Meals & nutrition

Surviving the early hours of Elden Ring can feel like being thrown into a storm without a compass. FromSoftware’s open-world epic is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, and for many players—including myself—it took a blend of preparation, trial and error, and patience to make progress. Based on personal experience and countless deaths, here are 7 practical tips that will help you survive the brutal early game in Elden Ring.

1. Choose the Right Starting Class

Your starting class defines your initial stats and equipment, but don't worry too much—it doesn’t lock you into a fixed path. That said, for beginners, I found the Vagabond and Confessor classes offered a balanced mix of survivability and power. If you want to lean on ranged combat, the Astrologer is also a strong choice. A good early setup makes all the difference before you start collecting more advanced Elden Ring Items.

2. Explore Before You Engage

When I first entered Limgrave, I made the mistake of heading straight into enemy camps. Instead, take your time to explore. Find the Church of Elleh, activate Sites of Grace, and look out for useful Elden Ring Items like smithing stones, crafting materials, and spirit ashes. Exploration is key—rushing into fights without preparation almost always leads to an early grave.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Run

There’s no shame in running away—Elden Ring isn’t about standing your ground in every fight. In the early game, many enemies can one-shot you. I learned quickly that knowing when to disengage is as important as mastering combat. Run past powerful foes, grab the loot, and return later when you're stronger. This strategy helped me progress without wasting time or resources.

4. Use Runes Wisely

Runes are your lifeline for leveling up and purchasing essential gear. It’s easy to lose them early on, especially before you understand the game’s risk-reward system. If you’re struggling to collect enough for upgrades, consider using reliable platforms like U4GM to buy elden ring runes safely and efficiently. Personally, I used it after losing a massive rune stash in Stormveil Castle—it helped me get back on track without grinding for hours.

5. Summon Help Early

One of my favorite discoveries was spirit summons and NPC helpers. The Lone Wolf Ashes, for example, are easy to get early and can draw enemy aggro during boss fights. Also, co-op is an excellent way to learn from others while softening the game’s brutal edge. Use your Elden Ring Items wisely—spirit ashes, in particular, can make even tough encounters manageable.

6. Prioritize a Weapon and Upgrade It

Rather than switching weapons constantly, find one you like and focus on upgrading it. Early on, I settled on the Longsword and invested in smithing stones to boost its damage. A single upgraded weapon can carry you through hours of gameplay more effectively than jumping between underpowered gear. This method also saves runes—whether you earn them or buy elden ring runes when needed.

7. Turn to the Community and Trusted Resources

When in doubt, look to the Elden Ring community. I often relied on U4GM not only for acquiring hard-to-find Elden Ring Items but also for tips, updates, and safe rune acquisition. The game doesn’t explain much, so having a reliable resource makes a real difference. From quest guides to weapon suggestions, it’s the support I didn’t know I needed.

My early journey through Elden Ring was filled with confusion, awe, and more than a few rage quits. But with careful planning, exploration, and the right resources—including the option to buy elden ring runes through trusted platforms like U4GM—you can turn that chaos into a truly memorable adventure. Surviving the early game is tough, but with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to carve your own path across the Lands Between.