Elden Ring: 10 Crucial Runes Mistakes You Should Avoid
In Elden Ring, runes are everything. They fuel your level-ups, buy your gear, and serve as your currency for just about every meaningful in-game exchange. But with how easy it is to lose them—or waste them—many players, especially newcomers, make critical mistakes that set back their progression. After countless hours in the Lands Between, here are 10 common Elden Ring Runes mistakes you should avoid if you want to make the most of every run.
1. Over-Leveling Too Early
While it’s tempting to pump levels into your favorite stat every time you gather a decent number of runes, over-leveling too early can backfire. It can throw off the balance of PvP matchmaking and reduce the challenge pacing intended by the game. Spend wisely, especially in the early to mid-game.
2. Ignoring Rune Multipliers
Talismans like the Gold Scarab increase rune gain from enemies. Many players overlook these tools, missing out on a long-term benefit. If you’re serious about rune efficiency, these items are essential for boss fights and dungeon runs.
3. Not Retrieving Lost Runes
It's surprisingly common to accept the loss of runes after dying, especially in high-risk areas. Always make a calculated attempt to recover them—unless it’s near-impossible. Retrieving thousands of runes can save you hours of farming.
4. Farming Inefficiently
Not all rune farming spots are created equal. Players often waste time in low-yield areas. Researching or experimenting with higher-efficiency farming locations pays off in the long run. Some players also turn to the best place to buy Elden Ring items when farming becomes too time-consuming, which can be helpful for staying focused on actual gameplay.
5. Leveling Without a Clear Build Plan
Blindly distributing points across stats can lead to underpowered or unfocused builds. Decide early whether you're going for strength, dexterity, magic, or hybrid so you’re not wasting runes on stats you won’t use.
6. Not Spending Before Exploring
Dying in a new area with 50,000 unspent runes is a harsh lesson. Before entering uncharted zones or facing unknown bosses, spend your runes. Upgrade gear, level up, or buy consumables so you're not risking it all on a gamble.
7. Skipping Rune Drops from Bosses or NPCs
Sometimes, players overlook the fact that certain enemies drop large amounts of runes or consumable items that can be converted into runes. Always explore thoroughly after a major boss or NPC encounter—you might be missing a valuable source of income.
8. Using Runes Instead of Buying Key Items
It’s tempting to use runes to level up at every chance, but don’t forget about the valuable items that vendors offer. Staffs, weapons, spirit summons, and crafting materials can make or break your build. This is where knowing the best place to buy Elden Ring items can also help if you’re short on time or missed an NPC early in the game.
9. Wasting Rune Arcs
Rune Arcs can be rare early on, and wasting them without proper planning is a common mistake. Use them when you’re tackling a tough area or boss, not for everyday exploration unless you’ve got a stockpile.
10. Failing to Use Consumable Runes
Golden Runes and similar items sit in inventories unused for far too long. These items are a safe way to gain extra runes without risking them in the field. Use them before a shopping spree or when you’re just short of the next level.
Runes are the backbone of progression in Elden Ring, but how you manage them can dramatically affect your journey. Avoiding these common mistakes helps you grow stronger faster and reduces frustrating setbacks. Whether you're farming smart or knowing when to spend and save, every decision counts.
For players looking to streamline their experience, understanding the Elden Ring Runes economy is just as important as mastering combat. And when you're ready to round out your build or gear loadout, identifying the best place to buy Elden Ring items can give you that extra edge without hours of grinding.