Boss battles in Elden Ring are some of the most exhilarating moments in the game, but they also come with a hefty price — losing precious runes. As the game punishes failure with the loss of your hard-earned currency, it’s important to take steps to save runes during these intense confrontations. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 strategies to help you conserve your runes while maximizing your chances of success in boss battles.
1. Learn Boss Patterns Early
One of the most effective ways to save runes is to avoid dying in the first place. Bosses in Elden Ring have distinct attack patterns, and the more you learn them, the less likely you are to make mistakes that will cost you runes. Take the time to observe and study each boss's moves to avoid unnecessary deaths.
2. Use Cheap Elden Ring Items
There are a variety of cheap Elden Ring items that can help you stay alive longer during boss fights. For example, using buffing items like Golden Vow or Physick flasks can improve your defense and attack power without breaking the bank.
3. Stock Up on Healing Items
Rather than relying on runes to upgrade your character’s stats constantly, make sure you are well-stocked on healing items before engaging in boss battles. Items like Flask of Cerulean Tears and Flask of Crimson Tears can save your life in critical moments, preventing you from needing to spend additional runes to level up or buy consumables.
4. Level Up Strategically
Leveling up your character is essential for success, but focusing too much on upgrading every stat can quickly drain your resources. Focus on a few key attributes that will make you more effective in boss fights (such as Endurance and Vigor), which can help you avoid spending too many runes on unnecessary upgrades.
5. Equip the Right Talismans
Certain talismans can provide passive boosts during boss fights, reducing the need for frequent healing and making it easier to save runes. Talismans like Radagon's Scarseal can increase your damage resistance and make fights easier, allowing you to survive longer without needing to buy Elden Ring runes to level up.
6. Use Spirit Summons
Spirit Summons are an invaluable resource during boss battles. These AI-controlled allies can divert the boss’s attention and give you breathing room to attack or heal. They can save you from dying and losing runes, allowing you to focus on dodging and attacking while your summon takes some of the heat.
7. Practice in the Field
Before confronting a boss, take time to practice combat techniques in the field. Mastering your dodging, attack timings, and positioning will help you during boss fights, reducing the chances of losing runes due to avoidable mistakes.
8. Take Advantage of Stealth
Many bosses in Elden Ring have a vulnerable phase that can be exploited by sneaking up on them. Using stealth to get the first strike or avoid taking damage can make the difference between victory and defeat, ultimately saving your runes.
9. Upgrade Weapons Efficiently
Rather than focusing on leveling up your character’s stats to increase overall damage, prioritize upgrading your weapons. A fully upgraded weapon can significantly increase your damage output, reducing the number of hits needed to defeat a boss and decreasing your overall risk of dying.
10. Avoid Unnecessary Rebirths
After dying to a boss, you may be tempted to level up or buy Elden Ring runes to retry. However, this can quickly become expensive. Instead, focus on learning from each attempt and conserving your resources by taking a more thoughtful approach rather than immediately respawning and spending more runes.
11. Use Environment to Your Advantage
Certain areas of the game world can provide cover or advantageous positions during boss battles. Whether it's using high ground for range combat or hiding behind structures to avoid direct attacks, making use of your environment can help minimize rune loss during encounters.
12. Manage Your Rune Bank
If you're struggling with runes, consider using the “Rune Bank” feature to store excess runes. By doing so, you reduce the risk of losing large amounts of runes should you die during a boss battle. This technique allows you to build up a cushion of safety, making it easier to absorb losses while still progressing through the game.
By following these strategies, you can ensure that your runes go further and minimize the impact of death during Elden Ring boss battles. Master these tips and you’ll be able to take down even the toughest bosses without draining your resources.