If you’re planning to jump into Elden Ring’s DLC, getting your character in solid shape ahead of time is honestly one of the best things you can do for yourself. The DLC areas in FromSoftware games tend to hit like a truck, and being under-leveled usually turns every encounter into a stress test. Prepping your runes early saves you from headaches later, especially if you’re the type who’d rather explore than grind. Below, I’ll walk you through practical ways to stock up, what to keep in mind if you’re thinking about outside purchases, and a few small tips from my own playthroughs.

Why Prepping Runes Before the DLC Helps So Much

Let’s be real: the game doesn’t exactly slow down for newcomers once you’re in expansion territory. Enemies get tankier, new weapons need upgrading, and builds get more expensive to maintain. Having a healthy supply of runes ready means you can switch playstyles instantly, max out a backup weapon, or push those last few stat points without forcing yourself into another late-night rune farm.

During my own prep, I found that hitting a comfortable level before stepping into DLC zones kept the experience fun instead of exhausting. Nothing kills the hype like being two-shot by the first random knight you meet.

Natural Farming Methods You Can Rely On

For players who enjoy sticking to in-game methods, the classic late-game farming spots still do the job. These spots might not be glamorous, but they’re consistent and safe.

One reliable option is the big open field full of Albinaurics near Mohgwyn Palace. It’s a well-known farming zone for a reason: the enemies are squishy, the area is easy to access once unlocked, and the rune gain per minute is solid. With the right weapon or AoE spell, you’ll be mowing down groups quickly.

If you’re more into a no-risk method, the sleeping giant dragon is another well-known tactic. It’s basically a one-time burst of runes, but if you never used it on your current character, it’s a nice boost to kick off your DLC prep.

Of course, all this takes time, and not everyone wants to spend their weekend grinding. That’s usually when people start looking at outside options like services where you can buy elden ring runes instead of farming manually. Done carefully, this can save a ton of hours you’d rather put toward actual gameplay.

Things to Consider Before Using External Rune Services

Before you jump into the wider marketplace, it’s worth understanding how these services work and what the risks look like. They’re extremely common in RPG communities nowadays, but being informed never hurts.

One thing I always look for is whether the seller handles trades safely and whether the process keeps your account protected. Stick to well-known platforms, follow their instructions, and avoid anything that feels sketchy. Plenty of players have used these methods without issues, but you still want to stay smart about it.

Some people ask where to find cheap elden ring runes for sale, but cheaper isn’t always better. When something is unbelievably low-priced, it usually means the seller cuts corners. Personally, I’d rather pay a little more if it means the trade is cleaner and smoother.

Why Some Players Go Through Stores Like U4GM

A lot of players talk about stores such as U4GM because they're familiar in the community and have been used across multiple games for years. The appeal is usually convenience. You select the amount you want, meet up through in-game trade, and you’re done in a couple minutes. It’s kind of like skipping the chore part of the game so you can jump right into experimenting with new weapons or builds before the DLC lands.

That said, I wouldn’t treat any store as magic. Do your usual checks: look at reputation, read a few user impressions, and confirm they explain their trade steps clearly. When everything lines up, the process tends to be smooth.

How Much You Actually Need for the DLC

Players toss around big level numbers, but honestly, there’s no one perfect answer. It all depends on your build and comfort level. Some folks walk into expansions at level 120 and do perfectly fine, while others push for 150 or more to feel safe.

For upgrading gear, the main rune cost often comes from leveling rather than weapon enhancements, since upgrade stones don’t require money. If you’re planning to respec into a completely new build for the DLC, factor in the cost of raising low stats to match weapon requirements.

My advice: don’t aim for a specific number just because other players say so. Think about what makes you comfortable. If you like experimenting, having extra runes on standby is extremely helpful while trying out new toys.

Before You Dive Into the DLC

A few last things I’d recommend doing while stacking runes:

Test new weapons early. Some DLC gear might outshine your current loadout, but you never know which weapon type you’ll click with right away.

Have at least two damage types ready. FromSoft loves throwing enemy resistances at you.

Upgrade some backup armor pieces. You don’t need to level armor in Elden Ring, but having sets that fit different weight thresholds makes build tweaking much easier.

And most importantly, don’t stress your prep too much. Getting stronger is helpful, but the DLC is designed to be fun, not torture. With a reasonable stash of runes, a build you like, and a bit of curiosity, you’ll be more than ready.

Full Guide: Elden Ring – Death Rite Bird (Snowfield) Guide