In the sprawling, interconnected world of Elden Ring, progression often feels like a one-way path. But players who take time to revisit old locations are frequently rewarded with powerful gear, quest completions, or key upgrades they would have otherwise missed. Backtracking isn’t just about mopping up—it can drastically improve your build and boost your stash of valuable Elden Ring Runes.
Here are 15 missable Elden Ring Items you’ll likely overlook if you don’t retrace your steps.
1. Radagon’s Scarseal – Fort Faroth
Many players storm through Caelid and never return to Fort Faroth after grabbing the Dectus Medallion. But tucked away inside lies Radagon’s Scarseal—a powerful talisman for Strength builds. Revisit it once you’re strong enough to handle the bats and knights.
2. Sword of Night and Flame – Caria Manor
Early-game players may avoid the depths of Caria Manor, but the iconic Sword of Night and Flame sits in a locked chest there. If you return after exploring Nokron or Liurnia’s outskirts, you’ll have a much easier time grabbing this unique weapon.
3. Comet Azur – Mt. Gelmir
If you followed Sellen’s quest early but didn’t return after progressing through the Volcano Manor arc, you may have missed the legendary Comet Azur spell near Primeval Sorcerer Azur. It’s one of the strongest sorceries for late-game content.
4. Greatshield Talisman – Erdtree Sanctuary (Leyndell)
This powerful talisman increases your guard boost, but it’s easy to walk past it if you don’t explore the wooden walkways around the sanctuary. Backtracking through the side balconies reveals this defensive gem.
5. Ancestor Spirit’s Horn – Siofra River
You’ll only get this item by offering the Ancestor Spirit’s Remembrance to Enia. But many players move on after defeating the boss, never realizing what a strong FP regeneration item they’ve left behind.
6. Bolt of Gransax – Leyndell (Before Ash Transformation)
This legendary spear becomes permanently inaccessible after Leyndell turns to ash. If you progress too far without revisiting the area, you’ll lose your chance forever.
7. Deathroot – Various Bosses
Gurranq’s questline relies on turning in Deathroot, some of which drop from optional field bosses. If you don’t backtrack to early regions like Summonwater Village, you might miss several and never finish his storyline.
8. Millicent’s Prosthesis – Windmill Village
Millicent’s questline provides multiple branching paths, but one of her key items—the Prosthesis—can only be obtained by siding with her during an invasion event. If you didn’t follow up after Windmill Village, you may never trigger it.
9. Dragon Slayer's Seal – Cathedral of Dragon Communion
Revisiting the southern coast after acquiring more Dragon Hearts reveals this strong Faith-scaling talisman. Most players stop returning to the Weeping Peninsula once they’ve moved north.
10. Gold Scarab – Abandoned Cave
Easy to miss and game-changing for farming Elden Ring Runes, the Gold Scarab requires finding a hidden tree branch route in Caelid. If you skipped this area early on and never returned, it’s worth the detour.
11. Cleanrot Knight Set – Aeonia Swamp
You’ll need to grind Cleanrot Knights for this set, but they respawn and are only found in this zone. Many players blast through it for a boss fight and never return for the full armor.
12. Fingerprint Stone Shield – Subterranean Shunning Grounds
Late in the game, the shunning grounds beneath Leyndell open up more than you expect. Backtracking with new keys and climbing deep can reveal this massive shield, one of the best in the game.
13. Lion Greatbow – Radahn's Remembrance
You can either consume Radahn’s Remembrance for Elden Ring Runes or trade it with Enia for this unique bow. If you moved on quickly without checking in, you might forget this reward even exists.
14. Jar Companion Quest Rewards – Jarburg
If you revisit Jarburg after completing Alexander’s quest and spending time with Jar-Bairn, you’ll receive valuable talismans. Skipping it leaves the area—and story—unfinished.
15. Twinned Armor Set – D’s Brother Event
If you didn’t follow Fia’s quest or return to D’s brother later, you’ll miss the opportunity to claim the Twinned Armor Set, a striking piece of gear with great lore ties.
Backtracking isn’t just a completionist’s habit—it’s one of the best ways to get the most out of Elden Ring. Many powerful items, from gear to quest rewards, only become available later or in specific story stages. If you find yourself low on upgrade materials or just short of Runes, you can also buy Elden Ring Items through U4GM to speed things up and focus on exploring these hidden treasures.
