In Elden Ring, runes are your lifeline. They’re used to level up, purchase gear, and upgrade your weapons. For beginners, farming runes efficiently can make a big difference early on. This guide outlines 10 proven methods to collect Elden Ring runes fast—even if you’re new to the game.
Located in Limgrave, just after leaving the tutorial cave, the Gatefront Ruins are packed with weak enemies that drop a decent amount of runes. Take it slow, use stealth where possible, and repeat clears. Each full run nets around 500–1,000 runes.
Near the Gatefront Ruins, you’ll see a massive caravan pulled by trolls. Clear out the guards and defeat the trolls. Each troll gives 1,000+ runes, making this a great early boost with minimal risk if you kite carefully.
This consumable increases rune acquisition by about 30% for a limited time. Crafting or finding these items before a farming run will supercharge your gains. You can find recipes in the Nomadic Warrior’s Cookbook .
Northeast of Stormgate is the War Master’s Shack. Wolves spawn at night in this area, and they’re easy to farm with AoE attacks. You can rack up over 2,000 runes in just a few minutes.
There’s a warp portal near the Third Church of Marika that teleports you to the Bestial Sanctum. Nearby enemies like the small Vulgar Militia are easy to defeat and reward 1,000+ runes each. Stay cautious and avoid the giant enemies.
Summons help you safely clear groups of enemies, which improves your survival and farming speed. Even the early Lone Wolf Ashes can help you pull aggro and farm more efficiently with minimal deaths.
Head toward the Smoldering Church in northern Limgrave. The enemies on the road there—especially the large flamethrower machines and knights—are weak to fire and provide good rune drops. Take it slow and farm repeatedly.
Nighttime increases enemy density in some areas. Return to previously cleared camps after resting at a Site of Grace—more enemies means more rune opportunities. Be wary of nighttime-only minibosses, though.
As a beginner, placing your summon sign to help others beat bosses is a safe way to earn runes. You gain a solid rune payout after a successful assist—and you don’t risk losing your own.
As you explore, keep an eye out for talismans that increase rune gain, like the Gold Scarab. While harder to get early on, it’s worth prioritizing this item as it permanently boosts your farming potential.
Final Tips for Beginners
Whether you’re grinding to level up or save up for powerful Elden Ring items, these methods will make your early-game journey smoother and more rewarding.