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Elden Ring is a sprawling, mysterious world full of secrets, and some of the most powerful or unique items are tied to specific questlines. If you’ve been combing the Lands Between wondering why certain gear seems impossible to find, chances are it’s locked behind an NPC’s storyline. These questline-exclusive items not only provide lore-rich background, but also give players serious advantages—assuming you don’t accidentally skip them.

Here are 22 must-have items in Elden Ring that can only be obtained by progressing through specific character quests.

1. Malenia’s Great Rune

After defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella—arguably one of the toughest bosses in the game—you’ll gain her Great Rune. However, simply finding her requires completing several steps of Millicent’s questline, making it inaccessible if you miss or abandon her arc.

2. Sword of Night and Flame

While technically not a quest reward, its optimal scaling and lore make it a frequent mention. However, players often encounter it during Ranni’s questline since Nokron becomes accessible only through her storyline.

3. Ranni’s Dark Moon

This powerful sorcery is locked behind Ranni’s lengthy and multi-step quest. You’ll need to stay committed to her choices, explore hidden cities, and defeat key bosses to claim this spell.

4. Dung Eater Puppet (Spirit Ash)

Obtained through Seluvis’s twisted questline, this Spirit Ash is only available if you betray the Dung Eater or follow Seluvis’s shady potion path. Not a moral choice for all players, but a strategic one for those who want a rare summon.

5. Hoslow’s Petal Whip

This weapon is the reward for completing Diallos’s tragic story arc. If you miss key dialogues or defeat him too early, you’ll lock yourself out of obtaining this unique whip.

6. Nagakiba

You’ll get this from Yura’s questline. If you progress too quickly or ignore Yura’s early assistance, you might never see this katana.

7. Seluvis’s Puppet Choices

The choice between puppets—including Dolores the Sleeping Arrow and Jarwight—is only accessible via Seluvis’s quest, which is closely tied to Ranni’s storyline. Choose wisely—you only get one per playthrough.

8. Goldmask’s Set

To acquire this, you’ll need to complete Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s lengthy philosophical questline. Only those following the Age of Order ending will have access to the full set.

9. Black Knife Tiche (Spirit Ash)

One of the best Spirit Ashes, Tiche is a reward for completing the Ringleader’s Evergaol encounter, itself only unlocked through Ranni’s quest.

10. Lionel’s Set

This heavy armor set is found during Fia’s questline, which delves into themes of death and betrayal. You’ll need to visit Deeproot Depths to find it.

11. Fia’s Champion Weapon

The Inseparable Sword is obtained by following through with Fia’s story and defeating her guardian champions.

12. Magma Whip Candlestick

Tied to Patches’s quest. If you keep him alive and follow his morally gray path, you’ll eventually be rewarded with this fire-based weapon.

13. Eleonora’s Poleblade

This flashy twinblade comes from Eleonora’s quest, which overlaps with Yura’s. Interruption or early aggression can lock you out.

14. Royal Remains Set

This intimidating set appears in Roundtable Hold after Ensha invades you—something that only happens mid-game after collecting a key item in Gideon’s storyline.

15. Greatsword of the Black Knight

Not available through drops—it’s only rewarded through specific NPC battles during endgame phases.

16. Nepheli’s Arsenal

Help Nepheli through her struggle and support her rise to leadership, and she’ll gift you her father’s arsenal, which includes some potent gear.

17. Millicent’s Prosthesis

A key item for dexterity builds, this talisman is your reward for siding with Millicent and defeating her sisters.

18. Miquella’s Needle

This unique item can reverse the Frenzied Flame ending—only available after finishing Millicent’s quest and defeating an optional endgame boss.

19. Boltdrake Talisman +2

Only acquirable after progressing through Latenna’s questline and unlocking specific Haligtree areas.

20. Talisman of the Twin Brothers

Tied to D and his brother’s intertwined storyline, this item represents the end of their cursed legacy.

21. Jar Companion Items

By following the story of Iron Fist Alexander and returning to Jarburg, you’ll find several unique items exclusive to the Living Jar NPCs.

22. Shabriri’s Woe

This talisman can be obtained during the Frenzied Flame questline, one of the darkest in the game. It’s meant to attract enemy aggression and adds an interesting twist to multiplayer.

While many of these items can be missed if you’re just sprinting from boss to boss, they offer deep rewards for those willing to engage with Elden Ring’s layered storytelling. Planning your route around these quests not only helps you gather powerful gear but also makes your journey through the Lands Between feel more personal and immersive.

Whether you’re saving up your Elden Ring Runes for upgrades or trying to find a way to buy Elden Ring items more efficiently, understanding what’s quest-exclusive will save you time and frustration. For those looking for a shortcut through the grind or just a helping hand, platforms like U4GM are frequently discussed among the community for providing quick access to needed gear—especially when a missed questline leaves you empty-handed.