Highlights

  • The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring is expected to be massive and has been in development for a long time.
  • The existing methods for farming Runes in the base game of Elden Ring are considered the best and may be difficult for the expansion to surpass.

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is expected to be massive, at least it would seem so based on how long it has been in development by now. Of all the rumored and speculated things that could potentially be included in this expansion for Elden Ring, the base game could very well execute one concept better than any post-launch content ever could. Specifically, the existing methods that players have discovered for farming Runes in EldenRing may continue to be the best of their kind.

Considering that there are already several good Rune farms in EldenRing, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion might even purposely avoid having its own Rune farms. Regardless, even if it tries, the upcoming expansion will have its work cut out for it to top the current best rune farms that can be found in the base game of EldenRing.

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The Best Rune Farms in Elden Ring’s Base Game

Lenne’s Rise Magic Trap Rune Farm

While the Runes provided by this farm can be lackluster after players pass a certain level threshold, the convenience of this Rune farm is still praiseworthy. The main appeal of using this Rune farm is that it can be reached very early in the game. Because of EldenRing’s open-world design, there’s nothing preventing players from traveling to the location of this Rune farm immediately after starting a new character, or playthrough.

This Rune farming method is performed by following the Westward path from the Lenne’s Rise Site of Grace in Caelid. Once players reach the cliff of this path, a magic trap will activate behind them, causing a large ball to chase the player. With the right positioning and timing, players can trick the ball into rolling off of the edge, which will reward Runes. At this point, players can return to the nearby Site of Grace and the trap will reset after the player rests. As mentioned, the Runes rewarded here aren’t much, but it’s a great starting point before players reach a higher level and naturally gain access to better options.

Mohgwyn Palace Crow Rune Farm

This Rune farm can be found in the Mohgwyn Palace region, at the Palace Approach Ledge-Ridge Site of Grace. This is normally a late-game area, but players can get here early by progressing White Mask Varre’s questline.

Immediately upon reaching this Site of Grace, players should look out over the cliff edge to find a large crow enemy across the gap. By using a long-ranged weapon, like a bow, players can land an attack on this enemy to get its attention, where it will then jump into the pit in an attempt to reach the player. These large birds are among some of the strongest enemies in EldenRing, but players can easily kill this one and collect its Runes, all from a safe distance.

Mohgywn Palace Sacred Relic Sword Rune Farm

Although the weapon involved in this Rune farm can require a significant investment to obtain and use efficiently, this is arguably the best Rune farm in EldenRing. Consequently, this is well worth the effort and time commitment for players who are looking for a reliable source of Runes. Outside of offering a high quantity of Runes, this Rune farm requires minimal effort once players have access to the Sacred Relic Sword.

This Rune farm can also be found at the Palace Approach Ledge-Ridge Site of Grace. From this Site of Grace, casting the Sacred Relic Sword’s Ash of War down the hill will reach most of the Albinauric enemies here. If one attack with this weapon’s Ash of War isn’t enough to kill them, another one should get the job done.