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When stepping into the hauntingly beautiful and brutal world of Elden Ring, one of the first questions many players face is how to spend their precious resources wisely. Whether you're firing arrows from a distance or slinging spells powered by Elden Ring runes, resource management is essential. Based on my own experience as a Tarnished braving the Lands Between, here are six early-game tips that will help you use both runes and arrows efficiently—and get the most out of every encounter.

1. Choose Your Playstyle Wisely

Early on, your build will determine how you spend your Elden Ring runes. If you favor ranged combat, arrows will be your best friend. But they’re not free. Investing in a bow build means allocating runes not only to Dexterity but also to a steady supply of arrows. On my first run, I leaned heavily into archery and quickly realized how much runes I was spending just to stay stocked. In contrast, magic users and melee builds often have less dependency on consumables.

2. Don’t Waste Runes on Excessive Arrow Crafting

It's tempting to craft hundreds of arrows early on, especially after discovering how scarce merchants can be. However, hoarding materials and runes for crafting will drain your currency pool fast. Instead, craft what you need for each excursion and avoid overstocking. Save your Elden Ring runes for upgrading your weapons or leveling up key stats.

3. Use Arrows Strategically

Arrows are most effective when used for sneak attacks or to pull enemies one by one. I remember wasting dozens of arrows trying to clear out an entire camp at once—only to be overwhelmed when enemies rushed me. Use terrain and stealth to your advantage. If you can isolate a foe or create a choke point, you’ll use far fewer arrows and take less damage in return.

4. Runes Are Easy to Lose—Spend Them Smartly

One lesson I learned the hard way: always bank your runes before heading into a tough area. In the early game, it’s easy to lose tens of thousands of Elden Ring runes in one unlucky encounter. Spend your runes as soon as you hit a milestone for leveling up, or invest them in useful gear. If you want to give yourself a cushion, you can buy Elden Ring currency cheap from reputable sources to stay ahead without grinding endlessly.

5. Farm Smart, Not Hard

If you find yourself low on both arrows and runes, look for efficient farming spots. One of my early favorites was the Gatefront Ruins, where I could quickly take out enemies, collect gear, and retreat to a Site of Grace. Use your environment—like explosive barrels or traps—to take down multiple enemies at once and save on resources.

6. Supplement Your Gear with Strategic Purchases

You don’t need to grind forever to get what you need. Sometimes it’s smarter to buy Elden Ring currency cheap and use it to purchase gear or materials you’re short on. Just make sure to use trustworthy platforms that prioritize security and fair pricing. This can give you the edge you need without compromising the challenge or spirit of the game.

Efficiency in Elden Ring comes from understanding the value of your resources. Runes and arrows may serve different roles, but both are limited and vital in the early game. With the right balance of strategy, spending, and smart farming, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success in the Lands Between. And remember: every rune counts, especially when death is just around the corner. Weekend Pick:8 Must-Have Elden Ring Items That Enhance Your Sorcery Ski