New Game Plus (NG+) in Elden Ring offers a thrilling opportunity to relive the journey with added difficulty and richer rewards. While many players look forward to replaying the game with their enhanced character builds, rune management becomes even more critical. After completing three NG+ runs myself, I've learned how to balance progression and power without letting all those precious runes go to waste. Here are six practical tips to refine your NG+ rune strategy—whether you’re farming or spending—while staying efficient and battle-ready.
In NG+, runes come in fast and furious, especially if you’re using gear like the Gold Scarab. One of my biggest early mistakes was hoarding runes and losing them to surprise ambushes. In NG+, enemies hit harder, and death is still very much part of the journey. Spend your runes often—on leveling stats, upgrading gear, or stocking up on cheap Elden Ring Items. Buying supplies like Boluses or Arrows can keep you alive, and they never go to waste.
Use your surplus runes in the early areas of NG+ to buy somber and regular smithing stones. Vendors like the Twin Maiden Husks can unlock new stones if you bring them the right Bell Bearings. Stocking up early means you’ll always have options when experimenting with different weapons. U4GM, a well-known hub for Elden Ring content and resources, often emphasizes the importance of being well-equipped rather than just high-leveled.
One of my favorite ways to earn fast runes in NG+ is revisiting optional bosses I skipped during my first playthrough. These bosses now offer a much higher rune yield, and defeating them feels significantly more rewarding. For example, clearing out Mohgwyn Palace or the Haligtree in NG+ can yield a massive boost in your rune bank. If you're trying to conserve time and maximize gain, prioritize these high-risk, high-reward zones.
This is the ideal time to diversify. In my second NG+ run, I pivoted from a Dexterity-heavy katana build to a hybrid Strength/Faith tank setup. I used my rune surplus to respec via Rennala and invest in different stats, weapons, and seals. This way, runes became a means of experimentation instead of just a number. If you're looking for flexibility, check platforms like U4GM, which offer insights and cheap Elden Ring Items to support new builds without grinding for hours.
One tip that saved me in Farum Azula during NG+ was holding onto consumable runes like Hero’s Runes and Lord’s Runes. I kept a reserve of these in my inventory to avoid farming during tougher zones. Once I cleared an area or reached a Site of Grace, I would pop them and make upgrades safely. When you see elden ring runes for sale, it’s usually about saving time—and this is exactly why: keeping your rune economy tight gives you more freedom to play boldly.
NG+ is a great time to buy out shops you previously ignored. Merchant Kalé, Patches, and others sell valuable items, even cosmetic ones that add flavor to your journey. Buying every armor set or talisman you missed before can be a great rune sink and enriches your overall experience. It’s easy to overlook these vendors when you’re focused on min-maxing, but U4GM frequently encourages players to explore the depth and lore behind every item and merchant.
Mastering NG+ in Elden Ring isn’t just about slaying tougher enemies—it’s about optimizing your strategy, especially with how you handle runes. Whether you’re experimenting with new builds or purchasing cheap Elden Ring Items to speed up your journey, your rune strategy will shape your experience. If you want to stay ahead of the curve or are looking for elden ring runes for sale to cut down on grind time, platforms like U4GM are reliable sources for insights and supplies.
My personal NG+ journey was as much about learning from failure as it was about maximizing efficiency—and with these tips, yours can be even smoother.