I WILL BE LEADING WORSHIP AT CALVARY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Group

As someone who's poured hundreds of hours into Elden Ring, I know how brutally rewarding the game can be. But with the upcoming DLC set to introduce even more punishing enemies, complex zones, and likely higher rune demands, preparation has never been more critical. One strategy that’s helped me and many other Tarnished stay ahead of the curve is buying runes — and it’s more than just a shortcut. It’s a tactical move that sets you up for success.

Why Runes Matter More Than Ever

With new content on the horizon, rune farming is about to get even more competitive. I remember before the last major update, I spent hours grinding Albinaurics just to afford a few level-ups. It was exhausting — and honestly, not the best use of time when there’s so much more of the game to explore. That’s when I first turned to Elden Ring Runes. Instead of spending endless hours farming, I invested in runes and used the time saved to explore builds, test weapons, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

What Makes Buying Runes a Smart DLC Strategy

1. Instant Power Boost

As the DLC is expected to raise the stakes — tougher bosses, deeper lore, and expanded PvE threats — entering under-leveled can mean immediate frustration. When you buy Elden Ring runes, you give yourself the breathing room to experiment with new gear, raise your vigor to survivable levels, and unlock advanced weapons without the grind.

2. Freedom to Test Builds Before the DLC Hits

One of the most exciting parts of any new Elden Ring content is theory-crafting new builds. But respec items are limited, and experimenting is costly. With a stockpile of runes, I was able to test my hybrid bleed-intelligence build before the last patch — and refine it into something viable. I plan to do the same as soon as the DLC drops. It’s a freedom that only comes from having enough runes in reserve.

3. Avoiding the Pre-DLC Grindfest

The weeks leading up to a new DLC release often turn into a mad scramble for power-leveling. I've seen friends rush through NG+ cycles or burn out farming the same mob spots over and over. Buying runes gave me a head start, so I could focus on fine-tuning my playstyle instead of wasting time in grind loops.

4. Better Preparedness for Meta Shifts

FromSoftware has a habit of tweaking the game balance with each new expansion. Whether it’s nerfing a favored weapon or boosting underused incantations, being flexible is crucial. If the DLC shakes up the PvP or PvE meta, having extra runes gives you the ability to pivot quickly — whether that means changing weapons, gear, or attribute allocations.

5. Minimizing Frustration, Maximizing Enjoyment

Ultimately, my decision to buy runes wasn’t about skipping content — it was about enhancing my experience. I still explored, fought, and died (a lot), but I wasn’t stuck on rune limitations. With the DLC likely introducing high-level areas right out of the gate, starting from a position of strength means I’ll get to enjoy the new content on my terms.

The idea of buying runes might seem like an easy way out, but in my experience, it's a smart way in — into a more flexible, focused, and enjoyable Elden Ring journey. The upcoming DLC will challenge even the most seasoned players, and being rune-rich is one of the best ways to meet that challenge head-on. Whether you're planning your next Faith build or prepping for your sixth playthrough, investing in runes could be the edge you need.