In the world of Elden Ring, runes are the lifeblood of your progression. From upgrading weapons and equipment to leveling up your character, these precious resources are crucial to surviving the dangers of the Lands Between. Whether you’re a newcomer to the game or looking to optimize your farming strategies, this guide will cover the best ways to maximize rune farming in the early stages of Elden Ring.

1. Start with the Right Build

Before you begin your rune farming journey, it’s essential to set up a build that will allow you to efficiently gather runes. Focus on a balanced build that allows for quick and efficient combat, as you’ll be encountering enemies of various levels and difficulty.

A good early-game setup is a build that utilizes speed and reach—something that can help you clear mobs of enemies quickly. The more enemies you can defeat in a short period, the more runes you’ll collect.

2. Focus on High-Rune-Yield Areas

There are several key areas in the early game that are particularly effective for rune farming. One of the most well-known is the area around the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave, where you’ll encounter a group of enemies that are easy to defeat and yield decent amounts of runes. Similarly, the Weeping Peninsula offers plenty of opportunities to farm runes, especially if you’re ready to take on some of the tougher mobs.

Tip: If you’re feeling daring, attempt to fight in Caves or Underground Areas—these tend to have a higher density of enemies and may yield larger amounts of runes upon defeat.

3. Utilize Rune-Boosting Items

In Elden Ring, there are several items that can boost the number of runes you gain from defeated enemies. Items such as Golden Scarab or Golden Runes can significantly increase your rune collection rate. Make sure to look out for these items and equip them when farming to maximize the rewards.

Additionally, there are Rune Arcs that provide a temporary buff, allowing you to gain additional runes from kills. These can be invaluable in tougher areas where the risk is higher.

4. Farm Bosses and Mini-Bosses

While regular enemies are great for gathering runes in the early game, you can also farm bosses and mini-bosses for a larger payout. Some bosses, like The Tree Sentinel, offer substantial amounts of runes when defeated. Boss farming becomes an essential part of your strategy as you progress further in the game.

Keep in mind, though, that these encounters require preparation, especially if you’re underleveled or have not yet mastered the combat mechanics. As always, be ready to tackle mini-bosses too—many of these creatures give a hefty rune reward for a relatively small amount of effort.

5. Optimize Your Time and Resources

To be efficient in your rune farming efforts, plan your routes and farming sessions wisely. Some areas will have multiple farming opportunities clustered together, so you can make the most out of each trip. Additionally, be mindful of cheap Elden Ring items you may encounter along the way. Sometimes, gathering resources like crafting materials can also indirectly boost your ability to continue farming runes, as they allow for easier healing or more powerful attacks during battles.

6. Use Online Resources and Farming Tips

The Elden Ring community is incredibly active, and players have discovered numerous methods to farm runes faster. Some methods may seem unconventional, but through trial and error, players have honed strategies to maximize rune collection in early game areas. Be sure to check out online guides or community forums where players share tips and tricks.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

Rune farming isn’t about rushing through the game—it’s about strategy, patience, and persistence. The best approach is to farm in intervals, clearing areas, collecting runes, and leveling up your character at a steady pace. Over time, you’ll find that your efficiency improves, and you’ll have all the runes you need to upgrade your equipment, strengthen your character, and tackle even greater challenges in Elden Ring.

Maximizing rune farming in the early stages of Elden Ring requires a combination of strategy, resource management, and patience. Whether you’re focused on clearing early-game enemies or taking on more challenging bosses, the right build and farming techniques will set you up for success. And while some players opt for cheap Elden Ring runes from external sources, nothing beats the satisfaction of earning them through your own efforts.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to collecting all the runes you need to thrive in the vast and dangerous world of Elden Ring. Happy farming!