In Elden Ring, runes are one of the most crucial resources you’ll come across, allowing you to level up, upgrade equipment, and buy essential items. The importance of Elden Ring runes cannot be overstated, as they serve as the primary currency for progression in the game. Whether you’ve just defeated a boss or are exploring the vast open world, you’ll find yourself accumulating a significant number of runes. But once you’ve gathered enough, what’s the best way to spend them? One of the most efficient ways is to buy consumables that can aid you in your journey. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best Elden Ring consumables to purchase with your extra runes to ensure your survival and success in the Lands Between.

What Are the Runes for in Elden Ring?

Before we dive into the best consumables, it’s essential to understand the role of runes in Elden Ring. Runes serve as both currency and experience points, allowing you to upgrade your character and buy items. Every time you defeat an enemy or boss, you’ll be rewarded with runes, which can be spent at merchants or used to level up your stats at Sites of Grace. But they’re not just for upgrading your character’s abilities—they’re also useful for purchasing items that can make your adventure a lot easier. With so many consumables available, choosing the right ones can make a big difference when facing tougher enemies and bosses.

Best Consumables to Buy with Extra Runes

1. Golden Runes
   Golden Runes are one of the most useful consumables in Elden Ring. These items allow you to gain a small number of runes when used. They are not as valuable as defeating an enemy, but when you have extra runes, Golden Runes are an easy and quick way to farm additional runes, especially in areas where enemies are sparse. By purchasing these runes, you can make sure you're always stocked up on resources without worrying about running low.

2. Sacred Tears
   Sacred Tears are essential for upgrading your flask’s healing potential. These consumables are not only vital for increasing your survivability but also for boosting your chances of success in tough encounters. Investing in Sacred Tears will ensure that your flask can heal you more effectively, which is a game-changer in challenging battles. Since they’re often hard to come by, buying them with extra runes is a smart decision.

3. Rainbow Stones
   While not directly related to combat, Rainbow Stones are great for those who want to navigate the world of Elden Ring Runes with greater precision. They can be used to mark places of interest, warn you of upcoming traps, or help guide your way through the massive open world. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring every corner of the map, buying a few Rainbow Stones with extra runes is definitely worthwhile.

4. Crafting Materials
   Crafting plays a significant role in Elden Ring, and while many crafting materials can be found in the world, there are times when it's more convenient to purchase them. Essential materials like Crystal Buds, Beast Bones, and other key ingredients can be bought with runes from merchants. These items are often used for crafting consumables like firebombs, arrows, and throwable items that can help you in combat situations. Having a stockpile of crafting materials is a good strategy for keeping your resources in check.

5. Boluses
   Boluses, such as the Preserving Boluses and Neutralizing Boluses, are incredibly useful in Elden Ring as they can help you negate harmful effects like poison and scarlet rot. When venturing through toxic or rot-infested areas, these consumables are indispensable. Since you can often encounter poison and rot in some of the game’s toughest regions, buying these boluses with your extra runes is a smart investment.

6. Fire Grease and Other Buffing Consumables
   Certain consumables, like Fire Grease, provide buffs that increase your weapon’s damage output for a limited time. These consumables are especially useful against specific enemies or bosses who have weaknesses to fire. If you want to maximize your damage potential, purchasing buffing consumables with extra runes can give you the edge you need to overcome tough challenges.

7. Smithing Stones
   Upgrading your weapons is an essential part of Elden Ring, and having a stash of Smithing Stones will ensure that you can upgrade your gear as needed. While some Smithing Stones can be found in the wild, you can also purchase them with runes. This ensures that you’re always ready to improve your weapons, especially when facing enemies with higher levels or those that require a particular weapon tier.

8. Expensive Healing Items
   Healing items like the Flask of Wondrous Physick are invaluable, especially during long boss fights or difficult areas. While you can craft some healing items, certain rarer ones can only be bought from vendors. These healing items can make all the difference when your health is running low, and buying them with your extra runes can save you a lot of frustration during tough encounters.

With runes being such a versatile resource in Elden Ring, knowing how to spend them wisely can give you a significant advantage on your journey through the Lands Between. Whether you’re upgrading your character, stocking up on healing items, or preparing for the next boss fight, consumables like Golden Runes, Sacred Tears, and Smithing Stones are all excellent choices. By carefully selecting what to buy with your extra runes, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the many challenges Elden Ring has to offer.

In conclusion, Elden Ring runes are not just for leveling up your character—they’re also a key resource for enhancing your survival and boosting your performance in battle. Keep an eye on merchants, and don’t hesitate to spend your extra runes on essential consumables that will help you conquer the Lands Between!