Elden Ring is a game filled with rich lore, challenging combat, and countless treasures scattered throughout its vast open world. While many players focus on the main story or grind for runes, side quests are a fantastic way to unlock unique items that can enhance your journey. These quests often reward you with powerful gear, weapons, and even rare collectibles. In this article, we'll explore 23 Elden Ring items that can only be unlocked through side quests. Whether you're a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer to the Lands Between, these items are definitely worth the effort.

1. Banished Knight Set

The Banished Knight Set is a great piece of armor that offers solid protection. Unlocking it requires completing a side quest related to the Banished Knights, which will send you into some of the game’s more challenging locations.

2. Blaidd’s Armor Set

A fan favorite, Blaidd's armor set offers excellent poise and protection. This set is awarded for progressing through Blaidd’s questline, which takes you deep into the Siofra River. His quest not only offers great gear but also some compelling story moments.

3. Radahn's Greatsword

This iconic weapon can only be obtained after participating in Radahn's side quest, which culminates in the unforgettable Radahn Festival. The sword itself is a massive two-handed weapon that deals both physical and magic damage, making it ideal for strength-focused builds.

4. Malenia’s Armor Set

Malenia is one of the toughest bosses in Elden Ring, but if you manage to defeat her, you’ll be rewarded with a full armor set and one of the best talismans in the game. Her side quest requires a considerable amount of effort, but it’s definitely worth it for the rewards.

5. Darkmoon Greatsword

If you’re a fan of powerful sorcery-infused weapons, this greatsword is an absolute must. To obtain it, you need to complete a series of steps related to a questline involving the Darkmoon. The sword scales beautifully with Intelligence, making it a top-tier weapon for magic-based builds.

6. Frostbite Arrows

These arrows are great for ranged combat, particularly against enemies vulnerable to frostbite. They’re unlocked through the questline of the NPC known as the "Frost Knight," and their effects can freeze enemies, giving you an upper hand in tougher battles.

7. Radhan’s Great Rune

Though most great runes are tied to major bosses, Radahn's Great Rune is locked behind a specific set of side quest events. It offers powerful stat boosts, making it a sought-after item for any endgame build.

8. Golden Seed

Golden Seeds allow you to increase your flask uses, and you can unlock them through side quests. While they may not be as flashy as some other rewards, they are invaluable for making your journey more manageable.

9. The Black Knife Set

The Black Knife Set is highly coveted by stealth-oriented builds due to its high Dexterity scaling and impressive evasion properties. It’s earned by completing a stealth-based side quest, which involves infiltrating some of the game's most secure locations.

10. Mimic Tear Ashes

These ashes allow you to summon a mimic of your character to fight alongside you. This powerful summon can be unlocked after progressing through a tricky questline in Nokron. It’s incredibly useful for solo players who want to add more damage to their arsenal.

11. Ring of Light

One of the most powerful talismans in Elden Ring, the Ring of Light boosts your holy attack damage. It can only be obtained by completing a series of side quests related to the mysterious figure in the Holy City of Leyndell.

12. Lord of Blood's Set

Lord of Blood’s Set provides a good balance between mobility and protection. Completing the Lord of Blood's side questline will also unlock one of the game’s most intriguing boss fights, offering both lore and gameplay rewards.

13. Night’s Cavalry Set

This set is perfect for those who prefer a dark, intimidating look on the battlefield. You can unlock it through a side quest involving the Night’s Cavalry in the Forbidden Lands, which also offers a thrilling horseback battle.

14. Talisman of the Elden Beast

One of the most sought-after talismans in the game, the Talisman of the Elden Beast boosts your overall resilience against elemental damage. It’s unlocked through the Elden Beast-related side quest, requiring you to complete tasks that involve navigating the game’s most cryptic areas.

15. Flame of the Fell God

This incantation, which summons a fiery god’s wrath, is unlocked through a specific side quest involving the mysterious fire mage, who can be found in the Mountaintops of the Giants.

16. Silver Scarab

Silver Scarab is a fantastic item that increases your rune gathering rate. It’s unlocked through the side quest involving the enigmatic character in Liurnia of the Lakes, rewarding those who explore thoroughly.

17. Deeproot Ruins Treasure

Deep within the Deeproot Ruins, players can find a treasure chest containing one of the game's rarest items. To unlock this hidden treasure, you’ll need to complete a detailed side quest involving underground exploration.

18. Giant’s Seal

This seal is a must-have for players who want to increase their resistance to elemental magic. You unlock it through the side quest involving a certain giant, who can be found deep in the Siofra River Basin.

19. Dragon Slayer Sword

If you're a fan of fantasy weapons, this one is for you. The Dragon Slayer Sword is unlocked after defeating a particularly tough NPC boss in the Caelid region, but the side quest that leads up to it is equally rewarding.

20. Godrick's Rune

Godrick’s Rune grants powerful enhancements to your strength and stamina, making it ideal for melee-heavy builds. To acquire it, you'll need to help a specific character in a side quest tied to Godrick's influence over the lands.

21. Whispering Blade

The Whispering Blade is a stealth weapon, and it’s unlocked through the side questline of a mysterious assassin. This blade allows you to deal devastating backstab damage, making it perfect for sneaky approaches to bosses.

22. Sanguine Mist

This blood magic incantation allows you to summon a mist that drains your enemies’ health. It’s a unique side quest reward tied to a secret NPC that can only be accessed under specific conditions.

23. Cursed Crown

This crown boosts your resistance to curses, a key element for those dealing with the game’s more toxic zones. Completing the side quest to earn this item requires exploration and patience, as it’s hidden in one of the most secretive parts of Elden Ring.

Side quests in Elden Ring are far more than just optional detours; they often reward players with unique and powerful items that can make a significant difference in the game. Whether you're looking to enhance your combat prowess, unlock rare armor, or obtain useful items to aid in your journey, completing side quests is a fantastic way to expand your inventory. While some of these rewards can also be acquired by those who choose to buy Elden Ring runes or buy Elden Ring items online, there's a distinct satisfaction in earning these treasures through the game’s rich questlines. So, gear up, explore the vast world of Elden Ring, and unlock these incredible side quest items that will surely enhance your adventure.