Elden Ring is known for its deep RPG mechanics, punishing combat, and massive world filled with secrets. After completing your first playthrough, you have the opportunity to enter New Game+ (NG+), where enemies are stronger but your character retains most of their progress. One of the most exciting aspects of NG+ is how certain Elden Ring items continue to prove valuable, even when the stakes are raised. In this article, we’ll explore five ways Elden Ring items stay effective in New Game+, helping you make the most of your hard-earned gear.

1. Scaling Weapon Upgrades Retain Their Power
   Weapons upgraded using Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones maintain their enhancement levels in New Game+. This means that any weapons you’ve invested in remain just as powerful—if not more so—compared to the beginning of your first playthrough. High-tier weapons like the Rivers of Blood, Moonveil, or Blasphemous Blade continue to deal devastating damage, and their weapon skills remain effective against NG+ enemies. For this reason, many players prioritize Elden Ring items to buy first such as smithing materials or upgrade talismans that boost damage potential across all playthroughs.

2. Talisman Effects Remain Game-Changing
   Talismans provide critical bonuses, from boosting stats to enhancing stamina regeneration or improving specific damage types. These effects scale with your build and continue to provide huge advantages in NG+. For example, the Radagon’s Scarseal or Erdtree’s Favor still offer meaningful stat boosts that support your existing strengths. Because NG+ increases enemy health and damage, having these talismans equipped helps balance the challenge. Talismans should always be among the Elden Ring items to buy first or seek out early in your original run for long-term utility.

1. Spirit Ashes Stay Powerful Support Tools
   Spirit Ashes like the Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, or Latenna the Albinauric remain reliable companions in NG+. Their health, damage output, and tactical usefulness don’t diminish, even when facing stronger enemies. With proper upgrades using Glovewort materials, Spirit Ashes can be just as essential in NG+ boss fights as they were during your first game. They provide additional pressure, distractions, and damage, making them valuable assets throughout your journey. For players aiming to strengthen their support early, investing in Spirit Ashes is one of the smartest ways to prepare for NG+.

2. Consumables and Buff Items Maintain Their Utility
   Items like Fire Grease, Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, and Exalted Flesh retain their potency in NG+, allowing you to strategically boost your damage output. These consumables become especially important as enemies hit harder and have more health, and they can be the difference between winning or losing close fights. Because many of these items are limited or require farming, it’s wise to stock up during your first playthrough. These consumables should be included in your list of Elden Ring items to buy first or craft in preparation for later challenges.

3. Versatile Magic and Incantation Tools Remain Effective
   Catalysts like the Azur’s Glintstone Staff or the Erdtree Seal continue to scale with your intelligence or faith stats, ensuring that your magic remains potent in NG+. Magic in Elden Ring becomes even more valuable in NG+ as a ranged tool to deal consistent damage while avoiding direct hits. Additionally, incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow provide meaningful combat buffs that still apply across enemy scaling. Maintaining a strong casting setup through the right Elden Ring items ensures that your magic-focused build doesn’t fall behind in New Game+.

New Game+ in Elden Ring offers a fresh layer of difficulty while preserving much of your progress. Many Elden Ring items—including weapons, talismans, magic tools, consumables, and Spirit Ashes—remain powerful and relevant as you advance into tougher challenges. To prepare effectively, focus on identifying the best Elden Ring items to buy first and upgrading the ones you plan to carry forward. With the right preparation, these items will continue to support your playstyle and keep you competitive in the face of NG+ threats.

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