Runes are the lifeblood of progression in Elden Ring—they fuel your leveling, gear upgrades, and purchases. Whether you’re new to the Lands Between or a seasoned Tarnished deep into New Game Plus, finding ways to maximize your rune income can drastically change your playthrough. Below are 10 reliable methods to help you farm smarter and make the most out of every kill, chest, and consumable drop.

1. Target High-Yield Farming Zones Early

Certain areas offer far better rune returns for the time invested. Once you gain access to the Bestial Sanctum or Mohgwyn Palace, you’ll find enemies that drop tens of thousands of runes with minimal effort. These locations are perfect for repeated rune farming, especially when paired with rune-boosting items.

2. Use Rune-Boosting Talismans and Gear

Gear like the Gold Scarab talisman increases rune drops from enemies. Stack this with consumables like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot for even better results. These Elden Ring items for sale in-game through merchants or found in specific regions can double your gains if used wisely before battles or farming runs.

3. Farm with AoE Builds

The faster you can clear groups, the more efficient your rune farming becomes. Builds that focus on Area of Effect (AoE) damage—like Intelligence-based sorcery builds or Faith builds using Lightning Spear or Pest Threads—can wipe out enemy mobs quickly, letting you rack up runes without extended downtime.

4. Revisit Legacy Dungeons

Legacy Dungeons such as Leyndell, Volcano Manor, or Nokron are packed with enemies and mini-bosses that drop sizable rune amounts. As you progress, revisiting these locations—especially during late game—can serve as a lucrative farming cycle.

5. Take Advantage of Night-Time Variants

Some enemies become more aggressive and offer higher rune rewards at night. Night-time field bosses like the Night’s Cavalry often drop valuable Elden Ring items for sale along with thousands of runes. Don’t ignore these encounters, especially in earlier zones where the risk is lower.

6. Defeat Field Bosses You Skipped

If you’re close to endgame and have skipped over mini-bosses or world bosses in earlier areas, now’s a good time to revisit them. These encounters are generally easier with a high-level character and can yield substantial rune rewards without the pressure of prolonged fights.

7. Join Co-op Sessions as a Phantom

Helping other players as a co-op phantom not only gives you safe exposure to tough bosses but also provides a healthy rune payout upon success—without the risk of losing anything on death. It’s a laid-back way to earn while sharpening your boss-fight skills.

8. Buy and Sell Strategically

If you’re hoarding consumables or weapons you don’t use, sell them off to merchants. It’s a passive way to earn additional runes. Just be cautious not to sell rare items. Players looking for cheap Elden Ring runes often forget how profitable inventory management alone can be.

9. Use Rune Multipliers Before Major Encounters

Before boss fights or dungeon clears, apply rune gain buffs like Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot or equip gear that enhances rune rewards. Timing these boosts right before a major rune payout can lead to significant overall increases, especially in multi-phase encounters.

10. Farm in New Game Plus for Higher Returns

Enemies scale in New Game Plus, and so do their rune drops. If you’ve already completed the main story and are looking for cheap Elden Ring runes in bulk without grinding low-yield areas, a New Game Plus cycle is your best bet. With the right build and farming route, rune gains skyrocket.

Whether you're leveling up or preparing for PvP, runes remain essential throughout every stage of Elden Ring. By using the above methods, you’ll not only earn more but also spend your time more efficiently. With the right mix of strategy, preparation, and smart use of Elden Ring items for sale within the game, the road to becoming Elden Lord becomes much smoother.