In Elden Ring, Runes are everything. They fuel your level-ups, weapon upgrades, and even allow you to buy key items early on. If you’re just starting your journey in the Lands Between and want to build a solid stash of Elden Ring Runes fast, there are a number of efficient tactics you can use—no late-game grinding required.
Here are 19 tried-and-true methods to kickstart your Rune economy without straying too far from the early zones.
1. Farm Soldiers at Gatefront Ruins
One of the most accessible farming spots in the game. The soldiers here are easy to take down, drop a decent number of Runes, and respawn quickly after resting at the nearby Site of Grace.
2. Clear Out the Church of Elleh at Night
Enemies here include a few weak roaming mobs and the occasional nighttime ambushes. Quick kills and manageable difficulty make this a great early Rune boost.
3. Backstab Chains in Limgrave
Sneaking up on soldiers and chaining backstabs not only saves resources but also gives you a safer way to grind Runes efficiently with minimal risk.
4. Early Weapon Upgrades
Strengthening your starting weapon early makes encounters faster and safer. Look for smithing stones in Limgrave caves. This pays off by improving your kill speed, leading to faster Rune accumulation.
5. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
This consumable boosts Rune acquisition for a limited time. Save it for areas where you can quickly clear many enemies to get the most value out of each use.
6. Defeat the Troll Caravans
The large trolls pulling carriages drop a solid number of Runes. With some clever positioning, you can take them down early—even without over-leveled gear.
7. Hit the Dragon-Burnt Ruins
Carefully clearing out the enemies here (while avoiding the dragon) yields good Rune returns and introduces you to the risk-reward balance that defines Elden Ring.
8. Ambush the Ballistas at Stormgate
Taking out the ballista operators before engaging the rest of the Stormgate enemies gives you a safe opening and the chance to earn solid early Runes.
9. Sell Unused Equipment
Don’t hoard. Early on, selling duplicate or unused gear at merchants can give you just enough Runes to afford important upgrades or consumables.
10. Hunt Wandering Nobles
These easy enemies can be found traveling in small groups. They’re a Rune goldmine if you have an area-of-effect skill or spell.
11. Stormfoot Catacombs
The enemies inside are slow but deadly. Take your time and you’ll earn a good amount of Runes with minimal investment.
12. Defeat the Night’s Cavalry (If You’re Feeling Brave)
With careful planning and good movement, this optional mini-boss can be tackled early. It’s risky, but the Rune payout and potential item drops are worth it.
13. Join Co-op Sessions
Helping others defeat early bosses like Margit the Fell Omen is not only fun but nets you a nice chunk of Runes without risking your own.
14. Explore Coastal Caves
These hidden dungeons offer solid Rune returns and are often less guarded than inland ones. A good place to warm up before tougher challenges.
15. Clear Beastmen of Farum Azula
This early dungeon in the starting region has manageable enemies and a solid Rune yield, especially with a boosted weapon or incantation.
16. Do Quick Hit-and-Runs on Rune-Bearing Trolls
Lure them into cliffs or use mounted hit-and-run tactics. While tedious, it’s a consistent method for early players to earn a few thousand Runes safely.
17. Track Down Scarabs
Glowing scarabs sometimes drop Runes directly or grant Ashes of War you can sell or use to make Rune farming more efficient.
18. Repeatable Boss Fights
Some caves have bosses that aren’t too difficult. Replaying dungeons and farming their enemies (not the bosses) is a great way to grind without venturing too far from your level range.
19. Know When to Spend
The most efficient players aren’t just earning—they’re using their Runes wisely. Don’t sit on them too long; spend early to grow strong, especially if you’re aiming for gear from merchants or strengthening Ashes of War.
Whether you’re a Tarnished looking to dominate the early game or just trying to survive long enough to reach Roundtable Hold, managing your Rune income is essential. By using these early-game tactics, you can set yourself up for success without needing to rely on exploits or late-game zones.
And remember, while farming Runes is a big part of your progression, optimizing your build also includes having the right weapons and armor. If you’re ever looking for the best place to buy Elden Ring items, make sure it complements your playstyle and goal—no point hoarding Runes if your gear holds you back.