For Ring of Pain players, having a good grasp on which items are worth taking and which are not, is essential and this is the primary goal of the guide.
The Crux of Fate
You’ve been going in circles for a while now, and you finally come across a mimic holding treasures! The choice opens to you: Inner Fury or False Confidence. Which to choose? Such decisions can either make or break your run, and that makes them hold a lot of importance.
Having a good grasp on which items are worth taking and which are not, is essential and this is the primary goal of the guide.
I will be rating each item by tier, explaining each time a bit more in detail my choice. I’m no pro, but since I have over 100 hours of play, hopefully my experience can help make up your own choices.
Feel free to comment on points of the guide, I will be improving it over time, and as updates come!
S = Top tier item I’d take over many others.
A = Solid item that is worth taking most of the time.
B = Tricky item that requires specific composition or build, otherwise mediocre.
C = Fodder item that you take if you have a free slot, but never over another item.
BR (Blood Ritual) = So unusable that you don’t want to pick it even with a free slot and a winning build.
Common Rarity Part 1
ItemTierDescription
BA decent item if you have nothing else, but it won’t push you over the edge. Don’t rely on its effect.
AA very sturdy item that is hard to say no to. Defense is vital, and this one is free.
BA trap that is still a decent item, don’t try to keep the effect active for more than the few first rooms, you’ll lose too much on it. Worth keeping for the high clarity until decently late.
CCompared to Helmet, it’s underwhelming and also gives mostly inconsequential bonuses. Take it only if it’s a free slot.
XCan’t be rated since it doesn’t have its abilities yet.
AGood armor, very powerful ability, all for a measly cost of 1 speed, take it any day until you get stronger tiers. The explosion reduction can even turn exploders into weapons for you to poke.
BA fairly decent item, mostly useful for the clarity boost and the effect, but it’s not worth relying on.
BVery close to being A Tier, if you can’t find another freeze item, it’s not that great. If you do, it’s really good with powerful stats.
BFairly well balanced stats all around, not much you wouldn’t want from it. Always a solid starting pick.
CThe negative defense is a bit prohibitive due to the fairly passive bonuses, although it gives off enough to be sometimes worth taking, but not often.
BRIt’s a big trap item. Never worth taking, but the bonus on souls is alluring. The lowered defense means that early on, it will kill you, and late game, the bonus on souls is barely noticeable compared to the clarity boost for soul drop. Don’t fall for it, it’s not worth the risk!
AThe defense is less than for Chestplate, but the guaranteed +5% parry bonus is huge, and can be worth keeping even late game. Speed doesn’t matter when you block everything(except poison).
CYou don’t want to lose defense for only this. Very fringe use, although it sometimes can be picked, but be wary of the drawback.
AThe damage and health boost are great, especially for only 1 clarity. The potion boost counterbalances the already cheap cost, so it’s a first pick very often.
AGood stats, and a strong ability. Take it any day. Remember to keep track of the attacks to maximize the ability.
CWell, nothing particularly interesting. Clarity is nice, but not over most of the rest you could find.
BFairly good stats if you have nothing.
CThankfully it doesn’t give any negative stats.
BRIt might seem strange to give that ranking for an item giving out so much clarity, but it will never be worth taking above another boot slot item, even Sandals are more interesting early because speed is so important. Very very fringe use if you try to do a cheese build with quadrupled clarity, otherwise don’t even bother.
BRDon’t take it, it’s a trap! The attack and dodge bonus are enticing, but in reality, the lowered defense and health are deadly. You’ll regret taking it unless you get lucky(which isn’t the goal here).
AVery solid pick, the stats help your survivability, and the explosion immunity is a huge deal. The fact that the stats are still here when it runs out makes the item even better. It’s the only good common shield as well, so don’t think twice.
AWell then, there’s no surprises here. Impressive stats that can suddenly make you one shot the weaker enemies and make you a real threat, right from the start! Take it everyday.
SThe Spoon is obviously S tier, it’s so OP that the best tier is named after itself.
CThe stats aren’t that bad, but in comparison to other weapons, it’s weak.
AA more defensive version of the Axe, but still as strong, arguably even better. Synergizes extremely well with Scaled Top for a top tier starting build. Close to S tier when you can freeze monsters.
