In Elden Ring, efficient exploration often means hitting two birds with one stone — finding locations where both loot and runes are plentiful. These overlapping areas are ideal for players who want to level up quickly while also stockpiling valuable gear for their builds. Whether you're just starting or deep into New Game Plus, knowing where to go can save time and boost progression.
Here are 24 spots across the Lands Between where you can farm both runes and powerful loot, making your journey smoother and more rewarding.
1. Limgrave Tunnels
A great starting point for early smithing stones and a handful of runes from the miners. It’s a slow grind, but worth the effort early on.
2. Gatefront Ruins
Not just good for early runes; the treasure chest and map fragment here make this a dual-purpose spot for fresh characters.
3. Agheel Lake South
Clear the enemies and you’ll gain modest runes and the chance to grab key crafting materials.
4. Fort Haight
Both the Bloody Slash Ash of War and a respectable rune haul make this fort worth clearing.
5. Academy Gate Town
Infested with enemies that drop a fair amount of runes, plus access to gear and Glintstone sorcery items.
6. Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel
Packed with miners and magic beasts, this dungeon offers smithing stones, a boss drop, and solid rune rewards.
7. Caria Manor
Not only will you find powerful spirit ashes and weapons here, but defeating the hands and nobles provides consistent rune drops.
8. Altus Plateau Camps
Golden Knights and soldiers drop decent runes, and their camps hide useful gear and items for upgrading.
9. Mt. Gelmir Campsites
Exploring these yields high-end loot and enemies that drop thousands of runes per kill.
10. Windmill Village
A deceptively creepy area with easy-to-kill enemies that drop high rune counts — plus access to the Godskin Apostle.
11. Subterranean Shunning-Grounds
Dangerous but packed with runes and high-end loot. Defeating Omen enemies is tough but profitable.
12. Nokron, Eternal City
Home to rare weapons and a solid farming loop. The Silver Tear enemies drop upgrade materials and runes alike.
13. Mohgwyn Palace
Infamous for rune farming, but also hiding loot like the Sacred Spear. A favorite for long-term farming.
14. Consecrated Snowfield
Tougher enemies but higher rune output. Several hidden chests in this region make it a worthwhile detour.
15. Mountaintops of the Giants – Minor Erdtree
Slay the tree spirits here for a combination of high runes and potential rare talismans.
16. Castle Sol
Challenging enemies, but great loot and significant rune gains. A must-visit for mid-to-late game.
17. Sellia, Town of Sorcery
Unlocking the seals reveals a slew of loot, while enemies drop plenty of runes for your efforts.
18. Lake of Rot Shoreside
Risky terrain, but killing the pests and exploring nooks rewards you with valuable items and runes.
19. Deeproot Depths
Often overlooked, this underground area has golden rune clusters and strong loot tied to Fia’s questline.
20. Sealed Tunnel
A mine with illusionary walls, this place is stacked with upgrade materials and good rune farming potential.
21. Haligtree Town Plaza
The enemies here drop a lot of runes and protect some of the rarest loot in the game.
22. Siofra River
Unique architecture, tricky enemies, and hidden weapons make this a rewarding area for both loot and runes.
23. Volcano Manor
Every assassination contract nets you runes and unique gear, making it one of the more structured overlaps.
24. Gael Tunnel
Both the Limgrave and Caelid entrances lead to tough foes, useful gear, and a solid boss fight reward.
If you're planning to experiment with multiple builds or weapons, rune management becomes a key part of that process. For players who don’t want to spend hours grinding, checking out elden ring runes for sale is a common solution in the community.
Sites like U4GM, often seen as the best site to buy Elden Ring Items, offer a convenient way for players to gain access to upgrade resources or specific gear without derailing their time investment. Just be sure to use these options responsibly to maintain the game’s rewarding balance between challenge and progression.
Ultimately, by exploring these overlapping areas, you’ll keep your pockets full and your inventory stocked — a true win-win in the Lands Between.