U4GM - 6 Smart Ways to Spend Elden Ring Runes Without Wasting Them
If you’ve spent any time exploring the Lands Between, you know just how valuable Elden Ring runes are. They function as the game’s currency for everything—from leveling up to buying items and upgrading gear. But with great power comes great responsibility. It’s easy to waste runes on the wrong things, especially in the early stages of the game. To help you make the most of your hard-earned currency, here are six smart and practical ways to spend runes in Elden Ring without squandering them.
1. Prioritize Leveling Up Core Stats
When you collect fast Elden Ring runes, it’s tempting to splurge. However, smart players invest in their character’s core attributes—such as Vigor, Endurance, and the primary damage stat for their chosen weapon. Investing wisely in your build ensures better survivability and stronger performance in both PvE and PvP. Avoid spreading points too thin; a focused build is almost always more effective.
2. Invest in Weapon Upgrades Instead of New Weapons
Rather than buying every shiny weapon you come across, consider upgrading your favorite ones. At the early and mid-game stages, a properly upgraded standard weapon often outperforms rare unupgraded alternatives. Use your runes alongside Smithing Stones to increase the effectiveness of weapons that complement your playstyle.
3. Buy Useful Crafting Materials and Cookbooks
Crafting in Elden Ring adds utility and survivability. Buying cookbooks from merchants unlocks recipes for items like poison cures, buffs, and throwable bombs. Investing some runes into these long-term benefits is far more valuable than spending on one-time-use consumables.
4. Save Runes by Not Hoarding Consumables
It’s easy to overspend on arrows, bolts, or healing items. Instead of hoarding these consumables with your Elden Ring runes, stock only what you need for your next objective. Runes are better saved for permanent upgrades rather than items you’ll use once and forget.
5. Buy Spirit Ashes or Summon Enhancements
Summons are a major part of Elden Ring’s combat, especially for solo players. Some powerful Spirit Ashes can be purchased or upgraded using runes. Investing in summons adds an extra layer of strategy to boss fights, helping you get more out of your gameplay without wasting resources.
6. Keep a Rune Buffer for Death Recovery
Every player knows the pain of losing a pile of runes after dying twice in a row. One smart tip: don’t travel into a high-risk area with a full rune wallet. Either spend the runes before you go or bank them by leveling up. This simple habit can save you from frustrating losses and helps keep your rune use efficient.
Whether you’re farming fast Elden Ring runes or just trying to stretch what you’ve earned from bosses and exploration, smart rune management makes a huge difference. Focus on long-term value over temporary convenience, and you’ll find yourself better equipped for whatever Elden Ring throws at you. Spend wisely, and your journey through the Lands Between will be all the smoother.
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