U4GM - 7 Smart Spending Tips for Early Game Runes in Elden R

[Bogfable]

Managing your Elden Ring Runes efficiently in the early game can make a huge difference in your journey through the Lands Between. As someone who has played multiple characters across dozens of hours, I've learned the hard way how careless spending can stall progress and lead to unnecessary frustration. If you're starting fresh, here are seven smart spending tips based on personal experience to help you make the most of your runes and get a strong start.


1. Invest in Core Stats Early

Don’t get distracted by flashy weapons or spells right away. Your initial rune investment should go into your build’s core stats — for example, Dexterity and Endurance for melee users or Mind and Intelligence for mages. These early upgrades will significantly improve your damage output and survivability. In my first Samurai run, focusing on Vigor and Dexterity made the early bosses far more manageable.


2. Avoid Over-Leveling

One mistake I made in my first playthrough was over-leveling too soon. While it might seem tempting to farm and dump runes into levels, this can throw off the pacing and make PvP matchmaking difficult. Stay within the natural level range of your current region to keep the game challenging and enjoyable.


3. Prioritize Smithing Stones Over Gear Purchases

Instead of spending your Elden Ring Runes on new gear from merchants, consider using them to upgrade the weapons you already have. Upgrading a +0 weapon to +3 can sometimes double its effectiveness. During my early game, I found a katana I liked and simply enhanced it—this outperformed nearly every early-game weapon I could buy.


4. Use Cheap Elden Ring Runes from Reliable Sources Wisely

If you choose to buy cheap Elden Ring Runes, make sure it’s from a trusted provider like U4GM. That said, don’t burn through those purchased runes all at once. Use them strategically—such as right before tough bosses or when you’re just short of a key upgrade. I once wasted thousands of runes experimenting with weapons I never used again. Plan ahead before spending.


5. Purchase the Crafting Kit Early

At the Church of Elleh, you’ll find Kalé, a merchant who sells the Crafting Kit for a modest amount of runes. This is one of the smartest early purchases you can make. With it, you can craft arrows, bombs, and status cures—tools that can give you a tactical edge without constantly buying from vendors.


6. Save Runes Before Boss Fights

Always bank your runes before heading into boss arenas. I learned this lesson after losing 8,000 runes to Margit the Fell Omen. Spend them on upgrades or level-ups before you walk through a fog gate—dying repeatedly with a large stash of runes is a painful way to learn risk management.


7. Use Rune Items Only When Safe

Golden Runes and other consumable rune items should never be popped in the middle of a dungeon or while exploring. I only use them at Sites of Grace, right before leveling up or purchasing items. These items can be your safety net when you're just short of a level or upgrade, but only if you use them wisely.

Managing your runes in the early game is as much about discipline as it is about strategy. Whether you're earning runes the traditional way or getting a boost with cheap Elden Ring runes, the goal is to invest them where they count. My early mistakes taught me the value of thoughtful spending, and following these tips helped me build stronger characters with better progression flow. For those considering rune purchases, U4GM has always been a reliable source in my experience—but remember, smart usage matters more than how many runes you have.