Elden Ring is a masterpiece of open-world RPG design, blending exploration, challenging combat, and deep lore. One of the most crucial elements for progression is collecting runes—the in-game currency used to level up, buy gear, and upgrade weapons. But a common question for many players, especially those new to FromSoftware titles, is this: When is the right time to start hardcore runes grinding in Elden Ring?
This guide, based on firsthand experience and the shared knowledge of the Elden Ring community, will help you make an informed decision about when and how to start seriously farming Elden Ring runes—and where to find the best place to buy Elden Ring runes if you're short on time.
Understanding the Role of Runes
Runes serve as both currency and experience points. Every time you defeat an enemy, complete a dungeon, or find a rune item, you earn runes. These can be used to increase your character’s stats, purchase essential items, and enhance your weapons. However, the game is designed in such a way that skill often matters more than levels. So the timing of when to grind becomes strategic.
When to Start Grinding Runes Seriously
While casual rune farming can start from the very beginning, hardcore grinding is best reserved for certain milestones in the game:
1. After Beating Margit, the Fell Omen
Once you defeat Margit and gain access to Stormveil Castle, you’ll have unlocked several decent farming areas. This is a good point to begin investing more time into rune farming if you're struggling with difficulty spikes.
2. When You Hit a Level Plateau
If you notice that you're being consistently defeated in specific regions (e.g., Caelid or Leyndell) despite upgrading your gear and using proper tactics, it's a sign that grinding runes can provide that extra edge.
3. Before Major Boss Fights
Bosses like Radahn, Morgott, and Malenia require precise mechanics and strong character builds. Farming runes beforehand to optimize your build can be the difference between a satisfying victory and a frustrating series of defeats.
4. When You Want to Try a New Build
Trying out different playstyles (e.g., switching from melee to magic) often requires a respec, which costs Larval Tears and a whole new set of stat investments. Farming extra runes makes this process smoother and less punishing.
Where to Grind: Best Locations for Rune Farming
There are several prime rune farming locations in Elden Ring:
Mohgwyn Palace: Accessible after progressing through Varre’s questline or using a portal in the Consecrated Snowfield, this is arguably the best rune farming area in the game. The Albinaurics in this area drop thousands of runes and are easy to kill with AoE spells or bleed weapons.
Secluded Farming at Greyoll’s Dragonbarrow: Killing the dragon Greyoll with a bleed weapon can net you over 50,000 runes early in the game without much risk. Just be prepared to do it only once per playthrough.
Windmill Village and Volcano Manor: Mid-to-late game farming spots where enemies drop a solid number of runes with low risk.
Best Place to Buy Elden Ring Runes
If you're short on time or simply want to focus on the exploration and lore rather than grinding, buying runes is a viable option. The best place to buy Elden Ring runes is from reliable online stores that prioritize account security, fast delivery, and trustworthy customer service. One such place is U4GM, known for its consistent delivery speed, affordable pricing, and verified transaction process. Buying runes from a reputable source can help you save hours of repetitive gameplay while still allowing you to enjoy the essence of the Elden Ring experience.
Final Thoughts
Hardcore rune grinding in Elden Ring is best approached with intention. You don’t need to over-level early and risk making the game too easy, but once you hit specific progress points or decide to optimize your build, targeted grinding becomes a powerful tool. And for those who prefer to skip the grind, knowing the best place to buy Elden Ring runes ensures you can enhance your experience without compromising your time or enjoyment.
Whether you choose to farm manually or invest through a reliable source, building your character wisely will let you face the Lands Between with confidence.