Elden Ring has a reputation for being punishingly tough, even for seasoned players. But just when you think you’ve mastered the mechanics, collected the best gear, and vanquished every boss, New Game+ (NG+) rolls around, and suddenly, you’re back to square one—or so it feels. One of the biggest surprises for NG+ players is just how quickly you run out of runes, the currency that fuels level-ups and upgrades. Even if you carried over your high-level weapons and armor, runes remain a constant pressure point.
The Myth of “Enough Runes”
When entering NG+, it’s easy to assume your first playthrough stockpile is enough to breeze through the game. After all, you’re stronger, your weapons hit harder, and you know enemy patterns. But Elden Ring is smart about scaling, and NG+ enemies are not just stronger—they hit harder, have more health, and drop fewer runes relative to the damage they deal. This creates a funny situation: even though you’re technically overpowered, you’ll find yourself grinding just to keep your character’s stats competitive.
For some players, this grind becomes tedious fast. That’s where some of us explore shortcuts. A quick search online will show options where you can buy Elden Ring runes. It might feel like a guilty pleasure, but for those just wanting to experience the story and bosses without spending hours farming the same areas, it’s a legitimate consideration.
Grinding Doesn’t Scale Linearly
It’s tempting to think that grinding in Elden Ring is as simple as picking a high-yield enemy spot and repeating. But in NG+, the yield per enemy is balanced against your scaling power. What used to give 5000 runes per kill in the first playthrough might only feel worth 2000 relative to the effort in NG+. As a result, you often find yourself searching for higher-level farming spots or engaging in repeatable invasions to boost your stash.
Some players turn to services that offer buy Elden Ring runes instantly delivered. It’s important to note that not all providers are equal; reliable platforms like U4GM have built a reputation among the community for quick delivery and safety, which can save you hours of grinding without breaking the game’s challenge entirely.
Smart Rune Management Tips
Even if you consider buying runes, managing them efficiently is still crucial. Here are a few strategies I’ve picked up over multiple NG+ runs:
Upgrade First, Spend Later: Focus on upgrading a primary weapon before investing in leveling multiple stats. A well-upgraded weapon will carry you further than a few extra levels in Vigor or Endurance early on.
Farm Strategically: Know which enemies drop the runes you need most. Some mini-bosses in areas you’ve previously ignored can yield surprisingly high returns, especially if you exploit weaknesses.
Mix Grinding with Exploration: Repeating the same area can be draining. Rotate between exploration, side quests, and optional bosses. You’ll gather runes organically without feeling stuck in a loop.
NG+ Bosses Demand More Than Strength
One thing that surprises many returning players is that NG+ bosses are not just harder because they have more health—they often introduce new attack patterns and faster combos. This is where the extra runes come in handy. Investing in a few more levels of endurance, vigor, or mind can make the difference between a flawless victory and a frustrating defeat. And while some might argue that buying runes is “cheating,” it’s simply a tool for convenience. For example, if you find yourself stuck at Radahn or Malenia, a small infusion of runes can help you experiment with different builds without feeling punished for every mistake.
Balancing Fun and Challenge
At the end of the day, Elden Ring is about enjoyment and challenge in equal measure. NG+ ramps up both exponentially, and running out of runes is one of the few pain points that can break immersion. Using options to buy runes instantly delivered can be a legitimate way to maintain your momentum, especially if you’re more interested in exploring lore, trying unconventional builds, or tackling late-game bosses without repetitive farming.
The key is to keep it balanced. Treat purchased runes as a supplement rather than a replacement for the core experience. You still get the thrill of discovering secrets, learning enemy patterns, and feeling that satisfying sense of progression, but without the frustration of constantly hitting a resource ceiling.
Even after hundreds of hours in Elden Ring, NG+ can feel like a whole new game. Runes are more than currency—they’re a measure of preparedness and a gatekeeper to experimentation. Whether you farm religiously or occasionally top up via trusted services like U4GM, having enough runes ensures that you can focus on the parts of the game that make it memorable: epic battles, deep exploration, and creative character builds.
So, if you’re about to dive into NG+ and wondering why your hoarded runes vanish faster than you expect, remember: even the most experienced Tarnished will always need more. Plan wisely, manage smartly, and don’t be afraid to make use of the tools at your disposal. After all, Elden Ring is a marathon, not a sprint.
