For many players jumping into Elden Ring after experiencing the Dark Souls series, one of the first things you’ll notice is the switch from “Souls” to “Runes.” At first glance, they might seem interchangeable—but veterans will tell you that despite their similar role in leveling, progression, and currency, there are some notable differences between the two systems.
Whether you're new to the Lands Between or a seasoned Soulsborne fan, here are 6 key differences between Runes in Elden Ring and Souls from previous titles you should know before you dive deep.
1. Open World Risk vs. Linear Risk
In the Souls series, your path is relatively linear. Losing Souls often happens in structured environments like corridors or closed arenas. In Elden Ring, however, the open-world structure increases the chance of losing Runes in random encounters while exploring, especially if you stray too far from a Site of Grace. Managing your Runes while navigating massive areas like Caelid or the Mountaintops of the Giants adds a new layer of risk.
2. Rune Economy Feels More Generous Early On
Unlike Souls games where progression can feel punishingly slow in the early game, Elden Ring seems to grant Runes more generously from the start. Between overworld bosses, minor dungeons, and even basic enemies in the right regions, you can farm effectively without grinding too much. That said, if you ever feel stuck, some players choose to buy Elden Ring Runes through external sources like U4GM for a little boost—just remember to use your Runes wisely.
3. More Flexible Spending Opportunities
Souls are traditionally spent on either leveling up or purchasing items from merchants. Elden Ring expands on this with more scattered NPCs, weapon upgrades, Spirit Ashes, and crafting materials all demanding Runes. You’ll frequently find yourself weighing whether to level up or stockpile gear. For those looking to save time, you can even buy Elden Ring Items from third-party markets, though exploring and earning them naturally remains part of the experience.
4. Farming Strategies Are Broader
In previous Souls titles, good farming spots were few and far between. Elden Ring, on the other hand, offers a wide array of farming opportunities—especially in areas like Mohgwyn Palace or the Altus Plateau. Because of this, players can amass large amounts of Runes efficiently if they understand enemy patterns and optimize routes. However, some still prefer to buy Elden Ring Runes when they want to skip the grind, especially when experimenting with different builds.
5. Spirit Summons and Rune Investment
Unlike Souls, Elden Ring introduces Spirit Ashes—AI companions you can summon during combat. While not directly linked to the Rune system, many of the most effective Spirit Ashes require you to invest heavily in upgrading them, either via Runes or items like Ghost Gloveworts. This means your Runes are now split across character stats, weapons, AND allies—adding a layer of decision-making that Souls games didn't force.
6. The Stakes Are Higher With Horse Combat and Exploration
One of the biggest new gameplay elements in Elden Ring is Torrent, your spirit steed. Horseback combat and mounted exploration change how Runes are lost and retrieved. Dying while galloping through hostile zones like Liurnia or the Consecrated Snowfield can leave your Rune pile in a precarious spot. The verticality of the map also makes recovery more challenging—sometimes you can’t even reach your Runes without careful pathing.
While Souls and Runes serve a similar purpose in FromSoftware’s titles, Elden Ring adds enough complexity and freedom that managing Runes becomes a different game altogether. Whether you’re farming diligently, choosing to buy Elden Ring Items, or experimenting with new builds via U4GM’s marketplace, understanding how Runes operate in this world is crucial.
If you're transitioning from Dark Souls or Bloodborne, expect to rethink your resource management strategies. The Lands Between offer greater rewards—but also harsher punishments.
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