When you first set foot into the Lands Between, it can be tempting to rush headlong into major boss fights and grab flashy weapons. But any seasoned Tarnished will tell you: the real power often lies in the materials you gather along the way. Farming certain items early can save you countless headaches later and give your build a serious edge.

Here are 10 rare materials in Elden Ring that are absolutely worth farming as early as possible.

1. Smithing Stone [1], [2], and [3]

You’ll need these in bulk to upgrade basic weapons. While you can buy Elden Ring Items later in the game, early upgrades often hinge on finding Smithing Stones through exploration or farming enemies like miners in the Limgrave Tunnels or Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel.

2. Somber Smithing Stone [1]-[3]

For unique weapons, Somber Stones are essential. They’re rarer than standard stones, so it’s worth grabbing them when you spot them on corpses or farming certain scarabs in early regions. Get a head start if you’re planning a build based around boss weapons.

3. Golden Runes

Golden Runes may not be “materials” in the crafting sense, but they offer valuable Elden Ring Runes without the risk of dying and losing them. Farm areas like the Gatefront Ruins or Weeping Peninsula to collect these safely and build up your Rune pool early.

4. Root Resin

Used to craft Grease items that imbue weapons with elemental effects, Root Resin is easy to miss but powerful when used strategically. You'll find it near trees in areas like Mistwood. Farming these lets you prep for bosses weak to fire, poison, or lightning.

5. Smoldering Butterfly

This fiery little insect is a key ingredient in crafting fire-based items. Head to camps with burning debris or enemies that wield fire spells early on. These butterflies don’t respawn often, so gather as many as you can in each trip.

6. Trina’s Lily

Used for sleep-based consumables, this material can be surprisingly effective in certain fights. They’re scattered in Church ruins and graveyards across Limgrave and Liurnia. Farming Trina’s Lily early gives you more options when planning status-effect strategies.

7. Miranda Powder

If you’re leaning into a Faith or Arcane build, Miranda Powder becomes useful for crafting items that apply poison. Found near flower enemies and Miranda Sprouts, especially in Aeonia Swamp, it pairs well with aggressive dot-based tactics.

8. Thin Beast Bones

These drop from wolves and smaller wildlife across Limgrave. They’re vital for crafting arrows and bolts. Even if you’re not a dedicated archer, keeping a stash means you’re never out of ranged options when you need them most.

9. Poisonbloom

Another staple for poison-themed builds, Poisonbloom appears in the depths of poisonous areas and around infected flora. It’s one of those items you’ll wish you’d farmed once you start crafting toxic consumables or status bombs.

10. Rimed Crystal Bud

Rare in early game but found in snowy or higher elevation areas like Caria Manor’s surroundings. This crafting item becomes more important for magic builds or anyone using cold-affinity gear. If you manage to get here early, definitely stock up.

Gathering materials in Elden Ring isn’t just busywork—it’s a strategic advantage. The earlier you start farming key resources, the easier it is to craft powerful items and upgrade your arsenal without wasting time or Runes. Whether you're hunting for status effect items, weapon upgrades, or crafting components, early preparation can save you from grinding later.

And while it’s possible to buy Elden Ring Items through merchants or other means, nothing beats the satisfaction of collecting them yourself and turning a humble haul into an unstoppable loadout.

Alongside your gear, don’t forget that building up Elden Ring Runes through exploration and farming is just as critical. With the right materials and a healthy Rune pool, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the Lands Between.