Whether it’s your first run or your tenth, players in Elden Ring still fall into the same traps—even when they try to buy Elden Ring Runes to speed up progression. This guide breaks down 23 of the biggest mistakes you’re probably still making—and more importantly, how to fix them so you can play smarter, level faster, and dominate bosses.

23 Common Elden Ring Mistakes (and Fixes)

Early Game & Exploration Mistakes

1. Attacking Non-Hostile NPCs

Hitting NPCs like White-Faced Varre can lock you out of quests (including access to Mohgwyn Dynasty).

Fix: If you aggro someone, seek absolution at the Church of Vows using a Celestial Dew.

2. Not Sprinting

Holding your dodge/roll button lets you sprint—yet many players just walk everywhere.

Fix: Sprint constantly to improve traversal and combat positioning.

3. Missing Your Spirit Calling Bell

After getting Torrent, return to Church of Elleh at night to meet Renna.

Fix: Grab the Spirit Calling Bell + Lone Wolf Ashes early to massively boost early combat power.

4. Ignoring NPC Map Icons

Modern updates added NPC icons to the map.

Fix: Use map icons to track questlines and vendors you’ve discovered.

5. Ignoring Strength Weapons Due to Requirements

Two-handing reduces Strength requirements by ~34%.

Fix: Don’t skip huge weapons—two-hand them to use earlier.

6. Not Exhausting NPC Dialogue

NPCs often require multiple interactions to give rewards or progress quests.

Fix: Talk until dialogue repeats.

7. Avoiding Heavy Armor on Torrent

Weight doesn’t matter on horseback.

Fix: Equip tank armor for mounted fights.

8. Ignoring Glowing Skull Runes

Each skull gives 200 runes—huge early on.

Fix: Run them over with Torrent and sell runes in bulk.

9. Hoarding Smithing Stones

You can eventually buy infinite upgrade materials (except max-tier).

Fix: Upgrade your weapon freely—power matters more than hoarding.

10. Skipping Nearby Sites of Grace

Not activating checkpoints wastes time on death runs.

Fix: Always grab every Site of Grace you pass.

Combat & Mechanics Mistakes

11. Not Using Jump Attacks

Jump heavy attacks deal massive poise damage and enable crits.

Fix: Integrate jump attacks into your combat loop.

12. Dodging Backwards Only

Some boss attacks track backward movement.

Fix: Dodge into attacks when appropriate to punish enemies.

13. Refusing to Leave a Boss Fight

You’re not locked into progression.

Fix: Leave, level up, upgrade gear, then return.

14. Misusing Fia’s Hug Buff

Fia’s blessing reduces HP but grants a poise buff when used.

Fix: Consume it before bosses—not while exploring.

15. Progressing Too Fast & Locking Items

Advancing the story can permanently block items like:

· Gravel Stone Seal

· White Mask

· Dung Eater Puppet

· Fix: Fully explore zones before pushing major story events.

16. Overthinking Your Starting Class

Classes matter early—but become irrelevant after respeccing.

Fix: Choose what feels good and adjust later.

17. Panic Rolling

Rolling randomly drains stamina and gets you hit anyway.

Fix: Learn enemy timing and roll deliberately.

Stats, Builds & Resources

18. Ignoring Core Stats

Many players ignore:

· Vigor (HP)

· Mind (FP)

· Endurance (stamina)

· Arcane (drop rate)

· Fix: Balance survivability with damage stats.

19. Not Using Great Runes or Physick Flask

Godrick’s rune alone gives +5 to all stats.

Fix: Use Rune Arcs and optimize your Flask of Wondrous Physick.

20. Avoiding Spirit Summons or Co-op

Summons like Mimic Tear can carry boss fights.

Fix: Use every tool the game gives you—ignore elitists.

21. Ignoring Sacred Tears & Golden Seeds

These upgrade your healing flasks.

Fix: Every church = Sacred Tear. Every golden sapling = more flasks.

22. Losing Runes Needlessly

Late-game deaths can cost millions of runes.

Fix: Equip Sacrificial Twig before risky encounters.

23. Not Collecting Map Fragments

Exploring without map fragments makes navigation painful.

Fix: Always grab map fragments at stone pillars in each region.

Final Thoughts

Most players struggling in Elden Ring aren’t failing because of skill—they’re failing because of avoidable mistakes. Even players who choose to buy cheap Elden Ring Items to speed up their builds can still run into these same issues if their fundamentals aren’t solid. If you fix even 5–10 of these habits, you’ll notice:

· Faster leveling

· Easier boss fights

· More efficient progression

· Better builds overall

If you’re looking to save time and get a boost while you refine your gameplay, trusted marketplaces like MMOEXP offer reliable options for runes, gear, and items—helping you focus on mastering mechanics and enjoying the game instead of grinding endlessly.