In Elden Ring, runes are the backbone of your progression — they fuel your level-ups, pay for purchases, and represent the risk-reward system at the core of FromSoftware's design philosophy. But if you're not careful, your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes can slip away faster than a boss one-shotting a low-Vigor build. Here are 10 common mistakes players make with runes, and how to avoid them.
After taking down a boss or surviving a difficult area, many players continue pushing forward instead of spending their Elden Ring Runes. That’s a recipe for disaster. One mistake — a missed dodge or an ambush — can set you back tens of thousands of runes. Whenever you complete a high-reward encounter, teleport to a Site of Grace and level up or stock up on Elden Ring Items.
It’s tempting to charge into a new zone the moment you unlock it, but if your level and gear aren’t up to par, you’ll likely die repeatedly and lose valuable runes. Instead, farm a bit, upgrade your gear, and explore side content to ensure you're prepared. Being rune-rich means nothing if you can’t survive long enough to use them.
Some Elden Ring Items significantly boost rune acquisition. Talismans like the Gold Scarab can dramatically increase the number of runes you earn from enemies. Consumables such as the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot also provide a temporary boost. Forgetting to use these items while farming can slow down your leveling pace.
Unless you're actively farming, it's wise to keep your rune count low when exploring dangerous areas. Use consumable rune items instead of popping them all at once — they don’t drop on death, making them safer to carry. Treat your rune stash like real-world savings: don’t carry your entire fortune into a battlefield.
Many players jump straight into farming without fully understanding enemy move sets. This leads to unnecessary deaths and lost runes. Take the time to observe enemy behavior, practice dodging, and learn how to control aggro before you start relying on a farming loop.
As you progress, the cost of leveling up rises significantly. Players who spend their early runes frivolously — buying unnecessary Elden Ring Items or spreading stats too thin — often hit a wall later. It's important to plan your build and make every level count.
In New Game Plus, enemies drop far more Elden Ring Runes. However, many players ignore early-game areas thinking they’re no longer worth revisiting. Some early zones become excellent rune farms in NG+, especially with rune-boosting gear equipped. Don't overlook their potential.
It’s easy to stick to the main path, but side dungeons often contain mini-bosses and rune-rich encounters that can dramatically speed up your progress. Many of these also reward you with powerful Elden Ring Items that improve both offense and defense.
Dying in battle because you tried to solo everything is a waste of both time and runes. Spirit summons help manage mobs and bosses, increasing your odds of survival. They can be the difference between a 50,000 rune gain and a 50,000 rune loss.
Places like Moghwyn Palace offer high rune returns, but they also come with high risk — especially for newer players. Farming in these areas without proper preparation or upgrades often results in more losses than gains. Stick to farming routes that match your skill and build level.
In the Lands Between, every rune counts. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes are used wisely, rather than lost to greed or carelessness. Whether you're hunting for better Elden Ring Items or pushing for that next stat milestone, a smarter rune strategy will take you further — and keep the frustration to a minimum.