In Elden Ring, runes are the core currency for everything that helps your character grow stronger. These valuable resources, earned through exploration, defeating enemies, and selling elden ring items, can quickly be lost if used unwisely. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Tarnished, knowing where and how to spend your elden ring runes efficiently can make a major difference in your journey across the Lands Between.
1. Leveling Up Your Character
The most common and essential use of elden ring runes is leveling up your character at a Site of Grace. Each level increases a chosen attribute—like Vigor for more health or Intelligence for stronger spells. Early on, it’s wise to focus on leveling stats that align with your build. For example:
- Strength or Dexterity for melee-focused players
- Intelligence or Faith for magic-based builds
- Endurance if you rely on heavy armor or large weapons
Spending runes on leveling up provides immediate and lasting benefits. Just be sure not to spread your stats too thin early in the game.
2. Upgrading Weapons and Gear
Another smart use of elden ring runes is at the blacksmith. While upgrading weapons requires smithing stones (a type of elden ring items), the process also costs a significant amount of runes. Upgraded weapons hit harder, making combat easier and rune farming more efficient in the long run.
Focus on improving one or two weapons that suit your playstyle rather than spreading resources across too many.
3. Purchasing Key Items and Materials
Merchants throughout the game world sell useful elden ring items, such as crafting materials, cookbooks, arrows, and armor sets. Some also offer rare tools and weapons early in the game. It’s smart to use a portion of your runes to purchase:
- Crafting kits and cookbooks for crafting consumables
- Stonesword keys to unlock sealed paths
- Arrows and bolts for ranged builds
Keep in mind that not all items are worth the cost. Compare merchant inventories and be selective with your purchases.
4. Allocating Runes for Spirit Ashes Upgrades
Spirit Ashes, used to summon allies in battle, can be enhanced by Roderika at the Roundtable Hold. Upgrading your summons can be a game-changer, especially for difficult boss fights. While the upgrade process primarily uses Gloveworts, you’ll also need to spend runes with each enhancement. Strengthening your favorite spirit can take pressure off in battle and help preserve your own flasks and health.
5. Investing in Ashes of War and Weapon Arts
Ashes of War are special elden ring items that allow you to customize your weapon’s moveset and scaling. You can buy or find them throughout the game, and equipping them is free—but you’ll want to upgrade the weapons you attach them to, which costs runes. Some Ashes of War completely change how a weapon functions, offering new strategies or elemental affinities.
Consider buying Ashes that align with your build and enhance your primary weapon’s capabilities.
6. Saving for Emergencies
It’s always a good idea to keep some runes in reserve, especially before exploring a new dungeon or facing a tough boss. You can store runes in the form of consumable elden ring items like Golden Runes or Hero’s Runes, which can be used later without risk of loss. This protects your progress from unexpected deaths or rune loss and gives you backup currency for purchases or upgrades.
Elden ring runes are the foundation of your progression. Whether you use them to level up, enhance your gear, or purchase valuable elden ring items, using them wisely can significantly impact your success. Make decisions based on your build, playstyle, and long-term goals. With careful planning, you’ll make the most of every rune earned in the dangerous, mysterious world of Elden Ring.
