Monday, April 21, 2025

Elden Ring XP vs Runes: Are They the Same?

 If you're diving into the world of Elden Ring for the first time, you might be confused about terms like "XP" and "runes." Many players coming from other RPGs or Soulsborne titles often ask: Are XP and runes the same in Elden Ring? The short answer is yes—but with some important context. This guide explains what Elden Ring runes are, how they function, and why you might see them referred to as XP in some communities.

What Are Elden Ring Runes?

In Elden Ring, runes are the game's universal currency. You earn them by defeating enemies, selling items, or using consumable rune items. Unlike traditional RPGs where experience points (XP) and currency are separate, runes serve multiple purposes:

  • They level up your character (XP function)

  • They are used to buy items from merchants (currency function)

  • They can be used to upgrade weapons and equipment

So, while you might hear players talk about "XP farming" in Elden Ring, what they really mean is "rune farming." The concept is the same—gaining resources to become stronger—but the terminology aligns with Elden Ring’s lore and game mechanics.

Why Are Runes Called XP?

In many RPGs, XP refers specifically to experience points used to level up your character. Since runes in Elden Ring are used in exactly the same way, some players refer to them as XP out of habit or convenience. This crossover in terms is especially common among newer players or those coming from games like Dark Souls, where the in-game currency (souls) also functioned as XP.

Using Elden Ring Runes for Progression

To level up, you need to visit a Site of Grace and speak with Melina, your guide in the early game. You’ll spend runes to increase your character’s attributes like Vigor, Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Each level requires a growing amount of runes, making rune farming a key part of long-term progression.

This is where the concept of XP closely overlaps—because spending runes directly translates to leveling up, they essentially are experience points. But remember, if you die, you drop all your runes. You must return to the spot of death to recover them. If you die again before doing so, they are lost forever.



How to Get Runes Fast

Whether you're aiming to level up quickly or stockpile for gear upgrades, farming runes efficiently is essential. Here are a few tips:

  • Farm near early-game bosses or camps: Locations like Gatefront Ruins or the enemies around Stormhill are great for farming.

  • Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot: This consumable item increases rune acquisition for a short time.

  • Visit high-reward zones: Later-game areas offer more runes per kill, but they’re more dangerous.

  • Consider buying runes from a trusted source: Some players choose to buy cheap Elden Ring runes from reputable sellers to save time, especially when replaying the game on new characters.

Should You Buy Cheap Elden Ring Runes?

Buying cheap Elden Ring runes can be a shortcut for players who want to experiment with new builds or avoid grinding. However, it’s important to ensure that you purchase from a reliable source that follows secure delivery methods. Unsafe transactions could risk your account, so always research before you buy.

Look for services with good reviews, secure payment options, and in-game delivery that complies with FromSoftware’s policies. If done responsibly, buying runes can be a legitimate way to enhance your gameplay experience without endless farming.

In Elden Ring, XP and runes are essentially the same—runes are your experience points, your currency, and your resource for upgrades. Understanding this dual purpose helps players navigate the game's unique system and avoid confusion. Whether you're earning runes through battle or choosing to buy cheap Elden Ring runes to boost your progress, managing your rune count effectively is the key to mastering the Lands Between.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

U4GM - Best Elden Ring Weapons to Farm Runes Faster

 Farming Elden Ring runes efficiently depends not just on location and timing, but also on your weapon choice. Some weapons drastically increase your speed and effectiveness when grinding for resources. Whether you’re slashing through weak mobs in early zones or sweeping through late-game rune farms, having the right tools can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Elden Ring items—specifically weapons—that will help you earn more runes faster and with less effort.

1. Sacred Relic Sword

Location: Rewarded after defeating the final boss and exchanging the Elden Remembrance with Enia at Roundtable Hold.
Why it's great: The Sacred Relic Sword is widely considered the best rune farming weapon due to its unique skill, Wave of Gold. This skill unleashes a wide golden shockwave that clears out large groups of enemies in a single cast—perfect for the Mohgwyn Palace farming spot.
Ideal for: High-level players who have completed the game and want to farm massive rune amounts quickly.

2. Blasphemous Blade

Location: Trade Rykard’s Remembrance with Enia.
Why it's great: This weapon scales with Faith and Strength and restores HP upon enemy kills. It’s perfect for sustained farming runs where survivability is key. Its Taker's Flames skill also does excellent AoE damage.
Ideal for: Faith builds looking for both power and sustainability during rune farming.

3. Rivers of Blood

Location: Defeat Bloody Finger Okina at the Church of Repose in Mountaintops of the Giants.
Why it's great: Its fast bleed buildup and powerful skill, Corpse Piler, allow it to slice through rune-rich enemies quickly. Bleed damage is extremely effective against many farmable enemy types.
Ideal for: Dexterity or Arcane builds looking to trigger bleed effects rapidly.

