U4GM - 6 Steps to Sort Elden Ring Items by Usefulness and Priority In Elden Ring, hoarding items is almost inevitable. Whether it’s loot from a fallen enemy or a mysterious trinket found deep in a dungeon, your inventory fills up quickly. But if you want to keep your exploration smooth and your build optimized, it’s essential to sort your items based on their usefulness and priority. Here are six practical steps to help you stay organized and efficient in the Lands Between. 1. Categorize by Item Type First Before determining what's important, start by separating your inventory into key categories: consumables, upgrade materials, crafting components, weapons, armor, and key items. This makes it easier to evaluate the role each item plays. For instance, upgrade materials like Smithing Stones directly contribute to combat strength, while some crafting ingredients might only be situationally helpful. 2. Identify Core Combat Essentials Prioritize items that enhance your combat potential. This includes healing flasks, damage-boosting consumables, and throwable items like Fire Pots. If you're running a build that relies on status effects, items that apply bleed, rot, or poison should also be near the top of your list. These are not just situational tools—they often turn the tide in boss fights. 3. Mark or Store Non-Essential Items If you’re carrying dozens of crafting materials you rarely use, consider storing them at a Site of Grace. Elden Ring’s storage system helps reduce the clutter in your quick-use menu and inventory screen. Don’t be afraid to store multiple weapons or armor sets unless they serve a clear purpose in your current build. 4. Consider Rune Efficiency Certain items directly or indirectly impact your rune management. Rune Arcs and consumables like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot can increase rune gain or survival odds. Keeping such items prioritized is smart, especially if you’re looking to buy Elden Ring items or buy Elden Ring runes later to fast-track your build progression. 5. Evaluate Item Rarity and Availability Some items can only be found once per playthrough or are incredibly rare. These deserve a higher priority, even if they don’t seem useful now. Examples include unique spirit ashes or talismans with niche but powerful effects. Use resources like U4GM to learn which items are worth holding onto based on rarity and utility. 6. Sync Item Management With Your Playstyle Lastly, tailor your inventory based on how you play. Magic users should highlight FP-restoring tools and sorcery buffs. Melee tanks need resistance-boosting items and poise-enhancing gear. If you're focused on PvP, you might even want to buy Elden Ring items that save time farming, making your loadout more effective without endless grinding. Inventory management in Elden Ring might not be flashy, but it's a crucial part of staying prepared. By taking the time to sort your items based on usefulness and priority, you’ll reduce stress and increase efficiency—especially when navigating the toughest zones or tackling high-level bosses. For players who want a head start or prefer not to grind, platforms like U4GM offer ways to buy Elden Ring runes and items, helping you stay focused on what really matters: the journey through the Lands Between.