Leveling the Tarnished: The Runes to Reach Elden Ring’s Zenith (Level 713)

So, you’ve set your sights on Elden Ring’s absolute peak – level 713. You’re chasing the power of a demigod, the flexibility to wield any weapon, and the mastery of every spell. But achieving this godly status comes at a price: a mountain of Runes so vast it could make even Smaug blush. The short answer? Reaching level 713 in Elden Ring requires a staggering 1,692,566,842 Runes. That’s right, nearly 1.7 billion.

The Long Road to Maximum Level

The path to level 713 is a marathon, not a sprint. Elden Ring’s leveling system, while familiar to FromSoftware veterans, demands considerable time and dedication. Each level requires more Runes than the last, creating a curve that steepens dramatically as you approach the higher echelons. Let’s break down why this Rune requirement is so astronomical.

• Attribute Caps: Level 713 signifies that every one of your eight attributes – Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane – is maxed out at 99. This provides the ultimate character build, allowing you to wield any weapon, cast any spell, and tank practically any attack.

• The Exponential Curve: Gaining levels in Elden Ring is not linear. The Rune cost increases significantly with each level. Early levels might only require a few hundred or thousand Runes, but levels in the 500s and 600s can easily cost millions per level.

• Time Commitment: It’s not just about the sheer number of Runes, it’s about the time required to acquire them. Even with the most efficient Rune farming methods, reaching level 713 demands hundreds of hours of gameplay. One player on Reddit, Cafenn94, documented reaching max level after approximately 580 hours. This underscores that level 713 is a testament to dedication and perseverance.

How to Conquer the Rune Grind

While 1.7 billion Runes seems insurmountable, it’s achievable with a strategic approach. Here are some tips to maximize your Rune income:

• Master the Best Rune Farms: Mohgwyn Palace is widely considered the best Rune farming location in the game. Use the Sacred Relic Sword’s Wave of Gold ash of war on the albinaurics near the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace. This method can yield tens of millions of Runes per hour. Other effective farms include the Prayer Room in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree.

• Optimize Your Gear: Equip items that boost Rune acquisition, such as the Gold Scarab talisman (increases Runes gained by 20%) and the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot consumable (increases Runes gained by 30% for a limited time). Stack these bonuses for maximum efficiency.

• Utilize Multiplayer: Cooperative play can significantly increase Rune income. Defeating bosses with summons grants Runes to all participants. Consider joining a group or using online summons to tackle difficult areas and bosses.

• Take Advantage of Patches: FromSoftware periodically releases patches that may affect enemy behavior or Rune drops. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your farming strategies accordingly.

• Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with enemy locations, patrol patterns, and optimal attack strategies in your chosen farming area. Minimize travel time and maximize kill efficiency.

• Be Patient: The Rune grind is a test of endurance. Break it down into manageable chunks, and celebrate your progress along the way. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks to make the process more enjoyable.

Is Level 713 Worth It?

The question isn’t just how to reach level 713, but why. While maxing out your character offers unmatched versatility, it also impacts the gameplay experience.

• PvP Considerations: The “meta level” for PvP duels is generally considered to be around level 125-150. Leveling beyond this range can limit your ability to engage in balanced PvP encounters.

• Overpowered Gameplay: A level 713 character is virtually unstoppable in PvE. While this can be satisfying, it may diminish the challenge and sense of accomplishment that Elden Ring is known for.

• Alternative Builds: Before committing to the long grind, consider whether other, lower-level builds might offer a more engaging and balanced gameplay experience. Explore different weapon combinations, spell synergies, and playstyles.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue level 713 is a personal one. If you enjoy the process of optimizing your character, experimenting with different builds, and dominating every challenge the game throws at you, then the Rune grind may be worth it. However, if you prioritize PvP balance, challenge, or diverse gameplay experiences, you may want to consider stopping at a lower level.

Elden Ring FAQs: Leveling and Runes

How many runes do you need to get to level 713?

As stated earlier, reaching level 713 in Elden Ring requires a total of 1,692,566,842 Runes.

Is there a level cap in Elden Ring?

Yes, the level cap in Elden Ring is 713. This is the point at which all eight attributes are maxed out at 99.

What is the best rune farm in Elden Ring?

Mohgwyn’s Palace is widely considered the best Rune farm. The albinaurics near the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace are easily dispatched with the Wave of Gold ash of war, providing a high Rune yield.

How many runes does a Lord’s Rune give?

A single Lord’s Rune grants 50,000 Runes when consumed.

Can I max out all stats in Elden Ring?

Yes, it is possible to max out all eight stats (Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane) in Elden Ring. This is achieved at level 713.

What is the “meta level” for PvP in Elden Ring?

The generally accepted “meta level” for PvP duels in Elden Ring is around 125-150. Leveling beyond this range may limit your ability to find opponents.

Do enemies scale with my level in Elden Ring?

No, enemies do not scale with your level in Elden Ring. This means that you can eventually overlevel areas and bosses, making them significantly easier to defeat.

What happens if I rebirth (respec) my character in Elden Ring?

If you rebirth your character using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, your level and attribute points will be reset to their starting values. You can then reallocate your points as desired.

Are Larval Tears rare in Elden Ring?

Yes, Larval Tears are a relatively rare resource. They can be found in specific locations, purchased from certain merchants, or obtained by defeating certain Mimic enemies.

What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?

While difficulty is subjective, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is generally considered one of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring. Her rapid attacks, self-healing, and relentless aggression make her a formidable opponent.

What is the most difficult area in Elden Ring?

Crumbling Farum Azula is often cited as the most difficult area in Elden Ring. Its challenging enemies, intricate level design, and powerful bosses make it a true test of skill.

How many Runes does Golden Rune [1] give?

A Golden Rune [1] will give you 200 Runes.

Is it possible to 100% Elden Ring?

Technically, achieving a true 100% completion in Elden Ring is debatable due to branching storylines and multiple endings. However, players can complete virtually all content, defeat all bosses, and explore all areas.

How many runes do dragons give in Elden Ring?

The mother dragon near Fort Faroth grants 80,000 Runes when defeated. The smaller dragons surrounding her each give 3,500 Runes.

What order should I fight Elden Ring bosses?

The order in which you fight Elden Ring bosses depends on your build, playstyle, and personal preference. However, a recommended order for main bosses includes:

1. Margit, the Fell Omen
2. Godrick the Grafted
3. Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon
4. Starscourge Radahn
5. Morgott, the Omen King
6. The Fire Giant

This is just a suggested order, and the path of the Tarnished is ultimately yours to forge.

Reaching level 713 in Elden Ring is an impressive feat that demonstrates dedication and commitment. But remember, the true reward lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. Explore the Lands Between, experiment with different builds, and discover your own path to becoming Elden Lord. And as you hone your skills and delve deeper into the intricacies of game-based learning, consider exploring the resources and community available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). Happy adventuring, Tarnished!