In Elden Ring, runes are everything. They function as both your experience points and currency, meaning every time you gain or lose them, you're either progressing or stalling. Wasting runes is a common pitfall, especially for newer players unsure of how to prioritize their spending. Whether you're a Tarnished just stepping into Limgrave or already wandering the crumbling ruins of Farum Azula, here are 10 practical and effective ways to spend your runes wisely and make the most of your time in the Lands Between.

1. Level Up with Purpose

The most obvious use of runes is leveling up at Sites of Grace. But rather than dumping them into a single stat, assess your build’s goals. For melee builds, focus on Strength or Dexterity alongside Vigor and Endurance. Casters should prioritize Mind, Intelligence, or Faith, depending on their chosen spell type. Avoid spreading your stats too thin.

2. Upgrade Your Weapons

Smithing Stones are crucial for increasing weapon damage, and rune investment at the anvil is well worth it. A +6 weapon often outperforms unupgraded gear regardless of your level. Before chasing high-level enemies, make sure your weapon is upgraded to match your progress. Consider saving runes specifically for this.

3. Stock Up on Crafting Materials

Purchasing basic materials like Cave Moss, Smoldering Butterflies, or Cracked Pots from merchants may seem trivial, but crafting tools like fire pots or preserving boluses can save your life. These cheap Elden Ring items offer tremendous utility in status-heavy areas and are worth keeping stocked.

4. Invest in Spirit Ashes

Summoning Spirit Ashes can drastically change the outcome of difficult boss fights. Upgrading them through Roderika requires runes and Grave Gloveworts, but the payoff is huge. Prioritize strong ashes like the Mimic Tear or Lhutel the Headless if they fit your playstyle.

5. Buy Key Items from Merchants

Don’t ignore merchants scattered across the map. They sell important gear such as the Lantern, cookbooks, armor sets, and Stonesword Keys. While some may seem overpriced at first glance, spending runes on these items can unlock entirely new areas and gameplay options.

6. Experiment with Incantations and Sorceries

Even if you’re not a pure spellcaster, having a few buffs or utility spells can be beneficial. For example, Flame, Cleanse Me is excellent for clearing poison, and Golden Vow is a great group buff. Investing runes in learning a few versatile spells can enhance your survivability and versatility.

7. Prepare for PvP and Late-Game Content

As you progress, the rune cost to level up increases steeply. At this point, you may want to use excess runes to buy consumables like Warming Stones, Sleep Pots, or even status-inflicting arrows to diversify your PvP toolkit. These cheap Elden Ring items can give you a strategic edge in duels or invasions.

8. Buy Cheap Elden Ring Runes to Save Time

If farming isn't your thing or you’ve lost a major stash due to an unlucky death, you might be tempted to look for cheap elden ring runes as a time-saver. While it’s important to play fairly, some players opt for these to reduce grind and spend more time exploring builds or boss strategies. Just make sure any approach aligns with your platform’s policies.

9. Respec When Necessary

Later in the game, you’ll gain access to Rennala’s rebirth feature. Respeccing costs a Larval Tear and a level-up’s worth of runes, but it’s a worthwhile investment when switching builds or adapting to tougher areas. Don’t hesitate to reallocate points if your current build is hitting a wall.

10. Reinforce Shields and Armor

Though often overlooked, upgrading shields with runes and smithing stones is vital for tankier characters. A better shield means improved guard boost and stability. Similarly, certain armor sets can be purchased to suit specific environments, such as fire-resistant gear for Mount Gelmir or magic-resistant sets for Raya Lucaria.

Runes are finite and easy to lose, so spending them smartly is key to surviving and thriving in Elden Ring. Focus on strengthening your character and gear rather than hoarding runes without a goal. Whether you're picking up useful consumables or upgrading your arsenal, efficient rune usage can significantly enhance your journey across the Lands Between.