BThe item is strong, and feels strong, but it’s weaker than it seems due to the ability itself: the inherent weakness of poison is that it will always damage after retaliation, which means that if you rely on poison to kill, you will take more hits than usual. Still very solid with the right build.
AOne of my favorite common items(totally not because I suggested it), it has a very complex potential that can either make it an S tier item or a C tier. Try to maximize the health gain, then change it later on(or never do and keep gaining max health). You can’t get wrong if you take it, and if it doesn’t work, the drawback is minimal. Very strong synergy with healing items that can keep your health maxed.
AA literal representation of an all rounder item. It’s good, take it.
Common Rarity Part 2
ItemTierDescription
BIt’s a good item, the additional cards can sometimes mean more danger, but also more souls/loot, so don’t underestimate it! Although the jar slot is a very cramped space, so it will often have to be thrown away.
AAnything that gives a permanent advantage is invaluable, and even boosting clarity is really good when it’s close to free. Do not underestimate it as a first pick.
BThe weaker of the stat jars is still a solid pick. Since health is really not that useful, there’s a fair number of better items to take. Although if you don’t have a hard time, just take the jar.
CA very passive item that might or might not get used, quite terrible unless you have the slot empty. To replace without hesitation.
CThe item itself isn’t that bad, but since it will be consumed after 3 hits, it barely passes as a scroll. Don’t waste an item pick for it unless you really get only filled slots/BR tier items.
BThe stats are fairly mediocre, but the health gain can push you over the edge. Especially useful at the very start.
A4 speed is a huge deal, especially at common level. It’s better if you have the damage to follow up, but still would take it over a fair number of items.
BRAnother trap, this one is almost good enough to be used, it’s very tempting. But in reality, you’re trading your damage for a random one, which is practically a nerf unless you have Soul Charger. Consistency is important, and this is the opposite since it doesn’t have anything to back it up.
AIt has the same stats as Crossed Heart, but the stealth chance bonus is big, replace it for Stealth everyday.
BRThe meme item in person! It’s unusable, don’t even try it. You’re losing the max health that could be regained before you die from attacking, and the best part? It’s barely 20% to regain 1 health! While usually max health drawbacks can be scoffed at, this one is almost half of your starting life, there’s no use regaining a bit of health if you’re dead by losing some. Every charm is better than that, having no charm is better than that!
AReally solid stats, take it.
AThe defensive version of Ferocity, the both can be swapped depending on your build.
CThe perspective of seeing all the cards is alluring, but in actuality, most of the important card get flipped on their own, and you can see the card backs. The effect is good, but doesn’t justify taking it over any other good charm.
CDraining speed is the least interesting stat to drain, since either you hit first, and if you don’t kill it, you’ll get hit anyway. Or you don’t, and get hit at least once. Fringe usage.
ASimple stats, but the splash damage is a huge deal. You become able to kill weak monsters or weakening strong ones freely, even exploding them safely! Don’t underestimate splash damage.
BRDo you wish to lose the run? Then just take it.
AGood stats, the crit chance is a pretty nice bonus.
CBooks can’t be BR tier since they don’t have negative stats just for holding them, but it’s close. Never use it without fallback healing, and you might have a fair use of it, until it blows up.
AStrong security, can sometimes stopgap huge poison damage. Good all around.
BIt’s the perfect tool to catch Scroungers, as well as a nice escape plan. But too passive to be really sought after.
AA ridiculously useful spell for the start, dealing 10 damage free of retaliation, allows to set off exploders safely. Nothing you wouldn’t want from it.
CYes it’s bad. It only lasts for one hit, and can’t even guarantee a safe turn due to defense mechanics. The cooldown is the nail in the coffin.
BDoing nothing, strangely can be really strong sometimes. Exploders setting off the charge, chasers moving to you, letting poison wear off/damage enemies. It also has a ridiculous synergy with Giant’s Wrappings.
AReally strong 1 turn death trump. Can be used to prevent any loss of health, regardless of the source.
BClose to a joker card to kill or incapacitate a monster, it loses steam once you reach higher levels. The ensnare shouldn’t be underestimated to clear a Reckless room safely.
SDue to the scroll nature, having the ability to freeze 2 monsters is incredibly strong. It’s often worth keeping above a number of higher tier scrolls, although don’t hold it too long, as scrolls are best when used.
