Runes are the lifeblood of progression in Elden Ring. They’re not just your experience points — they’re your currency, your growth system, and often your biggest loss after a mistimed dodge. But while most players understand runes as something to stockpile for level-ups, there are plenty of other smart, impactful ways to use them. Here are 26 usage scenarios where runes can make a real difference in your journey across the Lands Between.
1. Leveling Up Core Stats
Obvious, but crucial. Pumping Vigor, Endurance, or your damage stat early can smooth out tough areas.
2. Buying Crafting Materials
Vendors like Kale offer useful items for ammo and consumable crafting. Early investment pays off later.
3. Stocking Up on Arrows and Bolts
Ranged tools aren’t just for archers. Having a supply of arrows can give any build more flexibility.
4. Replenishing Consumables
Always keep some runes on hand for fire pots, poison knives, or other tools. They’re lifesavers in boss fights.
5. Upgrading Spirit Ashes
At Roderika’s table, spirit upgrades become game-changers. Rune costs scale fast, but they’re well worth the investment.
6. Boosting Weapon Levels
Smithing Stones are cheap at first, but high-level upgrades cost a lot. Allocate runes smartly between weapons.
7. Unlocking New Spells and Incantations
Faith or Intelligence builds thrive when they have spell variety. Vendors across the world offer key spells in exchange for runes.
8. Buying Stonesword Keys
These keys open critical areas and loot. Don’t pass them up when you see them for sale.
9. Respeccing with Rennala
Each rebirth requires a Larval Tear — and runes for rebuilding your stats after. Be ready for both.
10. Paying for Ashes of War
Infusion and skill changes can be costly if you’re constantly experimenting. It’s worth it for customizing your build.
11. Purchasing Armor Sets
Want to roleplay or boost defenses? Armor often comes at a high cost, especially late game.
12. Acquiring Maps and Notes
Some vendors sell hints or maps for new areas. These may seem trivial but can lead to valuable discoveries.
13. Investing in PvP Gear
Runes help you prep for invasions or duels by funding fast resupplies and experimental loadouts.
14. Gathering Fashion Souls Options
Sometimes, it’s not about stats. Unique cosmetics and armor pieces can be rune sinks worth indulging in.
15. Supporting NPC Questlines
Some quest steps require buying specific items or paying runes to advance.
16. Unlocking Bell Bearings
Buying from the Twin Maiden Husks can be expensive once they have more inventory unlocked.
17. Preparing for NG+
Before entering New Game Plus, spend down your rune pool so you don’t lose tens of thousands to a careless death.
18. Buying Rune Arcs
Important for activating Great Runes, especially in multiplayer.
19. Building a New Loadout
Testing a strength build after running dex? You’ll need runes for weapons, armor, and upgrades.
20. Feeding the Elden Shop
Vendors found throughout the Lands Between — like those in the elden shop — often carry useful but expensive items.
21. Backing Up Before Bosses
Buy upgrades and items to make sure you’re fully prepped before walking through a fog wall.
22. Supporting Co-op
Stock up on multiplayer consumables to help others — and earn runes in return.
23. Paying for Lore
Some NPCs sell hints or lore that give crucial context to the world and characters.
24. Buying Gesture Unlocks
Some vendors offer unique gestures, a small but fun way to express yourself online.
25. Collecting for Flex Builds
Trying multiple weapon types or damage types means investing in various gear paths.
26. Trading Safely
If you’re exploring trading communities or browsing elden ring runes for sale, knowing the value of runes and what you’re exchanging them for is key to avoiding bad deals.
Runes are more than just a number at the bottom of your screen. Treat them like a resource to invest, not just spend, and your journey through Elden Ring will be all the more rewarding.