Facing a boss in Elden Ring can be exhilarating—but also nerve-wracking, especially when you’re carrying a hefty amount of runes. Losing them to a brutal encounter is something every Tarnished fears. As someone who has spent over 200 hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve learned some hard lessons about rune management. Here are seven tried-and-true ways to keep your Elden Ring runes safe before a boss fight.

1. Spend Your Runes Before You Enter the Arena
The simplest and most effective way to avoid losing your runes is to spend them. Whether you're leveling up at a Site of Grace, stocking up on arrows, or upgrading your flask, use your runes while you can. Before facing Margit, I lost over 30,000 runes—an early mistake I never repeated.

2. Use a Sacrificial Twig
This talisman saves your runes upon death once. It’s a great safety net if you're entering a fight blind or attempting a boss multiple times. I kept one equipped during my Radahn attempts, and it saved me from frustration more than once.

3. Store Runes in the Form of Items
Some consumables, like Golden Runes or Hero’s Runes, don’t drop upon death. Instead of risking large rune totals, convert them into item form if possible. This was a game-changer for me during my Volcano Manor quests. I started saving every Hero's Rune until I was ready to level up.

4. Summon Help First, Then Retrieve Your Runes
If you die during a boss fight, your runes are dropped outside the fog gate. Summon your Spirit Ashes or a co-op partner first to distract the boss, then run in and grab them. Timing this right let me recover my 100,000 runes during the Fire Giant battle after three failed attempts.

5. Drop Your Runes in a Safe Spot Before Entering
If you're really concerned, die intentionally in a safe location nearby and then face the boss. This way, your runes are left in a place that’s easy to access. I used this method during my Mohg fight to avoid losing a massive rune stash.

6. Use Multiplayer to Your Advantage
Engaging in jolly cooperation not only makes boss fights easier but gives you a better chance of surviving with your runes intact. Even better, if you’re summoned to help someone else, you keep your runes whether you win or lose. I often used this to test bosses risk-free and even earn a few runes in the process.

7. Consider the Market: Buy Elden Ring Runes Safely
While not for everyone, some players actually buy Elden Ring runes to save time and ease the grind. If you choose to go this route, make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy source like U4GM, where experienced players ensure transactions are fast and secure. I tried this once after losing over 200,000 runes due to a disconnect—and while I prefer to earn them in-game, it was a lifesaver in that moment.
Losing your hard-earned Elden Ring runes can feel like a major setback, but with the right precautions, you can focus on what really matters—conquering the next boss. Whether you're a first-time Tarnished or a seasoned veteran, these strategies can help you preserve your progress and enjoy the journey across the Lands Between.

Helpful Tip: How to Farm Elden Ring Runes with the Wave of Gold Skill: 4 Simple Steps