BThis is a particular scroll, since it’s best not to keep it, instead you should use it instantly because the effect is constant until triggered. The drawback is that it can be burned by having to skip around weak monsters like small slimes or exploders.
CStrong on paper, the fact it will burn all your souls is prohibitive. If you don’t mind losing it all(or would die), then you can often blast the entire room, so it isn’t that bad.
APermanent upgrades are always top tier, this one is frequent enough, and gives the best stat, for a small trade. Use all of the ones you find. Drawback is that you need to use/drop the scroll you hold first.
Rare Rarity Part 1
ItemTierDescription
AGreat stats, great ability, and no drawbacks. Yes.
ASame as Cover of Darkness, although it depends on which stat you need more.
CBandana is better than this…
BNormally, such an effect would be rated higher, but the stats don’t compliment it very well. Be careful taking it and losing out on the precious defense points from chest slot items.
AThe drawback is rough, but the defense is good. The ability is crazy strong, and the only reason it’s not an S tier is because the damage doesn’t scale well late game. It can carry your entire build until that point.
CWhat would seem to be a great item holds a dark secret: exploders will be your bane. You become unable to sneak around exploders, and that is a huge deal. The spike damage is a strong bonus other than that, but the death threat is too high to be worth the risk most of the time.
ALosing attack, but you gain decent stats, and the freezing ability is really strong. Keep track of it, and the lowered damage will quickly be forgotten.
CStats are eh, fine. Petting the dogs is a gimmick, but it also loses you souls.
BThe stats are not stellar, but the knockback is a gamechanger. Not always useful, but strong enough, especially exploders. Be mindful of anti synergies like with Hungry Sun.
BFairly good stats, the lowered health can be hard. The effect is barely noticeable, don’t rely on it..
CMediocre, the lack of drawback is noticeable for pants.
BInteresting ability, the stats can be worth it. The ultimate cheese for Patience.
AFairly even stats, the crit is very strong.
BRIt’s worse than the Spike Suit, which is already a poor pick. Don’t bother, Guards is way better and is a lower tier.
BGood stats, just not good enough to be a high pick.
SProhibitive stats, and even with that, the item is still very strong. Use all the scrolls, get a quick spellbook, and grind your health to infinity and beyond! Bonus points for using Timeless.
BRThe stats are bad. It’s just not good, even for the defense. Look at Chestplate and Boots, then cry.
CUnderwhelming stats when most shields are better. At least it’s usable.
BFairly decent stats, will net a few souls over time.
BRDon’t ever think that you can benefit from it, it’s not worth it. Only cases where it becomes great is with Inner Fury or Hungry Sun.
SThis item holds a secret. If you dig a grave with it, you can obtain the Bone Pearls, and just for that reason it would be S tier already. Other than that, the stats are ok, and the 3 treasures are really good. Take it all the time!
BFairly good stats, becomes interesting with soul damage items.
CBit better stats than Spike Suit, still as bad due to exploders.
CRNG the weapon. Don’t rely on it, and try to find another weapon soon.
AVery solid weapon with reach.
AOne of the best choices for weapons of this tier. The soul damage can ramp up really fast, and the stats are good in themselves.
BThe stats are fair enough. The ability can be worth it. If you’re used to dealing with ranged monsters, it won’t feel as useful as some other masks, but it’s still a decent one.
BRIt’s been a while since we had a trap! And this one has great stats, so strong. The ability is a killer, it will always make the situation troublesome, and we don’t need that. Don’t pick it.
ACamouflage looks even worse when you see this one. The stats are more interesting, and the ability makes up for the lost defense. With enough speed, it becomes really strong. Intimidate is not to be underestimated!
CIn itself, the stats are horrible. The ability might make it worth it and could compensate the lost health.
BThe balance on the stats is a bit on the weak side, but the ability makes it interesting enough to consider using it. Don’t expect wonders, but it’s still decent.
BRAn ability that makes you dream, but there is no stats, worse, you lose health! Common masks look more interesting than this. Rare masks really didn’t get a fair deal…
Rare Rarity Part 2
ItemTierDescription
AIt would be S tier if it weren’t so dependent on the stat boosts you find. You can’t control which stats get upgraded. Becomes very interesting if you can find +2 stat boosts.
