Elden Ring’s vast open world can feel both thrilling and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to level up your character quickly. Runes are essential for upgrading your stats, and knowing where to farm them efficiently can save you hours of wandering. After spending countless hours experimenting, I’ve compiled a list of the most effective enemy groups to grind in various stages of the game.
Early Game: Gatefront Ruins Soldiers
If you’re just starting out, the soldiers around Gatefront Ruins are a solid option. They’re relatively weak, respawn quickly, and drop a decent amount of runes for low-level characters. I usually clear them with ranged attacks first, then finish off any stragglers in melee. It’s slow at first, but stacking small rune gains here sets a good foundation.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, you can always
buy elden ring runes from trusted sources like U4GM. It’s not something I do regularly, but having a small buffer of runes can make early progression smoother, especially if you’re experimenting with different builds.
Mid Game: Raya Lucaria Academy’s Sorcerers
Once you’re past the early areas, the sorcerer groups in Raya Lucaria Academy become a prime target. These enemies have a bit more health and deal magic damage, but they are predictable and grouped closely, which makes AoE spells or ranged attacks very effective. Clearing this area repeatedly yields a good mid-tier rune return, which helps when upgrading key weapons or leveling up your sorceries.
For players who might feel underleveled or want to avoid farming for hours, some online communities mention options to
buy elden ring runes no ban risk. Using such services responsibly can help bridge gaps when you’re focusing on story progression rather than grinding endlessly. Just make sure to stick with reputable sources if you go this route.
Late Game: Mohgwyn Palace Albinaurics
Once you’ve reached the late game, Mohgwyn Palace is an absolute rune goldmine. The Albinaurics there can drop thousands of runes per kill, and there are several densely packed groups that can be farmed efficiently with a mix of ranged attacks and summons. Personally, I like to summon Spirit Ashes to distract some of the enemies while I pick off the others from a safe distance.
A little tip here: patience and timing are key. Even though these enemies hit hard, a careful approach lets you chain kills quickly, which is perfect for accumulating massive amounts of runes. I usually spend 20–30 minutes per session here and come away with enough runes to fully level one or two stats, which feels incredibly rewarding.
Optional Rune Boost Spots
Aside from the main grinding locations, don’t overlook smaller, repeatable enemy groups that can be farmed alongside other activities. Areas like the Cathedral of Manus Celes or certain underground caves often have clusters of tougher enemies that give a hefty amount of runes.
Another method I occasionally use is micro-purchasing runes from U4GM when I’m experimenting with new builds or testing difficult bosses. It’s not for everyone, but it can save some grinding headaches, especially if you’re aiming to test different strategies without hitting a progression wall.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Know your loadout: Using AoE or high-damage weapons dramatically reduces the time spent on each group.
Summons are your friend: Spirit Ashes can tank and distract enemies, letting you pick off tougher targets safely.
Check spawn points: Many groups reset if you leave and return to the area, so route planning can maximize your rune gain per minute.
Balance risk and reward: Don’t overextend. Some late-game enemies hit hard and can turn a quick grind into a frustrating death loop.
In the end, Elden Ring is all about experimenting. Finding the enemy groups that suit your playstyle is half the fun. Whether you’re grinding Gatefront Ruins soldiers for early upgrades or Mohgwyn Palace Albinaurics for late-game powerhouse builds, a smart approach will save time and keep the game enjoyable.