Elden Ring is a game that rewards careful planning, exploration, and patience. Among its many systems, runes are the lifeblood of character progression, allowing you to level up, upgrade gear, and improve your stats. But if you’re not careful, the quest for runes can be riddled with pitfalls. Here are 11 common mistakes players make when power leveling—and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing Through Areas
It’s tempting to sprint through zones just to rack up runes quickly. However, rushing often results in deaths that wipe out all the runes you’ve collected. Take your time to learn enemy patterns, use terrain to your advantage, and avoid unnecessary risks.
2. Ignoring High-Rune Farming Spots
Some areas in Elden Ring are goldmines for runes. Ignoring these spots in favor of random exploration can slow down your progression. Identify and revisit locations with high enemy density and manageable difficulty. If you’re pressed for runes, some players even choose to buy elden ring runes to supplement their farming.
3. Underestimating Equipment Upgrades
Leveling without upgrading your weapons and armor is a surefire way to hit a wall. Even minor upgrades can dramatically improve your damage output and survivability. Don’t waste runes just on leveling; balance it with meaningful gear enhancements.
4. Hoarding Runes
Carrying thousands of unspent runes might feel safe, but in Elden Ring, dying with a massive stash can be devastating. Level up when you have a significant amount, or consider using other in-game mechanics. Some players opt to buy Elden Ring items to mitigate losses or boost efficiency when low on resources.
5. Ignoring Status Effects and Resistances
Enemies in Elden Ring often have unique attack types. Power leveling without considering resistances can turn farming into a nightmare. Equip gear or consumables to counteract status effects to maintain smooth rune farming sessions.
6. Overlooking Spirit Summons
Many players ignore spirits when farming runes, thinking they’re better off solo. Summons can reduce deaths, making rune acquisition safer and faster. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen spirit companion.
7. Spending Runes on Non-Essentials
It’s easy to get distracted by flashy items or vanity upgrades. Focus your runes on leveling and essential gear first. Impulse spending can derail your power leveling strategy.
8. Neglecting Multiplayer Options
Invading other players or joining co-op sessions can yield high rune rewards. Many overlook this aspect, sticking strictly to single-player farming. Cooperative or competitive multiplayer offers a substantial boost if used wisely.
9. Forgetting to Optimize Rune Multipliers
Talismans, consumables, and certain equipment can increase the number of runes gained. Ignoring these options means leaving resources on the table. Always check your inventory and optimize your loadout before farming.
10. Repeating Inefficient Routes
Farming the same enemies without strategy can be slow and frustrating. Learn enemy respawn points and plan efficient loops to maximize runes per session. Efficiency beats brute force in the long run.
11. Ignoring Online Resources
Sometimes, knowing where to buy Elden Ring items or runes online can save hours of grinding. While in-game farming is satisfying, supplementing your progress through reliable sources can help you focus on exploring and enjoying the game instead of getting stuck.
Power leveling in Elden Ring is as much about strategy as it is about skill. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll find your journey smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. The key is balance: use runes wisely, upgrade smartly, and always stay prepared for the unexpected.
