Matgrupp

Even seasoned Tarnished aren’t immune to mistakes. While experience helps players avoid rookie errors, Elden Ring is full of nuanced mechanics, hidden systems, and deceptive traps that can catch even veterans off guard. From poor rune management to overlooking key Elden Ring Items, there are several habits that even longtime players fall into.

Here are 15 common mistakes that experienced players still make when it comes to managing runes and progression in Elden Ring.

1. Hoarding Runes Without Spending

Some players accumulate massive amounts of runes, fearing loss on death. While it might seem smart to stockpile, unspent runes are just one accidental fall or death away from being wasted. Level up or invest in gear regularly.

2. Ignoring Rune Arcs

Many players forget how powerful Great Runes can be when activated. Having dozens of Rune Arcs but never using them is a missed opportunity, especially during boss fights or PvP sessions.

3. Overestimating High-Risk Farming Spots

Veteran players often seek out rune-rich zones like Mohgwyn Palace, but misjudging your current build or setup can lead to repeated deaths, ultimately resulting in lost progress. Sometimes slower but safer routes are better for long-term gain.

4. Not Utilizing Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot

These consumables boost rune acquisition, but are often underused. Smart players stack these during boss fights or during high-yield farming sessions to maximize their time and effort.

5. Skipping Side Content That Grants Runes

With mainline bosses and objectives being the focus, many players overlook Evergaols, field bosses, and hidden dungeons that reward large rune drops and powerful Elden Ring Items.

6. Neglecting Equipment Upgrades

It’s easy to focus only on leveling up stats, but failing to upgrade weapons can make fights harder than necessary. Weapon scaling and infusion can be more impactful than a few extra levels.

7. Overcommitting to a Single Build

Veteran players sometimes stick with a favorite setup too long. But respeccing with Larval Tears and trying new rune synergies can open up fresh strategies and help avoid plateaus in difficulty or damage.

8. Forgetting About NPC Rune Drops

Many NPCs, especially invaders and questline enemies, drop significant runes. Ignoring their quests or failing to finish them can mean missing out on valuable rewards.

9. Underestimating Boss Rune Drops

Bosses drop large amounts of runes, but some players leave these unused in Remembrances. Trading or converting these wisely is key to optimizing your rune economy.

10. Avoiding Crafting Consumables

Veteran players sometimes skip crafting because they rely on raw combat skill. However, sleep pots, rot items, and other crafted tools can make rune farming or tough areas more manageable.

11. Using Runes Too Late

Waiting until you're deep into the game to start spending large amounts of runes can leave your character underpowered during critical early-game phases. Balance is key.

12. Forgetting Passive Rune Tools

Talisman effects and certain Elden Ring Items can passively boost rune gain. Neglecting these in high-volume farming areas is a waste of potential income.

13. Not Using Multiplayer Rune Opportunities

Co-oping bosses not only helps others but also yields solid rune rewards. PvP and invasion can also reward runes, depending on performance.

14. Failing to Optimize Rune Routes

Veterans often stick to old farming methods from early patches. Newer updates may provide better rune loops. It’s worth re-evaluating your route periodically.

15. Chasing Runes Instead of Progress

Ultimately, runes are a tool—not the goal. Spending hours farming rather than pushing forward into new areas or challenges can lead to burnout or stale gameplay.

Rune management isn’t just about hoarding or grinding—it’s about smart usage, adaptation, and knowing when to take risks. Even if you're many NG+ cycles deep, it's worth taking a step back to reassess how you handle one of the game’s most vital resources.

For those who want to experiment with high-level builds or skip early-game repetition, it’s common to look into elden ring runes for sale to get right to the core of the game’s combat and build diversity. Combined with the right Elden Ring Items, any player can refine their strategy and make better use of every rune earned.