Elden Ring is one of those games where every decision counts, and managing your resources wisely is a big part of the experience. Among these resources, runes are the most critical—they fuel character growth, weapon upgrades, and your overall power in the game. If you’re wondering how to make the most out of your hard-earned runes, a little planning can go a long way.

Start With a Clear Upgrade Path

One of the first things I realized while playing is that it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the possible upgrades. Weapons, armor, and even talismans can all be enhanced, but not everything is equally important at the same time. A solid approach is to decide early which aspects of your build you want to focus on. Personally, I always prioritize upgrading my main weapon first. It not only makes combat smoother but also boosts my rune gain efficiency since I can handle tougher enemies faster.

When planning upgrades, consider the cost in relation to your current rune stockpile. It’s easy to burn through elden ring runes without noticing, especially if you’re tempted to upgrade every item you own. Keep a mental note of which upgrades will give the biggest payoff for your play style. For example, if you like ranged combat, investing in your bow or sorceries early can save you a lot of frustration in open-field battles.

Know Where to Get Resources

It’s not just about spending runes wisely—it’s also about knowing where to get more when you need them. Some players don’t realize that certain NPCs and merchants can be excellent sources if you ever run low. On the PS5, the best place to buy elden ring runes ps5 has become a popular topic among players who want a little safety net for leveling up without grinding endlessly. Having a few extra runes on hand can make it easier to stick to your upgrade plan, especially when you’re approaching difficult bosses or exploring high-level areas.

Upgrade Timing Matters

Timing can be just as important as choice. If you rush into upgrading everything at once, you might find yourself struggling later because you spent runes on items that weren’t essential. I like to spread out my upgrades across my progression. For instance, I focus on leveling up my primary weapon and armor set first, then circle back to secondary weapons and accessories once I’ve reached a certain level. This method also helps if you accidentally die and risk losing your current elden ring runes—you won’t feel the sting as much if your core gear is already strong.

It’s also worth noting that some upgrades are more effective when paired with certain stats or play styles. For example, boosting a sword with high strength scaling will feel drastically better than doing the same upgrade on a weapon that doesn’t match your build. Planning ahead with these synergies in mind will make your runes go further.

Keep Track of Small Gains

Another tip I’ve picked up is to treat small rune gains as part of a bigger picture. Farming runes in familiar areas might feel repetitive, but it allows you to stockpile enough to make meaningful upgrades without constantly searching for new sources. I personally use U4GM as a reference guide to check upgrade costs and item stats before committing my runes. It helps me visualize how far I am from my next big power spike, and it keeps me from making impulsive purchases.

Small, incremental upgrades can sometimes be more satisfying than rushing to hit a massive boost. Each level feels noticeable, and you’re less likely to overspend and regret it later. Plus, it builds a habit of valuing your resources, which is essential in Elden Ring’s punishing world.

Flexibility is Key

While planning is crucial, don’t be afraid to adapt. Maybe you stumble upon a new weapon or find a talisman that changes your strategy. Adjusting your upgrade plan based on these discoveries can lead to more enjoyable gameplay. The game rewards creativity and experimentation, so sticking rigidly to a plan isn’t always the best approach.

A practical mindset is to have a core upgrade plan but leave some runes in reserve. That way, you can respond to new opportunities without sacrificing your main progression. Trust me, having some flexibility saved me from wasting hundreds of runes on items I ended up not using.

Upgrading in Elden Ring is a lot more than just spending runes—it’s about strategy, timing, and making your character truly reflect your play style. Prioritize the essentials, know where to get extra resources, and don’t neglect small gains along the way. With thoughtful planning, you’ll find that each upgrade feels meaningful, your adventures become smoother, and your journey through the Lands Between is far more rewarding.

Loot Tips: The Best Builds and Weapons in Elden Ring [Update]