Farming runes in Elden Ring can feel like a grind, especially if your arsenal isn’t exactly top-tier yet. I remember struggling through early areas with basic weapons, watching enemies melt my health faster than I could react. But the good news is, you don’t always need a fully upgraded sword or powerful spells to build a decent stash of currency. With a bit of strategy, patience, and knowledge of spawn points, even a humble character can accumulate runes steadily.



Early Game Spots That Won’t Break You



One of the first places I started was the Gatefront Ruins. The enemies here are weak enough that even a standard melee weapon or a simple ranged attack can take them down without much trouble. I liked taking it slow, picking off one enemy at a time, then retreating to heal. A little tip: enemies respawn each time you rest at the nearby Site of Grace, so you can loop the area to slowly stock up on runes. Even though each drop is small, repeated runs add up surprisingly quickly.



Another underrated spot is the area around the Church of Elleh. The soldiers here are fairly predictable, and you can kite them around while landing a few hits. If you’re not confident in your combat skills yet, summoning a spirit ally here makes farming much safer. This zone helped me grab enough runes early on to buy elden ring runes from vendors and start upgrading my weapons before moving to tougher zones.



Mid-Game Farming Without Overpowering Gear



Once you’re past the initial stages, you might feel stuck because your weapons aren’t quite strong enough to tackle the bigger mobs in the overworld. One trick is to use ranged attacks or summonables to your advantage. I had a lot of success in areas like Limgrave’s forests, where enemy patrols are numerous but manageable. Throwing a firebomb or using a basic spell from a distance lets you rack up runes without risking death.



If grinding feels too slow or frustrating, some players consider alternative options. U4GM, for example, has become known for providing resources to boost your progression. While I personally like farming to get a sense of achievement, it’s nice to know there are ways to top up your runes when you hit a plateau. It’s all about balancing effort and efficiency, especially if you want to spend more time exploring than farming.



Tips to Maximize Rune Gains



Even without strong weapons, a few simple tricks can make your farming sessions much more effective. First, always check the enemy’s weaknesses—sometimes a basic weapon is enough if you target the right type. Second, don’t forget consumables that can increase your damage or survivability. Potions, firebombs, or even certain talismans can make a huge difference in areas where the enemies outscale your gear.



Additionally, timing your runs is key. Some areas have enemy clusters that respawn faster than others. For me, the best strategy was a loop: defeat a manageable group, head back to a Site of Grace to reset, and repeat. It might sound slow, but the steady rune accumulation really pays off. After a few hours of consistent looping, I had enough runes to upgrade my armor and weapons, which made later areas much less punishing.



Making the Most of Low-Level Farming



Farming isn’t just about stockpiling runes—it’s also a chance to practice dodging, spacing, and strategy without risking your hard-earned progress. When I started, I often overestimated my strength and ended up wasting more runes than I earned. Keeping a calm, methodical approach not only protects your resources but also helps you learn enemy patterns, which is invaluable later in the game.



Finally, don’t forget to diversify your rune sources. Besides the usual mobs, chests and minor bosses often provide decent rewards without requiring an endgame-level weapon. Pair that with consistent loops through low-risk areas, and you’ll see your rune count steadily climb.





This approach made my Elden Ring experience smoother and more enjoyable, proving you don’t need to rush into late-game gear to feel powerful. Patience and smart farming spots can turn a basic character into a formidable adventurer, all while keeping the game fun rather than frustrating.


Step-by-Step Guide: Elden Ring Nightreign Release Date: May 30, 2025