You don’t need to buy runes from a real-money seller to progress in Elden Ring. Runes are earned through gameplay or obtained from items, then spent in-game on leveling, items, and strengthening weapons and armor. Which use makes sense depends on what your character needs next.
What can you spend runes on?
Bandai Namco Europe’s starter guide identifies three uses for runes:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Elden Ring (PS5) (European Version) | $34.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Elden Ring, 1 PS5-Blu-ray Disc | $73.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Elden Ring: Nightreign - Seekers Edition /PS5 | $43.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Bandai Namco Entertainment Elden Ring (PS5) | $40.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Elden Ring - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Level up your character: At a Site of Grace, choose the “Level Up” menu option.
- Buy items: Spend runes on items that address a current need.
- Strengthen weapons and armor: Invest in equipment improvements that suit your character and plans.
Which use should come first?
There is no universal spending order established by the official guide. Consider the immediate problem you want to solve: leveling supports character progression, an item can meet a specific need, and equipment improvements strengthen gear. Choose based on your build and circumstances rather than following a fixed allocation.
Should you buy runes with real money?
The official guide describes earning runes by defeating enemies or using items; it does not establish whether third-party real-money rune sellers are permitted, safe, or reliable. There is no basis here to recommend one. For ordinary progression, use the in-game resource and spend it on the options the publisher documents.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware Inc. and produced by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG and FromSoftware's largest game to date, set within a world full of mystery and peril
- Journey through the Lands Between, a new fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the influential DARK SOULS video game series, and George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire
- Traverse the breathtaking world on foot or on horseback, alone or online with other players, and fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains, and foreboding castles
- Create your character in FromSoftware’s refi ned action-RPG and defi ne your playstyle by experimenting with a wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills found throughout the world
- Charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, or even call upon allies for aid - many options are at your disposal as you decide how to approach exploration and combat
Rank #3
- Elden Ring: Nightreign - Seekers Edition /PS5
#1 Best Overall
- Collaborating with George R.R. Martin to create the ELDEN RING mythos has been a genuinely delightful experience and a source of wonderful inspiration. The team is working hard to ensure that the world of ELDEN RING will be a fascinating place for players to explore, filled with peril and wonder from its furthest reaches to its lowest depths. This is a FromSoftware title through and through, rich in fantasy and RPG action. We sincerely hope you look forward to it.
- Building the world of ELDEN RING with Miyazaki-san and his team was a treat! The graphics, mythos, and action-RPG gameplay will deliver an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for people to see what ELDEN RING has in store for them.” Said George R.R. Martin.
How to level up with runes
- Rest at a Site of Grace.
- Choose “Level Up” from the Site of Grace menu.
- Spend runes on a level when it serves your character’s current needs; use any remaining runes for useful items or equipment improvements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