BPretty good survivability, but because the jar slot is filled with stronger picks, it makes it a pretty poor choice. Obviously take it if you’re dying.
SDefense is the best stat. +3 permanent defense is insane and you should always take it, even if the other choice is enticing.
SSame as Ginseng, the only reason you wouldn’t pick it is that you already have Ginseng.
SThis item is busted. You can now heal and still do huge damage to monsters. The potions nerf and the lowered defense can’t compare to how strong the ability is.
CRarely interesting, maybe if you’re dying.
CPretty situational, the shuffle effect can be a bane or a blessing. Be wary of chain explosions. Stats are not horrible.
AIncredible stats and effect. The drawbacks are a sidenote.
BBalanced stats, the effect is too occasional to be worth relying on, especially when it sometimes becomes undesirable. A weaker intimidate.
SReally solid(haha) item, good stats and insanely strong effect. Don’t underestimate it, it’s worth keeping above legendaries.
CIf you have nothing else, maybe? Get something more useful if you can.
AStrong effect, fair stats, the soul gain can be a major advantage.
BThe weaker version of Brittle Seed, still fairly decent if you have enough speed.
BWeaker than Tigerstone, it can sometimes dish out good damage. But that would require having more than poison 1 to even trigger it, and only matters if the monster you fight wouldn’t die in two normal hits.
BToo occasional to be worth relying on. I prefer having spells that do something I can’t do through normal fighting.
CCan be rarely useful, take it if you have nothing else.
CThere are much better spells out there. Sometimes useful to punch away explosions.
BIt’s a really fun spell, but it’s a bit too random to rely on it. Still pretty decent to change the layout and escape tricky situations.
BParticular pick, it can be worth trying to get as much gems as possible, but the RNG can be tricky for it. Still quite good when it pays off, but it’s a gamble.
AA seemingly underwhelming effect, but it’s much stronger than you would think. You often come from a safe card, and the switch trick can help pass the strongest obstacles effortlessly. Bonus points when you switch with a wall.
SAdditional stat boosts and souls are the way to win. And this provides it all through new rooms, and more! It also doubles as an escape plan, a space trick for movement, etc… It’s just too versatile and the gains are too high to not use it.
CPretty fun on paper, but if you are already facing an exploder, it’ll be a dead scroll. I prefer a scroll that can do something I can’t by myself, and this isn’t it.
AYes.
Epic Rarity Part 1
ItemTierDescription
AIt’s a tempting item to put at S tier, but it does near nothing when you don’t have a good clarity base. Doubling the stat is insane and will grossly increase your soul gain, plus everything related.
SPowerful ability, great stats, and mostly a slot where it fits perfectly.
BRNo. The drawback is huge, and it only reduces the damage post defense calculation. You would lose more health with it than with the additional defense and speed.
AClose to S tier, although too hard to find reliably to justify it. No effect, but the stats are really solid, especially early on.
AReally strong item, the drawback is part of the effect and that ends up being quite balanced. Better if you have reliable healing.
SAbove Gluttony in terms of consistency, it’s for a more focused defense build that tanks a lot. You can’t go wrong by taking it.
AIntimidate is very strong, combined with very solid stats, it makes it a no brainer.
BNot a particularly stellar hand item, the stats and effects are all mediocre, but there’s always worse.
SDoes it also do my bed and make coffee? Seems like it.
CSubpar stats, fairly weak ability as well, there are better boots, even at common level. Don’t rely on random stuff like dodge or crit.
AAnd here comes the perfect example of what a good version of epic boots should be. Fairly even stats, and a strong ability that is always reliable when it proves unreliable.
SLikely my favorite item of the game. It is incredibly strong, and provides so much benefits that the lower speed is barely noticeable. Now you can freeze enemies on missed sneak, freeze them in combat, stop double attacks, and most importantly, prevent post-hit effects like poison. This is a huge deal as poison monsters have low attack and very often run into your shield.
SInsane stats, no drawback, oh, and the ability is crazy good too.
BWeak stats for the rarity, the ability is nothing to write home about. Clearly the weakest epic shield.
CIt looks great. But when you realize that transforming means that you lose all the souls the big monsters would give you, suddenly it’s not fun anymore. The stats don’t justify losing your souls for it.
