In Elden Ring, co-op gameplay can turn a brutal journey into a shared adventure. Whether you're helping friends defeat a tough boss or exploring the Lands Between with random phantoms, certain items can dramatically change the dynamic of multiplayer sessions. Here are 20 items that impact co-op gameplay in subtle and powerful ways—some enhance coordination, others influence enemy behavior, and a few even reshape how you approach entire encounters.

1. Furcalling Finger Remedy

This is your gateway to summoning help. Without it, you won’t see summon signs. It’s a staple item for any co-op run, and keeping a healthy stock is a must.

2. Tarnished’s Furled Finger

This lets you place your summon sign, allowing others to invite you into their world. For players focused on co-op builds, this is essential and often one of the most-used multiplayer items.

3. White Cipher Ring

Perfect for solo players who still want backup. This item automatically summons a hunter to your world when you’re invaded, providing a helpful safety net in tense moments.

4. Blue Cipher Ring

On the flip side, this makes you the emergency backup. You’ll be called into other players' worlds to help fend off invaders, giving co-op players a heroic purpose.

5. Small Golden Effigy

This item sends your summon sign to multiple summoning pools, increasing your chances of being summoned. It’s particularly useful when you’re helping others in active areas.

6. Summoning Pool Stakes

Not an item you actively use, but understanding their location and activation is key. They shape where your summon sign appears, and using them wisely can streamline co-op progression.

7. Phantom Bloody Finger

Used to invade co-op sessions, this item is typically used by PvP-focused players. Still, understanding how it works is useful even for those on the cooperative side—it influences how you prepare for encounters.

8. Warming Stone

This AoE healing item can be a game-changer in boss fights or dungeon runs with allies. It heals over time and helps save flasks, encouraging teamwork and positioning.

9. Radiant Baldachin’s Blessing

While it’s often saved for solo fights, the temporary boost to poise can help you survive as a phantom when gank squads focus you down.

10. Blessing of the Erdtree

A more powerful AoE heal, this is especially helpful in co-op dungeons and late-game boss fights. It's best used when playing support or helping new players progress.

11. Grease Items (Fire, Rot, Magic, etc.)

Buffing your weapons with elemental grease can be especially helpful in co-op when you're coordinating with others to target weaknesses in enemy resistances.

12. Shabriri’s Woe

This talisman increases the user’s aggro, making them a perfect decoy in multiplayer. If you’re the tank of your co-op group, this item lets you control enemy behavior.

13. Frenzied Burst (Incantation)

Not technically a co-op item, but when used alongside coordinated teammates, its long-range madness effect can help disrupt enemy NPCs or PvP invaders early.

14. Tonic of Forgetfulness

Primarily a quest item, but it affects how characters behave in your world. In co-op, understanding its consequences can help preserve friendly NPC questlines for everyone involved.

15. Starlight Shards

Used to restore FP gradually. Support builds that rely on healing or buffs in co-op will find this item essential for maintaining effectiveness across long fights.

16. Glintstone Scrap

These may seem minor, but in co-op dungeon runs where FP is scarce, tossing a few of these can help draw aggro or deal chip damage safely.

17. Cracked Pot Craftables (Fire Pots, Rot Pots, etc.)

Crafted throwing items provide cheap ranged damage and crowd control. In co-op, they’re great for staggering enemies or creating breathing room during swarm fights.

18. Bewitching Branch

This niche item can charm minor enemies, effectively turning them against their allies. It opens unique strategies in co-op runs, especially when clearing out tough rooms.

19. Tarnished’s Wizened Finger

Used to write messages, but in co-op, creative players use it to leave behind guidance for their friends. Marking safe drops, ambush spots, or shortcuts becomes a collaborative tactic.

20. Festering Bloody Finger

This re-usable item is key for those who want to challenge themselves and others in co-op environments. Understanding its use and countering it is critical for surviving as a host.

Whether you’re playing the role of a damage dealer, tank, healer, or just a helpful wanderer, these items change how you approach Elden Ring's co-op experience. Many players planning multiplayer builds also tend to gather items efficiently, so knowing the best place to buy Elden Ring Runes can save time and resources. Likewise, if you're looking to start fresh or upgrade your arsenal on console, it’s helpful to buy Elden Ring items Xbox players rely on to stay competitive.

In a world where the line between ally and enemy is constantly shifting, having the right tools makes all the difference. Equip yourself wisely, and your journey through the Lands Between will be all the more rewarding—especially when shared.