U4GM - 6 Psychological Hooks Behind Elden Ring’s Rune Retrieval System
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is not just a game—it’s an experience layered with thoughtful design, brutal challenge, and deeply psychological mechanics. Among the many systems that keep players coming back, the rune retrieval mechanic stands out as one of the most subtly powerful. As someone who has spent over 150 hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve found myself captivated—and sometimes infuriated—by this feature. Here are six psychological hooks behind Elden Ring’s rune retrieval system that explain why it keeps players emotionally invested, even when the game seems unforgiving.
1. The Sunk Cost Fallacy: You Don’t Want to Lose What You’ve Earned
When you die in Elden Ring, you drop all your runes—the game’s currency and experience points—on the spot. If you can return to the location without dying again, you get them back. This taps directly into the sunk cost fallacy: the idea that because you’ve already invested something, you must continue…