Epic Rarity Part 2
ItemTierDescription
SA very good item that enables first strike, boosts critical chance, and then triples the damage from them? This is hard to say no.
BGeneralist has better stats, so what about the effect? It’s pretty strong, but in general, if you attack frozen enemies, you already won. Good item, but not as useful as it seems.
BGood stats, the effect is huge the earlier you get it. It becomes near useless near the end. S tier if you can get it before room 7.
CUnimpactful stats, the effect feels very situational, and most of the time not that useful as you might want to clear a room first anyway. It does prevent bad starts in new rooms, so I guess that’s a plus.
BRThis is a hard one, and the most vicious traps of all. The stats are not good, but the ability? It sells us a dream. Sadly, it isn’t worth the setup, you need to have high poison to even make it relevant. What shouldn’t be forgotten is that the poison you have is often damage you would deal directly with stronger items. It is very fun with Suffocate.
BRSurprised? Or not. Even with all the praise I gave earlier stat jars, this one is a pretty bad value/risk ratio. It gives barely 2 more attack than Tasty Beans, and has a really huge drawback. More often than not, it’s not worth risking your run for it. Do take it if you can already get back to full health. Really dangerous to fight giant slimes with it, that could kill you.
BIt’s fairly good, although usually it’s better to get a stronger necklace that just won’t make you die. If you died once, what’s stopping you to do it again with less defense. Works as a nice assurance.
SNow we’re talking, great stats, and a ridiculously great ability. The chance to skip past a monster is only called after the sneak, which means that it’s more than just a 60% chance to pass a monster safely.
AGood stats, Intimidate, often a straight upgrade from lower rarity necklaces as well.
AVery strong offensive charm. Intimidate is still as good.
CThis is a gambling charm. You know how much I don’t like relying on random chances.
S
If I had to choose an item for the strongest and most undervalued item, it’d be this one. The stats are looking fairly bad, and yet they’re necessary to balance it out, because the effect is insanely strong. If Glacier didn’t exist, this would be my strongest item.
Not only does it allow to shave off the monsters’ health by a quarter, which is pretty strong in itself, but because it still works when killing them means that you also negate 100% of the time all the death effects from monsters. This is a huge deal, no more explosions, no more slimes splitting. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating it.
ASolid stats, the ability doubles as a drawback and an advantage. Exploding monsters can be handy to trim enemy ranks, and it’s even better with abilities like Hungry Sun or knockback.
AThe healing is very situational, although it can be useful. The stats make it worth it on their own.
ARarely seen stats, it’s very good. The drawback is quite punishing in return, but that’s a choice to make. Supremely good with Siphon Gem.
SI don’t think I need to explain why this is busted. It also synergizes on a ridiculous level with Soul Hourglass to wipe out rooms quickly.
SThe scroll version is already worth an S tier, so a renewable version… You can even hit the frozen monsters safely to refill a bit the charge.
SPoison spellbooks have a tendency to rank higher than their item conterparts, most likely due to their proactive nature that doesn’t imply getting hit in return. And this one deals a pretty crazy amount of damage for free, every 2 turns, it’s insane.
BFairly decent, the damage might feel too low when the monsters ramp up in strength.
BHolds an enermous potential, but losing out on the abilities will be a huge hit to your build. It allows gaining an absurd amount of stats if you can suit up again after it. One of my sleeper items, but it’s not always good to use.
SIt’s strong, it’s very strong. And the later you are, the stronger it can snowball through clarity gains. You just gain so much with it, even 2 or 3 stats is a good deal.
Legendary Rarity Part 1
ItemTierDescription
SThe effect is extremely strong, especially because clarity is a stat you will often have high numbers of. The damage also goes through defense, and the stats compliment the effect well.
SFree attacks everyone? I don’t think I need to elaborate too much, this item is really good. Be wary of getting an item stolen due to hitting a big slime across the room. It will decrease your attack countdowns when activated.
BRAlas, poor legendary. Who knew it was possible to have the worst tier on the best rarity. It might have the same stats as Focus, but the difference is that the effect is near useless. You might gain 2 or 3 defense for some turns, and then reset because you’ll be moving around. The gain is too slow and too conditional to matter. I’d take Chestplate over it.
