The funny thing about this in Elden Ring (since you mentioned it), I never learned to use consumables besides the flasks. I’ve seen speedrunners make great use of some of the greases for example, but every time I use something I end up dying anyway. Really hurts because some of the consumables have limited crafting materials (St. Trina lily for sleep pots iirc?).
I ended up beating the base game without them.



That’s a very fair take. I played a few play throughs of Elden Ring however and just never learned anyway, even though the items would’ve helped a lot on further NG+. I guess I also learned how to use fowl foots but that’s once a boss has died.