U4GM - Runes Planning: 10 Strategies for Your First 10 Hours in Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a vast, hauntingly beautiful game that doesn't hold your hand. From the moment you step into the Lands Between, you're met with challenges that test your combat skills, patience, and decision-making. One of the most vital elements to manage in the early hours is your collection and spending of Elden Ring runes—the game's currency for leveling up, upgrading gear, and purchasing items. Based on my personal journey through the opening hours of Elden Ring, here are 10 reliable strategies to help you plan your rune usage and progression.
1. Farm Runes Safely in Limgrave
In my first few hours, I found that the best early rune farming spot was just north of the Gatefront Ruins. Nearby groups of weak enemies, like soldiers and wolves, gave consistent rune drops with low risk. Farming here allowed me to accumulate enough Elden Ring runes to level up before facing tougher bosses.
2. Avoid Rushing Into Boss Fights
It's tempting to dive headfirst into encounters like Tree Sentinel or Margit the Fell Omen, but you’ll likely be underleveled. Instead, explore the world and gather runes by clearing smaller enemy camps and dungeons. These can be easier and more rewarding in the long term.
3. Unlock Torrent Early
Getting your spectral steed Torrent as early as possible not only helps with mobility but also improves your rune-gathering efficiency. I used Torrent to kite enemies and escape dangerous situations when my rune pouch was full, saving me from losing thousands of runes.
4. Use Elden Ring Runes Store for Smart Resource Management
One underrated strategy I learned after losing a significant amount of runes to a surprise ambush was to use a trusted Elden Ring Runes Store. While purists may prefer to grind everything, stores like U4GM provide a convenient and legitimate way to purchase runes if you're strapped for time or want to recover from a tough loss. Make sure to choose a store with good reviews and secure transactions.
5. Invest Runes in Vigor Early
As someone who tried focusing on damage stats first, I quickly realized that low health made surviving even basic enemy combos difficult. I reallocated some early levels into Vigor, and the difference was night and day. Staying alive longer means you lose fewer runes over time.
6. Don’t Hoard Runes—Spend Them Frequently
In my first few hours, I made the mistake of holding on to 10,000+ runes while exploring, only to lose them in a dungeon. Now, I make it a habit to level up or buy gear whenever I hit a threshold. If you’re near a Site of Grace, spend those runes!
7. Explore Side Areas Thoroughly
Some of the best rune rewards come from off-the-beaten-path areas. One dungeon in the Weeping Peninsula netted me over 3,000 runes from a boss I didn’t even know existed. If you’re low on runes, take time to explore rather than re-fighting the same mobs.
8. Use Rune-Boosting Talismans and Consumables
Early in the game, you’ll find items that boost rune acquisition. Equipping these during farming runs helped me gain 20-30% more runes per kill. Even small gains add up significantly over 10 hours of gameplay.
9. Level According to Your Playstyle
Tailor your rune spending to match your weapon and build preferences. I started as a Vagabond but quickly realized I preferred a spellblade playstyle. After some trial and error, I began investing in Intelligence and Mind, which allowed me to use sorceries more effectively and earn runes faster from ranged kills.
10. Back Up Progress Before Risky Sections
While not officially endorsed, I occasionally backed up my save file before trying especially risky boss fights with many runes on the line. It’s a peace-of-mind tactic that can save you from rage-quitting if things go south.
The first 10 hours of Elden Ring are some of the most formative and potentially frustrating. But with smart rune planning, you can reduce setbacks and build a strong character foundation. Whether you're farming manually or supplementing through a trusted Elden Ring Runes Store like U4GM, the key is to play smart, plan ahead, and keep your goals in focus. Every rune counts in the Lands Between, so make them work for you. From the Experts:Elden Ring Rune Drop Percentage by Class: What You Need to Know