In the unforgiving world of Elden Ring, where every death risks the loss of hard-earned progress, Runes reign supreme as the ultimate currency. These vital resources are the lifeblood of any Tarnished's journey, required not only for leveling up character stats to survive increasingly deadly encounters but also for purchasing crucial spells, weapons, armor, and crafting materials from the scattered merchants of the Lands Between. The constant need for more, coupled with the ever-present threat of losing them all, makes dedicated farming sessions not just a luxury, but a necessity for progression. With the landscape expanded by the Shadow of the Erdtree (SOTE) DLC, the methods for accumulating wealth have evolved. Where does a Tarnished, whether a fresh-faced newcomer or a seasoned veteran exploring the Land of Shadow, go to build their fortune efficiently and safely?

11. Troll Hunting At Stormgate: An Early-Game Boot Camp

For those just beginning their journey, the area north of the Stormgate provides a brutal but rewarding introduction to rune acquisition. A group of Trolls patrols this region, each yielding a substantial 1,000 Runes upon defeat. While intimidating for low-level characters, their slow, telegraphed attacks serve as an excellent tutorial for mastering the fundamental art of dodging. Teleport to the nearby Site of Grace, head south, and engage. This spot is perfect for building both a rune stockpile and the combat confidence needed for the challenges ahead. Remember, every giant felled is a step closer to that next level or coveted piece of gear.

10. Passive Farming In Liurnia: The Spectator's Strategy

Is direct combat still proving too perilous? For a truly risk-averse approach in the early game, look no further than the Liurnia North Road. By heading north from this Site of Grace, players can witness an eternal spectral conflict between soldiers and specters. Simply get close enough to trigger the battle, then sit back and watch. The Runes from fallen combatants will automatically flow to you.

• Method: Pure passive observation.

• Risk Level: Virtually zero.

• Best For: Absolute beginners or those wanting to multitask.

9. Mountaintop Thumb Wrestling: Let Enemies Do the Work

The snowy, desolate Mountaintop of the Giants might seem barren, but it harbors a chaotic farming opportunity. On the southeastern slopes, trolls, monstrous crows, and terrifying fingercreepers are locked in a perpetual struggle. Their natural aggression toward each other allows you to play the role of a opportunistic scavenger. Ride in on Torrent, agitate the groups, and retreat to a safe distance to let them decimate each other. The key here is mobility; staying on horseback is crucial to avoid being easily overwhelmed or grabbed by the area's formidable inhabitants.

8. Dropping The Ball At Lenne’s Rise: Precision Pays Off

This method is all about timing and turning a trap into a treasure trove. Southwest of Lenne’s Rise, a giant spectral ball is conjured to roll unsuspecting travelers off a cliff. However, with precise timing, you can sidestep the ball at the last second, sending it plummeting to its doom. Each successful dodge nets a whopping 1,952 Runes (without any Golden Scarab or other buffs) for just a few seconds of work. It’s a repetitive but incredibly efficient early-to-mid-game farm that feels more like solving a puzzle than fighting.

7. The Battle Of Redmane Castle: Caelid's Warzone

Why fight when you can have two armies fight for you? The area preceding Redmane Castle in Caelid is a perpetual warzone between Radahn's knights and the local bestial horrors. Teleport to the Impassable Greatbridge Site of Grace and head away from the castle. Find a vantage point and watch the carnage unfold. As knights and beasts slay each other, their Runes will become yours. It’s a fantastic passive method for mid-level characters looking to gain a significant boost without lifting a finger.

6. Slaughter At The Bestial Sanctum: Vulgar Efficiency

For players who prefer active farming, the road south from the Bestial Sanctum is a classic. It's populated by Vulgar Militiamen—small, aggressive creatures that are surprisingly fragile. Each one drops over 1,000 Runes and can be dispatched in just a few hits, making the run a blend of resource gathering and combat practice. The main caveat? Accessing this road safely requires defeating or avoiding the formidable Black Blade Kindred guardian at the sanctum's entrance. Once cleared, this becomes a reliable rune-generating route.

5. A Battle In The Land Of Shadow: DLC-Scaled Riches

With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, new, high-yield farming spots emerged. One of the most efficient is found at the Ruined Forge Lava Intake Site of Grace. From here, head up the incline into a dark field where two groups of enemies are locked in combat.

• Strategy: Use a powerful Area-of-Effect (AoE) skill like Messmer's Assault to quickly wipe out both factions.

• Efficiency: Each run takes approximately 30-45 seconds.

• Yield: Roughly 35,000 Runes per run, varying with your New Game+ cycle.

This spot is ideal for players who have progressed into the DLC and need runes scaled to its heightened challenges, offering a compelling alternative to returning to Mohgwyn Palace.

4. Razing Stormveil Castle: Revisiting with Vengeance

Sometimes, the best farming is nostalgic. Returning to Stormveil Castle later in the game transforms it from a daunting fortress into a rune-filled playground. The dense population of enemies—soldiers, exiles, and knights—that once posed a serious threat can now often be felled in one or two hits. It’s a satisfying way to measure your growth while rapidly accumulating runes. Exercise caution around remaining threats like arbalists, but otherwise, enjoy carving a swift and profitable path through the castle's interior.

3. Burning Windmill Village To The Ground: A Dance of Death

The Windmill Village in the Altus Plateau is home to the Celebrants—enemies perpetually lost in a joyous, oblivious dance. This unique behavior is their weakness. A well-equipped Tarnished can unleash devastating spells or wide-swinging weapon arts upon the clustered dancers before they even react. They drop a significant amount of runes, and their passivity until provoked makes this a safe and highly efficient clearing operation for mid-to-late-game characters.

2. Stealth-Farming At The Haligtree: The Endgame Assassin

The Haligtree represents one of the game's ultimate challenges, but its Prayer Room area offers a masterclass in stealth farming. From the Prayer Room Site of Grace, head north along the parapets. Nearly every enemy here is positioned with their back to your approach, ripe for a stealth backstab.

Enemy Type	Approximate Rune Drop
Haligtree Soldiers	2,000 - 3,000
Knights	3,000+

This method requires precision and patience but rewards the player with tens of thousands of runes per run while honing advanced combat skills. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy perfectly suited for endgame preparation.

1. The Unrivaled Champion: Mohgwyn Palace Approach

While not detailed in the original reference, no 2026 rune farming guide would be complete without acknowledging the undisputed king: the approach to Mohgwyn Palace. Accessed via a teleporter in the Consecrated Snowfield, this area features a cliffside from which players can repeatedly shoot a giant bird into a chasm for ~11,000 runes, or use AoE attacks on the densely packed Albinaurics below for hundreds of thousands of runes per hour with the right gear. It remains the most efficient farm in the base game, a fact unchanged by time or DLC.

In conclusion, from the humble beginnings at Stormgate to the shadowy battlefields of the DLC and the legendary efficiency of Mohgwyn Palace, Elden Ring offers a farming method for every playstyle and progression point. Whether you seek passive gains, active combat, stealthy takedowns, or DLC-level riches, the Lands Between (and beyond) provide. The key is to find the method that aligns with your current strength and goals, turning the relentless grind for Runes into a strategic part of your conquest.