Elden Ring Items: 7 Rare Materials to Farm Early Game

[CelestialVex]

In Elden Ring, success often hinges on preparation. Whether you're planning to upgrade weapons, craft useful consumables, or bolster your arsenal before tackling the game’s brutal mid-game areas, knowing which rare materials to target early on can save you a lot of trouble—and a lot of Elden Ring Runes. Here are seven rare Elden Ring items worth farming as soon as you get access to them.
1. Somber Smithing Stone [1]

If you're using unique weapons—such as boss drops or special finds—Somber Smithing Stones are your primary upgrade material. They’re rarer than standard smithing stones, but you can farm them in early-game areas like Sellia Crystal Tunnel (accessible via a trapped chest in Dragon-Burnt Ruins). It's risky, but worthwhile for getting ahead in damage output early.
2. Glintstone Firefly

Used in crafting items like the Cuckoo Glintstone and various fire-based bombs, Glintstone Fireflies are tricky to spot but crucial for magic-based or hybrid characters. A reliable early spot is around the Academy Gate Town swamp. Bring a lantern, and sweep the waters carefully at night when they're most visible.
3. Golden Sunflower

While not the rarest in the long run, Golden Sunflowers are limited in early-game zones. They're a key ingredient in crafting Holy-based items and buffs, useful against undead and certain early bosses. You can find a cluster near the Church of Pilgrimage and scattered around the Weeping Peninsula.
4. Tarnished Golden Sunflower

This is the rarer version of the Golden Sunflower and appears less frequently, usually near Erdtree roots. These are important for crafting higher-tier Holy items. Farm them early if your build leans into Faith or if you just want the extra edge in tough fights that rely on rune investment.
5. Root Resin

An unsung hero of early crafting, Root Resin is needed for Greases—buffs that apply elemental effects to weapons. You’ll find these in wooded areas like Mistwood and East Limgrave. Stocking up early lets you exploit enemy weaknesses without spending a fortune in Elden Ring Runes.
6. Beast Blood

Rare, aggressive, and highly sought after for crafting Frenzy-inducing consumables, Beast Blood drops from four-legged enemies like Runebears and certain demi-humans. You can find early-game farming opportunities in the Mistwood and the isolated parts of Caelid, but be warned—they hit hard. Bring your A-game or a reliable spirit ash.
7. Sacramental Bud

Used for crafting preservation and cleansing items, Sacramental Buds are easy to overlook until you’re facing poison or scarlet rot. There are a few spawn points in the Callu Baptismal Church and around southern Caelid. Even if you're not suffering now, you’ll thank yourself later for farming these in advance.


In Elden Ring, efficient farming in the early game isn't just about padding your Elden Ring Runes count—it’s also about collecting the right Elden Ring items to stay flexible and resilient. Targeting these rare materials early helps ensure that when the game ramps up in difficulty, you’re ready to meet it with upgraded gear, powerful buffs, and crafted tools that make all the difference