Runes are the lifeblood of Elden Ring. Whether you’re leveling up, buying gear, or experimenting with new builds, you’ll always find yourself needing more. While some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes from outside sources to speed things up, many prefer to farm them in-game. Luckily, there are a few farming spots that can make rune grinding much less painful if you know where to look.
Why Early Rune Farming Matters
The early hours of Elden Ring can be tough. Enemies hit hard, upgrades feel expensive, and progression slows down quickly if you don’t have enough runes. Finding a good farming spot early means you can level your character efficiently, experiment with weapons and spells, and avoid the frustration of getting stuck underpowered.
The Best Early Rune Farming Spot: Gatefront Ruins and Beyond
One of the earliest reliable farming locations is near the Gatefront Ruins. The soldiers here drop a decent number of runes, and the nearby Site of Grace makes resetting quick. While the rune gains are not massive, it’s perfect for beginners who just need a few levels to get started. Think of it as the cheapest rune farming area you can access right after leaving the tutorial zone.
Stepping Up: The Dragonbarrow in Caelid
If you’re comfortable venturing into more dangerous territory, head to Dragonbarrow in Caelid. The enemies here are tough, but the rune rewards are significant compared to earlier areas. Defeating the small Albinaurics or ambushing isolated knights will net you thousands of runes in just a few minutes. With some patience, this becomes a much more efficient farming area than Limgrave.
The Infamous Moghwyn Palace
For mid- to late-game farming, Moghwyn Palace is widely considered the best spot in the game. The enemies here drop enormous amounts of runes, and with the right weapon or AoE spells, you can clear them quickly. Some players even run the infamous bird farm by baiting the crow off the cliff, which grants a huge chunk of runes with minimal risk. While this is far from the cheapest area in terms of accessibility, it’s definitely the most profitable once you can reach it.
Why Farming Still Beats Buying
It’s true that some players prefer to buy Elden Ring runes or search for cheap Elden Ring runes to save time. However, farming in-game is often more satisfying because it not only gives you runes but also teaches you enemy patterns, improves your combat skills, and occasionally rewards you with rare item drops. Plus, the sense of progression feels more rewarding when you’ve earned it through gameplay.
If you’re just starting out, the Gatefront Ruins remain the cheapest and most beginner-friendly rune farming spot. As you progress, Caelid and Moghwyn Palace open up much more efficient farming opportunities. Whether you choose to grind or explore alternative methods, keeping a reliable rune farming strategy will make your Elden Ring journey much smoother.
