If you've spent any amount of time in Elden Ring, you already know that runes are the lifeblood of progression. From leveling up and upgrading gear to purchasing consumables and crafting materials, runes are essential to every part of your journey through the Lands Between. But if you feel like you're constantly scraping by, it might be time to reevaluate your rune farming strategy. Below are 15 lesser-known tricks that many players overlook when trying to earn or conserve runes — a few of which might just change the way you play the game.
1. Stack Rune-Boosting Talismans
Talismans like the Gold Scarab are widely known, but fewer players realize you can combine them with gear that boosts rune acquisition, such as the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, to multiply gains significantly. This combination is especially useful in high-yield farming areas.
2. Use Spirit Ashes to Farm Safely
Instead of fighting rune-rich enemies directly, summon your strongest Spirit Ashes to do the work for you. This reduces your risk and lets you farm efficiently in tougher zones without constantly losing progress.
3. Lure Enemies into Cliff Drops
Certain areas, like the cliffs in Liurnia or Mountaintops of the Giants, allow you to bait enemies into falling to their deaths. It’s a satisfying and safe way to earn runes, especially early on.
4. Reset Farming Spots with Grace Cycling
Fast traveling between nearby Sites of Grace can respawn enemies faster than traditional resting. Use this to your advantage in places like the Palace Approach Ledge-Road in Mohgwyn Palace.
5. Invest in Area of Effect Spells
While AoE spells may cost FP, they’re excellent for quickly eliminating groups of weak enemies. This method maximizes rune gains per minute if you’re cycling through farming runs.
6. Target Rune-Carrying Scarabs
Glowing scarabs don’t just drop Ashes of War — some grant rune bonuses when killed. Keep an eye out and don’t ignore them during exploration.
7. Sell Unused Ashes of War and Equipment
If you're hoarding gear, take a moment to clear your inventory. Selling unused items can be a surprisingly effective way to generate extra runes quickly. Especially useful when you need a quick infusion before leveling up.
8. Abuse the Day-Night Cycle
Certain enemies spawn only at night and drop more runes than their daytime counterparts. Knights Cavalry and Night’s Guardians are prime examples.
9. Respec Wisely to Avoid Wasted Runes
Instead of struggling with an inefficient build, consider using a Larval Tear to respec. This avoids the rune cost of powering through with an under-optimized setup.
10. Revisit Legacy Dungeons
Some areas, like Stormveil Castle or Leyndell, have enemies that scale well and drop decent rune amounts even in the late game. Don’t ignore old zones — they can be great for farming with less risk.
11. Use Cheap Elden Ring Items Strategically
Stocking up on cheap Elden Ring items like rune-boosting consumables or FP-restoring tools can extend your farming runs, saving you time and maximizing gains.
12. Upgrade Summons Instead of Gear
In the early game, upgrading your Spirit Ashes can yield a bigger impact on rune efficiency than upgrading weapons. They do the fighting for you and survive longer in rune-rich zones.
13. Focus on Golden Rune Pickups
Throughout the world, you’ll find Golden Runes in gravesites, hidden ruins, and even on cliff ledges. Collecting and using these wisely is a stress-free way to boost your rune count without combat.
14. Farm While on Torrent
Riding Torrent in open areas like Altus Plateau allows you to hit-and-run enemies safely. It’s a lower-risk, steady method to rack up runes — particularly if you’re not ready for close combat.
15. Explore Online Co-Op for Bonus Runes
Joining other players’ worlds as a cooperator lets you earn runes without the same risk as in your own game. It’s especially effective when helping with boss fights or invasions.
There’s no need to grind endlessly in Elden Ring when you can play smarter. Many players spend hours farming in the same few locations without optimizing their approach. Whether you're trying to save up for a costly level-up or afford that gear you've been eyeing, combining these lesser-known tricks can make a world of difference. And if you’re the kind of player who prefers to gear up faster, don’t overlook the value of cheap Elden Ring runes or affordable upgrade materials — especially when time is just as valuable as skill in the Lands Between.