Elden Ring, the latest epic from FromSoftware, has captivated players with its rich world, challenging enemies, and deep gameplay mechanics. One of the key elements in the game is runes—vital for leveling up your character, upgrading gear, and purchasing items. But as any seasoned player knows, gathering enough Elden Ring runes can be a daunting task. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, understanding the best strategies for rune farming can make your journey through the Lands Between much more enjoyable.
In this blog post, we’ll explore actionable tips and advice on how to efficiently farm Elden Ring runes, so you can focus on what truly matters—exploring the game’s vast world and defeating its formidable bosses.
What Are Elden Ring Runes and Why Do You Need Them?
Before diving into the tips, let’s first understand what Elden Ring runes are and why they are so important. Runes in Elden Ring function similarly to souls in the Dark Souls series. They serve as the primary currency in the game, used for leveling up your character, enhancing weapons, and buying essential items.
As you progress through the game, the cost of leveling up increases, requiring more runes each time. This makes efficient rune farming crucial, especially if you want to stay ahead of the game’s difficulty curve.
Tip 1: Identify the Best Farming Spots
One of the most effective ways to gather Elden Ring runes is by farming them in specific areas known for their high rune yield. However, not all farming spots are created equal. The best spots will depend on your level, equipment, and playstyle.
- Early Game: Gatefront Ruins
- Located near the start of the game, Gatefront Ruins is an excellent spot for beginners. The area is filled with low-level enemies that drop a decent amount of runes, making it a great place to farm while you’re still getting to grips with the game’s mechanics.
- Mid-Game: Stormveil Castle
- As you progress, Stormveil Castle offers a more challenging but rewarding farming experience. The enemies here are tougher, but they drop significantly more runes, making it worth the effort.
- Late Game: Giant’s Peak
- For endgame players, Giant’s Peak is one of the best places to farm Elden Ring runes. The enemies here are extremely difficult, but they drop massive amounts of runes. Just be sure you’re well-prepared before attempting to farm here.
Tip 2: Equip Rune-Boosting Gear
Maximizing the number of Elden Ring runes you earn isn’t just about where you farm—it’s also about how you farm. Certain items in the game can significantly increase the number of runes you collect.
- Golden Scarab Talisman
- The Golden Scarab is a talisman that boosts rune acquisition by a significant percentage. It’s a must-have for any serious rune farmer. To obtain it, you’ll need to complete a challenging questline, but the reward is well worth the effort.
- Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
- This consumable item temporarily increases the amount of runes you earn from defeated enemies. It’s especially useful when farming in high-yield areas or after defeating bosses. However, it’s a limited resource, so use it wisely.
- Stacking Effects
- For optimal results, combine the Golden Scarab with the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. This will significantly increase your rune yield, making your farming sessions much more efficient.
Tip 3: Master Combat Strategies for Efficient Farming
Farming Elden Ring runes isn’t just about finding the right location and equipping the right gear. It’s also about mastering the game’s combat mechanics to defeat enemies quickly and efficiently.
- Utilize Stealth Tactics
- In certain areas, especially those with densely packed enemies, stealth can be your best friend. Sneak up on enemies to perform critical hits, allowing you to take them down without drawing the attention of nearby foes. This not only saves time but also conserves resources.
- AOE Spells and Weapons
- If your build allows it, using area-of-effect (AOE) spells or weapons can help you clear large groups of enemies quickly. Spells like Glintstone Pebble or weapons with wide swing arcs are particularly effective for this purpose.
- Target Weak Enemies
- Focus on farming enemies that are easy to defeat but still provide a good amount of runes. This might mean avoiding heavily armored foes in favor of weaker ones that you can dispatch quickly.
Tip 4: Be Cautious with Rune Storage
One of the most frustrating aspects of farming Elden Ring runes is losing them. When you die, you drop all the runes you’ve collected, and if you die again before retrieving them, they’re gone for good. To minimize the risk of losing your hard-earned runes, follow these tips:
- Level Up Regularly
- Don’t hoard runes. Use them to level up whenever possible. This not only strengthens your character but also reduces the risk of losing a large amount of runes if you die.
- Use the Rune Arcs
- Rune Arcs can be used to activate Great Runes, providing you with powerful buffs. These can be crucial when farming in difficult areas. Additionally, activating a Great Rune will grant you a temporary increase in rune acquisition, making it a great tool for farming sessions.
- Plan Your Routes
- Before embarking on a farming run, plan your route carefully. Know where enemies are located, and always have an escape plan in case things go south. If you find yourself overwhelmed, it’s better to retreat and save your runes than risk losing them all.
Tip 5: Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout
Farming for Elden Ring runes can be a grind, especially if you’re aiming for high levels or rare items. It’s important to balance your farming sessions with breaks to avoid burnout.
- Set Time Limits
- Rather than farming for hours on end, set a specific time limit for your sessions. This could be 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your schedule. Taking regular breaks helps keep the experience enjoyable and prevents fatigue.
- Mix It Up
- Don’t focus solely on farming. Mix up your gameplay by exploring new areas, tackling bosses, or engaging in PvP. This keeps the game fresh and prevents the grind from becoming tedious.
- Play with Friends
- If possible, join up with friends or other players to make farming more fun. Co-op play not only speeds up the process but also adds a social element that can make repetitive tasks more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Elden Ring Runes
Farming Elden Ring runes is an essential part of the game, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. By choosing the right farming spots, equipping rune-boosting gear, mastering combat strategies, and taking care of your rune storage, you can maximize your efficiency and make the process more enjoyable.
Remember, the world of Elden Ring is vast and full of wonders. While gathering runes is important, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture—exploring, discovering, and experiencing everything the game has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these tips will help you make the most of your time in the Lands Between.
