In the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Lands Between, the newly arrived Tarnished stands at the precipice of an epic saga. The sheer scale of FromSoftware's masterpiece, even years after its release, can make those first steps feel like a leap into the abyss. The question of where to go, what to find, and which path to forge is a daunting one. Yet, for those with the eyes to see, the early game is studded with powerful artifacts, weapons that can become lifelong companions, and talismans that whisper of potential greatness. Finding these treasures, however, is often a cryptic art in itself, a secret shared between veterans and the game's own winding paths. This guide illuminates those early, game-changing finds, the ones that can turn a struggle for survival into a triumphant march.

The Talismans: Foundational Boons

Before one can master the blade, one must master the self. Early talismans provide the subtle, yet crucial, edges needed to overcome the Lands Between's initial trials.

Claw Talisman: The Art of the Descent

The Claw Talisman is a lesson in aggression. It boosts the damage of all jump attacks by a solid 15%, a buff that feels absolutely chef's kiss when paired with a heavy weapon. It teaches the Tarnished the power of verticality, of crashing down upon foes to break their stance. It's found in the ramparts of Stormveil Castle, a reward for those willing to take a leap of faith off a ledge after unlocking the Rampart Tower Site of Grace. This talisman makes the journey through Godrick's demesne significantly smoother, turning intimidating knights into opportunities for critical hits.

Green Turtle Talisman: The Rhythm of Battle

Stamina is the currency of combat. The Green Turtle Talisman, enhancing Stamina Recovery, is a phenomenal quality-of-life boon. It's the cure for that awful feeling of being gassed out mid-combo. Located in Summonwater Village behind an Imp Seal (requiring a Stonesword Key), this talisman allows for more frequent attacks, more rolls, and more sustained pressure. It's a workhorse that remains relevant deep into the journey, only truly being supplanted by its powerful successor, the Two-Headed Turtle Talisman, found in the mysterious Land of Shadow.

The Blades: Choosing Your Path

The weapon you choose is an extension of your will. These early finds cater to diverse playstyles, from brute strength to dexterous finesse and arcane intellect.

Zweihander: The Gentle Giant

Don't let its colossal size fool you; the Zweihander is one of the most accessible heavy weapons. With a requirement of only 19 Strength to wield one-handed (or a mere 10 to two-hand), it's a perfect entry point for Strength builds. Purchased from a Wandering Merchant on the Weeping Peninsula, its beauty lies in its versatility. Its long reach and ability to accept a wide array of Ashes of War, like the intelligence-focused Waves of Darkness, mean it can grow and adapt with any Tarnished's evolving build.

Bloodhound's Fang: The Elegant Predator

Widely regarded as one of the best starter weapons in the game, the Bloodhound's Fang is a Curved Greatsword that punches far above its weight. Its requirements (18 Str, 17 Dex) are modest, and its unique skill, Bloodhound's Finesse, is a game-changer—a graceful, damaging dodge that teaches spacing and aggression. Found by defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in the Forlorn Hound's Evergaol (with the help of the wolf-man Blaidd), this weapon's ability to be buffed with spells and greases makes it a formidable companion for the entire epic. It's the whole package, no cap.

Uchigatana: The Dexterous Foundation

The first Katana many Tarnished will claim, the Uchigatana is a masterclass in efficiency. Located in the Deathtouched Catacombs of Limgrave, it comes with the Unsheathe skill, a lightning-fast draw cut that deals devastating poise damage. It's the perfect weapon to learn the rhythm of Dexterity builds, serving faithfully until later-game upgrades like the Nagakiba are found. The katana's moveset in Elden Ring is simply built different, offering speed and bleed potential that can carry a new player through daunting challenges.

Claymore: The Reliable Companion

Ah, the Claymore. A veteran's choice, and for good reason. This Greatsword, found in Castle Morne on the Weeping Peninsula, boasts what many consider the most versatile and effective moveset in the game. Its stat requirements are low, and its scaling is beautifully balanced between Strength and Dexterity. This means it can be infused with virtually any Ash of War—Lion's Claw for pure power, Flaming Strike for holy fire, Lightning Slash for divine punishment—and excel. It's a weapon that never gets old, adapting to your playstyle from the first step in Limgrave to the final battle.

Moonveil: The Arcane Edge

Infamous and revered, the Moonveil Katana is the crown jewel for Intelligence-based warriors. Thanks to continued support and patches like 1.14, it remains a top-tier contender. Its primary Intelligence scaling fuels its unique skill, Transient Moonlight, which fires a blisteringly fast magical wave. It's found in the Gael Tunnel of Caelid, a dangerous early trip that pays off immensely. While Caelid's enemies hit like a truck, a determined Tarnished can sprint to this dungeon, conquer the Magma Wyrm, and claim a weapon that turns a sorcerer into a spell-slinging samurai.

Greatsword: The Icon of Strength

Despite its name, this is a Colossal Sword, a slab of iron inspired by the legendary Dragon Slayer from Berserk. The Greatsword is the pure, unadulterated fantasy of overwhelming force. Requiring 31 Strength to one-hand (or 16 to two-hand, the same as the Claymore!), it is one of the highest-scaling Strength weapons in the game. Located in a wrecked carriage in Caelid's Dragonbarrow, it's a statement piece. With it, every swing feels momentous, and when paired with powerful Ashes of War, it can trivialize foes through sheer, staggering power. It's a love letter to a classic archetype, and FromSoftware has kept it gloriously relevant.

Specialists & Sorcerers: Niche Power

Meteorite Staff: The Sorcerer's Crutch

The Meteorite Staff is the early-game cheat code for mages. Found in the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid, it has the highest base damage of any staff at the start and boosts powerful Gravity sorceries like Rock Sling by 30%. Its major drawback—it cannot be upgraded—is also its blessing; it remains supremely powerful for a huge portion of the game while you save upgrade materials for its eventual replacement. For a new sorcerer, it's an absolute must-grab.

Golden Halberd: The Faithful Challenge

A test of skill awaits right outside the starting cave. The Golden Halberd is dropped by the first Tree Sentinel, a boss meant to teach players to come back later. For returning champions, however, felling him in the first 10 minutes yields a phenomenal Strength/Faith weapon. It comes with the Golden Vow skill (a buff otherwise inaccessible until much later) and boasts some of the highest physical damage and Strength scaling among halberds. It's a high-risk, high-reward pickup that defines a playthrough.

Honorable Mentions & Final Thoughts

The Lands Between are rich, and other powerful tools like the Godslayer's Seal or the Sword of Night and Flame can be acquired early. However, they often require more specialized, higher-level builds to truly shine. The treasures listed here are the foundational stones, the ones that offer immediate power and long-term potential with minimal investment.

In 2026, the journey through the Lands Between remains as compelling as ever. These early-game artifacts are the keys to unlocking your Tarnished's true potential. Whether you gravitate towards the elegant dance of the Bloodhound's Fang, the brutal simplicity of the Greatsword, or the magical brilliance of the Moonveil, your chosen armament will become part of your legend. So go forth, claim your prize, and remember: hesitation is defeat. 🙌

The journey is long, but every legend has a beginning. Choose your weapon wisely, Tarnished.