In Elden Ring, Runes are the backbone of progression. Whether you're leveling up, upgrading your gear, or purchasing spells, a steady supply of Runes keeps your Tarnished moving forward. While it's tempting to brute-force through enemies for a few hundred Runes at a time, there are much smarter ways to farm them. If you're looking to speed up your farming and make the most out of your time in the Lands Between, here are 11 tried-and-true strategies that veteran players rely on.

1. Target Early-Game Goldmines

The Gatefront Ruins and Agheel Lake North areas offer easy kills with minimal risk. These sites are perfect for beginners or those looking to test new builds. The enemies here are low-level but drop a decent number of Elden Ring Runes relative to how quickly they can be dispatched.

2. Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot

This consumable temporarily boosts Rune acquisition. If you’re planning a farming run, make sure to pop one before engaging enemies. You can craft them later in the game, making them a sustainable part of your farming routine.

3. Farm Albinaurics in Mohgwyn Palace

The Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace unlocks access to a hill full of passive Albinaurics. With the right AoE weapon or spell, you can clear them in seconds, netting tens of thousands of Runes per run.

4. Lure the Giant Ball in Mohgwyn

Just downhill from the same Site of Grace, a giant blood ball will roll toward you when triggered. If it falls off the cliff, you gain thousands of Runes without lifting a finger. Simply rest at the Grace and repeat.

5. Equip the Gold Scarab

The Gold Scarab Talisman significantly increases Rune gain from enemies. It's a game-changer for long farming sessions and can be obtained from the Abandoned Cave in Caelid after a bit of effort.

6. Use AoE Skills to Clear Mobs Faster

Weapons like the Sacred Relic Sword (available in New Game Plus) or spells like Comet Azur can wipe out groups of enemies in seconds. Pair this with high-density enemy zones for maximum Rune efficiency.

7. Optimize Your Route with Mounts and Grace Points

Always set your farming loops near Sites of Grace. This reduces downtime and allows you to repeat the process quickly. Torrent, your spectral steed, also helps you zip between enemies and reset locations efficiently.

8. Take Advantage of Night Bosses

Some overworld bosses only appear at night and can reward massive amounts of Elden Ring Runes when defeated. The Night’s Cavalry is a prime example—track their locations and time your attacks for maximum profit.

9. Join Online Co-op to Gain Runes Passively

Helping other players defeat bosses in co-op can yield thousands of Runes, and you don’t lose any upon death. This method is not only efficient but also great for learning boss patterns and gaining multiplayer experience.

10. Avoid Over-Leveling While Farming

Be strategic with your leveling. Some players farm too many Runes early on and out-level content, reducing challenge and fun. Instead, consider investing in weapon upgrades or save Runes to buy Elden Ring Items that complement your build.

11. Balance Farming with Exploration

Farming is important, but don’t forget that some of the best Rune rewards come from exploration. Optional dungeons, Evergaols, and side quests often offer Rune-rich rewards, plus the added bonus of discovering unique Elden Ring Items.

Farming Runes doesn’t have to be a grind. With the right strategies and gear, you can gather vast amounts of Elden Ring Runes efficiently while still enjoying the journey. Remember to experiment, explore, and find a rhythm that works for your playstyle—because in Elden Ring, every Rune counts.