U4GM - 5 Smart Places to Spend Runes Wisely in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, Runes are more than just currency — they're your ticket to survival and progression. When I first ventured into the Lands Between, I burned through thousands of Runes on unnecessary gear and regrettable upgrades. Over time, I learned the value of spending them wisely. If you're like me and want to maximize your investment, here are five smart places to spend your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes that can make or break your journey.
1. Leveling Up Core Stats Early
This might seem obvious, but leveling your character’s core attributes — especially Vigor, Endurance, and your main damage stat — is the best early-game investment. In my first playthrough, I ignored Vigor and kept dying in two hits. Once I redirected my Elden Ring Runes toward survivability, the difference was night and day. Prioritize stats that align with your build to unlock potential and reduce frustration.
2. Upgrading Weapons at the Smithing Table
A powerful weapon can carry you much further than raw levels. I made the mistake of hoarding Runes without upgrading my gear and hit a wall at Margit, the Fell Omen. Visit Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold or use the early Smithing Table in Church of Elleh to invest in weapon upgrades. You’ll be amazed how +3 to +6 weapons can trivialize early bosses.
3. Buying Crafting Recipes and Utility Items
I used to think crafting was just fluff, but unlocking recipes from merchants like Kale or the Nomadic Cookbook vendors proved invaluable. Spend a modest number of Runes on recipes for items like fire pots, poison cures, or bone darts. These can be lifesavers in tight encounters and let you handle more varied situations with ease.
4. Investing in Spirit Ash Summons
Spirit Ashes can turn a brutal boss fight into a manageable duel. My Mimic Tear summon was a game-changer during the mid-to-late game. Spend your Runes to upgrade these at Roderika in Roundtable Hold. It’s a one-time Rune cost for long-term benefit, especially when soloing tough bosses.
5. When You're Ready to Experiment, Buy Elden Ring Runes
Eventually, as I explored NG+ and wanted to test different builds, the grind began to wear thin. That’s when I decided to buy Elden Ring runes to save time and focus on experimentation. Whether you're switching from a melee build to a full caster or preparing for PvP, purchasing Runes allowed me to enjoy the game on my terms without the endless farming loop.
Being intentional about where you spend your Runes can transform your Elden Ring experience. From personal trial and error, I learned that smart spending leads to smoother progression and more enjoyable gameplay. Whether you're just starting or deep into NG+, make every Rune count — and when you’re short, don’t hesitate to seek reliable ways to supplement your stash.
U4GM - 5 Smart Places to Spend Runes Wisely in Elden Ring
In Elden Ring, Runes are more than just currency — they're your ticket to survival and progression. When I first ventured into the Lands Between, I burned through thousands of Runes on unnecessary gear and regrettable upgrades. Over time, I learned the value of spending them wisely. If you're like me and want to maximize your investment, here are five smart places to spend your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes that can make or break your journey.
1. Leveling Up Core Stats Early
This might seem obvious, but leveling your character’s core attributes — especially Vigor, Endurance, and your main damage stat — is the best early-game investment. In my first playthrough, I ignored Vigor and kept dying in two hits. Once I redirected my Elden Ring Runes toward survivability, the difference was night and day. Prioritize stats that align with your build to unlock potential and reduce frustration.
2. Upgrading Weapons at the Smithing Table
A powerful weapon can carry you much further than raw levels. I made the mistake of hoarding Runes without upgrading my gear and hit a wall at Margit, the Fell Omen. Visit Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold or use the early Smithing Table in Church of Elleh to invest in weapon upgrades. You’ll be amazed how +3 to +6 weapons can trivialize early bosses.
3. Buying Crafting Recipes and Utility Items
I used to think crafting was just fluff, but unlocking recipes from merchants like Kale or the Nomadic Cookbook vendors proved invaluable. Spend a modest number of Runes on recipes for items like fire pots, poison cures, or bone darts. These can be lifesavers in tight encounters and let you handle more varied situations with ease.
4. Investing in Spirit Ash Summons
Spirit Ashes can turn a brutal boss fight into a manageable duel. My Mimic Tear summon was a game-changer during the mid-to-late game. Spend your Runes to upgrade these at Roderika in Roundtable Hold. It’s a one-time Rune cost for long-term benefit, especially when soloing tough bosses.
5. When You're Ready to Experiment, Buy Elden Ring Runes
Eventually, as I explored NG+ and wanted to test different builds, the grind began to wear thin. That’s when I decided to buy Elden Ring runes to save time and focus on experimentation. Whether you're switching from a melee build to a full caster or preparing for PvP, purchasing Runes allowed me to enjoy the game on my terms without the endless farming loop.
Being intentional about where you spend your Runes can transform your Elden Ring experience. From personal trial and error, I learned that smart spending leads to smoother progression and more enjoyable gameplay. Whether you're just starting or deep into NG+, make every Rune count — and when you’re short, don’t hesitate to seek reliable ways to supplement your stash.