In Elden Ring, runes are more than just a currency — they’re your ticket to power, survival, and flexibility. But they’re also incredibly easy to waste if you’re not careful, especially during the early to mid stages of progression. Whether you're leveling, upgrading gear, or making purchases from vendors, smart rune budgeting can mean the difference between success and a painful walk back from the Stake of Marika. Here are 13 tips to help you budget runes wisely as you make your way through the Lands Between.
1. Don’t Level Up Every Chance You Get
It's tempting to dump runes into leveling each time you visit a Site of Grace, but take a moment to ask yourself if a level will make a noticeable difference right now. Sometimes it's better to hold off and spend on gear or consumables instead.
2. Prioritize Key Stat Thresholds
If you're working toward equipping a specific weapon or casting a certain spell, focus your rune spending to hit those requirements first. Randomly increasing stats without a goal can slow your build’s effectiveness.
3. Bank Runes Before Exploring Dangerous Zones
Before diving into high-risk areas or boss fights, spend down your rune reserves. Buy Elden Ring items PS4 players might find especially useful, such as upgraded flasks, arrows, or crafting materials, to reduce the sting of a potential death.
4. Use the “Pickle Foot” Wisely
Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot can boost your rune gain temporarily. Time it during tough encounters or rune farming runs for maximum value. Just don’t forget to actually use it — many players hoard and never cash in.
5. Upgrade Weapons Before Stats
Especially early on, a +3 weapon can outperform a 5-level increase in stats. Allocate runes to Smithing Stones and blacksmiths first if you’re struggling with damage output.
6. Keep a Small Rune Stash in Inventory
Save a few consumable runes in your pouch for emergencies. These are perfect for topping off your total when you’re just a few hundred short of a key upgrade or item purchase.
7. Plan Purchases from NPCs in Advance
NPC vendors sell everything from cookbooks to Spirit Ashes, and some items are limited in stock. Make a mental note of what you need most and budget accordingly so you don’t overspend on things you won’t use soon.
8. Buy in Bulk When Possible
Arrows, bolts, and consumables are more cost-effective when purchased in batches. If you find yourself consistently low on a resource, consider stocking up rather than buying one at a time.
9. Invest in Farming Tools
Items that boost rune gain or enhance farming efficiency are worth the early investment. If you're on PC and need a boost, some players opt to buy Elden Ring runes PC to save time, though it’s best to do so from reputable sources only.
10. Use Spirit Ashes to Save on Flask Usage
A good summon can help you conserve healing resources and reduce rune loss from deaths. Prioritize upgrading a reliable Spirit Ash early on using Grave or Ghost Gloveworts.
11. Don’t Upgrade Every Weapon You Find
It’s easy to fall into the trap of spreading your Smithing Stones across multiple weapons. Stick to one or two main weapons until you're well into the game, and avoid wasting runes on items you won’t commit to long-term.
12. Track Your Rune Efficiency
Pay attention to how often you lose large amounts of runes. If it's happening frequently, you may need to adjust your risk-taking, invest in better defenses, or use your runes more frequently to avoid carrying too much.
13. Explore for Free Upgrades
Many important items — including flask upgrades, talismans, and equipment — can be found through exploration rather than purchase. Always thoroughly explore new regions before spending heavily in shops.
Smart rune budgeting doesn’t mean hoarding; it means using your resources in ways that push your build forward without waste. With the right habits, you'll find yourself consistently progressing, better prepared for boss fights, and avoiding the frustration of losing thousands of runes. Whether you play on console or PC, keep these strategies in mind — and remember, it’s not always about how many runes you have, but how you use them.
