Elden Ring has a reputation for being both beautiful and brutal, and part of that challenge comes from gathering the rare materials you need to trade for powerful gear and upgrades. Whether you’re trying to craft higher-level weapons or improve your armor, knowing where and how to collect these resources can save you hours of wandering aimlessly through the Lands Between. In this guide, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up while farming, along with a few personal insights that might make your grind a little less painful.



Understanding Rare Materials



Before you start running around smashing everything in sight, it’s worth understanding what counts as a “rare” exchange material. These items usually come from stronger enemies, hidden chests, or specific events. Examples include Somber Smithing Stones for weapon upgrades and Gold Scarabs’ drops for unique crafting ingredients. Because of their scarcity, it’s tempting to look for ways to speed up the collection process. Some players even choose to buy Elden Ring runes as a shortcut to gear up and farm more efficiently, especially when you’re stuck at a challenging boss or need that last upgrade to hit the next tier.



Target High-Level Enemy Camps



One of the most reliable ways to get rare materials is by targeting high-level enemy camps or mini-bosses. These enemies often drop materials that aren’t available anywhere else in the open world. I usually scout the map for groups with red markers or camps that feel “overstuffed” with powerful foes—trust me, they’re worth it. Patience is key here; sometimes it takes a few attempts to get all the drops you’re looking for, and dying is almost a given, so stock up on healing flasks before engaging.



Explore Hidden Caves and Ruins



Hidden caves, ruins, and certain dungeon areas are gold mines for rare items. You might need to solve a puzzle, defeat a tough enemy, or just wander off the beaten path to find them. I’ve spent hours exploring little nooks and crannies that seem empty at first glance, only to stumble upon a chest containing Somber Smithing Stones or other exchange-worthy materials. If you’re someone who enjoys exploration, this is the part of the game that really shines.



Daily and Repeatable Farming Spots



Some players swear by repeatable farming spots for a steady supply of rare materials. Once you’ve identified a location where a certain item drops reliably, you can loop through it to gather enough to trade or upgrade. For anyone who feels frustrated by RNG drops, this method gives you a sense of control over your progression. And yes, for those moments when the grind feels too long, you can always buy Elden Ring runes U4GM to give yourself a bit of breathing room and focus on the fun parts—like experimenting with new weapons.



Efficient Trading Tips



When it comes to exchanging your materials, timing and preparation can make a big difference. Always check what merchants or NPCs currently have available, because some items are tied to questlines or world progression. I’ve learned the hard way that hoarding materials without checking available trades can leave you frustrated when you finally meet a merchant. Sometimes it’s better to trade smaller amounts frequently rather than waiting until you’re overloaded.



Personal Tips for Farming



From my own experience, a few small habits make farming rare materials much less painful:





Keep a portable teleport point: This saves tons of time when farming the same location repeatedly.





Upgrade your combat tools gradually: Hitting enemies harder and faster increases drop efficiency.





Be patient: Some rare items have low drop rates, and repeated attempts are part of the game’s challenge.





And honestly, when you hit that moment of frustration where drops just won’t come, there’s no shame in using a service like U4GM to fill gaps. It’s not about cheating; it’s about keeping the game fun and staying motivated to explore more areas.





Farming rare exchange materials in Elden Ring is part of the journey, and it’s definitely rewarding once you start seeing your inventory fill with high-tier items. From challenging enemy camps to hidden caves and repeatable farming spots, there are plenty of ways to get the materials you need without losing your sanity. And if you find yourself running low on time—or runes—remember that resources like buy Elden Ring runes or buy Elden Ring runes U4GM exist to make the process smoother.