ShadowTesseract
Posté le : 07 Aoû 2025 08:05
As you progress into the midgame of Elden Ring, runes become more than just a means to level up. With a wider world unlocked, more merchants available, and a deeper understanding of your build, it’s crucial to start spending wisely. Here are 10 smart ways to make the most of your midgame runes—because burning through them thoughtlessly can come back to haunt you in the Lands Between.
1. Upgrade Your Main Weapon Early and Often
Midgame is where enemies start to hit harder, and bosses introduce more punishing movesets. Upgrading your primary weapon using Smithing Stones is arguably one of the best rune investments you can make. Rather than chasing shiny new weapons constantly, stick with one that complements your build and take it to at least +10 as early as possible.
2. Invest in Vigor — Seriously
If you haven’t already, it’s time to pump those runes into Vigor. Many new players underestimate its value, but extra health often makes the difference between barely surviving a hit and having to reload your last Site of Grace. A good midgame threshold is around 30 Vigor for melee builds.
3. Stock Up on Crafting Materials
While you’ll find many materials in the wild, buying them with runes saves time and keeps your focus on exploration. Common ingredients like Trina’s Lily, Arteria Leaf, or even basic animal bones can be purchased from select vendors. Check out the Elden Shop equivalent vendors like the Twin Maiden Husks as they often stock useful items once you've handed over Bell Bearings.
4. Purchase Stonesword Keys for Secret Areas
By now, you’ve probably realized that Stonesword Keys unlock some of the most worthwhile secrets in Elden Ring. Midgame areas like the Altus Plateau or underground zones are littered with fog gates hiding high-value loot. Always keep a few keys in your inventory—they’re a solid investment.
5. Upgrade Your Spirit Ashes
Don’t neglect your Spirit Ashes. If you’re relying on them to tank or distract in boss fights, they need to keep up. Use your runes to purchase Grave or Ghost Gloveworts (if you’re short, they’re often available in the elden shop NPC vendors after you hand in certain items), then upgrade your go-to summon. A +5 Spirit Ash can drastically shift the tide in boss battles.
6. Unlock New Armor Sets — For Style and Stats
Armor isn't just about looks (though fashion is half the fun). In the midgame, new armor sets can offer better poise, elemental resistance, and overall survivability. Spend runes to experiment with different sets and find what complements your build and aesthetic.
7. Expand Your Flask Charges
Hidden churches and minor Erdtrees often hold Sacred Tears and Golden Seeds. Once collected, you'll still need to spend runes at a Site of Grace to allocate and enhance your flasks. Make sure you don’t neglect this; having stronger healing is essential as boss difficulty scales up.
8. Respec with Rennala
If you’ve beaten Rennala and unlocked the ability to respec, consider using your runes to experiment with new builds. The midgame is a great time to try hybrid playstyles, such as melee + incantations or ranged + frost sorcery. Just make sure you’ve got a Larval Tear handy.
9. Buy Useful Talismans
Talismans can radically alter your gameplay. From boosting stamina regen to enhancing charged attacks, they’re worth every rune. Vendors like the Elden Shop-style NPCs or traveling merchants may stock rare talismans you’ve missed. It’s worth checking back with them after progressing in the story.
10. Save for Emergencies — or Big Purchases
It’s tempting to spend runes as fast as you get them, but midgame is full of costly moments: a new merchant selling a powerful spell, an armor set you’ve been hunting, or a unique boss weapon. Sometimes the smartest move is to keep a reserve—just in case. If you're ever running short, and grinding isn't your thing, there are players online constantly searching for Elden Ring runes for sale, though your best path forward is still to enjoy the grind and discover what the Lands Between throws at you next.
Midgame in Elden Ring is where the game truly opens up. With so many ways to use runes beyond just leveling up, it's important to prioritize based on your playstyle and goals. Whether you’re a bleed-focused katana wielder or a spell-slinging astrologer, smart rune management can elevate your journey—and maybe even help you survive a few more boss fights.
1. Upgrade Your Main Weapon Early and Often
Midgame is where enemies start to hit harder, and bosses introduce more punishing movesets. Upgrading your primary weapon using Smithing Stones is arguably one of the best rune investments you can make. Rather than chasing shiny new weapons constantly, stick with one that complements your build and take it to at least +10 as early as possible.
2. Invest in Vigor — Seriously
If you haven’t already, it’s time to pump those runes into Vigor. Many new players underestimate its value, but extra health often makes the difference between barely surviving a hit and having to reload your last Site of Grace. A good midgame threshold is around 30 Vigor for melee builds.
3. Stock Up on Crafting Materials
While you’ll find many materials in the wild, buying them with runes saves time and keeps your focus on exploration. Common ingredients like Trina’s Lily, Arteria Leaf, or even basic animal bones can be purchased from select vendors. Check out the Elden Shop equivalent vendors like the Twin Maiden Husks as they often stock useful items once you've handed over Bell Bearings.
4. Purchase Stonesword Keys for Secret Areas
By now, you’ve probably realized that Stonesword Keys unlock some of the most worthwhile secrets in Elden Ring. Midgame areas like the Altus Plateau or underground zones are littered with fog gates hiding high-value loot. Always keep a few keys in your inventory—they’re a solid investment.
5. Upgrade Your Spirit Ashes
Don’t neglect your Spirit Ashes. If you’re relying on them to tank or distract in boss fights, they need to keep up. Use your runes to purchase Grave or Ghost Gloveworts (if you’re short, they’re often available in the elden shop NPC vendors after you hand in certain items), then upgrade your go-to summon. A +5 Spirit Ash can drastically shift the tide in boss battles.
6. Unlock New Armor Sets — For Style and Stats
Armor isn't just about looks (though fashion is half the fun). In the midgame, new armor sets can offer better poise, elemental resistance, and overall survivability. Spend runes to experiment with different sets and find what complements your build and aesthetic.
7. Expand Your Flask Charges
Hidden churches and minor Erdtrees often hold Sacred Tears and Golden Seeds. Once collected, you'll still need to spend runes at a Site of Grace to allocate and enhance your flasks. Make sure you don’t neglect this; having stronger healing is essential as boss difficulty scales up.
8. Respec with Rennala
If you’ve beaten Rennala and unlocked the ability to respec, consider using your runes to experiment with new builds. The midgame is a great time to try hybrid playstyles, such as melee + incantations or ranged + frost sorcery. Just make sure you’ve got a Larval Tear handy.
9. Buy Useful Talismans
Talismans can radically alter your gameplay. From boosting stamina regen to enhancing charged attacks, they’re worth every rune. Vendors like the Elden Shop-style NPCs or traveling merchants may stock rare talismans you’ve missed. It’s worth checking back with them after progressing in the story.
10. Save for Emergencies — or Big Purchases
It’s tempting to spend runes as fast as you get them, but midgame is full of costly moments: a new merchant selling a powerful spell, an armor set you’ve been hunting, or a unique boss weapon. Sometimes the smartest move is to keep a reserve—just in case. If you're ever running short, and grinding isn't your thing, there are players online constantly searching for Elden Ring runes for sale, though your best path forward is still to enjoy the grind and discover what the Lands Between throws at you next.
Midgame in Elden Ring is where the game truly opens up. With so many ways to use runes beyond just leveling up, it's important to prioritize based on your playstyle and goals. Whether you’re a bleed-focused katana wielder or a spell-slinging astrologer, smart rune management can elevate your journey—and maybe even help you survive a few more boss fights.
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