When you first set foot in the Lands Between, every rune matters. Whether you’re pushing through Stormveil Castle or just trying to get that first weapon upgrade, having a reliable farming routine can make the journey smoother. While the game eventually offers faster methods, the early zones still provide great opportunities to stockpile runes without too much risk. Here are 13 farming tricks that can help boost your rune count before stepping into the tougher regions.

1. Gatefront Soldiers

The Gatefront Ruins are one of the earliest reliable farming spots. Soldiers patrol in groups, and each one drops a small but consistent number of runes. Clearing the camp, resting at the nearby Site of Grace, and repeating is a steady way to build up early currency.

2. Pack of Wolves in Limgrave

South of Gatefront, groups of wolves gather in the woods. They are easy to defeat and can be farmed quickly on horseback. Their rune value is modest, but since they respawn in packs, the efficiency adds up.

3. Troll Kills Near Stormgate

The giants patrolling near Stormgate may seem intimidating, but they can be taken down with patience and spacing. Each troll drops a large chunk of runes for an early player, making them one of the most profitable single targets.

4. Soldiers at Fort Haight

Fort Haight in eastern Limgrave has a group of soldiers and knights that are easier to deal with once you’ve leveled up a bit. They drop more than the Gatefront mobs, and the nearby grace allows for quick resets.

5. Smoldering Church Enemies

The NPC invader and enemies near the Smoldering Church can be challenging, but if you manage to defeat them, the rune payout is excellent for the area. This is better for slightly more confident players.

6. Farming the Demi-Humans in the Coastal Cave

The small enemies inside the cave come in numbers and fall quickly to sweeping attacks. This is a low-risk farming spot, especially for area-of-effect builds.

7. The Warmaster’s Shack Knights at Night

At night, certain powerful enemies appear near Warmaster’s Shack. They drop higher amounts of runes than regular mobs, though they are tougher to fight. Ideal for players who want more challenge in exchange for efficiency.

8. Ball Rolling Exploit in Liurnia’s Entrance

Although not technically Limgrave, the giant rolling ball trap near Liurnia’s southern entrance can be exploited. Lure the ball down the slope, dodge, and it will roll off the edge, rewarding you with a rune chunk every time.

9. Farming the Demi-Humans Near Church of Elleh

Around the Church of Elleh, scattered groups of demi-humans can be dispatched quickly. This is one of the most beginner-friendly rune farming spots in the game.

10. Summoning Spirits for Mass Farming

Using Spirit Ashes against groups of weak enemies, like wolves or demi-humans, speeds up farming. The extra damage and aggro control make farming smoother and safer.

11. Resetting the Soldiers on the Bridge of Limgrave

The bridge soldiers are lined up neatly, making them easy to clear in one sweep. Rest at the nearby grace and repeat for quick rune income.

12. Bird Farming in Weeping Peninsula

The large birds near Castle Morne are a good mid-early farming option. They give more runes per kill than wolves or soldiers, and horseback combat makes them manageable.

13. Use Rune-Boosting Consumables

Items like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot can increase rune gain for a short period. Timing their use during a farming run can boost profits significantly. If you’re stocking up on consumables or gear, many players also check the Best site to buy Elden Ring Runes or the Best site to buy Elden Ring items when they want a shortcut, though farming naturally is rewarding in its own right.