Dying in Elden Ring is inevitable. Whether you get blindsided by a lurking Black Knife Assassin or accidentally roll off a cliff in the fog, you’re going to lose Runes. But staying broke doesn’t have to be your fate. With the right techniques, you can keep your fortune intact—or at least recover fast.

Here are 27 time-tested strategies for holding onto your Runes, even after death, from a Tarnished who's learned the hard way.

1. Always Spend Before Exploring

If you’ve just beaten a boss or completed a large farming run, don’t push your luck. Head to a Site of Grace and level up or invest in gear upgrades. A full Rune pouch is a dangerous thing to carry.

2. Memorize Your Route Back

When you do die, stay calm. Recall your path so you don’t waste time—or get ambushed again—trying to reclaim your lost Runes.

3. Use the Twiggy Cracked Tear

This item, when mixed into your Flask of Wondrous Physick, prevents Rune loss on death. It’s limited in duration, but invaluable during risky encounters.

4. Stock Up on Sacrificial Twigs

These consumables also safeguard your Runes upon death. Equip one before exploring unknown areas or facing tough bosses.

5. Explore With Minimal Runes

Leave heavy leveling or purchasing until after you've explored. Keep your Rune total low to reduce risk.

6. Quick-Travel Often

If you find yourself with a pile of Runes but low healing flasks, warp out. Don’t risk it for another few enemies.

7. Know the Best Rune Farming Spots

Mastering a few farming locations ensures you can quickly rebuild. For early players, the Gatefront Ruins are reliable. For mid-to-late game, Mohgwyn Palace is king.

8. Avoid Dying Twice in a Row

This may sound obvious, but never rush back to your bloodstain. Enemies are likely still around. Take your time or prepare a new strategy.

9. Practice Rune Banking

When you're near a merchant or blacksmith, spend Runes on arrows, smithing stones, or items—even if you don’t need them immediately.

10. Upgrade Spirit Ashes

They’re more than allies—they’re investments. They help you win without burning through flasks or risking Rune loss.

11. Use Summons Wisely

Don’t rush into a boss fight solo. Spirit Ashes can buy you time and reduce the chance of a Rune-wasting death.

12. Choose When to Use Rune Arcs

Rune Arcs make you stronger with Great Runes, but you lose the buff on death. Don’t pop one right before exploring unknown caves.

13. Beware of PvP Zones

Places like the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum invite invaders. Leave your Runes behind or be ready to defend them.

14. Test New Areas Without Runes

Use throwaway characters or enter risky zones after spending Runes to scout enemies and traps.

15. Learn Boss Patterns First

Before using Rune Arcs or buffs, spend time learning the boss’s moveset. No point enhancing your power only to die in phase one.

16. Don’t Get Greedy

One extra swing often means death. Know when to back off and heal, even if it costs you a bit of time.

17. Manage Encumbrance

Being too heavy slows your rolls and gets you killed faster. Stay within the medium weight threshold unless you know what you’re doing.

18. Practice Hit-and-Run Farming

In high-risk areas, don’t clear everything. Grab your Runes, kill a few mobs, warp out, and repeat.

19. Revisit NPC Shops

Sometimes you forget what’s available. When you're rich, a quick visit to vendors could offer unexpected upgrades and reduce Rune overload.

20. Use the Compass Wisely

It points to your bloodstain. If you're lost, follow it—but don't rush blindly into danger.

21. Upgrade Flask Allocation

More FP flasks for summons? Or more healing? Adjust before tough zones to reduce your death count.

22. Don’t Underestimate Minor Enemies

A pack of wolves or rats can end your journey if you’re careless. Give every encounter your full attention.

23. Mark Dangerous Spots on the Map

If you die somewhere tricky, place a marker. It'll help future runs and reduce repeat deaths.

24. Use Ashes of War for Crowd Control

Equipping the right Ash of War can keep you from getting swarmed. "Flaming Strike" or "Storm Blade" are great options.

25. Craft in Advance

Have pots, darts, and buffs ready before a big exploration session. Crafting mid-battle won’t save your Runes.

26. Buy Useful Backup Gear

You don’t need to hoard Runes. Buying extra weapons or armor sets can give you more flexibility—and cost less than losing a full level's worth of Runes.

27. Know Where to Recover

If you’re drained from too many losses, head to safe Rune farming zones to recover. For newer players, it may be worth researching the best place to buy Elden Ring Runes to get back on track faster. Likewise, those playing on console often buy Elden Ring items Xbox to fill in missing gear and ease progression—especially after multiple setbacks.

Staying rich in Elden Ring isn’t just about hoarding Runes—it’s about smart decisions, consistent farming, and knowing when to spend. With these 27 techniques, you'll cut your losses and keep your power growing, death after death. After all, even the Tarnished can learn from their mistakes.