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Elden Ring Runes: 10 Places to Avoid When Farming as a New Player
Farming runes in Elden Ring is essential if you want to keep up with the game’s steep difficulty curve. Whether you're leveling up your stats or upgrading weapons, every rune counts. But not all farming spots are created equal—especially for new players. Some areas are more likely to get you killed than help you progress.
Here are 10 locations that seem tempting for farming Elden Ring runes but are better avoided early on unless you're prepared for high risk and punishing enemies.
1. Dragonbarrow (Caelid)
This region might seem enticing because of the massive rune drops, especially near the bridge guarded by the Black Blade Kindred. However, the enemies here are extremely tough, and a single mistake can cost you a lot of progress. Even seasoned players tread carefully in Dragonbarrow.
2. Deeproot Depths
While visually stunning and full of hidden lore, the enemies here hit hard and are resistant to many early-game damage types. Farming in this zone without the right tools or stats often leads to frustration. It’s best saved for mid- to late-game.
3. Siofra River
This underground area offers a mystical change of pace, but the fast-moving ancestral spirits and limited sightlines make farming dangerous. Without strong AoE or ranged options, you’ll likely spend more time dying than earning runes here.
4. Mountaintops of the Giants
Even if you manage to access this zone early through multiplayer or glitches, don’t stay long. Enemies like the Fire Monks and Giant Hands will quickly overwhelm underleveled characters. Save this region for higher rune farming efficiency later on.
5. Lake of Rot
This place is pure punishment for the unprepared. The environment itself constantly inflicts Scarlet Rot, and the enemies are brutal. Farming here takes more healing items than you’ll earn in runes, making it a net loss in most cases.
6. Mohgwyn Palace (via Portal)
Although this area is famous for its late-game rune farming methods, it's a mistake to come here too early. The Albinauric enemies and bloodflame AoEs from invaders will melt new players. Some opt to skip the grind and get cheap Elden Ring runes instead of slogging through this.
7. Haligtree Outskirts
This location is endgame content for a reason. The Cleanrot Knights, foot soldiers, and environmental traps are all unforgiving. You won’t survive long enough to make any farming efficient here.
8. Altus Plateau Campsites
Altus Plateau might appear manageable compared to Caelid, but enemy encampments, especially those near fortresses, house well-armored foes with aggressive AI. Unless you’re confident in your build and equipment, the rune gain here is rarely worth it.
9. Gelmir Hero’s Grave
A dungeon filled with chariots, lava, and hard-hitting mobs is not where new players should farm. Even experienced players find this area challenging. The rune reward is negligible compared to the time and risk it demands.
10. Consecrated Snowfield
Blizzards, invisible enemies, and brutal invaders define this zone. While there are high-rune enemies here, most players can’t effectively deal with them until they’re well past level 100. Farming here early on is simply inefficient.
When you’re starting out in Elden Ring, the best farming spots are those balanced between risk and reward—places like Gatefront Ruins, the Warmaster’s Shack area, or the early Limgrave camps. Trying to farm in high-level areas too soon will often result in lost time and frustration.
Some players who want to test builds early or get over a difficulty spike choose to buy Elden Ring items or look for cheap Elden Ring runes to speed things up. Whatever your approach, knowing where not to farm is just as valuable as knowing where to go.