficient way to get what you need—especially when you’re not looking to buy cheap Elden Ring items externally.

6. Complete Side Quests for Crafting Books

Crafting Cookbooks are often locked behind NPC quests. Completing side stories like Millicent’s or the Volcano Manor assassinations can unlock rare recipe books.

Through the Volcano Manor line, I was able to unlock Volcano Pots, which became essential for dealing with certain mid-game bosses. These quests not only deepen the lore but provide some of the game’s best utility items.

7. Use Online Communities or Boosting for Direction

If you're pressed for time or want to explore with guidance, services like Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting can help you access endgame areas earlier, where rare crafting materials are more plentiful. Online groups and maps also highlight spawn locations and farming routes for Gloveworts, Cracked Crystals, and more.

I personally joined a boosting session to access Mountaintops of the Giants earlier than usual, allowing me to farm Ghost Gloveworts and Freezing Grease materials well before most players reach that zone.

Finding rare crafting materials in Elden Ring requires more than aimless wandering—it demands attention, patience, and sometimes a little help. Whether you're hunting them solo or supplementing your play with cheap Elden Ring items, these materials can significantly impact your build’s success and survivability.

From personal exploration to teamwork during Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting, I’ve found that resourcefulness pays off. The more you engage with the world—whether cliffside or catacomb—the more empowered your journey becomes. So gear up, look around, and craft smart. The Lands Between are filled with hidden treasures—if you know where to look.

Insider Look: Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting Bundles: Unlock Style, Power, and Prestige