Elden Ring Runes: 21 Things You Should Never Waste Them On

Elden Ring Runes are the lifeblood of your journey through the Lands Between. They serve as both currency and experience points, making them one of the most valuable resources in the game. That said, it's surprisingly easy to burn through them without real benefit—especially for new players or those eager to experiment without careful planning. If you want to maximize your progress and avoid regret, here are 21 things you should never waste your hard-earned Elden Ring Runes on.

1. Early-Game Smithing Stones (Too Many Too Soon)
While upgrading weapons is essential, overcommitting runes to low-tier weapons early on often leads to wasted resources. Wait until you find a weapon you plan to stick with.

2. Random Vendor Purchases
Many merchants sell gear or items that look tempting but offer little long-term value. Always compare before buying.

3. Leveling All Stats Equally
A balanced build might seem smart, but spreading your runes across all stats leaves you underpowered. Focus on your build's core attributes.

4. Unnecessary Armor Sets
Armor in Elden Ring is more about fashion than function. Don’t spend thousands of runes on pieces that look cool but don’t suit your build or playstyle.

5. Buying Every Ash of War
Ashes of War are versatile, but you’ll naturally collect many through exploration. Avoid purchasing ones you won’t actually use.

6. Bulk Buying Arrows or Bolts
Unless you’re running a ranged build, it’s better to craft these instead of wasting runes stockpiling them.

7. Low-Tier Consumables
Spending runes on items like basic resins or small HP flasks usually isn’t worth it. Save your currency for more significant upgrades.

8. Early Magic Spells (Without the Stats to Use Them)
Buying a spell you can’t cast due to low Intelligence or Faith is an easy way to throw away runes. Always check requirements first.

9. Duplicate Spirit Ashes
Stick to one or two summon types that complement your playstyle. Buying or upgrading every Spirit Ash you find is a drain.

10. Leveling Arcane for Bleed Too Early
While bleed builds thrive on Arcane, it doesn’t pay off until you’ve got the right weapons. Be strategic with rune investment.

11. Respeccing Too Frequently
Using Larval Tears to respec is sometimes necessary, but repeated changes cost time and runes for re-leveling equipment and spells.

12. Temporary Buffs and Greases
These can be helpful but are better crafted than bought. They’re also situational, so don’t go overboard.

13. Merchant-Only Weapons
Many of these are outclassed by weapons found in the world. Spend carefully and test out loot drops before investing runes.

14. Costly Dungeon Keys (Unless Needed for Progression)
Some locked areas aren’t essential. Unless a key is required to advance, you might be better off saving your runes.

15. Upgrading Weapons You Won’t Use
Just because you found something new and shiny doesn’t mean it deserves resources. Be patient and commit only to the right gear.

16. Skipping Rune Farming Spots
If you're tight on runes, avoid grinding in weak areas. Look for efficient farming methods to make the most of your time.

17. Leveling Up Beyond Soft Caps
Each attribute has diminishing returns. Pumping Vigor to 60 or Strength to 80 is rarely efficient unless you have a specific plan.

18. Trying to Master Every Weapon Type
It’s fun to experiment, but specializing early saves you both runes and headaches. Choose your weapon class and stick to it.

19. Reviving NPCs You Don’t Need
While some NPCs have valuable quests, spending runes to bring back ones with no benefit to your build is not worth it.

20. Summoning Help for Every Fight
Constantly relying on other players or Spirit Ashes can deplete your rune economy, especially if you keep dying and losing them.

21. Ignoring the Best Place to Buy Elden Ring Items
Time is also a resource. When you're looking for gear to support your build, knowing the best place to buy Elden Ring Items can actually save you thousands of runes in the long run by avoiding unnecessary upgrades and purchases.

Making smart choices with your Elden Ring Runes is key to staying ahead of the game’s brutal curve. The more you refine your spending habits, the faster you’ll see real progression—both in your build and your understanding of the world. Avoid these common mistakes and let your runes work for you, not against you.