The first expansion for Elden Ring Runes may take Runes to new heights by expanding upon the already extensive ways to use this power-imbued currency.

Gameplay-wise, Elden Ring's Runes currently have an extensive quantity of uses, including upgrading and purchasing equipment, leveling up skills, tailoring armor, and purchasing items from merchants. Even inside the lore, Runes and Great Runes possess a central presence in Elden Ring. With that in mind, there are some ways that Elden Ring’s Shadow from the Erdtree expansion could make Runes more essential.

One of the main stuff that Shadow from the Erdtree should address is giving Runes more meaning and uses on additional journeys through Elden Ring. Weapons and equipment are only able to be upgraded so often, however, the player’s level can reach higher. The main hurdle that players will encounter when earning Runes on additional playthroughs in Elden Ring is how expensive it might be to continue leveling up. Even though Runes drop in increased quantities on each additional run, still it becomes extremely pricey. The other component that some players consider when leveling their character would be to stay within particular level ranges to influence the matchmaking groups in Elden Ring’s PvP Colosseum.

How Elden Ring Can Introduce More Uses for Runes

Elden Ring’s PvP Colosseum still leaves much to become desired when it comes to rewards. The other type of PvP is multiplayer in Elden Ring which predates the Colosseum and incorporates Runes and Rune Arc rewards for defeating other players. Given unique rewards for victories and reaching new ranks within the Colosseum might gatekeep apart from the community from earning certain gear, Runes might be a perfect reward. Currently, the only real rewards in the Colosseum are bragging rights, when you are able to wager Runes or else earn them for winning in specific ranks could be greatly good for the lifecycle of the Colosseum.

All of Elden Ring’s summoning spirits, weapons, and shields could be upgraded using Runes and extra upgrade materials, but one device that deserves a chance to become upgraded is armor. Altering armor in Elden Ring via tailoring allows players to create gear that weighs slightly less, however, it comes with a downgrade in the armor’s defenses and resistances. Given most armor could be downgraded for just a small quantity of Runes, not being in a position to upgrade it, by comparison, is a missed opportunity.

One method in which Elden Ring is anticipated to build upon the significance of Runes in the first expansion is potentially adding new obtainable Great Runes from characters like Miquella and Godwyn. These characters might be enemies using the Tarnished player character in Shadow from the Erdtree, but in either case, players might still be in a position to possess their Great Runes. Fia’s questline in Elden Ring is an example of how players can wind up earning a Great Rune by completing a questline rather than battling the Runebearer.

Potentially the largest feature the community would like to see in Elden Ring is covenant factions. Elden Ring already has factions, but players can’t pledge themselves for their service beyond completing several character quests. The covenant factions in Dark Souls 3 allowed players either to loot NPC drops or slay other players for donation materials to improve their reputation and earn unique rank rewards. The old covenants are much like Elden Ring’s Volcano Manor questline, except with reputation rewards and PvP duels rather than PvE. Given how central Runes are towards the lore, Elden Ring could pave its very own path with covenants, and Runes might make for the perfect donation material for buying elden ring runes factions.

Elden Ring can be obtained now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.