U4GM - 9 Rune Sink Locations in Elden Ring Ranked by Usefulness
Elden Ring offers players a vast world filled with a variety of mechanics, and one of the most important resources to manage in the game is Runes. These valuable items serve as both currency and experience points, allowing players to level up their characters and purchase items from merchants. However, as you journey through the Lands Between, you’ll inevitably encounter Rune Sinks – places where you can spend your Runes for different benefits. Knowing where to invest your Runes wisely can significantly impact your progression. In this article, we'll explore the 9 most useful Rune Sink locations in Elden Ring, ranked by their overall usefulness.

1. Roundtable Hold
The Roundtable Hold is arguably the most important Rune Sink location early on in the game. This hub area offers several essential NPCs that you can spend your Runes on for upgrading your gear and improving your abilities. Not only can you upgrade your weapons and armor, but you'll also find vendors and trainers here that provide crucial items and skills to improve your build. If you're new to the game, this should be your first stop when it comes to Rune spending.
2. Smithing Table Locations
Throughout Elden Ring Runes, you’ll come across various Smithing Tables that allow you to upgrade your weapons. These upgrades are essential to progressing through the game, and they require Runes for each enhancement. The further you progress, the higher the weapon upgrade levels become, so spending your Runes here is an investment in your combat effectiveness. Keep an eye out for Smithing Tables in key locations like Limgrave and Stormveil Castle.
3. Elden Ring NPC Questlines
Many NPCs in Elden Ring have questlines that reward you with valuable items, weapons, or upgrades. Some of these questlines require you to spend Runes in order to advance. For example, purchasing specific items from certain NPCs or completing their tasks may cost you a fair amount of Runes, but the rewards are often worth it. Be sure to follow these questlines carefully to maximize your Rune investment.
4. The Church of Vows
Located in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, the Church of Vows is home to a character called Miriel, who can be found in the church after you've completed certain tasks. This Rune Sink allows you to make valuable exchanges, such as swapping incantations or purchasing rare items. The versatility and importance of this location make it one of the top Rune Sink spots in Elden Ring.
5. Cheap Elden Ring Runes from Vendors
While it's tempting to collect as many Runes as possible and save them for later, sometimes the best course of action is to spend them on cheap Elden Ring Runes from various in-game vendors. These vendors often sell items that can help you craft essential tools or upgrade your inventory, making it easier to progress through the game. Spending Runes in this manner can be especially helpful if you’re looking for specific consumables, weapon buffs, or rare crafting materials.
6. Raya Lucaria Academy
The Raya Lucaria Academy offers players the opportunity to spend Runes on magic-related upgrades, such as learning new spells and incantations. This location is ideal for spellcasters who want to enhance their magical abilities. Whether you’re looking for new sorceries or upgrading your magical toolkit, this is a prime location for spending Runes that directly improve your combat prowess.
7. Sites of Grace (Resting)
While not strictly a "sink," resting at Sites of Grace does consume Runes. Every time you level up at these locations, you’ll need to spend a certain amount of Runes to gain a stat point. This process is fundamental to your progression, so while the Runes spent here may not yield immediate tangible rewards, they are essential to becoming stronger in Elden Ring.
8. The Twin Maiden Husks
Located at the Roundtable Hold, the Twin Maiden Husks provide another place to spend Runes in exchange for rare items, spells, and weapons. As the game progresses, you’ll gain access to new items and materials that can be traded here. For those looking for more specialized gear or items, the Twin Maiden Husks are an essential Rune Sink to keep in mind.
9. The Forbidden Lands
This area is home to some of the most challenging enemies and bosses in the game, and with that difficulty comes high rewards. Spending Runes here can provide you with upgraded gear, powerful spells, and even help you level up faster to take on these formidable foes. While it can be a high-risk, high-reward location, it's a great Rune Sink for those looking for the best gear and abilities to push forward in the late game.
Rune Sinks in Elden Ring serve a variety of purposes, from upgrading your gear to unlocking new abilities. By strategically spending your Runes at the most useful locations, you can maximize your progress and strengthen your character for the challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re upgrading weapons at Smithing Tables or purchasing items from vendors, spending your Runes wisely is key to success. If you're looking for cheap Elden Ring Runes to accelerate your progress, make sure to explore the right areas and make the most of your hard-earned Runes!