BThis item is in a bit of a tricky place, as it boosts your current defense, but it also takes the slot that gives the most defense. The high health helps a fair bit, and makes it a strong tank item, but it might not be that good depending on your build.
SYes, yes, yes. Triple yes! Note that the monster you don’t target will not retaliate.
BThe stats are strong, but the defense is quite prohibitive. Clearly not all builds want it, and the effect is too situational. Can be very strong in the right composition. I prefer Versatile over it.
SExact copy of Crown of Clarity, but the slot makes all the difference. Pants are much less crowded in terms of good choices, and will often make it a strong pick. If you can combine both, be ready to break the game in four.
AA weaker version of Focus, but for light damage. The lowered damage hurts quite a bit, although health is higher than clarity so the damage is compensated.
SIncredible stats and effect. It prevents danger after getting hit a single time, really strong stopgap to anything. Combined with Glacier, no matter the outcome the monsters will be frozen.
SStomping everything to death, that’s what this does. Splash damage is invaluable, and does ravages. A more offensive option from Freezing Aura.
SThere is nothing more aggressive than this. It will take the shield slot, so in addition to the negative defense you likely lose even more. But the benefits can outweigh it, the effect is doubling your damage, monsters will have a hard time surviving a single combat. With enough speed your defense won’t even matter. Not the best choice if your build is very defensive.
CIt’s an underwhelming weapon, and can be replaced very easily. The teleportation can end up being more of a nuisance, and isn’t reliable for exploders. It’s a fun one with splash damage.
SFamous for being very strong. Important note that you can kill yourself if you aren’t careful with spinebacks or exploders. Other than that, just dance and slaughter!
SThe risk-free version of Polearm, with a different gimmick. Just hack everything in your way, none shall stand! I have a tendency to prefer it.
AIf clarity isn’t your focus, take it. Don’t underestimate the loss of soul gain and healing, but the stats are pretty hefty.
SYes.
Legendary Rarity Part 2
ItemTierDescription
SNotorious for breaking everything, with enough clarity potions will cleanly sweep rooms without danger. If you want to win, take it.
AA more balanced version of Light Concoction, it won’t do much by itself, but as soon as you get ways to damage more enemies than the one you attacked, it starts cleaning up fast. Gets really strong with ways to damage all the room. Higher clarity for absurd damage.
SGrind all the monsters. Get it, get OP. Juicy stat boosts. Can only be obtained if you dug a grave with the Shovel.
SOnce again a powerhouse. You might need to trade defense to pick it, but it’s so consistently strong that it won’t matter. Can only be found in Sacrifice Shrines.
AThe drawback is quite punishing, and works actively against the effect. Once it’s active, it’s obviously ridiculously strong and as such the price is needed. Because of this, not every build will want it, but it’s still a very solid item.
SThe only regret is the weak stats, but considering you get so much damage in return, it’s not that big of a deal.
BGood stats, but at this level, it’s not everything. The effect is very powerful, but also not that useful when you’re already fully stacked. It’s an incredibly good pick after using Transcendence.
AGreat choice, the stats are strong, and the ability can be as well. The random nature prevents it to be S tier, but don’t underestimate it.
SThere is no better gem than this. Just… take it. Can only be obtained from the abnegation Shrines(they cost stats).
BRStats are fine, not that impactful, and the effect is majorly a hindrance. You lose souls, considering you usually wouldn’t even attack monsters that you can’t defeat. And the worst is if you fight a giant slime, if it transforms, you will lose the item he had, which is very bad. Treat it as Siphon Soul fodder, otherwise don’t even take it.
AIt can often instakill anything, even bosses. Because late game monsters drop a lot of souls, the damage is lower than the souls you gain back, which is interesting when you’re running low. The problem is that because it will drain all your souls, you are not willing to use it except in rare cases or the end rooms.
SThis isn’t even my final form! The meme is real, and it’s good. If there’s one scroll you should carry around, it’s this one.
BA room wide swipe, very solid, although most beefy enemies won’t pay much attention to it. Gets worse as you go in the very late areas. Less interesting to keep compared to more impacting spells. Fun with Sadistic Will.
That’s all we are sharing today in Ring of Pain Item Tier List Guide, if there are anything you want to add please feel free to leave a comment below
