Elden Ring Death Penalty: How Runes Are Lost

Dying in Elden Ring is part of the experience. Whether you’re exploring a poison swamp, facing off against a towering boss, or getting ambushed by an invader, death will eventually find you. And when it does, it comes with a price — your hard-earned runes. Understanding the death penalty system is essential for players who want to level efficiently, manage risk, and ultimately survive the Lands Between with minimal setbacks. Here’s a breakdown of how runes are lost on death, and what you can do to recover them or avoid unnecessary losses.