Elden Ring is known for its massive world, layered storytelling, and intricate questlines that reward patient and attentive players. One of the most satisfying aspects of FromSoftware's open-world masterpiece is the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures that are only accessible after completing certain quests. These Elden Ring Items often boast unique powers or rich lore, and they’re a key part of what makes exploration and commitment to side quests so rewarding.
If you're searching for the best items to buy in Elden Ring or rare gear that only appears after specific events, this guide highlights some of the most elusive and rewarding discoveries in the Lands Between.
1. Miquella’s Needle – Locked Behind a Crucial Quest
Miquella’s Needle is one of the rarest items and is essential for players who want to undo the Frenzied Flame ending. To obtain it, you must complete Millicent’s entire questline and defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella—arguably the most difficult boss in the game. Once you’ve progressed through these steps and accessed the optional area of Miquella’s Haligtree, you’ll unlock the ability to craft Miquella’s Needle using the Unalloyed Gold Needle. This Elden Ring item is not only steeped in lore but also one of the most significant when it comes to altering your fate.
2. Sword of Night and Flame – Hidden After Caria Manor
This iconic weapon is tucked away behind the Caria Manor questline in northern Liurnia. While it’s technically available before completing certain NPC quests, fully exploring the manor and following Ranni’s storyline can help you understand its lore. The Sword of Night and Flame is widely regarded as one of the best items to buy in Elden Ring (via in-game merchants or player trading), thanks to its powerful dual-attack modes that scale with both intelligence and faith.
3. Black Knife – Gained Through the Black Knife Assassin Questline
This dagger, wielded by the assassins responsible for a key event in the game’s backstory, becomes available through a challenging series of encounters. The Black Knife can be looted after defeating the Black Knife Assassin at Sainted Hero’s Grave or by advancing through quests involving the mysterious assassins. It deals bonus damage that reduces maximum health—a unique trait among Elden Ring Items.
4. Lionel’s Set – Found After the Fia Questline
Lionel’s Set is a fan-favorite armor set due to its exceptional defense and high poise. It becomes more easily accessible after completing Fia’s questline, which involves exploring the Deeproot Depths and engaging with the mysterious Deathbed Companion. While you can technically stumble upon it earlier, understanding its backstory and significance adds depth to its use. As heavy armor goes, it’s one of the best items to buy in Elden Ring from other players if you missed it in your playthrough.
5. Dragon Slayer’s Greatbow – Connected to the Mohgwyn Palace Arc
Available deep within the secret Mohgwyn Palace, this colossal weapon can only be found after progressing through White Mask Varre’s questline. The area itself is rich with high-end Elden Ring Items, and the Dragon Slayer’s Greatbow is a standout due to its long-range strength and powerful synergy with great arrows. This bow, along with related talismans, is often included in discussions about the best items to buy in Elden Ring for PvP or late-game content.
6. Ranni’s Dark Moon – After Completing Ranni’s Full Quest
Ranni’s Dark Moon is a sorcery that rivals Rennala’s Full Moon and is only obtainable after completing Ranni’s extensive questline. This involves multiple optional bosses, deep lore segments, and an ending route. The sorcery allows players to cast a freezing moon that reduces enemy magic resistance, making it a deadly asset in both PvE and PvP.
Elden Ring encourages curiosity and rewards thorough exploration like few other games. The Elden Ring Items found after completing specific quests are more than just tools for combat—they’re trophies that represent your choices, skill, and persistence. Whether you're chasing the best items to buy in Elden Ring through trade, or seeking them organically through gameplay, these secret rewards will elevate your adventure through the Lands Between.