Elden Ring is filled with brutal bosses, rich lore, and boundless exploration—but for those who’ve already conquered the main storyline, the real test lies in self-imposed challenges. One of the most engaging ways to raise the stakes is by introducing rune-based limitations into your gameplay. Whether you’re looking for a tougher run, or simply want to add a new twist to your experience, these five challenges offer just that.
Below are five creative and fun rune-based challenges to test your combat prowess, resource management, and strategic thinking.
1. No Rune Level-Up Run
In this challenge, you’re forbidden from spending any runes to level up your character. That’s right—your starting stats are your endgame stats. You’ll need to rely heavily on precise dodges, well-timed blocks, and finding powerful gear early. This is an excellent way to appreciate the full value of cheap Elden Ring Items, especially weapons and talismans that can carry you through tougher areas.
Pro Tip: Look for items that scale well with your base stats, and don’t underestimate summons and spirit ashes to help even the odds.
2. Rune Economy Challenge
Set a strict rune budget for each area or boss fight—for example, you can only spend 5,000 runes per zone. You’ll need to prioritize whether to spend those runes on consumables, gear upgrades, or just saving for later. This challenge forces you to make tough choices and play more economically.
This challenge also mirrors a more realistic early-game experience for players who don’t want to farm constantly. For those who want to stick to this minimalist approach, cheap Elden Ring Runes can offer a fair fallback without spoiling the challenge entirely.
3. Rune Drain Mode
Every time you die, you must spend all of your held runes, whether at a merchant, blacksmith, or donation to co-op partners. No hoarding allowed. It adds pressure to survive and spend wisely between fights. Death becomes even more punishing—not just losing progress, but your economy too.
Pairing this with limited fast travel or permadeath mechanics can create an intense, Souls-like experience with an Elden Ring twist.
4. Item-Only Power Run
Instead of leveling up with runes, you’re only allowed to use runes to buy or upgrade gear. That includes smithing stones, consumables, and materials—but no stat upgrades. The challenge here lies in crafting a powerful build without touching the character sheet. Rely on synergy between weapon skills, talismans, and armor to get through.
This path highlights just how valuable cheap Elden Ring Items can be when character growth is tied to equipment, not levels. You’ll start thinking more creatively about which gear complements your style of play.
5. Rune-Hunting Scavenger Mode
In this mode, you’re only allowed to use runes you find in the world—glowing rune pickups, boss rewards, and enemy loot drops. You can’t farm enemies repeatedly for rune income. This challenge encourages full exploration and rewards players who know the map well.
Combining this with a map-based goal, such as completing the game area by area without backtracking, can lead to a highly strategic and rewarding experience.
Rune-based challenges are perfect for players looking to push beyond the conventional Elden Ring playthrough. They force you to think about resource management, gear choices, and combat strategy in completely new ways. Whether you’re trying to simulate a harsher survival experience or simply want to get more out of a New Game+, these five challenges will keep your skills sharp and your playthroughs exciting.
And if you’re looking to prepare before taking on any of these challenges, having access to cheap Elden Ring Items and cheap Elden Ring Runes can help you experiment without wasting valuable game time.
Try one of these out and see just how far you can go with runes used in entirely new ways.