How These 11 Elden Ring Runes Tips Help You Avoid Traps
Elden Ring is notorious for its hidden traps, ambushes, and deceptive loot placements. While learning the hard way is part of the Soulsborne experience, being prepared can make your journey through the Lands Between much less punishing. Whether you're new to the game or heading into New Game Plus, refining your rune strategies can be just as important as improving your combat skills. Below are 11 smart Elden Ring Runes tips that help you avoid traps and keep your hard-earned progress safe.
1. Always Spend Runes Before Exploring Unknown AreasIt might sound obvious, but hoarding runes while exploring new dungeons or legacy dungeons is risky. Surprise encounters and hidden deathtraps can wipe hours of progress. Before you head into suspicious territory, spend those runes—upgrade your gear, boost your stats, or invest in useful Elden Ring Items.
2. Scout with a Throwaway Character or Message SystemIf you’re deep into rune farming and want to avoid nasty surprises, try using a secondary character to scout unfamiliar areas. Alternatively, read player messages with caution, as they often warn of fake chests, ambushes, or sudden drop-offs.
3. Equip a Sacrificial Twig When Carrying Large Rune TotalsThis talisman prevents rune loss upon death. If you're carrying a hefty amount after a farming run or boss kill and you can't return to a Site of Grace immediately, having a Sacrificial Twig equipped can be a lifesaver.
4. Avoid Opening Chests in Suspiciously Empty RoomsElden Ring loves to punish greed. If you see a treasure chest in an unusually quiet room, look around for ledges, ceiling ambushes, or pressure plates. Better yet, use a torch to reveal hidden enemies or traps before rushing in.
5. Lure Enemies Out Before EngagingInstead of charging into rooms blindly, use ranged attacks or items to pull enemies out one by one. This strategy prevents getting overwhelmed and also reveals hidden attackers designed to ambush unsuspecting players.
6. Learn to Recognize Mimic and Trap ChestsWhile true mimic chests don’t exist in Elden Ring in the traditional sense, trapped chests like the one in Dragon-Burnt Ruins can teleport you to late-game zones. Remember: if a chest is too out of place or in early-game areas, proceed with suspicion.
7. Keep a Rune Reserve for Emergency PurchasesEven if you decide to buy elden ring runes to speed up progression, always leave a small pool untouched. You might stumble upon a merchant selling a rare weapon, key item, or crafting material—and it’s frustrating to be short just when it matters most.
8. Use Light-Weight Loadouts to Escape Trap ZonesIn trap-heavy zones like Sellia or Volcano Manor, fast rolling can save your life. Avoid heavy builds in areas where environmental traps are common. Prioritize mobility until the area is cleared.
9. Monitor Your Surroundings During Loot PickupsPicking up Elden Ring Items is often the trigger for ambushes or environmental hazards. Keep your guard up, lock onto nearby enemies beforehand, and back away immediately after collecting loot.
10. Trap-Filled Catacombs Often Loop BackMany trap-filled dungeons include levers or secret passages that loop back to previously locked doors. Don’t rush; take your time to look for alternate paths and hidden shortcuts. It reduces the chance of panic-induced deaths when traps are triggered.
11. Use the Environment to Trigger Traps FirstArrows, explosive barrels, or swinging blades can often be triggered manually. Toss a projectile or bait an enemy into the danger zone before stepping forward. This tactic is especially useful in places like Leyndell or the Altus catacombs.
Traps in Elden Ring aren’t just environmental—they’re tests of patience, awareness, and greed. Understanding how rune management and item use play into survival can help you avoid repeating painful lessons. Whether you grind naturally or decide to buy elden ring runes to prepare in advance, the key is to treat every new room like it’s out to get you—because it probably is.
By sharpening your awareness and maximizing the utility of your Elden Ring Items, you can explore confidently and avoid the most frustrating pitfalls the game throws at you.