20 Smart Ways to Spend Elden Ring Runes Before Midgame

If you’ve been racking up Runes in Elden Ring and aren’t quite sure how to make the most of them before diving deep into midgame content, you’re not alone. With such a vast world and so many options, it's easy to waste Runes on things that won't really help you long term. Whether you're playing on PS5 or another platform, smart Rune management can make the difference between a smooth journey through the Lands Between and constant death screens.

Here are 20 smart ways to spend your Runes wisely before hitting midgame territory.

1. Focus on Core Stats First
It’s tempting to level up everything, but early on, you should invest in stats that directly support your build. For melee, prioritize Vigor, Strength, and Endurance. For magic users, Mind and Intelligence or Faith should come first.

2. Buy the Crafting Kit Early
Available from Kale at the Church of Elleh, the Crafting Kit is a small investment with huge returns. It unlocks a crucial survival mechanic and helps you conserve Runes later by letting you craft instead of constantly buying.

3. Upgrade Your Weapon, Not Just Yourself
Improving your base stats is great, but upgrading your main weapon at a blacksmith will often provide more immediate and noticeable combat benefits.

4. Grab Useful Spirit Ashes
Some Spirit Ashes like the Lone Wolf or Skeletal Militiamen are very useful early on. Make sure to spend a few Runes upgrading them when you meet Roderika.

5. Buy Stonesword Keys When You Can
You’ll find blocked fog gates everywhere. Having a few Stonesword Keys on hand lets you access valuable loot and shortcuts. Don’t hoard Runes if they let you unlock new areas.

6. Prioritize Flask Upgrades
Golden Seeds and Sacred Tears are essential, but don’t forget to spend Runes to balance and upgrade your flask charges effectively at Sites of Grace.

7. Stock Up on Arrows or Bolts
If you use ranged weapons, it’s smart to keep a good supply of ammo, especially before major dungeons. Buying them in bulk early saves you panic farming later.

8. Learn Key Weapon Arts
Ashes of War allow you to customize weapon abilities. Spend Runes to duplicate or acquire new ones that suit your playstyle.

9. Invest in Utility Spells
If you’re a caster, don’t just focus on damage spells. Utility incantations or sorceries like healing, buffs, or light sources will help you explore and survive.

10. Buy Rune Arcs for Boss Fights
Rune Arcs are rare, but buying a couple for tough fights can give you the edge when using Great Runes. Keep a few stocked up when you’re about to challenge a major boss.

11. Don’t Ignore Armor Sets
You don’t have to break the bank, but upgrading from starter gear can make a big difference. Even slightly better defense or poise can help tremendously in midgame.

12. Explore Merchant Inventories Thoroughly
Each merchant has unique items—some sell map fragments, cookbooks, or even key quest items. Before leaving an area, spend Runes to clear out anything useful.

13. Farm Smart, Not Hard
If you’re looking to boost your Rune count without grinding endlessly, find efficient farming spots early. This helps you stockpile without wasting time.

14. Test New Builds Temporarily
There’s no harm in experimenting with new weapons or spells. Use Runes to try new setups before committing to a respec later.

15. Upgrade Spirit Ashes
Don’t underestimate your summons. Spending some Runes and Grave Glovewort to upgrade them can change the outcome of tough fights.

16. Buy Elden Ring Runes PS5 with Caution
If you're considering external Rune sources, like looking to buy Elden Ring Runes PS5 players often search for, be sure you understand the risks. Avoid sketchy deals and always prioritize safety and legitimacy.

17. Spend on Map Unlocks and Markers
Maps aren’t just visuals—they help you navigate and plan better. Also, some merchants sell markers or tools that improve your map usage. They're worth the Runes.

18. Grab Elden Ring Items for Sale When Useful
Some players check out Elden Ring Items for sale from community markets. While controversial, this can offer time-saving solutions for players stuck or replaying.

19. Prepare for Legacy Dungeons
Before heading into Stormveil Castle or Raya Lucaria, make sure your gear, flasks, and summons are upgraded. Spend your Runes wisely before crossing these thresholds.

20. Don’t Hoard—Spend with Purpose
The biggest mistake early on is hoarding Runes "just in case." Runes are meant to be used. If you have a few thousand sitting idle, put them to work.

Spending Runes well is about balance. Whether you're a cautious explorer or a fearless boss hunter, knowing how to stretch your Runes before midgame will set you up for success in the brutal yet rewarding world of Elden Ring.

If you're thoughtful with your choices, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive.

Let me know if you'd like this adapted for a specific platform or extended with screenshots or tips for particular builds.