Crafting plays a vital role in survival and success across the treacherous world of Elden Ring. From healing items to status-curing tools and powerful consumables, the right materials can enhance any build and prepare you for the many deadly encounters that lie ahead. With years of expertise navigating the Lands Between, we’ve created a practical, trustworthy list of the seven best crafting Elden Ring items and exactly where to find them. We’ve also included suggestions for Elden Ring items to buy early to help new players get a strong start.

1. Erdleaf Flower
This is one of the first materials players encounter in Limgrave. It’s used in crafting important items like the Grace Mimic and Warming Stones. Erdleaf Flowers are easy to spot in grassy areas, especially around ruins and trees. Because of how often it's required, it’s one of the Elden Ring items to buy early if you're looking to avoid gathering repeatedly.

2. Root Resin
Vital for crafting grease that coats weapons with elemental effects such as fire or holy damage, Root Resin is commonly found near tree roots in wooded areas. It’s an essential component for players who like to enhance their melee damage, particularly in the early- to mid-game.

3. Cave Moss
This green moss grows in caves and is crucial for crafting items like Preserving Boluses, which cure Scarlet Rot. Given how dangerous Rot-infested areas like Caelid can be, having a supply of Cave Moss will save your life. It’s abundant in early-game caves like the Coastal Cave or Groveside Cave.

4. Bloodrose
Used in crafting items that inflict or resist bleed damage, Bloodrose is a key material for both offense and defense. You’ll find them in the Rose Church area of Liurnia of the Lakes. Since bleed builds are among the most powerful in the game, this is a valuable material you don’t want to miss.

5. Miranda Powder
This rare material is dropped by the poisonous Miranda Flower enemies. It’s used for crafting poisonous perfumes and other status-related consumables. You can find these enemies in areas like the Aeonia Swamp or in underground dungeons. Miranda Powder is a top-tier item for players using poison builds.

6. Thin Beast Bones
These are common drops from various wildlife and are essential for crafting arrows, bolts, and throwing knives. If you're playing a ranged or stealth build, Thin Beast Bones should be stockpiled early. Areas like the woods near the Church of Elleh or the Mistwood are full of animals that drop this material.

7. Trina’s Lily
Used to craft items that induce sleep, such as Sleep Pots and Sleepbone Arrows, Trina’s Lily is particularly effective in PvP or when crowd-controlling certain enemies. These lilies are rare but appear in shaded areas or near ruins, including the Weeping Peninsula. Because of their unique utility, they rank high among Elden Ring items to buy early if available.

Elden Ring Items to Buy Early for Crafting
For players who want to craft efficiently without constant farming, visiting merchants early on is essential. The Nomadic Merchants and the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold often stock useful crafting materials and cookbooks that unlock new recipes. If you’re looking for convenience or missing ingredients, these are great places to find Elden Ring items to buy early.

Crafting is one of the most underrated aspects of Elden Ring, yet it offers vital support to nearly every playstyle. By knowing where to collect or buy these essential materials, you’ll be better prepared for both minor skirmishes and epic boss fights. Whether you explore every cave or purchase what you need from trusted merchants, mastering the use of crafting Elden Ring items adds flexibility and power to your journey through the Lands Between.