Elden Ring’s vast open world and deep RPG mechanics offer an incredible experience, but the early game can be punishing, especially when it comes to managing your runes. Runes are essential—they act as both currency and experience points—yet many players fall into common traps that cost them precious progress. As someone who’s spent hours exploring the Lands Between, I want to share 19 early mistakes involving runes that you can avoid to get a smoother start.

1. Hoarding Runes Instead of Spending Them
Many new players cling to their runes, afraid of losing them upon death. While caution is understandable, holding onto large amounts without leveling up or buying necessary gear slows your progress. Find a balance—use runes regularly to improve your stats or upgrade weapons.

2. Dying Too Frequently Without Retrieving Lost Runes
It’s tempting to rush back to recover lost runes after death, but sometimes it’s safer to retreat, level up with smaller amounts, and return better prepared. Rushing often leads to losing those runes forever.

3. Ignoring the Benefits of Early Smithing Stones
Early runes can be well spent on upgrading weapons. The attack boost from a single smithing stone can save you from many deaths. Don’t wait until later to upgrade; a stronger weapon lets you kill enemies faster and safer.

4. Not Exploring to Find Rune Farming Spots
If you find yourself low on runes, don’t just grind mobs randomly. Look for known early farming spots that yield good runes with minimal risk. This helps you build a solid rune reserve.

5. Spending Runes on Unnecessary Items
While it’s tempting to buy every shiny thing, avoid blowing runes on items that don’t immediately help your build. Focus on essential consumables, weapon upgrades, or leveling stats first.

6. Forgetting You Can Buy Elden Ring Items PS4 from Vendors
Don’t overlook merchants selling useful items that can save you runes in the long run, like upgrade materials or healing consumables. Buying Elden Ring items PS4 early can smooth your journey significantly.

7. Overestimating Your Ability to Carry Lots of Runes
Carrying tens of thousands of runes is risky without strong survivability. Invest in health and defense early to reduce the chance of losing huge amounts of runes on death.

8. Neglecting to Use the Flask Efficiently
Using your flask wisely during tough fights prevents deaths and rune loss. Upgrade your flask charges as soon as possible to reduce reliance on risky consumables.

9. Not Taking Advantage of Co-op for Rune Gains
If you’re stuck, summoning help or assisting others can provide a safer way to earn runes and learn enemy patterns.

10. Ignoring the Spirit Summons
Spirit summons can turn difficult battles in your favor, preserving runes you’d otherwise lose.

11. Buying Runes Instead of Farming or Playing
Some players look for ways to buy Elden Ring runes PC, but relying on purchased runes can detract from the game’s challenge and satisfaction. It’s better to earn them naturally.

12. Skipping Tutorial and NPC Guidance
Many NPCs give hints on rune management and farming spots. Ignoring them means missing out on valuable knowledge.

13. Failing to Upgrade Your Flask Wisely
Choosing the wrong flask upgrade can limit your sustainability, causing more deaths and rune loss.

14. Carrying Excess Weight That Slows You Down
Being over-encumbered reduces your dodge effectiveness, making rune retrieval riskier.

15. Forgetting to Level Up Your Luck or Item Discovery Stats
These can increase rune drops, speeding up rune farming.

16. Spending Runes on Stat Boosts You Don’t Need
Plan your build carefully to avoid wasting precious runes on unnecessary stats.

17. Ignoring Rune Conversion Items
There are items that can convert or double runes—keep an eye out for these early.

18. Not Using Ashes of War to Boost Weapon Effectiveness
Enhancing your weapon with Ashes of War can make farming safer and more efficient.

19. Overlooking the Benefits of Early Multiplayer for Runes
Helping or being helped by other players can turn tough encounters into opportunities for rune gain.

Elden Ring’s rune system rewards smart play, patience, and strategy. Avoiding these 19 common mistakes will help you build your character steadily without frustrating losses. Whether you decide to farm runes the old-fashioned way, or consider options like buy Elden Ring runes PC, remember the best progress comes from understanding the game’s mechanics deeply.