Managing your inventory in Elden Ring can be the difference between surviving a brutal boss fight or facing another frustrating death. With so many Elden Ring items to collect and upgrade throughout your journey, it’s easy to fall into bad habits that hinder your progression. Below are 10 common mistakes players make when managing their inventory — and how to avoid them.
1. Hoarding Every Item You Find
Many players make the mistake of treating every drop like it’s essential. While some Elden Ring items are indeed rare or situationally powerful, most consumables and low-tier gear can be discarded or sold. Don’t waste time scrolling through cluttered menus mid-combat — keep only what you actually use.
2. Ignoring Weight and Equip Load
One of the most overlooked aspects of inventory management is weight. Carrying too many heavy weapons or armor pieces can push you into a higher equip load tier, affecting your roll speed and stamina consumption. Learn to balance between protection and mobility.
3. Not Sorting or Categorizing Gear
By default, your inventory can become a mess after just a few hours of gameplay. Take a moment at Sites of Grace to sort your gear by type or favorite category. Whether it’s Elden Ring runes, consumables, or armaments, being organized saves time when it matters most.
4. Forgetting to Sell or Discard Unused Equipment
Weapons you outgrow or never use take up mental space and screen space. Visit a merchant regularly to sell off unused Elden Ring items — especially duplicates. You’ll earn some extra Elden Ring runes in the process.
5. Underutilizing Crafting Materials
Crafting is often underestimated in Elden Ring. Players collect tons of materials but rarely use them efficiently. If you're not making fire pots, grease, or buffs before boss fights, you’re missing out on a major advantage.
6. Failing to Upgrade Key Equipment
Having a strong weapon is crucial, yet many players spread their resources too thin trying to upgrade everything. Focus on upgrading a few reliable weapons and shields that suit your build. Smithing Stones aren’t infinite unless you’ve unlocked the appropriate Bell Bearings.
7. Not Using Quick Item Slots Strategically
Having the right items ready in your quick menu is vital in fast-paced encounters. Avoid the trap of overloading the slot wheel — it slows you down in battle. Limit it to your go-to healing, buffs, and utility Elden Ring items.
8. Neglecting Buffs and Utility Items
So many players forget that Elden Ring includes items to temporarily boost strength, resistances, or elemental damage. Especially in difficult areas, using these utility tools can give you the edge. Don’t just rely on brute force — play smart.
9. Wasting Elden Ring Runes on the Wrong Items
Runes are your most valuable currency, and it’s easy to burn through them by buying every shiny thing a vendor offers. Prioritize what actually supports your build. U4GM has highlighted how careful rune management can make or break your mid- and late-game progression.
10. Ignoring Storage Chest at the Roundtable Hold
You don’t have to carry everything with you. The storage chest is there for a reason. Keep your inventory lean by stashing backup weapons, armor sets you may use later, and items for niche situations.
Avoiding these common mistakes will make inventory management feel like a powerful tool instead of a constant headache. Whether you're hoarding Elden Ring items or unsure how best to spend your Elden Ring runes, taking a few minutes to organize and plan goes a long way.
For players who want smoother progression and better efficiency, platforms like U4GM often discuss optimal resource management strategies — but it all starts with knowing what not to do.