Ultimate Rune Farming Guide for Elden Ring Players
If you’ve spent any significant time wandering the Lands Between, you already know that runes are the backbone of progression in Elden Ring. Whether you’re looking to level up, upgrade your gear, or just avoid getting flattened by that boss you swore you could beat “just one more time,” having a solid stash of runes makes a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the most efficient and rewarding ways to farm runes—whether you’re a fresh Tarnished or a seasoned veteran.
1. Best Early Game Rune Farm: Gatefront Ruins & Stormhill
For newcomers, Gatefront Ruins and the surrounding Stormhill area are prime spots to rack up some early levels. The enemies here are relatively low-risk, and you can take them down quickly even with starting gear. This is ideal for those who want to test new weapons or spells while steadily gaining runes. Don’t forget to rest at the nearby Site of Grace to reset spawns and keep the grind going.
If you’re in a hurry or simply want to experiment with builds early on, some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes to get past the initial hump and focus on exploration or PvP instead of grinding.
2. Mid-Game Hotspot: Mohgwyn Palace
Once you gain access to Mohgwyn Palace—typically via the Varre questline or a portal unlocked later in the game—you’ve hit the jackpot. The infamous Albinauric blood swamp near the Dynasty Mausoleum Entrance Site of Grace is one of the most efficient rune farms in the game. A well-placed AoE spell or a good bleed weapon can clear out the clustered Albinaurics in seconds, and each run yields hundreds of thousands of runes with the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot or the Gold Scarab equipped.
Pro tip: If you’re running a sorcery build, this is a great place to test high-damage AoE spells like Comet Azur or Stars of Ruin. For melee builds, try using a curved sword with a bleed effect for maximum efficiency.
3. High-Risk, High-Reward: Haligtree and Consecrated Snowfield
If you’re further into the game and feeling confident, the enemies in Miquella’s Haligtree and the Consecrated Snowfield are not only challenging but extremely rewarding in terms of rune drops. The key here is efficiency and speed. The trick is not just to survive but to kill quickly and reset.
At this point in the game, many players are also looking to fine-tune their builds with specific gear. It’s not uncommon for people to buy Elden Ring items to round out their loadouts, especially if they’ve missed certain quests or drops during their initial playthrough.
4. Passive Farming with Spirit Ashes
Don’t underestimate the value of letting your Spirit Ashes do the work for you. Summons like the Mimic Tear or the Greatshield Soldiers can tank and distract while you farm safely from a distance. This is especially helpful in crowded areas like Nokron or the underground Siofra River where enemies patrol in groups.
Pair this with a high-damage AoE spell or weapon art, and you can passively farm runes while staying out of harm’s way. It’s an ideal method for players who want to level up while multitasking or simply taking a break from the intensity of direct combat.
5. Bonus Tips for Maximizing Rune Gains
- Gold Scarab: This talisman significantly boosts rune acquisition and is practically essential for serious farming. It’s a reward from defeating the Cleanrot Knights in the Abandoned Cave near Caelid.
- Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot: A consumable that boosts rune acquisition for a limited time. Stock up before your farming sessions.
- Night Farming: Some enemies drop better loot or more runes at night. If you’re struggling to find enough runes during the day, try passing time at a Site of Grace and see what changes.
Farming runes in Elden Ring is a natural part of the game’s rhythm. Some players embrace the grind, while others look for shortcuts to tailor their experience the way they want. Whether you prefer to clear entire zones solo, farm strategically with Spirit Ashes, or occasionally buy Elden Ring runes or buy Elden Ring items to support your journey, the game gives you plenty of room to play your way.
No matter your route, the goal is the same: carve your legend in the Lands Between—and maybe look stylish while doing it.