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Managing your runes in Elden Ring can be the difference between early success and frustrating setbacks. As a beginner, it's easy to burn through this valuable currency without realizing what's most important. If you’ve ever lost thousands of runes in a risky boss fight or spent a chunk on something you barely use, this guide is for you. Below are 15 smart strategies to help you make the most of your runes, especially if you're just starting your journey through the Lands Between.


1. Prioritize Vigor Early On

Investing in Vigor increases your health pool, which helps you survive longer in both PvE and PvP. Many beginners overlook this, but it’s one of the best long-term rune investments.

2. Level with Purpose

Avoid scatter-leveling. Focus on the main attributes that support your intended build. Whether you're going for a strength-heavy tank or a nimble spellcaster, plan your stats accordingly to avoid wasting runes.

3. Upgrade Weapons Before Buying New Ones

Instead of constantly switching weapons, pick one that suits your style and upgrade it. You’ll get more value and damage output than buying every new blade you find. Keep an eye on Elden Ring items for sale when planning upgrades.

4. Use Ashes of War Effectively

Rather than hoarding them, use Ashes of War to customize weapons and optimize them for your playstyle. This can save rune costs on unnecessary weapon purchases.

5. Buy Crafting Recipes First

Cookbooks expand your crafting options and often enable you to create helpful items on the fly. Spending runes on these early is a great move for survival and exploration.

6. Stock Up on Smithing Stones

When you find merchants selling smithing stones, don’t hesitate. They’re often cheaper than expected and essential for weapon growth. Look for opportunities where cheap Elden Ring runes can help you gather these without grinding too much.

7. Don’t Hoard Runes

If you’re carrying more runes than you're comfortable losing, spend them or convert them into items before risky battles. Death can come fast in Elden Ring, and lost runes are painful.

8. Buy Spirit Ashes Wisely

While Spirit Ashes can be game-changers in tough fights, not all are worth the cost. Research before you buy, or test ones you pick up naturally before investing runes into others.

9. Explore Before You Spend

You’d be surprised how many powerful items and gear pieces are found just by exploring. Sometimes it’s better to hold off on purchases and see what you can earn through discovery.

10. Upgrade Flask Capacity First

Use runes to buy Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears upgrades when available. More HP or FP flasks make exploring and boss fights far more forgiving.

11. Purchase Memory Slots Early for Casters

If you're a magic user, don’t forget to buy additional memory slots early. It’s a one-time rune investment that drastically improves your flexibility.

12. Buy Map Fragments and Lanterns

These small purchases make a big difference in navigation and dungeon exploration. Don’t ignore them just because they seem mundane.

13. Avoid Overpaying for Arrows and Bolts

Buying from early-game vendors can be expensive in the long run. Either craft your ammo or find better vendors as you progress.

14. Sell Unused Gear

Some players forget you can sell duplicate or unused gear for runes. It’s not much, but every bit helps. When checking Elden Ring items for sale, compare against your inventory to avoid wasting runes on things you already own.

15. Keep an Eye on the Rune Economy

If you're low on time but still want to experiment with builds or gear, many players look for cheap Elden Ring runes from external sources. Services like U4GM are often mentioned in the community for those wanting a shortcut, though always proceed with caution and awareness of game policies.


Smart rune management is more than just knowing what to buy—it’s about understanding your playstyle and adapting to the game’s challenges. By following these tips, you’ll stretch every rune for maximum impact and be better prepared for what lies ahead in Elden Ring.