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Elden Ring’s sprawling world is full of mysterious and obscure items. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably picked up something and immediately thought, “What is this even for?” In my early playthroughs, I dismissed many items as pointless junk, only to realize later they had hidden value—either mechanically, narratively, or strategically. In this article, I’ll walk you through five Elden Ring items that may seem useless at first but are actually worth holding onto, especially once you understand their long-term benefits.

1. Prattling Pate Items (e.g., “Hello”)

The first time I found a Prattling Pate, I laughed, used it once to hear it say “Hello,” and thought, “Okay, what’s the point?” But these items serve a surprising function. In multiplayer sessions, Prattling Pates act as simple communication tools. They’re especially helpful in co-op play when you can’t use voice chat or text. Plus, using them in the right locations can trigger reactions or hidden narrative nods. They’re not game-changers in combat, but they enhance the social and lore elements significantly.

2. Mimic’s Veil

Initially, I thought the Mimic’s Veil was just a gimmick—a toy for players who enjoy goofing around. Then I started using it in PvP and stealth segments. It lets you disguise yourself as nearby objects, which is incredibly effective for ambushes or avoiding detection. I once used it to hide from an invading player for nearly five minutes until they gave up. It’s a fun but practical item that offers tactical variety in the right situations.

3. Soap

Soap? Yes, really. At first, it seems ridiculous to carry around a bar of soap in a grim, cursed land. But once I reached areas filled with rot and poison, I quickly learned how useful soap can be. It reduces the build-up of toxic effects, which saved me more than once when I ran out of other cleansing items. It’s light, easy to craft, and doesn’t cost much—exactly the kind of overlooked utility item that ends up being a lifesaver.

4. Shabriri’s Woe

This talisman increases enemy aggression toward the player, which sounds like a nightmare if you’re running a solo build. But when I experimented with co-op and summoned help, Shabriri’s Woe became a powerful tool. I could tank enemies while my allies handled the damage. It’s also useful in specific boss fights or when controlling aggro can give you the edge. In the right context, it becomes a valuable asset.

5. Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot

I used to ignore these consumables, thinking item discovery wasn’t that big a deal. Then I started farming rare materials and drops—and everything changed. The Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot significantly boosts your item discovery rate, increasing your chances of getting rare gear or upgrade materials. When I was farming for a specific weapon drop, this item shaved hours off the grind. It's especially useful if you're looking to optimize your build without excessive effort—or if you choose to buy Elden Ring items selectively and want to make the most of every run.

Personal Experience and Advice

My first instinct in Elden Ring was to hoard only what seemed directly useful—healing flasks, strong weapons, Runes. But over time, I learned that some of the seemingly silly or obscure items could offer surprising advantages. Elden Ring is a game that rewards curiosity and experimentation.

If you're low on time or looking to speed up your progression, it's wise to selectively buy Elden Ring items or stock up on Elden Ring Runes through trusted sources like U4GM. Doing so can help you focus on the deeper aspects of gameplay—like figuring out when these “pointless” items actually shine.

Elden Ring thrives on depth and subtlety. Items that initially appear to be filler often serve real purposes—whether enhancing multiplayer interactions, supporting niche strategies, or providing utility in specific environments. By understanding these hidden functions, you not only improve your gameplay but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate world FromSoftware has created.

So next time you find something odd or seemingly pointless, don’t be so quick to discard it. It might just save your life—or at the very least, make for a good story.