Elden Ring Runes: 12 Mistakes Players Make with Upgrades
Elden Ring rewards careful planning and punishes careless decisions—and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to how players use their runes. Whether you’re new to the Lands Between or deep into New Game Plus, managing your resources efficiently is crucial to building a powerful character. Yet many players fall into common traps when upgrading their weapons, gear, or stats.
Below are 12 mistakes players often make when spending their Elden Ring runes and upgrading Elden Ring Items, and some tips to avoid them.
1. Upgrading Too Many Weapons at Once
It’s tempting to upgrade every interesting weapon you find, but upgrade materials (especially somber smithing stones) are limited in early to mid-game. Focus on one or two core weapons and experiment later once you’ve unlocked more upgrade sources.
2. Ignoring Scaling vs. Stats
Many players upgrade weapons without checking how well they scale with their build. Dumping runes into a weapon with poor synergy can hurt long-term performance. Always check if the weapon’s scaling letters (like B in Dexterity or A in Strength) match your character’s stat spread.
3. Wasting Runes on Vendors Early On
It’s easy to blow through thousands of runes buying unnecessary gear. Early in the game, prioritize crucial Elden Ring Items like smithing stones, memory slots, and crafting recipes instead of piling up gear you won’t use.
4. Leveling Up Too Broadly
Spreading points across too many stats weakens your character. Specializing gives you access to better scaling and more powerful abilities. It’s better to master one build than to dilute your power across five different playstyles.
5. Forgetting About Weapon Arts
Players sometimes focus entirely on raw weapon upgrades and ignore Ashes of War. These skills can dramatically change how a weapon functions, and in some cases, outclass stat increases.
6. Overcommitting to a Weak Weapon
Sentimental attachment can hurt you in Elden Ring. Just because a weapon helped you early on doesn’t mean it’s viable later. Be open to switching once you find a better match for your build.
7. Not Upgrading Spirit Ashes
While weapons and armor are obvious choices for upgrades, many overlook Spirit Ashes. These summons can be game-changers in boss fights, and upgrading them can make the difference between life and death.
8. Failing to Use Rune Buff Items
Golden Runes and similar consumables are often hoarded “just in case” and never used. They’re a reliable and safe way to gain runes without risking a death run. Don’t forget to use them before a major purchase or upgrade.
9. Chasing “elden ring runes for sale” Outside the Game
Some players turn to third-party options promising elden ring runes for sale. Besides the obvious risks (bans, scams), this shortcut often ruins the pacing of the game and undermines the satisfaction of progression.
10. Ignoring Armor Upgrades or Weight Load
While weapons get the spotlight, upgrading or optimizing your armor for poise and damage reduction is essential for survivability—especially in tight melee builds. Be mindful of your equip load and stamina penalties.
11. Wasting Smithing Stones on Subpar Weapons
Smithing stones are limited early on, and using them on weapons you’ll abandon later is a classic mistake. Wait until you’re confident a weapon fits your playstyle before going past +6 or +7.
12. Overlooking Talismans and Buff Items
Some of the best upgrades aren’t weapons—they’re Elden Ring Items like talismans that improve stamina regen, spell damage, or poise. They can be easy to forget, but stacking the right ones is key to optimizing any build.
Elden Ring is a game of experimentation, but being smart about how and when you upgrade can save you countless runes and hours of frustration. Instead of rushing for every shiny item or spell, take time to understand your build, plan your upgrades, and prioritize what truly complements your playstyle. The game may throw curveballs, but with careful rune management, you’ll always have the upper hand.