The Most Useless Items in RPGs

Role-playing games (RPGs) are filled with countless treasures, powerful weapons, and game-changing artifacts. Yet, hidden among these valuable items are those that leave players scratching their heads—useless trinkets that serve no practical purpose. Whether they’re relics of poor design, inside jokes from developers, or simply forgotten remnants of early game mechanics, these items often end up cluttering inventories without ever being used.

The Infamous “Broken Sword”

Few items are as universally mocked as the “Broken Sword.” Found in countless RPGs, this weapon is often described as “shattered beyond repair” or “barely usable.” Yet, inexplicably, players can still equip it—only to find it deals negligible damage. Some games even allow players to “upgrade” it into a slightly less useless version, but why bother when better weapons are readily available? The Broken Sword exists purely to taunt players with false hope.

Useless Quest Items That Never Leave Your Inventory

Every RPG fan has experienced the frustration of carrying a quest item long after its purpose has been served. Whether it’s a “Mysterious Key” that no longer opens anything or a “Letter of Recommendation” from an NPC long forgotten, these items stubbornly remain in your inventory, taking up space. Some games even prevent players from discarding them, ensuring they haunt you until the very end.

The “Joke” Consumables

Developers occasionally include joke items meant to amuse rather than assist. These range from “Rock” (literally just a rock with no function) to “Expired Potion” (which might heal you—or poison you, for laughs). While these can be amusing the first time, they quickly become inventory filler, especially when they have no real use in combat or exploration.

Currency That Can’t Be Spent

Some RPGs introduce unique currencies—like “Ancient Coins” or “Dwarven Tokens”—only for players to realize they’re worthless outside of one obscure side quest. Worse, certain games flood players with gold early on, making additional money meaningless. When even the most expensive gear is easily affordable, why bother looting that 10th chest full of copper coins?

Conclusion

While RPGs thrive on rewarding exploration and loot collection, not every item deserves a place in your inventory. From broken gear to pointless trinkets, these useless objects serve as amusing—or frustrating—reminders that not all treasures are created equal. Perhaps their true purpose is to make players appreciate the truly valuable items… or to teach them the importance of inventory management. Either way, they remain an enduring, if baffling, tradition in the genre.