4. Ghiza’s Wheel

Location: Dropped by Inquisitor Ghiza at Volcano Manor.
Why it's great: This colossal weapon’s skill, Spinning Wheel, turns it into a literal death saw. When used correctly, it deals continuous damage while draining enemy health—great for Elden Ring runes farming larger mobs or mini-bosses.
Ideal for: Strength builds with a preference for big weapons and big rewards.

5. Sword of Night and Flame

Location: Found in a chest in Caria Manor, near the Manor Lower Level Site of Grace.
Why it's great: Its dual-scaling damage and unique Night-and-Flame Stance make it effective in both magic-based and physical attacks. This versatility is great for clearing out mobs in tight farming routes.
Ideal for: Intelligence and Faith hybrid builds that need flexibility and burst damage.

6. Moonveil Katana

Location: Dropped by the Magma Wyrm boss in Gael Tunnel.
Why it's great: The Transient Moonlight skill provides strong ranged magical slashes that can one-shot weaker enemies, speeding up rune farming, especially in early-to-mid game areas.
Ideal for: Intelligence-focused characters looking for quick rune runs.

7. Eleonora’s Poleblade

Location: Found after defeating Eleonora at the Second Church of Marika.
Why it's great: This twinblade stacks bleed damage rapidly with its skill, Bloodblade Dance. Great for crowd control and farming areas with mid-HP enemies.
Ideal for: Arcane/Dexterity builds aiming to maximize bleed-based rune farming.




Tips to Maximize Rune Farming with Weapons

  • Equip the Gold Scarab talisman to increase rune drop rates from enemies.

  • Use Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot for temporary rune gain boosts.

  • Pair AoE weapons with rune-dense locations like Mohgwyn Palace or War-Dead Catacombs.

  • Upgrade your weapons fully at a blacksmith to improve farming speed.

  • Consider Spirit Ashes that complement your farming style and draw aggro.

Choosing the right weapon can drastically reduce the time it takes to gather Elden Ring runes. The options above are not only some of the most effective Elden Ring items for rune farming but also provide a variety of playstyles. Whether you're after bleed damage, AoE clearing, or hybrid spells, there's a weapon tailored to your grind. Equip smart, farm efficiently, and make the most of every battle.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Where to Find the Most Runes in Elden Ring

 Earning runes efficiently is one of the most important parts of progressing in Elden Ring. These rune points act as the primary currency used to level up your character, upgrade weapons, and purchase essential Elden Ring items. If you're wondering where to find the most runes in Elden Ring, this guide covers the top farming locations that can help you build up your supply quickly and easily.

1. Mohgwyn Palace – The Best Rune Farming Spot

Mohgwyn Palace is widely regarded as the best location to farm Elden Ring runes. This hidden area becomes accessible through a portal in the Consecrated Snowfield, after completing White-Faced Varre’s questline.

  • What to do: Use a ranged weapon or spell to kill Albinaurics in groups across the blood-soaked grounds. One group near the cliff edge can be taken out repeatedly for up to 40,000 runes per minute.

  • Pro Tip: Equip the Gold Scarab talisman to boost rune gain.

  • Why it’s great: Enemies are easy to kill and respawn quickly when resting at a nearby Site of Grace.

2. Windmill Village – Midgame Rune Boost

Dominula, Windmill Village in the Altus Plateau is another good rune farming area, especially for mid-game players.

  • Enemies: Festive dancing villagers offer around 1,000 runes each and can be cleared in under a minute.

  • Bonus: These enemies are non-aggressive until attacked and are very weak.

  • Usefulness: Great for quick rune bursts without too much danger.



3. Greyoll’s Dragonbarrow – Giant Dragon Exploit

A clever trick for earning a large amount of Elden Ring runes early involves a sleeping giant dragon in Caelid’s Dragonbarrow.

  • How it works: This massive dragon, Greyoll, is surrounded by smaller dragons. If you take her out using bleed damage, you’ll earn up to 80,000 runes.

  • Important Tip: Use a weapon like Reduvia or Blood Uchigatana with a bleed effect for fast results.

  • Note: This is a one-time reward, but it gives a huge boost early in the game.

4. Nokron, Eternal City – After Radahn

After defeating General Radahn, you gain access to Nokron, Eternal City. This area contains powerful enemies with high rune yields.

  • Best area: The area near the Mimic Tear boss.

  • Enemies: Silver Tear monsters and soldiers drop a good amount of runes and some rare Elden Ring items.

  • Recommended for: Players in mid to late game stages.

5. Haligtree and Consecrated Snowfield – Endgame Rune Spots

For late-game players, Miquella’s Haligtree and the Consecrated Snowfield offer elite enemies with high rune payouts.

  • Enemies: Cleanrot Knights, Misbegotten Warriors, and Tree Spirits.

