When it comes to Elden Ring, managing your Runes is just as important as mastering dodge rolls or learning boss patterns. These precious currency drops are the lifeblood of progression, used to level up, buy gear, and upgrade your arsenal. But with so many ways to spend them, it's easy to end up underpowered or short on essentials. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing how you’ve used your Elden Ring Runes, this guide breaks down 19 smart ways to spend them—based on practical experience, not hype.
Don’t wait until late-game to pump Vigor. More HP means more room for mistakes, especially when exploring unfamiliar areas. It’s a solid foundation for any build.
Instead of spreading upgrades across multiple weapons, find one that suits your playstyle and invest in it. This includes spending Runes and Smithing Stones wisely—fewer weapons, more power.
Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears are game-changers, but don’t forget to use Runes to stock up on materials that enhance your survivability. More flasks often mean more boss wins.
Some of the best Elden Ring Items come from crafting, and the right materials can make a huge difference in status builds or stealthy approaches. Buying certain cookbooks early is a smart investment.
Torches, lanterns, and Beast Repellent Torches are worth the Runes. They open up areas you’d otherwise ignore and prevent brutal ambushes.
If you’re using a bow or crossbow, consistently buying high-quality arrows with Runes is a must. They’re often the difference between pulling one enemy or alerting an entire camp.
Many NPCs sell limited-stock Elden Ring Items—once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you see something unique or rare, grab it. Runes are easy to farm; rare gear isn’t.
Getting access to heavier armor and faster stamina regen means surviving longer in fights. Don’t underestimate the value of staying under the medium equip load.
Upgrading Spirit Ashes isn’t free—you’ll need both materials and Runes. But the right summon can dramatically shift tough fights in your favor, especially solo.
Don’t rely only on found materials. Certain merchants sell Smithing Stones and Gloveworts; spend generously here to avoid late-game upgrade bottlenecks.
If you’re running a magic build, additional Memory Slots are vital. Prioritize these over raw stat increases early on—you need options in combat.
Magic builds scale differently, so it’s smart to wait until you’ve found a good staff or seal and a few strong spells before dumping Runes into casting stats.
After meeting Rennala, don’t be afraid to experiment. Using Runes to test different builds can uncover powerful synergies—and make the game more fun.
Some Ashes of War radically change how weapons perform. Purchasing them with Runes adds depth to your toolkit, often without needing a full respec.
If you’re facing a difficult boss, don’t hoard Runes. Spend them on consumables, arrows, or gear enhancements so you’re not losing thousands on a single death.
Some armor looks great but offers minimal defense. Invest in armor that balances looks with solid stats, especially against common threats in your area.
Always keep a few Stonesword Keys in your inventory. These Elden Ring Items unlock key areas, shortcuts, or valuable loot. They’re one of the best investments for early-to-mid game.
Some of the best Rune investments are Bell Bearings. Once offered to the Twin Maiden Husks, they unlock new merchant inventories—perfect for planning long-term gear strategies.
One of the most common mistakes players make is holding onto Runes for too long. The game punishes death with Rune loss, so use what you’ve got before venturing into high-risk zones.
Smart Rune spending doesn’t mean being conservative—it means being intentional. Whether you’re a dex-heavy katana wielder or a spell-slinging sorcerer, how you use your Elden Ring Runes shapes your entire journey. Prioritize survivability, upgrade wisely, and stay prepared. After all, in the Lands Between, fortune favors the bold—but only if they’ve spent their Runes right.