Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide – Best Locations for Farming Runes

Elden Ring has some solid farming spots, whether it’s that one bird or the cliff full of Albinaurics near Mohgwyn Palace. However, the Realm of Shadow in the new Shadow of the Erdtree expansion isn’t shabby either. Here are a few great spots to farm Runes and finance your upgrading and leveling needs.

Best Rune Farming Spots in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

This spot may be familiar if you’ve explored the Sunken Chapel in the Shadow Keep. You’ll see a red mage and several undead enemies on fire – get too close, and they’ll explode. Slaying the mage stops them from spawning, but leave him alive, and you can continuously farm these enemies for about 2,000 Runes each.

The best part is you don’t even have to deal the killing blow – a single attack is enough to trigger their explosion, which can often take out neighboring foes. If you kill the red mage, the farm effectively dies, so keep that in mind.

Another great spot is at the Rauh Ancient Ruins, East Site of Grace. Approach the ledge overlooking the bridge as the Furnace Golem slowly comes to life. Watch it attack and slay all the NPCs on the bridge for easy Runes. While this offers exceptional returns with the Gold Scarab Talisman and Gold Pickled Fowl Foot, there’s a way to maximize this further.

When the Furnace Golem’s attack animation begins, rest immediately at the Site of Grace. The NPCs will respawn, but the attack continues, slaying them and providing even more Runes, sometimes about 50,000. It takes less than 30 seconds for virtually no effort, making it perhaps the best farming spot in the expansion. Don’t kill the Furnace Golem, lest you jeopardize the farm.

Another spot in the Shadow Keep is near the Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace. Take out the NPCs and soldiers, then quickly fast travel back to the Grace – there are more challenging enemies ahead, which can deal more damage if you’re unprepared. Though it requires some work, it’s still easy since the enemies are weak and provide roughly 9,000 to 10,000 Runes per 30 seconds, depending on how quickly you clear them.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is available now for consoles and PC. Check out our review for more details.