In Elden Ring Nightreign, inventory management is a crucial part of survival. To fight through the shifting battlegrounds of Limveld or prepare for a final confrontation with a Nightlord, the number of consumable or upgrade items you can carry may make the difference between victory and defeat. But you only have very limited item slots to carry your necessary items which makes every decision about what to take with you a painful one.
Thankfully, Nightreign offers ways to increase your item slots, though it won’t just hand them to you. You’ll need Runes, some exploration savvy, and a good understanding of where and when to prefer Item Pouch purchases. This guide explains how to increase item slots in Elden Ring Nightreign so you have enough space to bring your required items into the match.
Why are Item Slots in Elden Ring Nightreign?
Early in Nightreign, you only have four item slots to carry consumable items including everything from Stonesword Keys to healing items and buffs. Given how many different items there are and how hard some encounters can be, running out of space quickly is not uncommon. To get more out of each expedition mainly when difficulty ramps up on later days, you’ll need to expand your pouch space and that’s where Item Pouches come in.
How to Increase Item Slots in Elden Ring Nightreign
The primary way to increase item slots is by buying Item Pouches from Ghostly Merchants, an NPC vendor found across Limveld. One Item Pouch costs 5,000 Runes, which means you’ll need to make a strategic decision early in your run: level up your Nightfarer or invest in inventory expansion? If your target is to expand slots, you should definitely choose the latter.
Item Pouches are reusable upgrades. Once you purchase them, the extra slot is permanently added to the rest of your expedition. It’s recommended to wait until the expedition’s second day as you will have obtained better weapons and gear before spending on a pouch. But getting one earlier can be a game-changer for survival and support item flexibility.
Where to Find Ghostly Merchants
Ghostly Merchants don’t spawn in fixed locations, but many areas have higher spawn probability including:
- Forts and Townships: Often contain or are near Ghostly Merchants.
- Castles: Usually have one stationed inside or on the outskirts.
- Bridges near Forts: Merchants can sometimes be found underneath, always next to a Smithing Table.
Once you find one of these vendors, it’s smart to mark them on the map. Merchants don’t move during an expedition, so you’ll be able to revisit them to make future purchases.
If your team survives through to the second night and defeats the Nightboss, you unlock access to the Spirit Shelter. It’s your last chance to make major upgrades before the expedition’s final fight. There is a merchant here from whom you can buy more Item Pouches, along with last-minute consumables and smithing services.
Should You Buy a Pouch or Level Up?
5,000 Runes is a big cost early in a run. While buying an Item Pouch gives you a permanent benefit for the expedition, leveling up your character might be more impactful during the first day when survival is most uncertain. A good rule of thumb is to buy an Item Pouch after reaching Level 2–3. Further consider your Nightfarer’s strengths as some classes rely heavily on consumables or support items and benefit more from the extra slot.
Ghostly Merchants share a core inventory across all players. However, the weapons they offer might be different in Online Multiplayer, it depends on the expedition seed and other factors. Pouches, though, are always available and aren’t limited by multiplayer state. Don’t hoard your Runes thinking you’ll get another chance somewhere else; the pouch offer may not come again in the same run.
Upgrades Beyond Inventory Slots
While increasing your item slots gives you more breathing room, don’t forget that weapon and relic upgrades also affect your power level and survivability. The same Ghostly Merchants who sell pouches often sit next to Smithing Tables, where you can:
- Upgrade grey weapons to blue using basic Smithing Stones (6500 Runes).
- Upgrade blue to purple by defeating Golem minibosses in caves.
These upgrades also matter for long-term viability, so balance your spending creatively between pouch upgrades and combat strength.
Your inventory is capped at 6 weapons, 2 talismans, and 3 consumable slots (by default). Items are not instanced for teammates. If you pick it up, it’s gone for others, so share when you can. Managing your consumables is a crucial part of the Elden Ring: Nightreign playthrough. A single slot upgrade can turn a desperate boss fight into a decent victory. So don’t overlook these seemingly simple Item Pouches; they can save your expedition.
