U4GM - How to Spend Elden Ring Runes Wisely in Early Game

[RadiantEchoVoyage]

In *Elden Ring*, runes are your primary currency and serve as a means to level up, purchase items, and upgrade equipment. Early in the game, it can be tempting to spend them impulsively, but a well-thought-out approach can make your journey through the Lands Between much smoother. Here are some strategies to help you spend your Elden Ring runes wisely in the early game.

1. Level Up Key Attributes
One of the first and most important things to spend your runes on is leveling up your character. However, don’t just dump your runes into random stats. Focus on improving the attributes that complement your playstyle. If you're playing as a melee build, prioritize Vigor for health and Endurance for stamina. For magic users, Intelligence, Faith, or Mind should be your main focus, depending on the type of spells you plan to use. It's essential to keep your balance between health, damage output, and stamina.

2. Upgrade Weapons Early
Upgrading your weapon is often more beneficial than investing in new ones early on. While many new weapons may seem tempting, upgrading your starting weapon can increase your damage output significantly. Smithing Stones are required for upgrading, and these can be found throughout the game world or purchased from merchants. Upgrading early on allows you to fight tougher enemies more effectively without needing to constantly search for better weapons.

3. Buy Useful Consumables
Early in *Elden Ring Runes*, resources like healing flasks, buffs, and status effect cures can be essential for survival. It is wise to purchase consumables from merchants, especially those that provide healing, such as the Flask of Cerulean Tears or various status-effect cures like those for poison or scarlet rot. These consumables will help you tackle the many hazards you’ll encounter.

4. Enhance Your Ashes of War
Ashes of War are powerful abilities that can be applied to your weapons, and they play a significant role in your combat capabilities. Early in the game, you’ll want to invest runes into enhancing or unlocking additional Ashes of War for your weapons. This increases your versatility in combat and allows you to adjust your fighting style depending on the situation.

5. Save for Fast Travel and Access to New Areas
While it might be tempting to spend runes as soon as you have them, holding off on certain purchases can be more beneficial. For example, some early merchants sell maps and other items that unlock new areas for you to explore. These areas might hold more powerful gear or even easier paths forward. Make sure you save your runes for these upgrades so that you can progress more efficiently.

6. Don’t Waste Runes on Unnecessary Items
In the early game, it's easy to get distracted by items that seem useful but aren't essential for survival. Avoid spending runes on items that don’t directly impact your ability to progress, such as excessive crafting materials or items that are not critical to your build. Instead, focus on what will directly help you in combat or progression.

7. Invest in a Steady Supply of Runes
It’s also beneficial to occasionally use your runes to buy items that help you accumulate more runes, such as the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. This item increases the number of runes you earn from defeated enemies for a limited time, making it easier to level up or purchase other useful items later.

In conclusion, spending your Elden Ring runes wisely in the early game is crucial for setting yourself up for success. Focus on leveling up essential attributes, upgrading your weapon, buying consumables, and saving for key items that will open up new areas or enhance your combat abilities. By being strategic with your runes, you’ll make your journey through the Lands Between much more manageable.