09-17-2025, 08:44 AM
Runes are the lifeblood of progression in Elden Ring, fueling both character leveling and equipment upgrades. In the early hours of the game, it can feel like you never have enough of them. While some players might look for ways to buy Elden Ring runes, the truth is that there are plenty of effective farming spots you can take advantage of without spending a penny. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the most efficient rune farm locations you can access early on.
Gatefront Ruins – The Beginner’s Grind
If you’ve just stepped into Limgrave, the Gatefront Ruins area is a natural first farming spot. The soldiers here are weak, respawn quickly, and drop a steady stream of runes. It’s not the fastest method in the game, but for beginners still getting used to combat mechanics, it’s safe and reliable. You’ll also get the added bonus of materials from enemies, which can help with crafting early gear.
Warmaster’s Shack Area – Packs of Wolves
North of Stormgate, near the Warmaster’s Shack, you’ll find groups of wolves roaming the hills. They are easy to defeat and often cluster together, making them prime targets for area-of-effect skills. Farming wolves here is not only straightforward but also helps you get comfortable with dealing with groups of enemies. Each run is quick, and the wolves respawn right next to a Site of Grace, so efficiency is high.
Bestial Sanctum – Risk and Reward
For players who don’t mind a challenge, the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid is arguably the best early game rune farm. To get there, talk to D, Hunter of the Dead, in Limgrave, and he’ll point you toward a teleporter that takes you directly to the Sanctum. Outside, you’ll find tough enemies that yield thousands of runes each. If you can handle the difficulty, this spot outpaces almost every other early game farming location. Just remember: it’s a high-risk, high-reward area, so proceed carefully.
Stormhill Birds – Easy Pickings
Near Stormhill, you’ll spot small groups of weak birds perched along the cliffs. While they don’t drop as many runes as larger enemies, they can be taken down in a single hit and are clustered close to a Grace point. This makes them perfect for players looking for a low-effort, low-risk grind.
Should You Buy Runes?
Some players might wonder whether it’s worth seeking out the best place to buy Elden Ring runes instead of farming them. While that’s an option outside of the game, it’s important to remember that Elden Ring is designed around exploration and combat. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges and finding natural farming spots is part of the experience. Still, knowing where to farm early can save you time and smooth your journey through the Lands Between.
The best farming location for you depends on your playstyle and tolerance for risk. Gatefront Ruins and Stormhill are safe bets for newcomers, while the Bestial Sanctum offers unparalleled rune gains for players ready to test their skills. Whichever route you take, building up a steady rune supply early on will give you the momentum you need to thrive in Elden Ring.
Gatefront Ruins – The Beginner’s Grind
If you’ve just stepped into Limgrave, the Gatefront Ruins area is a natural first farming spot. The soldiers here are weak, respawn quickly, and drop a steady stream of runes. It’s not the fastest method in the game, but for beginners still getting used to combat mechanics, it’s safe and reliable. You’ll also get the added bonus of materials from enemies, which can help with crafting early gear.
Warmaster’s Shack Area – Packs of Wolves
North of Stormgate, near the Warmaster’s Shack, you’ll find groups of wolves roaming the hills. They are easy to defeat and often cluster together, making them prime targets for area-of-effect skills. Farming wolves here is not only straightforward but also helps you get comfortable with dealing with groups of enemies. Each run is quick, and the wolves respawn right next to a Site of Grace, so efficiency is high.
Bestial Sanctum – Risk and Reward
For players who don’t mind a challenge, the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid is arguably the best early game rune farm. To get there, talk to D, Hunter of the Dead, in Limgrave, and he’ll point you toward a teleporter that takes you directly to the Sanctum. Outside, you’ll find tough enemies that yield thousands of runes each. If you can handle the difficulty, this spot outpaces almost every other early game farming location. Just remember: it’s a high-risk, high-reward area, so proceed carefully.
Stormhill Birds – Easy Pickings
Near Stormhill, you’ll spot small groups of weak birds perched along the cliffs. While they don’t drop as many runes as larger enemies, they can be taken down in a single hit and are clustered close to a Grace point. This makes them perfect for players looking for a low-effort, low-risk grind.
Should You Buy Runes?
Some players might wonder whether it’s worth seeking out the best place to buy Elden Ring runes instead of farming them. While that’s an option outside of the game, it’s important to remember that Elden Ring is designed around exploration and combat. The satisfaction of overcoming challenges and finding natural farming spots is part of the experience. Still, knowing where to farm early can save you time and smooth your journey through the Lands Between.
The best farming location for you depends on your playstyle and tolerance for risk. Gatefront Ruins and Stormhill are safe bets for newcomers, while the Bestial Sanctum offers unparalleled rune gains for players ready to test their skills. Whichever route you take, building up a steady rune supply early on will give you the momentum you need to thrive in Elden Ring.