Tired of farming low-level areas for Runes? Then head on over to the Mountaintops of the Giants. It's a late-game area in Elden Ring and thus contains more generous (albeit more dangerous) enemies. Granted, and as a disclaimer, the farming spots in Mountaintops of the Giants are not the best.
In fact, they pale in comparison with the cheesy "bird farming spot" in Mohgwyn Palace which is also a late-game area. However, it's good to switch up Rune farming spots to break the monotony and also to train against some enemies. Hence, these areas in the Mountaintops of the Giants ought to help players accumulate gigantic mountains of Runes to get them ready for those late-game bosses in Elden Ring.
Frozen River East Of Shack Of The Lofty
Starting from Ancient Snow Valley Ruins Site of Grace, players simply need to make their way northward until they see a frozen river. They can ignore the giant if they want and just follow this frozen river to the west. They'll come across some soldiers and other enemies skirmishing with bats, etc.
These guys are too busy to even notice the players as they zip through using Torrent. Players can take refuge in the nearby Shack of the Lofty and just watch the enemies kill one another for some easy AFK Runes. Once the fighting's done, players can teleport back to the Ancient Snow Valley Ruins Site of Grace and repeat the process again as it takes less than a minute to ride to the spot.
Castle Sol's Church Of The Eclipse
Castle Sol is a dangerous area thanks to those phantom Banished Knights that are borderline cheating with their teleport but players can actually get the jump on those enemies. The Church of the Eclipse Site of Grace provides easy access to one of the shielded Banished Knights.
They're just outside the church a few steps from the Site of Grace. Furthermore, this lone Banished Knight will spawn with its back turned so that's a free backstab. Apart from the knight, there are also two or three exiled enemies who are much easier to take down. This farming spot also provides good practice against those Banished Knights in case the backstab goes awry.
Guardians' Garrison
Guardians' Garrison is not an easy place to clear thanks to a couple of fat Fire Prelates that tank hits like a champ and deal massive fire and weapon damage. Near the camp's entrance, however, there are only two measly enemies guarding the palisades.
What's more, just outside these palisades is a Site of Grace, literally staring at the lowly camp guards. Players can just keep killing those two guards at the entrance until they accumulate enough Runes. Another method is to summon a strong Spirit Ash and sic them against the camp soldiers. A Mimic Tear should be enough to clear it in a few minutes.
Outside Church Of Repose/Outside The Fire Giant Arena
Just outside the Fire Giant boss arena is a goldmine of AFK Runes. Because near the two Sites of Grace on this plateau, there are a bunch of trolls, giants, giant hand spiders, and crows vying for their monster supremacy. This should be an easy spot to gain some free Runes.
Each of these giant creatures grants a lovely amount of late-game Runes and fighting them all fairly is too risky, especially the hands and the birds. If players want to be safer, they can use a Mimic Veil to disguise themselves and get closer. It takes a bit of trial and error to find the best safe spot but the payoff is worth it.
Troll Caravan West Of Inner Consecrated Snowfield
As always, troll caravans are prime picking as far as Rune farms go. One of them is even accessible near the Inner Consecrated Snowfield Site of Grace. Technically, this area is in the Consecrated Snowfield but it should still count as a part of the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
From the Site of Grace, simple walk a bit to the left or west and the two hairy trolls pulling a caravan will appear behind a hill. Attacking the trolls in melee will stop them and players will be free to poke at their legs until they die. The rest of the caravan guards usually won't intervene. On a side note, don't attack this caravan at night since there will be an additional Elden Ring security outfit, namely two Night Cavalry bosses.
Troll Caravan Northeast Of Consecrated Snowfield
There are two troll caravans in the Consecrated Snowfield area and one of them is easily accessible from the main Consecrated Snowfield Site of Grace (not to be confused with Inner). From the Site of Grace, just trot northeast with Torrent and he'll bump into the caravan.
Again, attacking the trolls in melee will halt them and the smaller caravan guards tend to just stand still as long as the players stay with the trolls. There are times when the hornblower will sound off an alarm though so in some instances, players might want to kill those.
Yelough Anix Ruins
Again in the Consecrated Snowfield area, just head west from the Inner Consecrated Snowfield Site of Grace, past the troll caravan. Players need to keep heading west until they see some ruins guarded by hooded trolls. These trolls are slightly different from the ones in Limgrave since their attacks cause Madness buildup.
Beyond that, they're easy to take down. All players need to do is poke at their legs and roll from time to time. To make the farming smoother, bring in some Spirit Ashes. The Mimic Tear with a bleed weapon does wonders against these enemies.
Hidden Path To The Haligtree
After players use the Haligtree medallion to activate the secret function of the Grand Lift of Rold, they'll have to go through a dungeon first to get to the Consecrated Snowfield. This is the Hidden Path to the Haligtree and it's actually a decent farming area.
Because once players have cleared the dungeon and activated the Site of Grace just before the exit, they can come back for more Runes. The enemies will have their backs turned. It's easy to sneak up on them and finish them using weapon skills before they can even react. For the giant tentacle monster, it's easy to cheese it by staying on the stairs and pelting it with Moonveil or Blasphemous Blade weapon skills. Each run only takes a few minutes.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.