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Losing thousands of Elden Ring Runes in the blink of an eye is a pain every Tarnished knows too well—especially in Hardcore Mode, where death can be utterly punishing. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a fresh traveler in the Lands Between, keeping your hard-earned runes safe is key to progressing efficiently. Here are nine practical tips to help you protect your runes and avoid unnecessary setbacks in Elden Ring’s brutal high-stakes experience.
1. Bank Your Runes Frequently
If you're not actively leveling up or buying gear, hoarding a large stash of Elden Ring Runes is a risky gamble. Make regular visits to Sites of Grace and spend those runes before pushing deeper into dangerous territory. Banking runes through leveling up, buying consumables, or upgrading gear minimizes potential losses.
2. Use the Twiggy Cracked Tear
One of the best items for Hardcore Mode survival is the Twiggy Cracked Tear, which temporarily prevents rune loss on death when used in a Wondrous Physick mix. It’s especially helpful before attempting a boss or venturing into unfamiliar regions. Always keep one ready when you know a risky area is ahead.
3. Equip a Sacrificial Twig
This Talisman prevents you from dropping runes upon death—but it’s consumed in the process. Though it’s a one-time-use item, it’s a lifesaver when you're sitting on a heavy rune cache. You can find several throughout the game or buy Elden Ring Items from merchants and NPCs that stock them.
4. Scout with Spirit Ashes First
When exploring new areas, use Spirit Ashes to test enemy behavior and patrol patterns. They can trigger traps or distract enemies long enough for you to gain an advantage or escape. This strategy minimizes the risk of getting overwhelmed and losing your runes unexpectedly.
5. Use the Mount to Escape Quickly
Torrent isn't just for traversal—he’s your emergency exit. When things go south and you’re carrying a significant amount of Elden Ring Runes, don’t hesitate to mount up and ride out. Keep an eye on your stamina and terrain, and always know your escape routes.
6. Avoid Greedy Rune Retrievals
You see your rune pile shining in the distance, but the area is swarming with enemies or deadly traps. Rushing in recklessly often results in a second death—and permanent loss. Instead, approach strategically, clear the area first, or lure enemies away before reclaiming your runes.
7. Farm in Safer Areas When Necessary
There’s no shame in backing off to a lower-level area for a rune boost. If you need Elden Ring Runes to afford a crucial upgrade or spell, consider revisiting safer farming spots. It may take a bit longer, but it's far better than risking everything in a high-level zone.
8. Keep an Eye on Enemy Patterns
Many deaths in Hardcore Mode come from unfamiliar enemy move sets. Study your foes. Learn their tells and cooldowns before fully engaging. A bit of patience goes a long way—especially when a single misstep can cost you thousands of runes and hours of progress.
9. Limit Risk Before Boss Fights
Before initiating a boss encounter, always spend your runes. Whether you level up, upgrade weapons, or buy Elden Ring Items like buffs or status cures, going into a fight with zero runes on hand is one of the simplest ways to reduce loss. If you die, at least you don’t lose anything.
Elden Ring’s Hardcore Mode turns every rune into a valuable resource and every death into a serious setback. While some loss is inevitable, implementing the strategies above can drastically reduce the chances of walking away empty-handed. Learn from each death, adapt your approach, and remember: the smart Tarnished isn’t the one who fights the hardest—it’s the one who survives to fight again
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