Elden Ring Runes: 20 Mistakes to Avoid at Mid-Game
Mid-game in Elden Ring is when things start to open up—both in terms of world size and difficulty. You’ve probably beaten a few major bosses and ventured past the familiar early zones, but the challenges now scale significantly. This stage is also where many players unknowingly waste resources, ignore crucial mechanics, or sabotage their builds. To help you navigate this pivotal phase, here are 20 mistakes to avoid when it comes to handling your runes and progression.
1. Hoarding Runes Without Spending Them
It’s tempting to save up runes for a big stat upgrade, but dying with 50k-plus in your pocket is all too common. Don’t risk it—spend regularly.
2. Ignoring Vigor
Damage scaling is exciting, but skipping Vigor will leave you one-shotted by mid-game bosses. Aim for at least 35–40 Vigor before heading into the capital.
3. Overcommitting to a Hybrid Build Too Early
Trying to scale Strength, Intelligence, and Faith all at once might sound fun, but splitting stats early can gimp your damage. Specialize, then diversify later.
4. Not Upgrading Spirit Ashes
By mid-game, un-upgraded ashes like Lone Wolf or Jellyfish become nearly useless. Invest in your summons—they can carry you through tough fights.
5. Failing to Explore Optional Dungeons
Some of the best rune sources and upgrade materials are in side dungeons. Avoiding them means slower progression and weaker gear.
6. Selling Boss Remembrances
Sure, they offer a decent rune payout, but most can be traded for unique weapons or spells. Consider what you’re giving up.
7. Ignoring Rune-Boosting Talismans
Talismans like the Gold Scarab can massively increase your farming efficiency. Seek them out early.
8. Forgetting to Respec
Rennala’s respec feature lets you correct early-game mistakes. Take advantage of it if your build isn’t working by mid-game.
9. Leveling Up Too Broadly
Stick to 2–3 primary stats. Spreading points too thin across all attributes leaves you underpowered in every category.
10. Skipping Over Somber Smithing Stones
Somber weapons don’t need duplicates to upgrade. Use them wisely, especially on boss weapons.
11. Failing to Farm Strategically
Target areas like Altus Plateau or Mohgwyn Palace for efficient rune farming. Random overworld farming is a time sink.
12. Ignoring Buff Consumables
Greases, incantations, and flasks can make or break a boss fight. Use them more often.
13. Locking Yourself Out of NPC Quests
NPCs often reward you with rare items or rune-efficient gear. Killing or ignoring them too soon can hurt your build options.
14. Forgetting to Equip Rune Arcs
Great Runes aren’t helpful without Rune Arcs. Save them for key fights, but don’t forget to use them.
15. Refusing to Experiment with Weapon Scaling
Weapons with unique scaling can out-damage standard ones. Mid-game is the perfect time to try something new.
16. Underestimating Status Effects
Bleed, frostbite, and poison remain strong in mid-game. Consider swapping in a status-inflicting weapon.
17. Spending All Smithing Stones Too Soon
Save some for new weapon finds. You don’t want to be stuck with a +10 weapon you don’t love.
18. Disregarding Co-op and PvP Opportunities
Mid-game areas are prime for summoning help or being summoned. Use this for faster rune gains and boss assistance.
19. Overlooking Upgrades on Armor and Shields
While less impactful than weapons, shields with high guard boost or armor with poise can help immensely.
20. Ignoring Item Marketplaces
For those struggling with tight rune economy or missing gear, some players choose to buy elden ring runes xbox or Buy Elden Ring items PS4 to help streamline their progression. While not for everyone, it’s a method some players use to get past difficulty walls.
Mid-game is when Elden Ring demands your full attention to detail, resource management, and build synergy. Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between struggling for hours or progressing confidently through the Shattering.
