For many players, Elden Ring isn’t just a one-and-done experience. Once you’ve beaten the game with your first character, the idea of experimenting with a new build—maybe a dex-heavy samurai, a spell-slinging sorcerer, or a tanky strength warrior—becomes almost irresistible. But one thing you quickly notice is that multiple playthroughs demand a lot more runes than the first time around. Let’s break down why that is and what you can do to keep your adventures flowing smoothly.

Every Build Has Its Own Gear and Leveling Needs

When you start a new character, even if you’re already familiar with the game, you’re essentially starting from scratch. Early on, enemies can still feel punishing, and your damage output is usually lower than a maxed-out first playthrough character. That means farming runes becomes necessary to level up and gear up. Each build has unique stat priorities: a mage needs intelligence and mind, while a melee tank relies on vigor and endurance. Achieving those stat thresholds often requires significantly more runes than your initial journey, because you’re effectively balancing both survival and offensive capability at the same time.

For players looking to speed this process up, some opt to buy Elden Ring runes to reduce grind time. While it might feel a little like cheating at first, using services from trusted providers like U4GM can be a practical choice, especially when you just want to experiment with multiple builds without spending dozens of hours farming the same areas over and over.

Farming Strategies Shift With Each Playthrough

On your first run, you naturally stumble into the best farming spots as you progress through the story. On subsequent playthroughs, your character might tackle different regions first, or use alternate tactics, which can make farming less efficient initially. Some areas that felt like a smooth gold mine for runes during the first run might turn into tough challenges for a new build, especially if your character lacks the mobility, stamina, or damage output they had before.

In these situations, many players look for safer options. You can buy Elden Ring runes no ban risk from reputable sources if you’re careful, letting you level and gear your character without worrying about in-game penalties. This can be especially useful for trying out experimental builds that are less optimized for early-game farming.

Experimentation Costs More Than You Think

One of the joys of Elden Ring is trying something completely different from your original playstyle. But the more radical the shift, the more resources you need. A glass-cannon build with high damage but low survivability might require frequent runes farming just to stay alive. On the other hand, a tanky setup may need additional runes to raise vigor to tolerable levels before you can comfortably explore.

Beyond stats, don’t forget about weapon upgrades and talismans. A new build often demands different weapons or spells, meaning smithing stones, crafting materials, and runes must be collected anew. Even if you’ve “mastered” the first playthrough, a fresh character is still starting from zero when it comes to gear investment.

Community Tips for Rune Efficiency

There are a few tricks the community swears by for managing rune requirements across multiple builds. One is focusing on rune-dense areas that match your character’s strengths. Another is completing early-game bosses in a strategic order to maximize rune rewards. Some players also use online guides to find high-yield farming routes, but a word of caution: always cross-check sources to avoid outdated or risky strategies.

For those who prefer convenience, U4GM has become a well-known option among players who want to buy Elden Ring runes. Whether it’s for trying out multiple builds or quickly leveling new characters, it provides a straightforward way to ensure your adventure doesn’t get bogged down by tedious grinding.

Multiple playthroughs in Elden Ring are rewarding, but they come with a hidden cost: more runes. Whether it’s farming, experimenting with different stats, or gearing up, each new build requires careful planning and resource management. If you’re willing to invest some time—or a little extra through services like U4GM—you can keep the experience fresh without the frustration of constant grinding.

At the end of the day, the game shines when you feel free to explore, experiment, and push your limits. More runes might be necessary, but they’re also the price of endless creativity in one of the most engaging games of recent years.