Elden Ring Ball Bearings: An Exhaustive Guide to Their Uses and Locations
In the vast and unforgiving realm of Elden Ring, ball bearings serve as indispensable items that unlock hidden secrets and grant access to valuable rewards. These enigmatic orbs can be found scattered throughout the Lands Between, often concealed within obscure nooks and crannies.
Types of Ball Bearings
There are two main types of ball bearings in Elden Ring:
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Normal Ball Bearings: Found commonly in dungeons and open areas, these ball bearings grant access to new Merchant Shops.
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Golden Ball Bearings: Rarer and more valuable, these ball bearings expand the inventory of existing Merchant Shops, providing a wider selection of items for purchase.
List of Ball Bearing Locations and Rewards
| Ball Bearing Type |
Location |
Reward |
| Normal Ball Bearing (1) |
Limgrave, near the Gatefront Ruins |
Opens Merchant Kalé's Shop
|
| Normal Ball Bearing (2) |
Weeping Peninsula, in a tower near the Tower of Return |
Opens Merchant Gostoc's Shop
|
| Normal Ball Bearing (3) |
Liurnia of the Lakes, in a cave at the bottom of the Carian Study Hall |
Opens Merchant Pidia's Shop
|
| Normal Ball Bearing (4) |
Caelid, in a chest guarded by a Giant |
Opens Merchant Isobelle's Shop
|
| Golden Ball Bearing (1) |
Roundtable Hold, on a table next to the blacksmith |
Expands Merchant Hewg's Shop
|
| Golden Ball Bearing (2) |
Mohgwyn Mausoleum, in a chest near the portal to Mohgwyn Palace |
Expands Merchant Mohgwyn's Shop
|
| Golden Ball Bearing (3) |
Altus Plateau, in a chest near the Gatekeeper's Hut |
Expands Merchant Bering's Shop
|
How to Use Ball Bearings
To use a ball bearing, simply interact with any grace site and select the "Ball Bearings" option from the menu. Here, you can insert the ball bearing into its corresponding slot to unlock or expand a Merchant Shop.
Benefits of Using Ball Bearings
Unlocking and expanding Merchant Shops provides numerous benefits:
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Access to Rare Items: Merchants sell a variety of unique and valuable items, including weapons, armor, consumables, and crafting materials.
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Early Access to Equipment: Some merchants offer items that are otherwise unavailable until later in the game.
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Completion of NPC Questlines: Interacting with certain merchants can advance the questlines of NPCs.
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Increased Convenience: Expanding Merchant Shops makes it easier to purchase supplies and sell unwanted items without having to travel far.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing Hidden Ball Bearings: Ball bearings are often hidden in obscure locations. Be sure to thoroughly explore all areas, including rooftops, caves, and behind destructible walls.
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Using Golden Ball Bearings Too Early: Golden Ball Bearings can be expanded multiple times. Wait until you have reached a higher level or have acquired a larger number of runes before using them to maximize your rewards.
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Neglecting Merchant Shops: Once you have unlocked a Merchant Shop, don't forget to visit it regularly to purchase items and complete NPC questlines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Ball Bearings
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Locate a Ball Bearing: Refer to the table above for specific locations.
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Rest at a Grace Site: Approach any grace site to interact with it.
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Select "Ball Bearings": In the grace site menu, choose the "Ball Bearings" option.
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Insert Ball Bearing: Drag the ball bearing from your inventory into the corresponding slot.
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Confirm Operation: Select the "Confirm" button to complete the process.
Conclusion
Elden Ring ball bearings play a crucial role in enhancing your gameplay experience. By unlocking and expanding Merchant Shops, you gain access to valuable items, rare equipment, and additional NPC interactions. With careful exploration and strategic use of these invaluable orbs, you can maximize your journey through the Lands Between.
