If you’ve spent any time in Elden Ring, you know that Runes are your lifeline—powering everything from level-ups to gear upgrades. But farming Runes efficiently while you're on the move is its own skill. Whether you're exploring the Lands Between for the first time or you're on NG+, there are ways to keep your Rune count growing without committing to repetitive grinding. Here are 10 smart methods to farm Runes while traveling across the map.
1. Clear Roaming Enemy Camps on the Way
One of the simplest but most overlooked methods is hitting up small enemy encampments during your travels. These are often easy to clear, and many offer over 1,000 Runes per camp once you're past the early game. Soldiers in Limgrave and Caelid especially drop decent amounts when buffed by your Rune-boosting gear.
2. Equip the Gold Scarab Early
This talisman is essential for farming efficiently while traveling. It boosts Rune acquisition significantly and stacks with consumable boosts. Prioritize unlocking it in the Abandoned Cave near the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace, and keep it equipped whenever you're exploring unfamiliar areas.
3. Use Rune-Boosting Consumables Before Ambushes
Whenever you suspect a mini-boss or mob ambush, pop a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. It gives you a limited-time Rune boost. Pair this with your Scarab talisman, and you’ll notice a substantial increase in Rune earnings without altering your normal exploration pace.
4. Farm While Completing NPC Quests
Several NPC quests guide you through Rune-rich zones. For instance, helping Alexander the Iron Fist or navigating Millicent’s storyline will organically lead you through high-reward areas. These routes not only deepen your lore experience but also help you farm on the go.
5. Hit Minor Dungeons Along the Road
You’ll frequently encounter side dungeons, catacombs, and caves during your travels. Many players skip these unless they’re hunting for specific Elden Ring items for sale, but they’re often packed with Rune-yielding enemies and bosses. Make it a habit to clear these as you travel.
6. Lure Enemies Into Environmental Hazards
In areas like Mt. Gelmir or the Altus Plateau, environmental traps like flame jets or poison pools can kill mobs for you. With proper positioning and timing, you can farm packs of enemies without lifting your sword. This is great for passive Rune gains while scouting new terrain.
7. Revisit Old Areas at Higher Levels
Zones like Limgrave or Weeping Peninsula may seem trivial later in the game, but if you revisit them with upgraded gear, you can farm large groups quickly while hunting for materials or quest items. This is a casual yet efficient Rune method while heading to merchants or quest locations.
8. Use Spirit Ashes Strategically
While not every battle needs Spirit Ashes, summoning tanky or crowd-control ashes like Lhutel or Oleg during road ambushes can help you farm safely. With minimal damage taken, you can handle more enemies at once and continue traveling without needing to rest often.
9. Farm Enemies During Night Travel
Certain enemies only spawn at night and often drop more Runes than their daytime counterparts. If you're passing through an area after dark, keep your eyes open for Night’s Cavalry or nocturnal mobs. These encounters often reward both valuable drops and large Rune hauls.
10. Buy Elden Ring Runes PS5 Players Sometimes Sell
While not technically in-game farming, it's worth noting that some players choose to buy Elden Ring Runes PS5 or browse Elden Ring items for sale from trusted marketplaces to supplement their exploration. While purists may prefer the grind, others may find it helpful to reduce repetition, especially in later game cycles.
Traveling in Elden Ring doesn’t have to mean leaving Runes behind. With these strategies, you can make every step through the Lands Between a profitable one. Whether you’re clearing a dungeon, following an NPC arc, or just taking the scenic route, smart planning can turn casual exploration into steady Rune income—without the grind.
If you’re looking to upgrade gear, level up quickly, or prepare for late-game bosses, keep these farming methods in mind. They’ll make every journey not just memorable—but profitable.
