Mastering Elden Ring Runes: Best Farming Spots, Uses, and Secrets Revealed
Runes are the lifeblood of Elden Ring, the essential currency that powers your Tarnished through every level, stat upgrade, weapon improvement, and merchant interaction. Whether you're a newcomer still figuring out how not to die to a crab, or a hardened warrior trying to min-max your endgame build, understanding how to farm, spend, and maximize Runes is crucial.
This guide reveals the best farming locations, key uses, and some lesser-known secrets that can take your Rune economy to the next level in 2025's updated Elden Ring Runes meta—especially with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in full swing.
What Are Runes in Elden Ring?
Runes function as both currency and experience. You earn them by:
Killing enemies and bosses
Selling items to merchants
Consuming Rune consumables (like Golden Runes or Hero's Runes)
PvP kills or invasions
You lose all your carried Runes upon death—but you can reclaim them by reaching your bloodstain. Die again before collecting them? They're gone for good.
Best Rune Farming Spots in 2025
Thanks to updates and the DLC expansion, Rune farming has never been more efficient. Here are some top-tier locations and methods:
1. Mohgwyn Palace (Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace)
Runes/Hour: ~10M+
Requirements: Access via Varre's questline or a teleport portal in the Consecrated Snowfield
This is the go-to Rune farm. From the Grace, you'll see a hill of Albinaurics. Use a splash weapon or AoE spell (like Sacred Relic Sword's Wave of Gold) to quickly wipe them out. Each kill gives 2,000+ Runes with a Gold Scarab equipped. Rinse and repeat.
Pro Tip: Use a bow to snipe the red Albinauric bird across the chasm—it dives off and nets you 11,000+ Runes in seconds.
2. Haligtree Soldiers (Miquella's Haligtree)
Runes/Hour: ~6M
Requirements: Late game, tough enemies
These soldiers hit hard but drop a lot of Runes. With a powerful AoE weapon or spell, you can decimate groups of them, especially using stealth or surprise attacks. Not as efficient as Mohgwyn, but a good backup spot.
3. Windmill Village (Altus Plateau)
Runes/Hour: ~2M
Requirements: Mid-game access
The joyful but deadly villagers give a decent Rune return and are incredibly easy to kill. You can farm the area quickly without much resistance, and it's especially good for mid-game characters looking for faster leveling before moving into harder zones.
4. Troll Carriage Ambushes (Limgrave & Weeping Peninsula)
Runes/Hour: ~500k–1M
Requirements: Early game
Two trolls pulling a carriage offer a surprising Rune return, especially early on. Kill the trolls and loot the chest. It's not sustainable farming long-term, but it's a great Rune infusion for new players.
Best Ways to Use Runes
1. Leveling Up Stats
The primary use of Runes is to increase your stats. But be strategic! Over-leveling a non-essential stat can leave you Rune-starved for other upgrades.
Vigor to survive
Endurance to swing and wear armor
Dexterity / Strength / Intelligence / Faith / Arcane for build-specific power
Always plan your build before investing heavily!
2. Upgrading Weapons and Ashes of War
Spend Runes (and Smithing Stones) at Smithing Tables or with Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold
Runes are required at every tier—especially for special weapons like boss drops
Pro tip: Don't spread upgrades thin across 10 weapons. Focus on your primary weapon and one backup.
3. Buying Gear and Consumables
Merchants and NPCs across the Lands Between sell valuable gear, crafting materials, and talismans. Don't forget about Patches, Twin Maiden Husks, and others who sell upgrade materials.
4. Rebirth & Respec (Rennala)
Using a Larval Tear, you can respec your stats with Rennala at Raya Lucaria. You won't lose Runes, but having extra on hand lets you quickly re-level post-reset to test a new build.
Hidden Rune Secrets and Boosts
Gold Scarab Talisman
Found in the Abandoned Cave (Caelid)
Boosts Rune gain by ~20–30%
Stack this with consumable bonuses for max profit
Pickled Turtle Necks & Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
Temporarily increases Rune acquisition
Always pop these before boss fights or Rune farming sessions
PvP Rune Farming
Invading and defeating other players gives a small but steady Rune reward
Use Taunter's Tongue to attract invaders to your world, defeat them for passive Rune gains
Great Runes ≠ Currency Runes
Don't confuse Great Runes (like Godrick's) with normal Runes—they are powerful buffs, not currency
Activate them at Divine Towers, and use Rune Arcs to gain their benefits temporarily
Final Thoughts: Build Your Rune Empire
In Elden Ring, mastering buy Elden Ring Items is more than just farming—it's about strategic management, smart upgrades, and knowing when to risk and when to bank. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adding new high-Rune enemies and late-game zones, your potential for building an empire of power has never been greater.
So grab your weapon, equip your Gold Scarab, and go carve your destiny—one Rune at a time.