If you’ve just started exploring the vast and brutal world of Elden Ring, you’ll quickly realize that runes are everything. They’re your currency for leveling up, buying gear, and upgrading equipment. Early on, it can feel like you never have enough. Thankfully, there are several efficient ways to farm runes in the early game without having to grind endlessly. Whether you’re a new Tarnished or on your second playthrough, these tips will help you power up faster.

1. Farm at the Gatefront Ruins

One of the best early spots for rune farming is the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave. This area is packed with soldiers that are fairly easy to defeat, even with basic weapons. Take your time sneaking behind enemies for critical hits, or use your horse for quick sweeps. Each soldier drops a decent amount of runes, and you can rest at the nearby Site of Grace to reset the area quickly.

2. Head to the Third Church of Marika

Once you unlock Torrent, the spectral steed, make your way to the Third Church of Marika in northeast Limgrave. There’s a hidden path behind the church that leads to a portal. Taking it will transport you to Dragonbarrow, a higher-level area where enemies drop significantly more runes. Don’t try to fight them yet—just ride past the massive creatures and grab the Site of Grace nearby. You can then farm the smaller enemies from a safe distance for a big early-game rune boost.

3. Stormhill Trolls

If you’re confident in your combat skills, the large trolls near Stormhill are excellent rune sources. Each one can drop over a thousand runes early on. Lure them out one at a time, aim for their legs, and use heavy attacks to stagger them. The fights take some patience, but the rewards are worth it.

4. Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foots

If you manage to find or craft Gold-Pickled Fowl Foots, use them strategically. These consumables temporarily increase rune acquisition, letting you maximize gains during a farming session. They’re rare early in the game, so save them for tougher enemies or larger farming runs.

5. Know When to Move On

While farming can help you get stronger, Elden Ring is designed to reward exploration. If you find yourself repeating the same area for hours, it might be better to move forward. New zones often provide better rune drops and equipment upgrades naturally through progression.

Bonus Tip: Buying Runes Safely

Some players prefer to skip the grind and look for ways to buy Elden Ring runes online. While this can save time, it’s essential to be cautious and only use reliable sources. If you’re searching for buy elden ring runes lowest price options, make sure you’re dealing with trusted sellers to avoid scams or account issues.

Early rune farming in Elden Ring is all about efficiency and knowing your limits. Focus on manageable enemies, use rune-boosting items wisely, and don’t rush into high-level areas unprepared. With a few smart farming routes and a bit of patience, you’ll be strong enough to face whatever the Lands Between throws at you.