Elden Ring Runes: 14 Short Loops That Still Provide High Value
In Elden Ring, rune farming is essential if you want to stay ahead of increasingly dangerous foes, upgrade gear, or try out new builds. While most players chase after the most well-known rune farming spots, not everyone has the time (or patience) for long, repetitive loops. The good news? Some of the game’s most efficient farming runs are short, low-risk, and easy to repeat.
Below are 14 short loops in Elden Ring that still offer great rune value per minute — perfect for players looking to boost their rune count without committing to long sessions.
1. Moghwyn Palace – Albinauric Cliffside
Even before the full “palace” loop, the cliffside grace lets you pick off passive Albinaurics with a ranged weapon or spell. Each gives solid runes, and it takes less than 60 seconds to run.
2. Stormhill Soldiers at Warmaster’s Shack
Just northeast of Stormgate, you’ll find a group of soldiers near the shack. They’re low-level but respawn quickly, making this spot great for early-game rune farming.
3. Gatefront Ruins Quick Sweep
A simple clear of the soldiers and wolves around Gatefront Ruins can net a surprising number of runes for how early it is in the game. Use AoE to increase efficiency.
4. Liurnia Highway South Site of Grace
There’s a cluster of enemies wandering just north of this grace point. They’re spaced well for mounted takedowns with minimal risk, offering easy runes in under a minute.
5. Academy Gate Town Spectral Knights
These ghostly enemies provide decent rune payouts and are weak to physical damage. Ride Torrent through the ruins, take them down, and rest to repeat.
6. Windmill Village Dancers
These enemies are unsettling but weak and give decent runes. From the Windmill Village grace, run a short loop clearing them out — especially efficient with fire or slash weapons.
7. Sealed Tunnel Misbegotten Farm
Inside the Sealed Tunnel, the Misbegotten enemies are aggressive but isolated. With proper gear, you can clear and reset the area fast while also picking up Elden Ring items from chest spawns.
8. Caria Manor Spirit Soldiers
After defeating Royal Knight Loretta, you can use the Manor Lower Level grace to access some spirit soldiers. They’re easy to stagger and grouped in small clusters.
9. South Aeonia Rot Zombies
Rot-afflicted zombies give good runes and barely fight back. Bring a weapon with a sweeping attack to clear them efficiently in the corrupted southern region of Caelid.
10. Ordina, Liturgical Town Shadows
Post-Haligtree Medallion, the shadows here can be farmed for moderate runes. Their density and fragility make them ideal for AoE spells or weapon arts.
11. Castle Sol Perimeter Patrol
The wolves and undead soldiers around Castle Sol are easily dispatched and offer reliable rune returns. Plus, the snowy environment makes spotting targets simple.
12. Ainsel River’s Lesser Claymen
These enemies are slow, easy to kite, and drop useful Elden Ring items in addition to runes. They’re perfect for spell-focused builds that need a safe spot to farm.
13. Nokron Eternal City’s Bubble Enemies
Strange but lucrative — these floating enemies are weak and often drop crafting materials along with runes. Use a ranged weapon and sweep through in minutes.
14. Altus Plateau Roadside Camps
Small enemy camps dot the roadside in Altus. Clear the patrols and loot the camps for a steady flow of runes, especially useful when transitioning from mid to late game.
Even if you’re deep into Elden Ring, there’s no need to grind for hours in a single spot. These short farming loops provide high rune returns without demanding long-term commitment. They’re ideal for casual sessions, gear upgrades, or simply leveling a new weapon or build.
For players who want to speed up their journey, it’s also worth checking out community-run marketplaces offering Elden Ring runes for sale or trading Elden Ring items to round out your loadout. However, whether you earn every rune yourself or find shortcuts, these loops will keep your inventory and level progression in a healthy place.