The Definitive Guide to Elden Ring Ball Bearings: Unlock Hidden Treasures and Level Up Faster

Introduction

Elden Ring ball bearings are essential items that play a vital role in the game. They allow players to unlock merchants, purchase valuable items, and gain access to new areas. This comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary information you need to maximize the benefits of ball bearings and enhance your Elden Ring experience.

What are Elden Ring Ball Bearings?

Ball bearings are small, spherical items that can be found throughout the Lands Between. They come in various sizes and colors, each corresponding to a specific type of merchant or location. When used at a Site of Grace, ball bearings grant players access to new shops or unlock hidden areas in the game world.

Types of Ball Bearings

There are three main types of ball bearings in Elden Ring:

• Merchant Ball Bearings: These ball bearings grant access to specific merchants, allowing players to purchase unique items and upgrade their equipment.
• Location Ball Bearings: These ball bearings unlock specific locations in the game world, such as new dungeons or optional bosses.
• Special Ball Bearings: These ball bearings provide various benefits, such as unlocking new endings or enhancing item discovery.

How to Obtain Ball Bearings

Ball bearings can be obtained through various means:

• Exploration: Exploring the Lands Between will lead you to hidden chests and secret areas where ball bearings can be found.
• NPC Quests: Completing certain NPC questlines will reward players with ball bearings.
• Item Drops: Some enemies, especially large bosses, have a chance to drop ball bearings upon defeat.
• Purchase: Certain merchants sell ball bearings for a hefty sum of Runes.

How to Use Ball Bearings

To use a ball bearing, simply visit a Site of Grace and select the "Use Item" option. From the list of available items, choose the ball bearing you wish to use. Once activated, the ball bearing will grant access to the corresponding merchant, location, or benefit.

Table: Merchant Ball Bearing Locations

Table: Location Ball Bearing Locations

Table: Special Ball Bearing Benefits

Effective Strategies for Acquiring Ball Bearings

• Thoroughly explore every area: Leave no stone unturned and always be on the lookout for hidden chests and secret paths that may lead to ball bearings.
• Complete NPC questlines: Engage with NPC characters and help them with their quests. Many quests will reward players with valuable ball bearings as a token of gratitude.
• Farm specific enemies: Some enemies have a higher chance of dropping ball bearings. If you're targeting a specific ball bearing, consider farming the corresponding enemies to increase your chances of obtaining it.
• Purchase from merchants: While it can be expensive, purchasing ball bearings from certain merchants can save you time and effort if you're struggling to find them through other means.

Why Ball Bearings Matter

Ball bearings play a crucial role in Elden Ring by:

• Enhancing exploration: They unlock new areas and dungeons, allowing players to discover hidden treasures and expand their horizons.
• Facilitating item acquisition: They grant access to merchants who sell unique items, upgrade materials, and powerful equipment.
• Progressing the story: Some ball bearings are required to progress the main story and unlock certain endings.

How Ball Bearings Benefit You

The benefits of using ball bearings in Elden Ring include:

• Increased item availability: Accessing new merchants provides a wider range of items for purchase, including upgrade materials and rare equipment.
• Improved character progression: Unlocking new areas and bosses allows players to gain more experience and enhance their character's abilities.
• Enhanced gameplay experience: Ball bearings add depth and variety to the gameplay by introducing new challenges and rewards.

Pros and Cons of Ball Bearings

Pros:

• Essential for exploration and progression: Ball bearings unlock new areas, dungeons, and merchants, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
• Provide access to valuable items: Merchants offer unique equipment, upgrade materials, and other essential items that can significantly improve your character's capabilities.
• Can be obtained through various means: Ball bearings can be found through exploration, NPC quests, item drops, and purchase, increasing your chances of obtaining them.

Cons:

• Limited availability: Some ball bearings are rare and difficult to find, requiring extensive exploration or farming.
• Can be expensive to purchase: Merchants sometimes sell ball bearings for a hefty sum of Runes, which can be a significant financial drain.
• May not be immediately useful: Some ball bearings unlock areas or merchants that may not be immediately relevant to your current gameplay progress.

FAQs

Q: How many ball bearings are there in Elden Ring?
A: There are over 50 different ball bearings in Elden Ring.

Q: Do all ball bearings unlock merchants?
A: No, some ball bearings unlock specific locations or provide special benefits.

Q: Can I use the same ball bearing multiple times?
A: No, ball bearings are consumed upon use and cannot be reused.

Q: Which ball bearing is the most valuable?
A: The Fingerprint Grape is considered the most valuable ball bearing as it unlocks an alternate ending.

Q: How do I find the Gold Scarab ball bearing?
A: The Gold Scarab ball bearing is located in the Caelid region, in the vicinity of the Bestial Sanctum.

Q: What is the Silver Scarab ball bearing used for?
A: The Silver Scarab ball bearing increases item discovery by a smaller amount compared to the Gold Scarab.

Humorous Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

A player repeatedly farmed a specific enemy in the hopes of obtaining a Merchant Ball Bearing. After hours of grinding, the player realized they had been farming the wrong enemy the entire time.

Lesson: Always check enemy drop tables and ensure you're targeting the correct enemies for desired ball bearings.

Story 2:

A player spent a significant amount of Runes purchasing a Location Ball Bearing from a merchant, only to discover that the location it unlocked contained no valuable items or rewards.

Lesson: Consider the potential benefits of ball bearings before making a purchase. Not all ball bearings lead to worthwhile discoveries.

Story 3:

A player stumbled upon a hidden chest containing a Special Ball Bearing but accidentally consumed it without realizing its true purpose. The player later learned that the ball bearing unlocked an alternate ending, which they had now missed out on.

Lesson: Always thoroughly inspect items before consuming them to avoid missing out on potential benefits or surprises.

Conclusion

Elden Ring ball bearings are essential items that enhance exploration, character progression, and the overall gameplay experience. By understanding the various types, locations, and benefits of ball bearings, you can maximize their potential and unlock the full potential of the Lands Between. Embrace the challenge of acquiring these valuable items and embark on a journey filled with discovery, adventure, and hidden treasures.