Elden Ring Runes: 10 Early Game Sources You Missed

SilentWolf

If you’ve just started your journey through the Lands Between, you may feel like runes are always in short supply. Whether you're trying to level up, buy gear, or get your hands on those early-game Elden Ring items that make a real difference, having a steady stream of Elden Ring Runes is key. But here’s the thing: there are a ton of reliable early-game rune sources hiding in plain sight.

Here are 10 rune sources you probably walked right past in your first few hours.

1. Coastal Cave Runebear (West Limgrave)
Behind the Coastal Cave near the starting area lies a hidden cliffside where a sleeping Runebear guards a golden rune. You don’t even need to fight it—just sneak in, grab the item, and get out. A quick burst of runes early on.

2. Stormgate Soldier Ambush
Many players rush through Stormgate, dodging arrows and sprinting to safety. But if you double back after clearing the area, you’ll find several soldiers worth farming early. They drop both Elden Ring Runes and some basic Elden Ring items like bolts and crafting materials.

3. Limgrave's Church of Dragon Communion
The island accessible via the Coastal Cave isn't just for dragon incantations. It holds corpses with golden runes and an isolated area where enemies won’t chase you. A free and easy rune boost.

4. Tibia Mariner in Summonwater Village
This optional boss is easier than it looks and drops a solid number of runes when defeated. Summon spirit ashes to help distract it, and you’ll be walking away with both a Deathroot and a nice rune reward.

5. Wandering Trolls in Mistwood
Trolls give excellent rune returns early on, and the ones in Mistwood are relatively isolated. Use terrain to your advantage or cheese them with ranged attacks from horseback. These are some of the most efficient enemies to farm in early Limgrave.

6. Death-Touched Catacombs
North of Stormhill Shack, this small dungeon is often skipped by new players. It holds a mini-boss, skeleton warriors, and plenty of loot. The cumulative rune value adds up fast, especially with the repeatable skeletons.

7. War Master’s Shack Night Raids
At night, more dangerous enemies appear around this location. It’s a riskier farm, but the increased difficulty also means better rune rewards. Equip any early-game spirit summons to keep the odds in your favor.

8. Weeping Peninsula’s Walking Mausoleum Area
While many players head to the Weeping Peninsula for the map fragment or Castle Morne, the cliffs near the Walking Mausoleum are home to isolated enemies and golden rune pickups. Plus, you’ll find some hidden Elden Ring items tucked into the rock walls.

9. Beastman of Farum Azula (Groveside Cave)
One of the easiest mini-bosses in the game, yet still dropped by many on their first run. The Beastman gives a reliable chunk of runes and opens up farming options in the cave itself. A fast rune source that pays off for melee and ranged builds alike.

10. Burnt Wreckage Near Agheel Lake South Site
Scattered corpses and ruins near this site often hold golden runes. It’s easy to overlook these minor pickups when you’re focused on avoiding dragons or following the main path, but each adds up, especially early on.


In Elden Ring, every rune counts, especially when you're building momentum in the early hours. Taking time to revisit these spots can make a huge difference. Whether you're trying to level up faster or afford key Elden Ring items, these overlooked rune sources can help set a strong foundation.

Remember: exploration pays off—and sometimes, the best rune farms are the ones hidden right under your nose.