Runes serve as the game's currency and leveling system, raising attributes and upgrading weapons and gear as well as selling to vendors for profit. They're also necessary to purchase certain items and progress through traditional character leveling. Players can acquire runes through various sources: killing enemies, purchasing from merchants or trading with other players; however, this article https://www.mmogah.com/elden-ring-runes will focus on gathering enough runes for Great Runes to run properly.