Which weapons should I focus on first?

Early in Elden Ring, simplicity and accessibility are key. Some weapons are easier to find and require fewer materials for upgrades. Straight swords, basic axes, and short spears often stand out because they are abundant, lightweight, and don’t demand a ton of Smithing Stones. For example, the Broadsword is a classic choice. You can grab one shortly after leaving the tutorial area, and it scales well with both strength and dexterity, making it versatile for almost any build.

Another solid option is the Hand Axe. It’s quick, has a good stagger effect on enemies, and is cheap to upgrade early on. Pairing it with a simple shield can make early exploration much smoother. Personally, I often stick with the Broadsword or Hand Axe for my first 10–15 hours of play—it saves a lot of headaches and lets you focus on learning enemy patterns instead of grinding endlessly for materials.

How do I efficiently get upgrade materials?

This is where a lot of new players stumble. Smithing Stones are essential for upgrades, and while you can find them naturally in the world, it takes time. One thing that helped me was knowing where to farm these stones early on. Certain caves, minor dungeons, and even some merchants sell Smithing Stones for a reasonable amount of runes. If you find yourself short on runes, there are safe ways to get more without risking your hard-earned progress. For instance, you can buy Elden Ring runes from trusted sources to speed up your early upgrades. Doing this can save hours of grinding and let you experiment with different weapons without feeling held back.

Are there any hidden gems for early upgrades?

Yes, and they’re surprisingly accessible. Weapons like the Morning Star or Great Club can be picked up early in the game and upgraded with minimal materials. The Morning Star, in particular, has great bleed damage, which makes it excellent against tough humanoid enemies. And if you enjoy a slower, heavier weapon, the Great Club can one-shot many early enemies once upgraded, even with just a couple of Smithing Stones.

A tip here: don’t ignore crafting. Upgrading a weapon is only part of the equation. Buffs, temporary consumables, and even Ashes of War can give your early weapons a surprising edge. Pairing a simple weapon with a bleed infusion or fire buff can sometimes outperform fancy, higher-tier weapons you stumble upon later.

Can I buy runes safely if I want to speed up upgrades?

Yes, but it’s best to approach this carefully. For players who want to accelerate early progress without grinding for hours, platforms like U4GM offer ways to buy runes safely. I’ve personally used it once when testing new builds and it saved me a lot of time. Remember, only use reputable sources to avoid account issues. Buying a small amount of runes early on can help you unlock your favorite weapons for upgrades and experiment with builds without spending hours farming.

Is it better to upgrade one weapon or multiple?

Early on, focus on one main weapon. Upgrading multiple weapons simultaneously will spread your resources thin, and you might find yourself stuck when a new boss appears. Pick your favorite early weapon—whatever feels most comfortable—and max it out as far as materials allow. Once you reach a point where Smithing Stones are more plentiful, then experiment with secondary weapons. Trust me, mastering one weapon early makes the game far more enjoyable, and you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to try new gear later.

How about using PayPal to buy runes? Is it safe?

For players who prefer digital transactions, some services allow you to buy Elden Ring runes with PayPal. It’s generally safe if you stick to verified vendors, and it’s a convenient option if you want to skip some of the early grind. I’ve found it particularly handy when testing different weapon upgrade paths across multiple playthroughs. A small purchase here or there can save you time and let you focus on the fun part: combat and exploration.

Upgrading weapons early in Elden Ring doesn’t have to be stressful. Stick with simple, accessible weapons like the Broadsword or Hand Axe, focus on gathering materials efficiently, and consider small rune boosts from trusted sources if you want to skip excessive grinding. With just a bit of planning, you’ll have your favorite weapons fully upgraded in no time, making early-game exploration and boss fights much more enjoyable.

Tips and Tricks: Elden Ring Nightreign Release Date: May 30, 2025