07-08-2025, 01:06 PM
In Elden Ring, runes are everything. They're your currency, your experience, and the very foundation of progression. But if you've been clinging to them like a dragon with treasure, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Many players, especially those new to FromSoftware games, tend to hoard runes unnecessarily — and it often leads to missed opportunities or devastating losses. Here are nine rune-hoarding habits you should break to make the most of your journey through the Lands Between.
1. Not Spending Runes Before Exploring Dangerous Areas
It's tempting to press on after a big rune haul, especially when you're in the zone. But heading into unfamiliar or high-risk zones with a full pocket of runes is just asking for trouble. Level up or stock up before you push further — you'll thank yourself later.
2. Saving Runes for “The Perfect Moment”
There's a common belief that it's best to wait for the perfect weapon, spell, or stat threshold before spending runes. The truth is, Elden Ring rewards adaptability. Use your runes to improve your current build and make life easier now, rather than waiting for an ideal that may never come.
3. Ignoring Merchant Inventories
Some players hoard runes, ignoring the valuable items vendors offer. But whether it's crafting materials, talismans, or key consumables, NPC merchants often stock limited and extremely useful items. Don’t let your runes rot — put them to work supporting your build.
4. Forgetting to Level Up Regularly
You’d be surprised how many players put off leveling for “just one more boss” or until they have a certain amount banked. Leveling up offers tangible boosts to survivability and damage. If you’re stuck or dying often, those unspent runes might be part of the problem.
5. Not Using Rune Items
Golden Runes and their variants sit in many players’ inventories like decorations. These items are made to be used — preferably in safe zones like Sites of Grace — and are a great way to top off your rune count before leveling or shopping.
6. Trying to “Save Up” for Expensive Gear Too Early
Yes, there are pricey weapons, upgrades, and summons in Elden Ring, but trying to stockpile 20,000 runes early on is risky. Instead of saving runes long-term, focus on small, consistent gains. When you do come across something expensive, consider alternate paths — some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes on Xbox to speed things up, though opinions vary on that approach.
7. Not Investing in Smithing and Upgrades
Players often hoard runes, prioritizing level-ups over gear. But upgrading your weapon can be far more impactful than gaining one or two levels. Don’t neglect the blacksmiths and upgrade benches — they can transform a tough fight into a manageable one.
8. Hoovering Up Everything Without a Plan
Mindlessly grinding for runes without direction can lead to burnout and wasted time. Instead, set small goals — maybe you're preparing for a specific boss, or need a strength requirement for a new weapon. Purposeful farming is more efficient and rewarding.
9. Being Too Afraid to Experiment
Sometimes players avoid spending runes on different gear or spells because they're afraid of wasting them. But experimentation is part of the fun in Elden Ring. Buy that odd incantation. Try a new weapon type. If you’re unsure, many players choose to buy Elden Ring items on PS5 to test out builds before committing fully in-game.
Hoarding runes may feel like playing it safe, but in Elden Ring, progress often comes from bold decisions and timely investments. Whether you're facing a brutal boss or just exploring a new region, breaking these habits can help you grow stronger and enjoy the game more deeply. The Lands Between are unforgiving — your runes shouldn't be sitting idle.
1. Not Spending Runes Before Exploring Dangerous Areas
It's tempting to press on after a big rune haul, especially when you're in the zone. But heading into unfamiliar or high-risk zones with a full pocket of runes is just asking for trouble. Level up or stock up before you push further — you'll thank yourself later.
2. Saving Runes for “The Perfect Moment”
There's a common belief that it's best to wait for the perfect weapon, spell, or stat threshold before spending runes. The truth is, Elden Ring rewards adaptability. Use your runes to improve your current build and make life easier now, rather than waiting for an ideal that may never come.
3. Ignoring Merchant Inventories
Some players hoard runes, ignoring the valuable items vendors offer. But whether it's crafting materials, talismans, or key consumables, NPC merchants often stock limited and extremely useful items. Don’t let your runes rot — put them to work supporting your build.
4. Forgetting to Level Up Regularly
You’d be surprised how many players put off leveling for “just one more boss” or until they have a certain amount banked. Leveling up offers tangible boosts to survivability and damage. If you’re stuck or dying often, those unspent runes might be part of the problem.
5. Not Using Rune Items
Golden Runes and their variants sit in many players’ inventories like decorations. These items are made to be used — preferably in safe zones like Sites of Grace — and are a great way to top off your rune count before leveling or shopping.
6. Trying to “Save Up” for Expensive Gear Too Early
Yes, there are pricey weapons, upgrades, and summons in Elden Ring, but trying to stockpile 20,000 runes early on is risky. Instead of saving runes long-term, focus on small, consistent gains. When you do come across something expensive, consider alternate paths — some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes on Xbox to speed things up, though opinions vary on that approach.
7. Not Investing in Smithing and Upgrades
Players often hoard runes, prioritizing level-ups over gear. But upgrading your weapon can be far more impactful than gaining one or two levels. Don’t neglect the blacksmiths and upgrade benches — they can transform a tough fight into a manageable one.
8. Hoovering Up Everything Without a Plan
Mindlessly grinding for runes without direction can lead to burnout and wasted time. Instead, set small goals — maybe you're preparing for a specific boss, or need a strength requirement for a new weapon. Purposeful farming is more efficient and rewarding.
9. Being Too Afraid to Experiment
Sometimes players avoid spending runes on different gear or spells because they're afraid of wasting them. But experimentation is part of the fun in Elden Ring. Buy that odd incantation. Try a new weapon type. If you’re unsure, many players choose to buy Elden Ring items on PS5 to test out builds before committing fully in-game.
Hoarding runes may feel like playing it safe, but in Elden Ring, progress often comes from bold decisions and timely investments. Whether you're facing a brutal boss or just exploring a new region, breaking these habits can help you grow stronger and enjoy the game more deeply. The Lands Between are unforgiving — your runes shouldn't be sitting idle.