Mastering Elden Ring Runes: Best Farming, Uses, and Strategies for 2025
In Elden Ring, runes are the foundation of progression, serving as both currency and experience points. Whether you're leveling up, purchasing gear, or upgrading weapons, mastering rune farming and management is crucial. In 2025, with new updates, DLC expansions, and evolving player strategies, optimizing rune farming and usage is more important than ever. This guide will cover the best rune farming locations, effective spending strategies, and advanced tips to maximize your efficiency in Elden Ring Runes.
Best Rune Farming Locations in 2025
Rune farming is essential for quick progression, especially in the mid-to-late game when leveling costs increase. Here are the most efficient locations based on different player levels:
1. Early-Game Rune Farming (Level 1-50)
If you're just starting or creating a new build, these areas will provide a steady rune supply:
Gatefront Ruins (Limgrave)
Location: Near the Gatefront Site of Grace.
Why: Soldiers drop decent runes for early-game players.
Pro Tip: Use stealth to backstab enemies for extra runes with minimal risk.
Stormhill Trolls (Limgrave)
Location: Near the Warmaster's Shack.
Why: Each troll drops around 1,000 runes, making them valuable targets.
Pro Tip: Use heavy attacks to stagger them and finish them quickly.
2. Mid-Game Rune Farming (Level 50-100)
Once you're progressing deeper into the game, these spots become ideal for farming:
Windmill Village (Altus Plateau)
Location: Near the Windmill Heights Site of Grace.
Why: The dancing villagers are weak but provide great rune drops.
Pro Tip: Equip the Gold Scarab talisman to increase rune acquisition.
Mohgwyn Palace (Dynasty Mausoleum Entrance) – Best Mid-Game Spot
Location: Accessible via White-Faced Varre's questline or via a portal in Consecrated Snowfield.
Why: Albinaurics in this area drop around 2,000 runes each and are easy to kill.
Pro Tip: Use an AoE weapon like the Sacred Relic Sword's Wave of Gold to clear them quickly.
3. Late-Game Rune Farming (Level 100+)
For high-level players, these locations offer the best rune yields:
Mohgwyn Palace (Palace Approach Ledge-Road) – Best Overall Spot
Location: Near the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace.
Why: The Albinaurics can be repeatedly farmed for 40,000+ runes per minute.
Pro Tip: Use a Sacred Relic Sword (from Elden Beast) or a wide-range spell like Comet Azur.
Farum Greatbridge (Crumbling Farum Azula)
Location: Near the Dragon Temple Rooftop Site of Grace.
Why: Dragon enemies here drop huge amounts of runes.
Pro Tip: Equip the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot for extra rune gain.
Best Ways to Increase Rune Gains
1. Equip the Gold Scarab Talisman
The Gold Scarab increases rune acquisition by 20-30%. Obtain it by defeating the Cleanrot Knights in the Abandoned Cave.
2. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
This consumable temporarily boosts rune gain by 30%. You can craft it or find it throughout the Lands Between.
3. Optimize Your Farming Route
Instead of randomly farming enemies, stick to efficient rune loops. Reset enemies at the Site of Grace and use fast-clearing AoE attacks.
Best Ways to Spend Runes Efficiently
While farming runes is important, spending them wisely ensures long-term success. Here's where you should invest your runes:
1. Prioritize Leveling Vital Stats
Not all stats provide immediate value. Focus on:
Vigor (HP): Helps survive against tough bosses.
Endurance (Stamina & Equip Load): Lets you wear heavier armor and block more.
Dexterity (Casting Speed & Fall Damage Reduction): Useful for fast melee builds.
2. Upgrade Your Weapons Early
Invest runes in Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade your primary weapon.
Maxing out a weapon to +10 (Somber) or +25 (Normal) drastically increases damage output.
3. Buy Essential Items from Merchants
Some of the best rune investments include:
Spirit Ash Upgrades (via Roderika) – Enhances summon effectiveness.
Cracked Pots & Ritual Pots – Allows crafting powerful throwable items.
Larval Tears – Lets you respec at Rennala if you want to change builds.
4. Don't Hoard Runes – Use Them!
Spending runes prevents losing them upon death.
If you're close to leveling up but short on runes, farm quickly before venturing into dangerous areas.
Advanced Rune Strategies
1. Rune Duplication with New Game+
Defeating bosses again in New Game+ gives more runes.
Rune drops scale higher each NG+ cycle.
2. PVP Rune Farming (Invasions & Duels)
Winning invasions grants extra runes, especially in hot zones like Raya Lucaria.
Join covenants like Blood Finger Varre's group for PvP opportunities.
3. Exploiting Rune Glitches (If Available)
Past versions had duplication glitches and enemy AI exploits.
While patched often, checking new updates for potential exploits can help maximize gains.
Final Thoughts
Runes are the lifeblood of buy Elden Ring Items, and efficiently farming, spending, and managing them can make a huge difference in your journey across the Lands Between. Whether you're a beginner looking for an early-game boost or an experienced Tarnished optimizing late-game farming, mastering these rune strategies will give you the edge in 2025.