If you’ve spent any serious time in Elden Ring, you already know how essential runes are. Whether you're leveling up your Tarnished, upgrading gear, or just experimenting with builds, runes are the backbone of progress. But let’s face it—farming them can become a chore. Running the same routes over and over? That gets old fast.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your rune farming fresh. From hidden late-game areas to clever early-game exploits, these 26 methods offer variety, efficiency, and, most importantly, a break from the grind.

1. Stormhill Evergaol Trick

One of the earliest places to get a decent amount of runes without much danger. Use ranged attacks to cheese the Crucible Knight from a safe distance. It's not fast, but it’s oddly satisfying.

2. Caelid Bird Lure

In northern Caelid near the Bestial Sanctum, a giant bird enemy can be lured off a cliff using arrows or magic. It's an easy 13,000 runes per reset, and surprisingly addictive.

3. War-Dead Catacombs Farming

The enemies inside fight each other. You can just sit back and collect runes. It's a low-effort, passive way to farm, especially good if you're multitasking.

4. Albinauric Cluster in Mohgwyn Palace

This spot is famous for a reason. A strong AoE spell or weapon art can clear dozens of enemies in seconds, yielding massive rune hauls. If you've unlocked this area, it's easily top-tier.

5. Bell Bearing Hunters at Night

They’re tough, but dropping them gives a healthy amount of runes. Plus, the thrill of nighttime ambushes adds some spice.

6. Volcano Manor Invasions

Each target gives a decent chunk of runes and a taste of PvP-style combat without risking your own runes. A good break from the usual grind.

7. Nokron’s Mimic Ambush

Summon your Mimic Tear and bait out some of the tougher spirit enemies. With a little strategy, it becomes a high-reward farming zone.

8. Fort Faroth Rat Cleanse

The rats here are low-risk, and there's a decent number of them. Stack rune-boosting talismans for extra gain.

9. Leyndell Knights Duo

Two knights patrol a staircase in Leyndell, and defeating both gives good returns. It’s a tighter challenge that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

10. Spiritcaller Cave Gauntlet

You can repeat the run of spirit wolves and soldiers multiple times. Bonus points if you're farming for Spirit Ash upgrades too.

11. Caria Manor Hand Parade

Those creepy hand enemies drop runes and crafting items. The risk adds tension, and if you're efficient, it's actually quite profitable.

12. Ordina Liturgical Town Rooftops

The stealth-based route through the rooftops lets you snipe enemies safely. It’s a different tempo, especially if you’re tired of melee spam.

13. Mountaintops Giants Run

Kill a few giants, warp to a nearby Site of Grace, repeat. Their rune yield is solid and the open environment keeps it engaging.

14. Sellia Crystal Tunnel Repetition

The enemies here hit hard but drop worthwhile amounts of runes. If you’ve built up some resistance and mobility, it's a fun mid-tier grind.

15. Jarburg PvE Peace

The friendly jars won’t attack you—but the nearby area is packed with materials and a few surprise invaders. It's an offbeat rune route with character.

16. Haligtree Rusted Knights

These enemies are no joke, but they drop serious rune chunks. If you're up for a challenge, it’s a solid farming loop.

17. Subterranean Shunning Grounds Loop

Tense, dangerous, and full of enemies that give great rune payouts. If you’re tired of open fields, this maze-like area is a welcome change.

18. Sealed Tunnel Rune Burst

Destroying illusory walls and defeating hidden miners can lead to sudden rune surges. It's more exploratory than repetitive.

19. Academy Gate Bridge

Summon a spirit, fire off spells, and watch enemies walk into traps. Perfect if you prefer passive or semi-AFK farming.

20. Siofra River Sorcerer Squad

These ghostly enemies drop solid runes and require you to keep your wits about you. It's a nice blend of atmosphere and reward.

21. Farum Azula Dragon Circuit

Once you unlock this area, you’ll find dragons and beastmen that drop thousands of runes each. It’s risky but rarely boring.

22. Night Cavalry Route

Hunt down each Night Cavalry around the Lands Between. Not only do they drop great rewards, but the encounters feel like proper duels.

23. Limgrave Troll Reset

Reset the nearby trolls from the Gatefront Ruins repeatedly. It’s early-game, but surprisingly efficient with the right gear.

24. Poison Swamp Dances

Enemies in poisonous areas usually have lower resistances. Use that to your advantage with AoE spells or consumables and reap the rune rewards.

25. Revenger’s Shack Invasions

These NPC invaders give rune drops and a chance to test new gear or tactics. It's a solid change of pace.

26. Buy Smart (If You Must)

Let’s be honest—sometimes farming isn’t fun at all. If you're looking to skip the grind entirely, some players opt to buy Elden Ring runes PS4 or buy Elden Ring items PC through trusted sources. It’s not for everyone, but it’s an option when time is short and you just want to dive into the late-game content or try out a new build without the repetitive work.

Whether you're a first-time Tarnished or on your third NG+ run, mixing up your rune farming routine is key to keeping Elden Ring enjoyable. With these 26 methods, you’ve got plenty of ways to keep the grind from feeling like one. Happy farming, and may your Flask always be full.