Elden Ring Runes: 12 Shortcuts to Boost Early Game Farming
Farming runes early in Elden Ring can feel like a grind, especially when you’re just starting out and trying to level up or upgrade your gear. However, there are several shortcuts and strategies that can help you maximize rune income without wasting time or risking too many deaths. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player looking to optimize your early game, these 12 tips will give you an edge in rune farming, allowing you to progress faster and more efficiently.
1. Target Easy, High-Rune Enemies
Look for enemy groups that drop a decent amount of runes but aren’t too difficult to defeat. Areas near the starting zones, like the Gatefront Ruins, have mobs that strike a good balance between risk and reward.
2. Use the Golden Scarab Talisman
If you can get your hands on this talisman early, it boosts rune acquisition significantly. This is one of the best ways to maximize runes per kill, especially combined with rune-boosting gear.
3. Clear Respawning Enemy Camps
Certain enemy camps respawn regularly and have multiple foes clustered together. Clearing these camps repeatedly can yield a steady stream of runes. Just be sure to rest at the nearest Site of Grace to reset.
4. Buy Elden Ring Runes From Merchants
If farming isn’t your thing or you want a shortcut, some merchants in the game sell runes for items or currency. This can be a quick way to get a rune boost if you prefer focusing on exploration or crafting.
5. Farm Using Summons
Summoning spirits or co-op partners can help you farm tougher enemies more safely and quickly. This approach reduces the risk of death and speeds up rune collection.
6. Exploit Enemy AI
Some enemies have predictable patrol patterns or are easier to kite. Use the environment to your advantage, drawing groups into narrow paths or using terrain to block attacks while you pick them off.
7. Equip Cheap Elden Ring Items That Boost Rune Gain
Look out for affordable items that increase rune acquisition. Even small percentage boosts add up over time and help you farm more effectively without a hefty investment.
8. Utilize Quick Stealth Kills
Many enemies can be silently approached and defeated for easy runes without triggering combat. Stealth tactics in early areas like Limgrave can make farming faster and safer.
9. Complete Early Quests
Several early quests reward you with runes or rune-boosting gear. Prioritize these quests to supplement your rune income alongside farming.
10. Take Advantage of Site of Grace Buffs
Some Sites of Grace offer temporary buffs or special abilities that improve rune gain or combat effectiveness. Use these strategically when farming to boost your returns.
11. Prioritize Rune-Dense Locations
Learn which areas have clusters of enemies that drop high rune amounts. Places like the Minor Erdtree regions or underground caves often yield better rewards per time spent.
12. Don’t Hesitate to Upgrade Early Weapons
Investing runes into weapon upgrades early on can speed up kills, making your farming runs quicker and safer. This cycle of upgrading and farming can snowball your progress efficiently.
Mastering rune farming early in Elden Ring is essential to a smooth progression through the game’s challenging world. Using these shortcuts can save you hours and frustration, letting you focus more on exploration and combat. If you want to accelerate your advancement further, consider options to buy Elden Ring runes or acquire cheap Elden Ring Items to support your build without tedious farming. With the right approach, early game rune farming becomes a manageable and even rewarding part of your journey.