Reaching max level in Elden Ring is a daunting goal for most Tarnished, but with the right strategy, you can drastically speed up the process. Whether you’re looking to dominate PvP, prepare for NG+ content, or just want to max out every stat, efficient rune farming is the key. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best farming spots, gear setups, and methods to help you level up fast — all from a fellow player who’s spent way too many hours grinding across the Lands Between.
Why Rune Farming Matters
Runes are the lifeblood of your progression in Elden Ring. You use them for everything — leveling up, upgrading weapons, and buying consumables or key items. As your level increases, so does the cost for each new level, which means your rune income needs to scale too.
Best Early Game Rune Farming Spot
Stormhill – Gatefront Ruins
For players just getting started, the Gatefront Ruins are a solid early farming spot. Enemies here are easy to defeat, and they drop a modest amount of runes. Once you unlock your mount, Torrent, circling through the area quickly becomes even easier.
Pro Tip: Equip the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot (if you’ve got one) to boost rune gains.
Mid-Game Farming Hotspot
Mohgwyn Palace – Palace Approach Ledge-Road
This location is by far the most popular rune farming zone for mid to late-game players. Once unlocked — either via White Mask Varre’s questline or using a portal found near the Consecrated Snowfield — you’ll gain access to a site of grace that overlooks a cliff swarming with Albinaurics.
The best farming method here is using a strong AoE weapon skill like Sacred Relic Sword’s Wave of Gold. It can wipe out dozens of enemies in seconds, netting hundreds of thousands of runes per minute if done efficiently.
If you’re struggling to get the gear required for this strategy, some players choose to buy Elden Ring Items to speed up their progression. While not necessary, it can be a helpful shortcut for those who don’t have time to farm specific drops.
Late Game High-Yield Farming
Haligtree – Elphael Inner Wall
For high-level players, Elphael offers both a challenge and high rune returns. The Cleanrot Knights and Haligtree Soldiers are tough, but with the right build, they drop a significant amount of runes. Pair this with the Gold Scarab talisman and a few consumables, and you’re looking at a solid rune-per-minute rate.
Gear That Boosts Rune Gain
To maximize your farming, consider using the following:
- Gold Scarab Talisman: Increases rune acquisition rate.
- Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot: Temporarily boosts rune gain by 30%.
- Silver Scarab (for farming drop rate): Useful if you’re farming enemies that drop valuable items you want to sell or use.
Many players who are focused on speed and efficiency opt to buy Elden Ring runes to skip the grind entirely, especially when going for max level. This isn’t for everyone, but it’s a route some choose for convenience.
Tips for Efficient Farming
- Use AoE skills: The faster you can kill groups, the more runes you get per minute.
- Rest at Sites of Grace: Don’t waste time walking around — reset mobs as efficiently as possible.
- Don’t die: You lose your runes if you can’t retrieve them. Banking your levels frequently is smart.
- Watch your weight: Stay under your equip load threshold to avoid slow rolls and wasted time dodging.
Farming your way to max level in Elden Ring is totally achievable — but it requires patience, planning, and the right locations. Whether you’re going the pure grind route or choosing to buy Elden Ring Items or runes for convenience, the path to power is yours to forge.
Just remember: it’s not just about hitting level 713. It’s about how you get there, and what you do with that power once you arrive. See you in the Lands Between, fellow Tarnished.
