Runes inElden Ringwork the same way as souls fromDark Soulsor blood echoes inBloodborne. Players earn runes by defeating enemies and must collect them after dying or risk losing them forever. These runes are essential toElden Ring’s progression system, as they are used for leveling up, upgrading weapons, and buying valuable items.
Players can also earn runes by using specific items called Golden Runes. Later on, users will come across Hero’s Runes and Numen’s Runes, but they function the same way. While it may not seem like much initially, getting a few thousand runes for free can help avoid an unnecessary grind. Some users choose to collect several Golden Runes to use them all at once, but oneElden Ringplayer managed to reach the end of the game without ever using a single one.
RELATED:Elden Ring Player Makes Compilation Video of Them Killing AFK Rune Farmers
A Redditor named shmegmar shared a picture of the staggering number of Golden Runes in their inventory, and it looks like their collection also includes some Numen’s and Hero’s Runes. According to a user in the comments, consuming these would have earned them 1,170,150 runes, enough togain several levels inElden Ring. The item’s description mentions that it can be consumed to gain runes, so it’s surprising to see that shmegmar never used them. They probably had to grind for runes on several occasions while also completing a large portion ofElden Ring’s optional content to level up.
Some users have shared tips and strategies on spending these runes. One player recommended that shmegmar shouldbuy every type of Somber Smithing Stone, an item used to upgrade special weapons, before starting new game plus inElden Ring. Players can purchase these items at the Roundtable Hold after giving the required Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings to Twin Maiden Husks.
Players can also drop Golden Runes for a friend to help them level up. One user utilized this method but asked that friend to give them back for anewly createdElden Ringcharacter, allowing them to gain tens of levels instantly.
Judging by the comments, many players use Golden Runes whenever they are close to leveling up or want toupgrade weapons or Spirit Ashes. Additionally, the number of runes required to level up dramatically increases at endgame. One user stated that they need 450,000 runes to level up, and so they have decided to help others defeatElden Ring’s final boss to help speed things up.
Elden Ringis out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:Elden Ring Player Calculates How Many Boars Would Have to Be Killed to Hit Max Level
