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Stepping into New Game Plus (NG+) in Elden Ring is both thrilling and challenging. Enemy encounters become tougher, and bosses hit harder, but you also gain more Elden Ring runes per kill. This increase in rune rewards presents a unique opportunity to optimize your character with smarter investments. Whether you’re aiming for a build overhaul or fine-tuning your existing setup, investing runes wisely in NG+ is crucial to maintaining an edge.

Here are 15 smart Elden Ring runes investment strategies to help you thrive in NG+ and beyond.

1. Prioritize Core Stats FirstBefore anything else, ensure your core stats like Vigor, Endurance, and either Strength or Dexterity (depending on your weapon choice) are solid. This provides the foundation for survivability and damage output against tougher NG+ foes.

2. Invest in Stamina and Equip LoadIncreased stamina allows for more attacks, blocks, and dodges, which are essential in NG+. Also, managing your equip load to maintain fast or medium rolls is critical for survival.

3. Don’t Neglect Mind for FP PoolMagic users or those relying on weapon skills should increase Mind to boost FP, ensuring sustained spellcasting and skill usage.

4. Upgrade Your Weapon RegularlyUse your runes to acquire upgrade materials and invest in smithing stones to keep your weapon damage competitive. Knowing the best place to buy Elden Ring items, like upgrade materials, can save time and runes.

5. Focus on Scaling StatsIdentify your weapon’s scaling—whether it’s Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith—and invest runes accordingly to maximize damage.

6. Balance Offense and DefenseWhile pushing damage stats is tempting, don’t overlook defense stats and equip weight to maintain your survivability.

7. Upgrade Talismans and AccessoriesInvest runes in acquiring and upgrading talismans that complement your build, such as those boosting stamina recovery, damage, or defense.

8. Diversify Your BuildsNG+ is a great time to experiment. Consider investing runes into secondary stats that enable hybrid builds or new weapon types for fresh gameplay.

9. Keep a Reserve of RunesAlways keep some runes saved for unexpected upgrades or consumable purchases rather than spending everything immediately.

10. Optimize Flask AllocationInvest in upgrading your Flask of Crimson and Cerulean Tears to increase healing and FP restoration, improving your sustainability in NG+ fights.

11. Upgrade Summons and Spirit AshesImproving your Spirit Ashes’ power can help take pressure off you during difficult boss fights.

12. Manage Status Effects ResistanceIncreasing stats or equipment that boost resistances can be a lifesaver, especially in NG+ where enemies use more status-inflicting attacks.

13. Invest in Utility SkillsRunes can be used to unlock or upgrade utility skills, such as faster casting or stamina recovery, which become even more valuable in NG+.

14. Farm Elden Ring Runes EfficientlyIdentifying optimal rune farming spots lets you gather resources faster, enabling more frequent and impactful investments.

15. Plan Ahead for Late GameThink beyond NG+; invest runes into stats and gear that will remain useful in subsequent runs or PvP encounters.

Effective rune management is key to mastering NG+. By focusing on these smart investment strategies, you’ll enhance your build’s power and durability, making the leap into NG+ more manageable. Also, keeping track of the best place to buy Elden Ring items ensures you’re always ready with the gear and upgrades needed for your journey. With the right approach, NG+ can be not just a challenge, but an opportunity to refine your ultimate Elden Ring character.