Leveling up in Elden Ring is one of the core ways to grow stronger and survive the deadly battles across the Lands Between. Players use Elden Ring runes, which are both experience points and currency, to increase attributes like Vigor, Strength, and Intelligence. But how many runes does it actually take to level up?
Here’s a breakdown of how rune costs scale with each level and what you should keep in mind as you progress.
Rune Requirements Per Level Range
| Character Level Range | Average Runes Required per Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | 500–1,300 | Very fast leveling; ideal for early game builds |
| 11–20 | 1,400–3,200 | Rune cost starts to rise but still manageable |
| 21–40 | 3,300–8,000 | Mid-game grinding becomes necessary |
| 41–60 | 8,100–16,000 | Rune farming becomes essential at this stage |
| 61–80 | 16,100–28,000 | Boss fights and late-game farming zones help |
| 81–100 | 28,100–45,000 | Recommended to focus your build; rune cost is high |
| 100+ | 45,000+ | Extreme rune investment; best left for NG+ and endgame |
Tips to Earn More Elden Ring Runes
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Farm in Mohgwyn Palace | This area is one of the best rune farming spots with Albinaurics giving tens of thousands of runes per run |
| Defeat Major Bosses | Main and optional bosses provide high rune rewards after each kill |
| Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot | Boosts rune acquisition temporarily—ideal during heavy farming |
| Equip Rune-Boosting Talismans | Talismans like the Gold Scarab increase rune drop rates |
| Sell Unused Elden Ring Items | Clear inventory space and earn extra runes by selling excess gear |
How to Spend Runes Effectively
| Attribute | When to Prioritize |
|---|---|
| Vigor | If you die quickly—more health means better survival |
| Strength/Dexterity | For melee-focused builds and weapon scaling |
| Intelligence/Faith | Crucial for magic-based builds and spell efficiency |
| Mind | Needed for increasing FP (magic and skill usage) |
| Endurance | Boosts stamina and equip load—great for tank builds |
Smart Rune Management
As you gain more Elden Ring runes, it becomes increasingly important not to waste them. Before leveling up, always check your gear and upgrade needs. Some Elden Ring items, such as Smithing Stones or Larval Tears, may take priority depending on your build.
Also, remember that runes can be lost upon death—and lost again if you fail to reclaim them. Consider banking them by leveling up frequently, especially before facing tough enemies or venturing into unknown areas.
Understanding how many Elden Ring runes you need to level up is key to pacing your progress and building a strong character. As your level increases, so does the cost, so smart farming and resource management become crucial. Don’t forget that Elden Ring items also play a huge role in strengthening your character—leveling is just one part of the equation.