7 Risks of Buying Elden Ring Items

As someone who has spent hundreds of hours exploring the haunting beauty and brutal challenge of Elden Ring, I understand the temptation to skip the grind and buy Elden Ring items online. Whether it’s a powerful weapon like Rivers of Blood or rare materials like Somber Smithing Stones, having the right gear early can make a noticeable difference. But before you pull out your credit card, it’s important to consider the risks. Based on both personal experience and the broader player community, here are seven dangers to watch out for.

1. Account Ban or Suspension

One of the biggest risks when you buy Elden Ring items is a potential violation of FromSoftware’s terms of service. Using third-party services or receiving items in unauthorized ways can trigger anti-cheat systems. In the worst-case scenario, your account could be soft-banned, limiting online features like co-op and PvP. I once received a suspicious rune drop from a random player and got flagged, which led to restricted matchmaking for weeks. It’s not worth jeopardizing your access to the online experience.

2. Receiving Hacked or Illegitimate Items

Many sellers distribute duped or hacked Elden Ring items to meet high demand. These items may appear normal at first, but they can lead to serious consequences, including disappearing from your inventory or causing instability in your game. In my case, I unknowingly received a weapon that wasn't supposed to drop in the version I was playing, and my game crashed multiple times afterward.

3. Risk of Scams and Fraud

There are countless websites offering to sell Elden Ring items, but not all of them are legitimate. Some sellers take your payment and never deliver the goods. Others may request sensitive information and use it for malicious purposes. I once tried a cheaper alternative site and received nothing in return — no refund, no items, and no response. Stick to well-known platforms if you ever decide to go down this route.

4. Unbalanced Gameplay Experience

When you buy Elden Ring items, you may unintentionally skip over the natural difficulty curve that defines the game. This can rob you of the satisfaction of overcoming challenges with your own skills. I remember starting a second character and accepting gifted endgame gear early on. While I breezed through the first few areas, I quickly lost interest — the game felt hollow without the struggle.

5. Impact on Co-op and PvP Balance

Using bought or overpowered gear can make you an unwelcome guest in cooperative and PvP sessions. Other players might report or block you if your build seems unnatural or unfair. This damages the community experience and may lead to further online restrictions. Fair play is one of the core values in the Elden Ring community, and disregarding that can isolate you from valuable player interactions.

6. Poor Customer Support from Sellers

Unlike reputable retailers or game marketplaces, many item-selling websites provide little to no customer support. If you encounter issues — whether it’s undelivered items, the wrong order, or technical problems — you’re often left without help. I’ve had to contact multiple third-party sellers after buying Elden Ring items only to be met with silence or vague promises.

7. Loss of Game Integrity and Progress

The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its world-building, exploration, and the sense of achievement. Buying items might offer temporary satisfaction but risks undermining the entire point of the game. In my own journey, I found that earning items through perseverance built a stronger connection to the game and my character. After experimenting with shortcuts, I always ended up returning to the traditional, grind-it-out path because it felt more rewarding.

While the temptation to buy Elden Ring items is understandable, especially for those with limited time or facing a tough boss, the risks are significant. From account bans and scams to ruining the core experience, it’s essential to weigh these dangers carefully. If you do choose to make a purchase, proceed with caution, use trusted platforms, and understand the potential consequences. But for many players like myself, the most memorable moments come not from what you buy — but what you earn.