Elden Ring is a vast and punishing world, and one of the biggest early hurdles players face is simply acquiring enough Runes to upgrade gear, level up, and prepare for the challenges ahead. If you’re just starting out, knowing where and how to farm Runes efficiently can save hours of frustration—and might even give you a slight edge against those first few bosses. Here are some early-game strategies I’ve found particularly effective.

1. Focus on Low-Risk, High-Yield Areas

In the early stages of the game, sticking to low-risk areas is key. For example, near the starting region of Limgrave, there are several clusters of enemies that drop decent Runes and can be respawned via site of grace rest. The Soldiers near the Gatefront Ruins are manageable if you stick to ranged attacks or summon spirits for support. Clearing them repeatedly can quickly build up your early stockpile.

2. Use Consumables Wisely

Consumables like Gold Scarabs or certain talismans can increase Rune acquisition, but if you’re still saving resources, just focus on enemy placement and respawn patterns. Even without rare items, repeated farming of groups of weaker enemies can net a surprisingly steady income of Runes, allowing you to level up a few times before tackling tougher areas.

3. Boss Farming (Optional)

While most early-game bosses can be intimidating, some are surprisingly accessible once you learn their patterns. Minor bosses in Limgrave or Weeping Peninsula drop a generous amount of Runes, and if you feel confident, farming them a couple of times can accelerate your early progression. This method is riskier, but the payoff in Runes is noticeable.

4. Exploring Hidden Areas

Exploration is incredibly rewarding in Elden Ring. Early-game players often overlook small caves or ruins that house mini-bosses or elite enemies. These locations can provide a higher Rune yield than standard enemy patrols and sometimes contain useful consumables that further enhance your farming efficiency.

5. When to Consider Buying Runes

If you’re hitting a progression wall and need a quick boost, there are safe ways to supplement your farming. Some players choose to buy Elden Ring Runes online, and this can also be done specifically for platforms like PS5 if needed. While farming is part of the experience, strategically buying Elden Ring Runes or buy Elden Ring Runes PS5 can help you get past tricky sections without sacrificing the fun of exploration.

Early-game Rune grinding in Elden Ring is all about balance: choosing areas that give a decent reward without excessive risk, using consumables smartly, and knowing when to explore versus farm. With a bit of patience and strategy, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to tackle the game’s tougher challenges while keeping your character steadily progressing. Remember, even small Rune gains accumulate quickly if you’re consistent, making those early hours much more manageable.