Elden Ring has quickly become a beloved title for fans of challenging open-world RPGs, and managing your runes effectively is crucial for making steady progress. Whether you’re farming, exploring, or gearing up for a boss fight, having a smart inventory strategy can save you time and frustration. After countless hours of gameplay, here are 25 inventory tips about runes that every Tarnished should know—some of which I wish I had learned much earlier.
Prioritize Rune Management Early
Runes are your currency for leveling up and buying items, so don’t let them pile up unspent. Frequently visit merchants or Sites of Grace to invest them wisely.Don’t Hoard Excess Runes
Holding onto thousands of runes without spending is risky—death means losing a huge chunk of your hard-earned runes, so spend or bank them regularly.Use Rune-Boosting Gear
Certain talismans and armor pieces increase the amount of runes you gain from enemies. Keep an eye out for these and equip them when farming.Sell Unnecessary Items
Inventory space is limited, so sell off junk or duplicate items. If you’re ever in a pinch, you can buy Elden Ring items back from merchants later.Farm Efficiently
Identify spots with high rune drops and manageable enemies. This is often faster than exploring randomly when you need a quick rune boost.Buy Elden Ring Items for Convenience
If you find yourself lacking certain consumables, some merchants stock useful items that can aid your farming or combat efficiency.Don’t Forget to Use Runes for Upgrades
Upgrading weapons and armor requires runes, so balance spending between leveling your character and improving your gear.Prioritize Inventory Expansion
Invest in increasing your item slots early on to avoid constant inventory juggling during critical moments.Use Rune Farming Builds
Certain builds excel at clearing enemies quickly. If you want to maximize rune gains, consider builds optimized for speed and efficiency.Manage Weight to Avoid Slowing Down
Carrying too many heavy items slows your movement and roll speed, which can be deadly in combat.Organize Your Inventory Regularly
A cluttered inventory can slow you down when switching gear mid-fight or crafting items on the go.Keep a Balanced Rune Reserve
Always maintain a safety net of runes to avoid losing progress if you die unexpectedly.Explore Hidden Areas for Rare Loot
Rare items often sell for more runes, boosting your farming efficiency.Learn Merchant Stock Patterns
Merchants restock over time, so if you need to buy Elden Ring items or runes, check back regularly for new supplies.Use Consumables Wisely
Items like rune-boosting consumables can be a great temporary help during tough farming sessions.Be Cautious With Rune Spending Before Bosses
Save some runes for after boss fights to quickly level up and recover.Don’t Sell Valuable Crafting Materials
Some materials are rare and needed for weapon upgrades; selling them might slow your progress.Trade Excess Items With Friends
If you’re playing co-op, trading can be a good way to redistribute resources and runes.Check Your Item Descriptions
Some runes and items have hidden effects or crafting potential you might miss if you don’t read carefully.Use Multiple Save Slots
Backing up your progress helps avoid catastrophic losses of runes or items.Keep an Eye on Event Merchants
Occasionally, special merchants appear with unique goods—perfect for rare rune farming.Use Storage Wisely
Depositing excess runes or items in storage can help manage your carry load without losing resources.Don’t Rely Solely on Buying Runes
While you can buy Elden Ring runes from merchants, it’s often more cost-effective to farm them yourself.Take Breaks to Avoid Mistakes
Inventory mismanagement can happen when you’re tired. Staying fresh helps avoid accidental sales or rune loss.Experiment and Adapt
The best rune management strategies depend on your playstyle, so keep experimenting with what works best for you.
Mastering rune management is part of what makes Elden Ring such a rewarding experience. By applying these tips, you’ll find yourself leveling up faster, better equipped, and ready for the toughest challenges the Lands Between throw at you. Happy farming, Tarnished!
