In Elden Ring, runes are everything. They’re your XP, your currency, and your lifeline to becoming more powerful in the Lands Between. Whether you’re trying to level up, upgrade your gear, or simply prepare for that next brutal boss fight, having a healthy stash of runes is crucial. If you’re tired of grinding aimlessly or just looking to optimize your farming routes, here are five of the fastest ways to get runes in Elden Ring, based on real in-game experience and community-tested strategies.

1. Moghwyn Palace – The Ultimate Rune Farming Spot

It’s no secret anymore: Moghwyn Palace is the best late-game rune farming location. Once you’ve gained access (either through Varre’s questline or a portal from Consecrated Snowfield), this area becomes a rune goldmine. The Albinaurics here drop around 2,000 runes each, and you can clear dozens of them in just a couple of minutes with an AoE-heavy build.

For even faster results, use a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost rune gain or equip the Gold Scarab talisman. Some players report earning over 10 million runes per hour here with the right setup.

2. Stormhill Trolls – Early Game Efficiency

If you’re still in the early stages and not ready for endgame content, the giant trolls along the cliffs of Stormhill are a solid option. They’re slow, predictable, and each one drops a decent amount of runes for the effort involved. Use horseback combat to keep your distance and kite them down one by one.

While it’s not the most glamorous method, it’s a reliable way to get your stats up without venturing into more dangerous territory too early.

3. Lenne’s Rise Ball Farm – Passive Gains Made Easy

Found in the northeastern part of Caelid, near Lenne’s Rise, there’s a trick involving a magical ball that hurls itself off a cliff when you approach from a certain angle. Triggering this event repeatedly can net you around 2,000 runes in a matter of seconds.

It’s simple, requires no combat, and is perfect for AFK-style farming if you just want to grind runes while listening to a podcast. It’s not the most efficient method long-term, but it’s a great way to farm early without risk.

4. Redmane Castle Festival – Pre-Event Cleanup

Before the Radahn Festival begins at Redmane Castle, the place is crawling with enemies. Take advantage of this by clearing out the entire area before progressing the story event that clears them out. With the right build and some patience, you can rake in a surprising number of runes from soldiers, knights, and even the heavier foes inside.

It’s a one-time opportunity, but if timed right, it can give you a major early-to-mid-game boost in a single session.

5. Buy Elden Ring Runes Online (With Caution)

While not everyone’s cup of tea, some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes online as a way to skip the grind and focus on PvP or boss fights. It’s a personal choice, and if you’re short on time or just want to experiment with different builds, it can be a way to speed things up.

If you’re going this route, make sure you’re choosing the best place to buy Elden Ring items—look for trustworthy sellers with verified reviews to avoid scams or bans. It’s not the same as earning them yourself, but for some players, it’s about enjoying the experience on their own terms.

Runes are the backbone of progression in Elden Ring, and knowing where and how to farm them efficiently can make your journey through the Lands Between much smoother. Whether you’re grinding through Moghwyn Palace or just casually farming in Caelid, every strategy has its place depending on where you are in the game.

Got a favorite farming route of your own? Share it with the community—we all need runes, after all.