10 Tips for Using Elden Ring Runes to Unlock High-End Equipment

In Elden Ring, runes are your lifeblood — serving as both currency and experience points. But beyond leveling up your character, runes are crucial for unlocking some of the best gear in the game. Whether you're aiming for legendary weapons, advanced sorceries, or top-tier armor sets, understanding how to efficiently use your runes can fast-track your path to becoming an unstoppable force.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you make the most of your runes and gain access to high-end Elden Ring Items without wasting valuable resources.

1. Prioritize Vendor Equipment in Early Game

Many players overlook the equipment sold by NPCs, assuming better gear will come naturally through exploration. But certain merchants sell powerful weapons, armor sets, and crafting recipes early on. Spending runes at these shops is often a faster route to gear upgrades than relying solely on enemy drops.

2. Know When to Invest in Stats vs. Gear

It’s tempting to funnel all your runes into leveling, but sometimes a single piece of gear can shift the tide more than a few stat points. If a powerful weapon requires a specific Strength or Dexterity threshold, calculate whether it’s worth investing in those stats early — then commit. This way, you won’t spread your runes thin.

3. Use Runes Strategically After Boss Fights

After defeating a major boss, you’re often flush with runes. Instead of dumping them all into levels, consider visiting a vendor like the Twin Maiden Husks or checking the Roundtable Hold for newly unlocked Elden Ring Items. Some of the best weapons and upgrades become available post-boss.

4. Level Up Weapon Scaling, Not Just Your Character

A well-upgraded weapon often does more for your build than five or six levels. Use your runes to buy smithing stones or upgrade services from blacksmiths. Especially for weapons with good scaling, this investment pays off quickly.

5. Convert Unused Gear into Runes

Don’t hoard low-level or duplicate gear. Sell off excess equipment at merchants for extra runes. The return might seem minor at first, but over time, it adds up — especially if you're eyeing an expensive piece of gear or a rare spell.

6. Plan Purchases Around Ashes of War and Weapon Affinities

Some weapons shine only when paired with the right Ash of War or affinity. Before committing runes to a weapon, see if it supports your preferred combat style and if the necessary Ashes of War are accessible. Spending runes to tweak your weapon's affinity can drastically change its performance.

7. Combine Farming with Exploration

Instead of mindless rune farming, explore zones that yield both experience and new gear. Places like Nokron or Altus Plateau offer enemies that drop a decent number of runes along with valuable Elden Ring Items. This lets you upgrade your loadout while building your rune pool efficiently.

8. Buy Elden Ring Runes Responsibly

If you're struggling to make progress or want to skip some farming, it’s understandable to buy Elden Ring runes to meet certain stat or upgrade requirements. Just be sure you’re also familiar with the gear you're unlocking — don’t waste resources unlocking high-end equipment that doesn’t suit your build.

9. Don’t Sleep on Magic Vendors

Sorceries and incantations scale rapidly with the right staff or seal. Many high-end spells are locked behind rune-cost barriers, often requiring a few thousand runes each. Make sure to invest in both the spell and the catalyst needed to use it effectively.

10. Always Keep a Rune Buffer

It’s wise to hold back a small reserve of runes — especially if you’re heading into unfamiliar territory. Whether it's to recover after a death, make an emergency purchase, or quickly upgrade a new weapon you find, a buffer gives you flexibility. Also, using rune consumables instead of carrying them in raw form can prevent accidental losses.

Mastering rune management isn’t just about getting stronger — it’s about getting smarter with how you play. The right investment at the right time can unlock powerful Elden Ring Items that completely shift your build potential. Whether you earn them through combat, farming, or occasionally choose to buy Elden Ring runes, the key is using them with intention.