When stepping into the punishing world of Elden Ring, the early-game period can feel particularly overwhelming. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve come to realize that investing your hard-earned runes wisely right from the beginning can drastically shape your journey. Whether you grind for them or buy Elden Ring runes to give yourself a head start, knowing where to spend them is the key to survival and progress.

If you’re looking for a smooth start or want to avoid unnecessary frustration, here are the five best early-game rune investments every Elden Ring player should consider.

1. Upgrade Your Primary Weapon Early

One of the best rune investments I made during my first playthrough was upgrading my main weapon as soon as possible. By the time I reached the first major dungeon, I had already enhanced my broadsword to +3. This made a noticeable difference in my damage output and allowed me to tackle mini-bosses more confidently. Smithing Stones are relatively easy to come by early on, and the cost in runes for upgrades is minimal compared to the damage boost you receive.

2. Level Up Vigor to Survive Longer

Too many new players rush into strength or dexterity builds without considering Vigor. I learned the hard way that extra health can often mean the difference between surviving a boss’s attack or starting from a Site of Grace again. Investing 3-5 levels into Vigor early on provides significant survivability, especially against fast-hitting enemies like the Tree Sentinel.

3. Buy a Crafting Kit from Merchant Kale

It might seem minor, but buying a crafting kit from Merchant Kale (found at the Church of Elleh) opens up essential item crafting options that can save your life. I used this kit to craft firebombs, poison cures, and stamina-boosting items — all of which proved invaluable in tight situations. It’s a cheap but impactful purchase, and I recommend picking it up within your first hour of gameplay.

4. Secure a Reliable Armor Set

Armor doesn’t always take center stage in Souls-like games, but in Elden Ring, having a well-rounded set early on is incredibly helpful. I personally opted for the Godrick Soldier set, which I farmed in Limgrave. If farming feels tedious, I recommend using an Elden Ring fast rune top up store to save time and immediately acquire a decent set of armor. This allows you to dive into new areas with more confidence and durability.

5. Invest in Torrent’s Upgrades and Spirit Ashes

Torrent, your spectral steed, is not only your travel companion but also a tactical tool during combat. While Torrent himself doesn’t upgrade, unlocking the ability to summon stronger Spirit Ashes is essential. I learned to rely on Lone Wolf Ashes early on, and later invested runes in upgrading them via Roderika at Roundtable Hold. These summonable allies draw aggro and deal real damage, making solo boss fights much more manageable.

I’ve replayed Elden Ring multiple times, and I can confidently say that making smart rune investments early pays dividends throughout your journey. Whether you earn your runes through grinding or choose to buy Elden Ring runes to skip the early slog, the key is knowing where to allocate them. Also, if you’re short on time or patience, a trusted Elden Ring fast rune top up store like U4GM can help you stay focused on what really matters — exploring the world and overcoming epic challenges.

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