Elden Ring: How to Equip Items to Pouch and Use Them

Introduction

In Elden Ring, the pouch is a handy feature that allows players to quickly access up to four items of their choice. However, the game doesn't make it very clear how to assign items to the pouch or how to use them once they're equipped. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

How to Access the Pouch

To access your pouch in Elden Ring, press the Menu button on your controller or keyboard. This will bring up a list of selectable menus on the left, the emotes list on the bottom right, and the pouch on the top right. The default Menu Input for each platform is:

You will see four slots with assigned D-Pad inputs and two slots without inputs. The two slots without inputs can only be used if selected directly from the menu, which is still faster than going through the inventory. To select a slot in the pouch, scroll to the right on the D-pad while the main menu is open or scroll up from the emotes list.

How to Assign Items to the Pouch

To assign a new item to the Quick Select Pouch, scroll over to it and press the highlighted 'Switch' input. Here are the inputs for each platform:

Pressing the 'Switch' input will open the expanded inventory, allowing you to select the item or consumable to slot in. After selecting, the screen will return to the main menu where the newly assigned item should be available for use, provided you have at least one in your inventory.

How to Use Pouch Items

After assigning items to the pouch, you can use them by holding the Interact button and the D-Pad input you assigned the item to. For example, to use an item in the topmost Quick Pouch Slot on PS4/PS5, hold △ and press D-Pad Up. The in-game UI makes this process simple. As you hold down the Interact button, the bottom left menu shows your pouch slots instead of equipped Quick Items and armaments.

This allows the pouch to function as a quick-select wheel, making it faster to use items during combat. However, remember that the bottom two slots in the six-slot pouch do not show up here and must be used directly from the menu. Quick Items are the 10 items you can swap between using the down directional input and are used by pressing X, Square, or R on PC. Only one can be accessed at a time, so you have to flip between equipped items to use them, which can be hectic during combat.

Best Items to Keep in Your Pouch

Some items are more useful in the pouch than others. Here are some popular choices among Elden Ring players:

• Spectral Steed Whistle for quick mounting of Torrent.
• Spirit Ashes for summoning allies.
• Lantern for lighting up dark areas.
• Boluses for different ailments or buffing consumables.
• Prattling Pates for online/multiplayer purposes.

A good layout for first-time players is to have Torrent equipped to the top slot, a Spirit Ash on the left or right slot, a preferred consumable on the remaining left/right slot, and the Lantern on the bottom slot for easy access to light in caves and other dark areas. The two other slots can be used for Prattling Pates, placing messages, and other consumables that don't need to be used in the midst of combat.

Conclusion

The pouch in Elden Ring is a useful feature that allows for quick access to essential items during combat. By following this guide, you'll be able to efficiently assign and use items in your pouch, making your gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable.