U4GM - Elden Ring Runes: 19 Smart Ways to Spend Them for Maximum Return
If you’ve spent any meaningful time in Elden Ring, you know that runes are the lifeblood of your progression. Whether it’s leveling up, upgrading gear, or stocking up on essential items, how you spend your runes can make or break your journey through the Lands Between. As someone who’s put countless hours into mastering the game, I want to share 19 smart ways to spend your runes that deliver the best value, so you can maximize your returns and keep your build strong.
Leveling Up EfficientlyThe most obvious use for runes is to level up. Focus on increasing your primary stats first, such as Vigor for survivability and your main damage stat (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith) depending on your build. Avoid spreading your points too thin early on.
Buying Cheap Elden Ring ItemsInstead of farming endlessly, sometimes the smartest choice is to spend runes on cheap but useful items like crafting materials, arrows, or throwable knives. These small investments can save you precious time and help in tough fights.
Weapon and Armor UpgradesUpgrading your favorite weapon and armor pieces can drastically increase your effectiveness. Prioritize upgrading your main weapon before diversifying your arsenal. Even a small upgrade can boost your damage output significantly.
Ashes of WarEnhancing your weapons with Ashes of War provides unique abilities and scaling. Buying or farming runes to get these enhancements can change your combat style and improve your damage.
Purchasing Spirit AshesSpirit Ashes summon powerful allies in battle. Investing runes to obtain or upgrade these can be a lifesaver in challenging boss encounters.
Buying Map FragmentsExploration is key in Elden Ring. Use runes to buy map fragments from merchants to reveal more of the world, making farming runes and finding hidden items more efficient.
Investing in Flask UpgradesUpgrading your Crimson and Cerulean Flasks is crucial. More healing or FP restoration means you can take more risks and sustain longer in combat.
Purchasing Skills and SorceriesSome merchants sell powerful skills or sorceries. Spending runes here can diversify your toolkit and give you an edge in both PvE and PvP.
Investing in TalismansTalismans offer passive bonuses that can define your playstyle. Buying or upgrading talismans to complement your build is a smart rune investment.
Buying Runes from NPCsAt times, you might want to buy Elden Ring runes indirectly by purchasing cheap Elden Ring items or consumables that can be traded or sold for runes. This method, often discussed on communities like U4GM, helps when you’re low on runes but need quick returns.
Crafting MaterialsStocking up on crafting materials means you’re prepared for any situation, especially since farming for materials can be time-consuming.
Buying Lockstones for MapsLockstones unlock new areas on your map. Prioritize buying these as soon as you find new locations to keep your exploration smooth.
Investing in Multiplayer ItemsIf you enjoy co-op or PvP, spend runes on items like Furlcalling Finger Remedies to summon or be summoned by other players.
Upgrading Ashes of War StonesThese stones upgrade the Ashes of War themselves. It’s a niche investment but can pay off if you rely heavily on weapon arts.
Purchasing Respec ItemsWhen you want to change your build, runes can be spent to buy items that allow you to respec your stats. It’s a costly but valuable option if you want to experiment.
Buying Cheat Items (Ethically)Some players use third-party marketplaces like U4GM to buy Elden Ring runes or cheap Elden Ring items for convenience, though it’s worth noting that this is outside the game’s intended progression and may carry risks.
Upgrading Spirit AshesLeveling up your Spirit Ashes is often overlooked but can greatly improve your survivability and damage output.
Buying Key Items for Quest ProgressionSome key items necessary to progress certain quests or storylines require runes. Prioritize these to avoid getting stuck.
Investing in Quality-of-Life ItemsItems like storage bags or convenience consumables can be bought with runes to make your adventure smoother.
In summary, wisely spending your runes can save you hours of grinding and open new opportunities in Elden Ring. Balancing between leveling, gear upgrades, and purchasing essential items is key. If you’re ever short on runes, exploring options like U4GM for cheap Elden Ring items might give you an edge, but always weigh the pros and cons.