Elden Ring is a sprawling, brutal world where progression rewards patience, knowledge, and a bit of courage. While early-game item collection is mostly straightforward, late-game gear—especially legendary talismans, powerful weapons, and upgrade materials—requires deliberate strategy. Whether you're prepping for NG+ or chasing 100% completion, these 12 tips will help you unlock some of the most elusive late-game Elden Ring items.

1. Explore Every Legacy Dungeon Thoroughly

Places like Leyndell, Haligtree, and Farum Azula hide numerous valuable items behind illusory walls, hidden ladders, or tucked-away corners. Slow down, re-explore them after major story beats, and bring a lantern to help spot the details you might’ve missed the first time.

2. Prioritize Side Quests That Lead to Rare Gear

NPC storylines such as Millicent’s, Fia’s, and D’s quests can unlock gear you can’t find elsewhere. Many of these arcs lead to unique weapons or talismans that are only available at specific points—miss one step, and the item could be gone for that run.

3. Use Your Map Markers to Track Unopened Doors or Seals

Late-game zones like Deeproot Depths or Consecrated Snowfield are massive and confusing. Marking unopenable doors or inaccessible areas helps you return once you acquire the necessary items or progress a related quest.

4. Farm High-Tier Upgrade Materials

Smithing Stone [8], [9], and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are rare but essential for maxing out your best gear. Areas like Mohgwyn Palace and Haligtree are great for these drops. Keeping track of the enemies who drop these can save you hours.

5. Trade Elden Ring Runes for Progress Efficiency

Runes are more than just level-up fuel—they enable gear upgrades, spirit ash leveling, and item purchases that open up late-game strategies. If you're running low, consider efficient rune farming in places like the Albinauric farm in Mohgwyn Palace or the Haligtree Knights in Elphael.

6. Revisit Earlier Areas After Major Progress

Bosses like Maliketh or Morgott can trigger world-state changes. Sometimes these open up new paths in earlier areas, spawning stronger enemies who drop better loot or unlocking new merchant inventories.

7. Keep an Eye on Bell Bearings and Where to Use Them

Some of the best late-game items are purchasable only after giving the Twin Maiden Husks specific bell bearings. Collecting these from dead NPCs, hidden chests, or late-game bosses makes it easier to buy upgrade materials and rare consumables.

8. Maximize Spirit Ashes for Exploration Help

In difficult late-game zones, a fully upgraded mimic or Lhutel the Headless can be the difference between success and frustration. Spirit ashes also help you control fights, making it easier to loot items during tough battles.

9. Scour the Haligtree

Miquella’s Haligtree is brutal but rich in loot. Don’t just beeline to Malenia. Instead, clear each branch, ledge, and shortcut area. Many high-end items, including late-game talismans, are hidden in dangerous nooks or behind powerful enemies.

10. Consider the Best Place to Buy Elden Ring Items

While purists might prefer earning everything through gameplay, others may want to speed up their builds or replace lost gear. The best place to buy Elden Ring items is often a reliable trading community or player marketplace—just be cautious and avoid any risky sources that might jeopardize your save.

11. Don’t Overlook the Consecrated Snowfield

Though less linear than other zones, this late-game area is full of valuable gear, including powerful talismans and crafting materials. Be prepared for ambushes and low visibility, and always explore off the main path.

12. Use Online Resources to Track Unique Item Locations

Even veteran players can miss legendary items like the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman or specific ashes of war. Keeping a personal checklist or using a community-sourced item tracker can help ensure you leave no treasure behind.

Elden Ring’s late game doesn’t just reward strong builds—it rewards players who think, adapt, and explore. Whether you’re grinding for materials or chasing the last few talismans, these strategies will help you get the most out of your journey through the Lands Between. And remember: sometimes the smartest use of your Elden Ring Runes is not to level up, but to prepare for what’s ahead.