  • Difficulty: Very high, but the rune return is worth it.

  • Extra: You can also find powerful Elden Ring items like smithing stones and talismans in these zones.


Bonus Tips for Maximizing Runes

  • Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot: Temporarily increases rune gain from enemies.

  • Equip the Gold Scarab: Found in the Abandoned Cave, this talisman significantly boosts rune drops.

  • Upgrade AoE damage: Skills or spells that hit multiple targets are perfect for rune farming.


In conclusion, if you want to earn the most Elden Ring runes, Mohgwyn Palace is your best bet. However, each stage of the game offers valuable farming locations where you can grow stronger and gather essential Elden Ring items. Plan your route, upgrade your gear, and make the most of your farming sessions to dominate the Lands Between.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Fallout 76 Caps and Legendary Vendors: Everything You Need to Know

 In Fallout 76, Caps serve as the primary currency and play a vital role in how players progress through the game. Whether you’re buying weapons, fast traveling, or trading with other players, Fallout 76 Caps are always in demand. Alongside Caps, Fallout 76 features a wide range of items and vendors, including the highly sought-after Legendary Vendors, who deal specifically in powerful gear. This guide will cover everything you need to know about how to earn Caps, where to spend them, and how Legendary Vendors can help you improve your collection of Fallout 76 items.

What Are Fallout 76 Caps?

Caps are the in-game currency used for a variety of functions:

  • Buying and selling items from NPC vendors

  • Fast traveling to discovered locations

  • Trading with other players

  • Repairing C.A.M.P. structures and equipment

While they are similar to traditional currency in other RPGs, Fallout 76 Caps are harder to come by and need to be managed carefully. There is also a player cap limit—historically set at 30,000 Caps—though Bethesda has occasionally adjusted this through updates.

How to Earn Fallout 76 Caps

There are several effective methods to earn Caps:

  1. Selling Loot to NPC Vendors
    Loot from enemies and containers can be sold at train station vendors or faction vendors scattered throughout Appalachia. High-value junk and weapons are great for generating Caps.

  2. Daily and Weekly Challenges
    Completing these missions often rewards players with Caps, in addition to other materials and rewards.

  3. Trading With Other Players
    If you have rare or in-demand Fallout 76 items, such as weapons, armor, or plans, you can trade with other players for a large number of Caps.

  4. Caps Stashes
    Small containers found around the world, often hidden in corners or inside buildings, can contain up to 25–50 Caps each.

  5. Events and Public Quests
    Many events offer Caps as part of their reward pool. Participating in these can be both profitable and entertaining.

  6. Vending Machines in Player C.A.M.P.s
    By setting up your own vending machines and pricing your Fallout 76 items competitively, you can earn Caps passively from other players.

Spending Fallout 76 Caps Wisely

It’s easy to burn through Caps quickly, especially when traveling or purchasing high-tier items. Here’s how you can make the most of your currency:

  • Buy Ammo, Food, and Plans from reliable vendors

  • Repair Gear and Structures when durability drops

  • Invest in Blueprints and essential Fallout 76 items that enhance gameplay

  • Upgrade Your CAMP and improve trading potential with others

Who Are the Legendary Vendors?

Legendary Vendors, also known as the Purveyor Murmrgh, are special vendors that deal exclusively in legendary weapons and armor. These vendors do not accept Caps—instead, they trade using Legendary Scrip, which can be earned by scrapping unwanted legendary gear at exchange machines.

Where to Find Legendary Vendors:

  • The Rusty Pick (Ash Heap region): The original home of Purveyor Murmrgh

  • Various Train Stations (rotating appearances during events or seasonal updates)

What They Offer:

Legendary Vendors give players the opportunity to trade Legendary Scrip for random legendary items, including:

  • One-star, two-star, or three-star Legendary Weapons

  • Legendary Armor with powerful bonuses

  • Fallout 76 items with random rolls that enhance different builds or playstyles

This system gives players the ability to recycle unwanted gear and try their luck for better rolls, making it an essential part of late-game item farming.

Tips for Legendary Farming

  • Participate in Events Like “Radiation Rumble” and “Eviction Notice” to get lots of legendary drops.

  • Use the Legendary Exchange Machines to convert your unused gear into Scrip.

  • Save up Scrip and visit Purveyor Murmrgh during special events, such as “Legendary Sales,” when prices are reduced.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your Wasteland adventures, understanding the value of Fallout 76 Caps and knowing how to interact with Legendary Vendors can significantly improve your gameplay. By managing your Caps wisely and collecting the best Fallout 76 items from Legendary Vendors, you’ll be better prepared to take on the many threats of Appalachia. Keep scavenging, trading, and spending smart—your next legendary find could be just around the corner.

Should You Save or Spend Fallout 76 Caps?

