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As someone who struggled through the Lands Between in my first few hours of Elden Ring, I know firsthand how overwhelming the game can be for beginners. The open world is vast, the enemies are unforgiving, and even basic mechanics like leveling or upgrading gear can feel like mysteries. But after spending countless hours exploring and experimenting, I’ve learned that a few overlooked tips can truly transform the early-game experience.

If you're just getting started or planning your first run, here are 7 beginner-friendly strategies that will make your journey through Elden Ring much smoother—and way more fun.

1. Explore Before You Commit to a Boss

One of my earliest mistakes was charging straight into Margit after finding Stormveil Castle. What I didn’t realize at the time is that Elden Ring encourages exploration more than any other FromSoftware game. Before tackling major bosses, spend time exploring the starting region of Limgrave and its surroundings. You'll not only gather gear and runes but also level up and discover helpful NPCs and side quests. That early-game breathing room is crucial.

2. Buy Elden Ring Runes to Boost Early Progress

If you're struggling to get past early hurdles, you might want to buy Elden Ring runes from a trusted site like U4GM. While purists may prefer to grind everything in-game, buying runes can offer beginners a fair boost, especially if you’re short on time or simply want to enjoy the story and exploration without constant setbacks. Just be sure to purchase from reputable sources that prioritize account safety.

3. Don’t Underestimate Spirit Ashes

I completely ignored Spirit Ashes during my first few hours—and I paid for it. These summonable allies can make an enormous difference in tough fights, especially when you’re solo. From distracting bosses to dishing out damage, they provide the breathing room you need to heal or reposition. Upgrade them as soon as you unlock Roderika at the Roundtable Hold.

4. Use Elden Ring Cheap Runes for Beginners to Level Smarter

When you're just starting out, every level counts. If you’re not keen on grinding mobs for hours, consider using Elden Ring cheap runes for beginners to get a few extra levels early on. Even a small investment can make a massive difference in survivability and damage output. I found that focusing on leveling Vigor and Endurance early helped me survive long enough to actually enjoy fights, rather than fear them.

5. Learn to Guard Counter (It’s a Game-Changer)

The game briefly teaches you about guard counters, but it’s easy to ignore. Don’t. Guard counters are incredibly effective, especially for players who aren’t great at dodging. By blocking an enemy attack with a shield and immediately following up with a heavy attack, you can stun smaller enemies and even stagger larger ones. It turned the combat flow completely around for me.

6. Mark Map Points with Custom Icons

This may sound basic, but I didn’t start marking my map until 15 hours in—and I regretted it. Use the in-game icons to track useful spots: smithing stone locations, Evergaols, merchants, and dungeons. Trust me, coming back to a place you vaguely remember is frustrating without a custom marker. It's a simple but powerful way to stay organized in an otherwise chaotic world.

7. Stick With One Weapon Early On

It’s tempting to switch weapons constantly as you pick up new gear, but for a beginner, focusing on upgrading and learning the moveset of one weapon is far more effective. I stuck with the Lordsworn’s Greatsword for my first 20 hours and upgraded it consistently. It gave me a consistent playstyle and helped me master stamina and positioning. Plus, upgrades increase your damage far more than leveling in the early game.

Starting out in Elden Ring can feel like being thrown into the deep end of a dark, mysterious ocean. But with the right tips, smart resource use, and perhaps a boost from buying Elden Ring runes, your journey doesn’t have to be a brutal grind. Whether you take advantage of Elden Ring cheap runes for beginners or just explore smarter, these small strategies can make a big difference.

From one Tarnished to another: don’t give up. The Lands Between are vast and rewarding—and with a bit of early help, you’ll find your rhythm faster than you think.

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