Elden Ring Runes: 26 Creative Ways to Spend After Max Level
Reaching max level in Elden Ring is an accomplishment few players achieve. Once all stats are maxed out at 99 and you’ve essentially become a god among Tarnished, the question becomes: what do you do with all those leftover runes? Rather than letting them accumulate pointlessly or risk losing them during invasions or exploration, there are several creative and practical ways to make the most of your surplus.
Here are 26 smart and often overlooked ways to spend your runes even after hitting the level cap.
1. Stock Up on ConsumablesBuy stacks of arrows, bolts, throwing knives, and elemental pots to keep your inventory full for PvP or co-op support.
2. Invest in Spirit Ashes UpgradesEven if your character doesn’t use them often, having a fully upgraded set of Spirit Ashes is great for flexibility in co-op or New Game+.
3. Upgrade Alternative WeaponsTry upgrading unconventional or underused weapons just for fun — you might discover a new favorite build or PvP gimmick.
4. Support Low-Level SummonsUse rune-consuming gear to lower your level temporarily and play with low-level friends while maintaining strong equipment.
5. Experiment with Fashion SoulsBuy every armor set you can find. Some of the best-looking gear isn’t necessarily the strongest but is perfect for showing off style.
6. Hoard Crafting MaterialsEven basic items like Hefty Beast Bones or Root Resin can be useful in different situations. Keeping a full stock keeps your crafting options open.
7. Try Out All the Incantations and SorceriesNow that stat requirements aren’t an issue, invest in the most obscure or niche spells and see what works for fun or flair.
8. Purchase Backup Gear SetsKeep duplicates of fully upgraded weapons with different affinities (e.g., one with Bleed and one with Cold) ready for fast swapping.
9. Play with Status Effect BuildsTest out arcane-heavy poison, sleep, or madness builds. They’re not always optimal but can be surprisingly effective and fun.
10. Create PvP LoadoutsPrepare different PvP kits for duels, invasions, or arena fights. You’ll appreciate the flexibility.
11. Fuel Your Co-op PersonaHave a build and loadout for helping others with bosses. A faith-based support build is always welcome.
12. Fill Out Your Inventory for LoreBuy every item with a unique description — the lore in Elden Ring is rich, and having access to every piece adds depth.
13. Buy and Drop Items to Help OthersWhen doing co-op, you can drop basic consumables or runes to newer players as a gift.
14. Prepare for New Game+ ChallengesUse your resources to prepare multiple gear sets and consumables to tackle NG+ content with different playstyles.
15. Test Out Every Weapon ArtNow’s the perfect time to experience every Ash of War. Even the less popular ones can shine with the right weapon and strategy.
16. Rotate Builds for RP PurposesCreate builds around lore figures like Blaidd or Ranni and explore the world from their perspective.
17. Experiment with Clunky WeaponsTry out massive weapons you may have ignored — the Giant Crusher or Envoy’s Long Horn are more viable than they seem.
18. Explore the Elden shop NPCsCheck in with vendors you’ve ignored. Many have unique items or gear you may have missed. You might find new uses for old runes.
19. Use Rune-Consuming Items FreelyConsume the lesser Golden Runes you’ve been saving. There’s no reason to hoard them now.
20. Max Out Upgrade Mats InventoryPurchase and hold onto Smithing Stones, even if you don’t need them — future builds will thank you.
21. Join Random InvasionsKeep stocked on invasion gear and try new locations for PvP fun. You never know what wild fights you’ll encounter.
22. Buy Rune-Resets Through Larval TearsIf you like trying wild new builds, Larval Tears become your new best friend. Re-spec as often as you like.
23. Experiment with Hybrid BuildsGo for weird combos like Strength and Intelligence or Arcane and Faith. The results can be surprisingly viable.
24. Deck Out a Mule CharacterUse your main character to buy up Elden Ring Items for sale, then drop them to a secondary character for roleplay or challenge runs.
25. Collect Every Rune ArcThese are useful for buffing Great Runes. Keep your stock high for boss runs or group play.
26. Backup Runes for TradeIf you’re into community events, some players look for Elden Ring runes for sale equivalents through in-game trades.
Even at max level, the game doesn’t stop offering ways to explore and enjoy. Creative rune spending keeps your experience fresh and lets you continue helping others or experimenting with everything the game has to offer.