Mastering Talismans in Elden Ring: Best Locations, Builds, and Tier Rankings
In the vast and punishing world of Elden Ring, success hinges on more than just your weapon choice or stats—it also comes down to how well you utilize Talismans. These passive-enhancing items are core to nearly every build, offering crucial boosts to damage, defense, stamina, magic, and more. Whether you're a spell-slinging mage, a poise-stacking tank, or a nimble bleed build enthusiast, understanding Elden Ring Talismans is key to optimizing your character.
This guide breaks down the essential Elden Ring Talismans Guide: Locations, Builds, and Rankings so you can make informed decisions for every stage of your journey through the Lands Between.
Why Talismans Matter in Elden Ring
Talismans are powerful accessories that significantly affect your gameplay. Some provide straightforward stat boosts, while others drastically change the dynamics of combat. With four talisman slots available by endgame (or even earlier with the right progression), choosing the right combination can make or break your build.
Top Talismans and Where to Find Them
Here are some standout talismans worth prioritizing, along with their locations:
Radagon's Scarseal / SourcealLocation: Fort Faroth (Caelid) and Fort Gael.These increase Strength but at the cost of receiving more damage. Ideal for Strength-focused melee builds early to mid-game.
Erdtree’s FavorLocation: Fringefolk Hero's Grave (starting area).This talisman increases max HP, stamina, and equip load. A staple for nearly any build.
Green Turtle TalismanLocation: Summonwater Village.Boosts stamina recovery speed—crucial for aggressive melee fighters and fast-paced dodgers.
Carian Filigreed CrestLocation: Bought from War Counselor Seluvis.Reduces FP cost of skills, making it great for Ash of War-heavy builds.
Shard of AlexanderLocation: Finish Iron Fist Alexander’s questline.Significantly boosts skill damage, a go-to for Ash of War users and hybrid builds.
Talismans by Build Type
Depending on your preferred playstyle, here’s how to slot your Elden Ring Talismans efficiently:
Strength / Melee Builds
Radagon’s Scarseal/Sourceal
Erdtree’s Favor
Claw Talisman (boosts jump attacks)
Green Turtle Talisman
Dexterity / Bleed Builds
Millicent’s Prosthesis (boosts Dex and attack power with successive hits)
Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Lord of Blood’s Exultation (synergizes with bleed procs)
Radagon Icon (if you mix in casting)
Mage / Intelligence Builds
Magic Scorpion Charm (boosts magic damage)
Graven-Mass Talisman
Primal Glintstone Blade
Radagon Icon (for faster spell casting)
Faith / Incantation Builds
Flock’s Canvas Talisman
Two Fingers Heirloom
Lightning Scorpion Charm (for lightning builds)
Erdtree’s Favor or Moon of Nokstella (for extra memory slots)
Ranking the Best Talismans Overall
Here’s a general ranking based on versatility and impact:
S-Tier
Erdtree’s Favor
Shard of Alexander
Radagon Icon
Green Turtle Talisman
A-Tier
Magic Scorpion Charm
Flock’s Canvas Talisman
Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Millicent’s Prosthesis
B-Tier
Claw Talisman
Fire/Lightning/Red/Blue Scorpion Charms
Primal Glintstone Blade
These rankings will vary depending on your build, but they provide a good baseline for what to look out for on your travels.
The true power of Elden Ring Talismans lies in how you synergize them with your stats, weapons, and playstyle. While some are universally useful, others shine in niche situations or with specific builds. The more you explore, the more you'll find—sometimes in the least expected corners of the Lands Between.
If you’re aiming for the perfect setup, it’s worth planning your builds around key talismans early on. A single piece of well-placed gear can be the difference between life and a "You Died" screen.
Master your talismans—and the Lands Between will be yours to conquer.