In Elden Ring, every rune counts. Whether you’re leveling up your character, buying gear, or just trying to keep pace with the brutal difficulty curve, mismanaging your runes can set you back significantly—especially in the early game. As someone who has made a few painful mistakes and learned the hard way, I’ve compiled 21 essential tips to help you use your runes wisely from the start.
These tips are for new and returning Tarnished alike, offering practical advice without spoilers. And if you're ever considering shortcuts, there are options like elden ring runes for sale online—but it's always better to first master the in-game economy.
1. Don’t Hoard Runes Without Purpose
Runes are lost upon death, and if you die again before reclaiming them, they’re gone for good. Always spend runes when you can—on leveling, items, or upgrades.
2. Level With Intention
Dumping runes into random stats just because you have them isn’t efficient. Plan your build early—whether you’re aiming for a Strength-based warrior or a Faith-driven caster—and focus on relevant stats.
3. Invest in the Right Merchants
Not all vendors are created equal. Some merchants sell essential items like crafting kits, cookbooks, or upgrade materials. Prioritize them over aesthetic gear early on.
4. Upgrade Weapons Before Armor
Upgrading weapons boosts your damage significantly, making battles easier. Armor upgrades are minimal by comparison—don’t waste your early runes on fashion.
5. Buy Smithing Stones, Not Backup Gear
Instead of buying multiple weapons you might never use, stick to a few and invest in improving them. Smithing Stones are a much better long-term investment.
6. Always Retrieve Lost Runes Carefully
If you died in a risky area, weigh the cost of retrieving your runes versus losing them. Sometimes it’s better to let go than to throw more runes into the fire.
7. Use Rune Items Wisely
Golden Runes found in the world don’t disappear on death—only when used. Save them for moments when you’re just short of leveling or buying something critical.
8. Practice Before Boss Fights
Boss arenas often become rune graveyards for unprepared players. Practice in safer areas first, then go in confident and with fewer unspent runes.
9. Watch Out for Rune Traps
Some chests or warp traps send you into high-level zones. Don’t expect to retrieve your runes easily if you're not ready—spend them before you explore the unknown.
10. Resist Impulse Spending
It’s tempting to buy everything from every NPC you meet. Stick to necessities. The Elden Shop has a lot to offer, but not everything is worth your early-game runes.
11. Use Spirit Summons Strategically
Summons can keep you alive, saving you from costly deaths and rune losses. Invest in Spirit Ashes upgrades when you find Roderika at the Roundtable Hold.
12. Don’t Ignore Consumables
Items like fire bombs, throwing knives, or resistance potions can make a huge difference, especially early on. Spending a few runes here can save thousands later.
13. Explore Before Spending
Many items can be found for free by exploring. Before you buy that expensive talisman or weapon, explore nearby dungeons—you might find something better.
14. Be Wary of Rune-Draining Enemies
Some enemies are more dangerous than they appear. Avoid unknown threats if you're carrying a large number of runes. Scout first, fight later.
15. Store Spare Runes
Use Golden Runes to convert excess into inventory items rather than holding them. They’re safe from death and can be used whenever you’re ready.
16. Sell Smart, Not Fast
Selling unused gear can give you a rune boost, but prices are low. Only sell what you’re certain you won’t use—some weapons scale better after upgrades.
17. Know When to Farm
If you're just short of runes for a level-up or gear, do a quick rune farm. There are early locations where you can safely farm without high risk.
18. Avoid Risky Zones Until Ready
High-reward areas often come with high risk. Don’t chase rare loot if it costs you tens of thousands of runes every attempt.
19. Teleport Before You Die
If you’re cornered and not in combat, open the map and fast travel to safety. It’s a great way to secure your runes in panic moments.
20. Don't Be Lured by Expensive Items
That 20,000-rune sword may look enticing, but it’s probably not worth it until you’ve stabilized your build and gear. Wait before big purchases.
21. Track Your Progress and Spending
Take notes—seriously. Keeping track of where you’ve spent your runes helps you learn and adjust. Eventually, you’ll master your own rune economy.
Runes are more than just currency—they’re your lifeline in Elden Ring. Whether you’re managing a tight budget or considering elden ring runes for sale as a time-saver, understanding how to maximize your early-game economy will give you a smoother, more rewarding experience.
