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Earning runes in Elden Ring is a constant part of the journey—whether you're leveling up, upgrading weapons, or buying gear. But beyond the obvious farming spots and boss fights, there are hidden techniques for collecting runes that most players completely overlook. These subtle strategies won’t break the game, but they’ll help you make the most of every encounter and avoid waste.

Here are 10 lesser-known rune techniques that can quietly stack up your rune count over time.

1. Lure Enemies Off Ledges for Free Runes

In vertical areas like Mt. Gelmir or the cliffs of Altus Plateau, many enemies can be baited into falling to their deaths. They often drop full rune rewards even without you lifting your weapon. With smart positioning and patience, this method can be farmed safely, especially for tougher mobs.

2. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot Efficiently

This consumable boosts rune gain by 30 percent for a short time. Most players waste it on common enemies. The better play is to time it right before defeating a major boss, clearing a mini-dungeon, or hitting a high-yield farming run. Stock up on these and craft more when possible.

3. Repeat Spiritcaller Cave for Rune Multipliers

Located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, Spiritcaller Cave offers several summoned boss fights that drop runes on every run. If you’re looking for an efficient route for rune farming, running this cave repeatedly is more productive than many open-field spots.

4. Trigger World Events That Lead to Enemy Collisions

In areas like Caelid, certain enemies will fight each other. For example, dragons may aggro on nearby wildlife or soldiers. Let them battle it out from a safe distance—you’ll earn runes for every kill without engaging directly.

5. Farm Nighttime-Only Bosses

Some field bosses only appear at night, like the Death Rite Bird or Bell-Bearing Hunters. These bosses often drop good rune rewards and items. Many players overlook them entirely. Rest at a Site of Grace to switch to nighttime and see what shows up.

6. Abuse the Death Despawn Glitch

On some cliffside fights or elevated terrain, enemies can despawn after chasing you and falling off. This is particularly effective in Legacy Dungeons where enemies are highly aggressive but poorly positioned. Done right, this can net thousands of free runes with no combat.

7. Wear the Gold Scarab Talisman

Many players get the Gold Scarab late and forget to wear it. But when combined with Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, the rune gain stacks. You can get this talisman from the Abandoned Cave, and it’s a must-have for any efficient farming route.

8. Sell Unused Boss Remembrances

If you’re not planning to use a boss’s weapon or spell, consider selling their Remembrance for a large rune reward. While they can be traded for powerful gear, some are better spent fueling your level progression—especially if you're saving for future builds or looking into elden ring runes for sale to test new setups.

9. Make Use of Wandering Nobles and Caravan Guards

These NPC enemies travel in groups and are often missed by players rushing to major landmarks. Take time to clear out their caravans. They drop a surprising number of runes and sometimes even cheap Elden Ring Items like smithing stones or weapons.

10. Backtrack to Earlier Zones at Higher Levels

After reaching a high level, revisit starting zones like Limgrave or Weeping Peninsula. You’ll be able to breeze through them, and enemy camps will now feel like quick rune banks. Early-game caves, catacombs, and field bosses can be cleared rapidly for solid gains with minimal risk.

While massive rune farming loops and late-game bosses are popular ways to get rich in Elden Ring, there’s value in mastering these hidden techniques. They make use of the world’s systems in ways that feel natural and rewarding without grinding mindlessly. Plus, they let you play smarter instead of just harder.

If you're constantly experimenting with different builds or swapping between loadouts, techniques like these help you save up without needing to rely solely on high-traffic rune runs or spending on elden ring runes for sale. And for those who want to expand their arsenal quickly, grabbing cheap Elden Ring Items alongside farming helps reduce the need for repetition.