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Entering New Game+ (NG+) in Elden Ring is both exciting and intimidating. You carry over your gear, levels, and Runes—but the world hits harder and expects more from you. While enemies are tougher and rewards greater, managing your Runes becomes even more critical. Whether you're farming for upgrades or experimenting with new builds, understanding how to handle Runes in NG+ can make all the difference.

Here are 14 practical Runes tips to make your New Game+ journey smoother and more rewarding.

1. Be Strategic With Leveling

Just because you have a ton of Runes doesn’t mean you should dump them into one stat. In NG+, it’s better to fine-tune builds rather than over-leveling everything. This lets you remain flexible and responsive to different combat challenges.

2. Know When to Bank Runes

It’s easy to get greedy, especially when you start steamrolling early NG+ enemies. But don’t forget—death still means dropped Runes. Use them often or store them in consumable form to avoid loss during exploration.

3. Focus on Upgrade Materials First

One of the best ways to use Runes in NG+ is investing in Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. Before chasing more power through leveling, ensure your weapons are maxed out.

4. Revisit Bosses for High-Yield Farming

Major bosses like Mohg and Morgott drop large amounts of Runes. They’re excellent targets for early farming in NG+, especially if you’re trying new loadouts that need a quick boost.

5. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot

This consumable increases Runes gained for a limited time and is still very effective in NG+. Use it before big fights or boss runs for maximum efficiency.

6. Respec Frequently

With so many Runes at your disposal, it’s the perfect time to experiment with different builds. Use Larval Tears to respec and try something totally new—it’s a great way to make NG+ feel fresh.

7. Don’t Hoard Runes—Invest Wisely

While tempting to keep a large Rune stash, it's smarter to use them on gear, crafting items, or upgrades. There are plenty of Elden Ring Items for sale that can help you optimize your setup early on.

8. Experiment With Buff Builds

In NG+, buffing builds become more viable due to increased Rune access. Try builds that rely on incantations like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength to maximize your damage output.

9. Target High-Value Enemies

Some mini-bosses and enemies like the Cleanrot Knights or the Misbegotten in late-game zones yield high Rune counts. If you want to grind, focus on these types of foes.

10. Use NG+ to Practice PvP Loadouts

Since you’ve already beaten the game once, NG+ is a great opportunity to build PvP-focused characters. Runes are easy to come by, making it less punishing to try unconventional setups.

11. Avoid Rune Waste at Checkpoints

When you're close to leveling up, don’t trigger a Site of Grace unless you plan to spend your Runes. Many players forget and lose large stashes by walking into ambushes or traps afterward.

12. Combine Runes With Farming Spots

Capital Outskirts and Haligtree areas are still great farming zones in NG+. Pair your runs with the Gold Scarab talisman to maximize yield per kill.

13. Strengthen Summons

You should also use Runes to upgrade Spirit Ashes. Powerful summons like Black Knife Tiche or Latenna remain highly viable in NG+ and can save you in tight boss fights.

14. Supplement Your Progress

If you're experimenting with multiple builds and gear setups, and find yourself short on specific gear or upgrade items, many players turn to the Best site to buy Elden Ring Runes or browse Elden Ring Items for sale to fill the gap and focus more on gameplay and strategy.

New Game+ isn’t just about redoing the game at a higher difficulty—it’s about refining your playstyle and unlocking the true potential of your character. With a smarter approach to managing Runes, your second (or third) run can be just as exciting and rewarding as your first.