From buying wisely at the Elden Shop to resisting impulse purchases, mastering your rune usage sets the foundation for success in the Lands Between. Spend smart, fight smart, and stay Tarnished.
These tips are for new and returning Tarnished alike, offering practical advice without spoilers. And if you're ever considering shortcuts, there are options like elden ring runes for sale online—but it's always better to first master the in-game economy.
1. Don’t Hoard Runes Without Purpose
Runes are lost upon death, and if you die again before reclaiming them, they’re gone for good. Always spend runes when you can—on leveling, items, or upgrades.
2. Level With Intention
Dumping runes into random stats just because you have them isn’t efficient. Plan your build early—whether you’re aiming for a Strength-based warrior or a Faith-driven caster—and focus on relevant stats.
3. Invest in the Right Merchants
Not all vendors are created equal. Some merchants sell essential items like crafting kits, cookbooks, or upgrade materials. Prioritize them over aesthetic gear early on.
4. Upgrade Weapons Before Armor
Upgrading weapons boosts your damage significantly, making battles easier. Armor upgrades are minimal by comparison—don’t waste your early runes on fashion.
5. Buy Smithing Stones, Not Backup Gear
Instead of buying multiple weapons you might never use, stick to a few and invest in improving them. Smithing Stones are a much better long-term investment.
6. Always Retrieve Lost Runes Carefully
If you died in a risky area, weigh the cost of retrieving your runes versus losing them. Sometimes it’s better to let go than to throw more runes into the fire.
7. Use Rune Items Wisely
Golden Runes found in the world don’t disappear on death—only when used. Save them for moments when you’re just short of leveling or buying something critical.
8. Practice Before Boss Fights
Boss arenas often become rune graveyards for unprepared players. Practice in safer areas first, then go in confident and with fewer unspent runes.
9. Watch Out for Rune Traps
Some chests or warp traps send you into high-level zones. Don’t expect to retrieve your runes easily if you're not ready—spend them before you explore the unknown.
10. Resist Impulse Spending
It’s tempting to buy everything from every NPC you meet. Stick to necessities. The Elden Shop has a lot to offer, but not everything is worth your early-game runes.
11. Use Spirit Summons Strategically
Summons can keep you alive, saving you from costly deaths and rune losses. Invest in Spirit Ashes upgrades when you find Roderika at the Roundtable Hold.
12. Don’t Ignore Consumables
Items like fire bombs, throwing knives, or resistance potions can make a huge difference, especially early on. Spending a few runes here can save thousands later.
13. Explore Before Spending
Many items can be found for free by exploring. Before you buy that expensive talisman or weapon, explore nearby dungeons—you might find something better.
14. Be Wary of Rune-Draining Enemies
Some enemies are more dangerous than they appear. Avoid unknown threats if you're carrying a large number of runes. Scout first, fight later.
15. Store Spare Runes
Use Golden Runes to convert excess into inventory items rather than holding them. They’re safe from death and can be used whenever you’re ready.
16. Sell Smart, Not Fast
Selling unused gear can give you a rune boost, but prices are low. Only sell what you’re certain you won’t use—some weapons scale better after upgrades.
17. Know When to Farm
If you're just short of runes for a level-up or gear, do a quick rune farm. There are early locations where you can safely farm without high risk.
18. Avoid Risky Zones Until Ready
High-reward areas often come with high risk. Don’t chase rare loot if it costs you tens of thousands of runes every attempt.
19. Teleport Before You Die
If you’re cornered and not in combat, open the map and fast travel to safety. It’s a great way to secure your runes in panic moments.
20. Don't Be Lured by Expensive Items
That 20,000-rune sword may look enticing, but it’s probably not worth it until you’ve stabilized your build and gear. Wait before big purchases.
21. Track Your Progress and Spending
Take notes—seriously. Keeping track of where you’ve spent your runes helps you learn and adjust. Eventually, you’ll master your own rune economy.
Runes are more than just currency—they’re your lifeline in Elden Ring. Whether you’re managing a tight budget or considering elden ring runes for sale as a time-saver, understanding how to maximize your early-game economy will give you a smoother, more rewarding experience.
From buying wisely at the Elden Shop to resisting impulse purchases, mastering your rune usage sets the foundation for success in the Lands Between. Spend smart, fight smart, and stay Tarnished.