In Elden Ring, runes are more than just currency — they’re your lifeline. Whether you’re investing in stats, buying equipment, or enhancing your gear, how you spend your runes can significantly impact your journey through the Lands Between. Many players burn through their resources without a plan, only to regret it later when they hit a wall. Here are nine tips to help you spend your runes wisely and stretch their value for maximum impact.
1. Prioritize Core Stats First
It’s tempting to spread your stats across multiple categories, especially if you’re experimenting with hybrid builds. But in the early and mid-game, focus on your primary damage stat — whether it’s Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith — along with Vigor and Endurance for survivability. This focused investment allows you to deal more damage and survive longer without diluting your effectiveness.
2. Don't Hoard — Spend Before a Boss
If you’re carrying a large number of runes before a boss fight, consider leveling up or making purchases before entering the fog gate. A single death could wipe out hours of farming. Many seasoned players recommend making a quick pitstop at a Site of Grace to either upgrade your stats or grab useful gear from merchants. This is where having a plan for efficient spending really pays off.
3. Invest in Smithing Stones Early
Upgrading your weapon is often more impactful than leveling up. A +6 weapon can make a massive difference in damage output compared to base-level gear. Use your runes to buy Smithing Stones when you find reliable merchants. Keep an eye out for Elden Ring items for sale that include upgrade materials — they’re often worth the investment.
4. Don’t Overspend on Spells You Can’t Use
Magic in Elden Ring is powerful, but buying every spell you come across can quickly drain your runes, especially if your build doesn’t support them yet. Before purchasing, check the required Intelligence or Faith and ask yourself if you're realistically going to reach that threshold soon. If not, skip it — or bookmark it for later.
5. Use Cheap Elden Ring Runes for Testing Builds
If you’re trying out different character setups or just want to respec and experiment, cheap Elden Ring runes from reputable platforms like U4GM can be useful for testing builds in a low-risk way. It allows you to experiment with late-game configurations without grinding for hours.
6. Save for Merchant Milestones
Certain merchants sell key items like cookbooks, cracked pots, or powerful weapons that may be easy to overlook. Instead of impulse spending, keep a short list of high-priority purchases and save accordingly. Some of these items are limited in quantity and can’t be found elsewhere.
7. Spend Runes to Unlock Spirit Ash Upgrades
Spirit Ashes can turn the tide in tough battles, and upgrading them is crucial. While the materials needed are often separate from runes, some upgrades and related tools (like Glovewort Picker’s Bell Bearings) may require rune investment. This often-overlooked area of spending can provide major dividends in difficult encounters.
8. Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense
Some merchants offer better value when you buy in bulk — especially for consumables like arrows, firepots, or crafting ingredients. If you frequently use a particular item, buying several at once can be more cost-effective in the long run. Just make sure you’re not tying up too many runes in items you rarely use.
9. Plan Around Your Rebirths
After unlocking the ability to respec with Rennala, planning your rune usage becomes even more important. You'll want a cushion of runes to redistribute into your new build’s priorities. This is another scenario where using resources from places like U4GM can offer flexibility during a rebuild phase.
Spending runes efficiently in Elden Ring is more about planning than hoarding. Whether you're purchasing Elden Ring items for sale, leveling stats, or gearing up for your next challenge, every rune counts. By making informed choices and avoiding wasteful spending, you’ll be better equipped for the trials that lie ahead — and more prepared when the unexpected strikes.