 In the wasteland of Fallout 76, Caps serve as the primary currency, and managing them wisely can make a significant difference in your survival and progress. The decision of whether to save or spend your Fallout 76 Caps is an important one, as it can influence the items you acquire, the upgrades you make, and how effectively you can tackle the game's many challenges. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of saving and spending Fallout 76 Caps, and help you decide the best strategy for your playstyle.

The Importance of Fallout 76 Caps

Fallout 76 Caps are essential for nearly every transaction in the game. From purchasing gear and weapons to buying valuable Fallout 76 items, Caps are the foundation of the in-game economy. Whether you're trading with other players, buying from vendors, or even securing mods and upgrades for your weapons, Caps are the currency that fuels your experience. Understanding how to effectively manage your Caps can lead to a more efficient and enjoyable playthrough.

Why You Might Want to Save Fallout 76 Caps

  1. Long-Term Investment in Rare Fallout 76 Items As you progress through the game, you'll find that certain Fallout 76 items are incredibly rare or require a significant amount of Caps to obtain. Saving your Caps over time can allow you to afford these more expensive and powerful items that can greatly enhance your gameplay. Some rare weapons, armor sets, and crafting materials can only be purchased from specific vendors or players, and having a healthy amount of Caps in your inventory ensures that you can acquire these coveted items when you need them most.

  2. Preparedness for Events and Updates Fallout 76 frequently holds special events and seasonal updates that introduce exclusive items, cosmetics, and other rewards. These events often require Caps for participation or for purchasing limited-time Fallout 76 items. By saving your Caps, you ensure that you're ready to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise, giving you an edge in acquiring exclusive gear or participating in special events.

  3. Avoiding Financial Strain in Tough Situations In some cases, you may need Caps for urgent repairs or to buy vital resources. Saving Caps ensures that you're not caught unprepared when you find yourself in a tight spot. Whether you're in the middle of a challenging mission, fighting tough enemies, or dealing with other players, having a financial cushion can give you peace of mind knowing that you can afford the necessary resources to keep moving forward.

Why You Might Want to Spend Fallout 76 Caps

  1. Immediate Upgrades and Enhancements In Fallout 76, the early game can be challenging, and purchasing essential Fallout 76 items like better weapons, armor, or mods can make a huge difference. Spending your Caps on these items can provide immediate boosts to your power and survivability. You might find that having higher-tier gear early on gives you an advantage when facing tougher enemies or exploring more dangerous areas.

  2. Maximizing the Value of Limited-Time Items The in-game vendors and other players often have limited stock of certain items. Spending Caps on these items can help you take advantage of special opportunities. For instance, if a vendor has a rare crafting material or a unique weapon that fits your playstyle, spending some of your Caps can be an investment in your character's development. Additionally, limited-time items can be a great way to personalize your character with unique cosmetics or accessories, which can add to your enjoyment of the game.

  3. Participating in Trading with Other Players In Fallout 76, the player-driven economy is an important part of the gameplay experience. Trading with other players can be a great way to acquire Fallout 76 items that you might not be able to find on your own. Whether you're looking for rare weapons, hard-to-find resources, or crafting materials, spending Caps to trade with other players can help you acquire the items you need to improve your gameplay. Sometimes, making these trades can be more cost-effective than searching for items yourself, especially if you're short on time or resources.

  4. Convenience in Gameplay Spending Caps can also help you avoid the grind. Instead of spending hours scavenging for items or resources, you can use your Caps to buy exactly what you need. This can speed up your progress, allowing you to focus on more exciting aspects of the game, like exploring new areas or completing difficult missions. In a game as vast as Fallout 76, managing your time and energy is essential, and spending Caps strategically can save you a lot of effort in the long run.

The Balance Between Saving and Spending

The key to managing your Fallout 76 Caps effectively lies in finding the right balance between saving and spending. While it’s important to have a savings buffer for rare items, special events, and emergencies, it’s also vital to invest in immediate upgrades that improve your performance. Spending Caps on useful Fallout 76 items in the short term can make a significant difference in your ability to tackle the game’s many challenges. At the same time, saving for the long term ensures that you’re prepared for future opportunities and can afford rare, high-value items that will make a big impact on your character's power.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you should save or spend your Fallout 76 Caps depends on your playstyle, goals, and the current state of your inventory. If you're someone who likes to be prepared for any situation and enjoys the long-term strategy, saving Caps might be the way to go. However, if you're looking to power up quickly, take advantage of rare opportunities, or participate in trades, then spending Caps strategically will be essential.

Ultimately, the best approach is a balance: save when you can, but don't be afraid to spend when it’s necessary to enhance your character's development or enjoy the game more fully. Managing your Fallout 76 Caps is part of the fun of the game, and finding the right approach for you will make your time in the wasteland even more rewarding.