Balancing your progression through Elden Ring’s vast and mysterious world with efficient rune farming can be a challenge, especially for new players. With its open-world design and punishing combat, it’s easy to get sidetracked or under-leveled. However, finding the right balance between advancing the story and gathering Elden Ring runes will ensure a smoother, more rewarding gameplay experience. Here are six practical tips to help you strike that balance while making the most of your time in the Lands Between.
1. Set Clear Milestones for Story Progression
Before diving into extensive farming, outline your main story objectives. Choose specific bosses or regions you want to clear before taking time to grind. This prevents burnout and keeps the game feeling fresh and purposeful. For example, aim to defeat Margit or reach Liurnia before dedicating an hour or two to farming runes.
2. Use Rune Farming as a Tool, Not a Crutch
It’s tempting to over-level before every major encounter, but excessive farming can make the game feel trivial and remove the sense of accomplishment. Instead, use rune farming strategically—when you’re truly stuck or when gear upgrades are essential. This helps maintain the challenge and excitement of exploration and combat.
3. Explore Efficient Farming Spots Early
Some areas in Elden Ring are known for providing high rune rewards with minimal risk. For early to mid-game farming, locations like the Bestial Sanctum in Caelid or the War-Dead Catacombs offer excellent rune returns. Learning where these are and how to farm them quickly lets you stay competitive without grinding for hours.
4. Time Your Farming Sessions Wisely
Rather than farming after every boss fight, set aside specific times to farm, such as when you’re about to upgrade a weapon or unlock a new skill. By grouping your farming sessions, you stay focused and avoid constant breaks in the narrative flow. This keeps the pacing of the story more immersive.
5. Make Use of Cheap Elden Ring Runes Options (Responsibly)
For players who are time-constrained or struggling with a tough segment, purchasing cheap Elden Ring runes from a trusted source like U4GM can be an alternative. However, it’s important to use this option responsibly—mainly to supplement your progress rather than bypass the experience entirely. Choose reputable sellers that prioritize account safety and player trust.
6. Keep a Balanced Build for Progress and Grinding
A character optimized for both exploration and farming will give you more flexibility. Invest in builds that offer solid AoE damage, mobility, and survivability. This ensures you can take on story content without needing to respec for rune farming. Hybrid builds, such as Strength/Faith or Dexterity/Intelligence, are especially effective.
Final Thoughts
Finding a balance between story progression and farming Elden Ring runes doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right strategies and mindset, you can enjoy the rich narrative while staying powerful enough to face what lies ahead. Whether you farm naturally through exploration or occasionally purchase cheap Elden Ring runes, maintaining that balance is the key to a fulfilling adventure. Stay focused, explore smartly, and remember—every rune earned or found brings you one step closer to becoming Elden Lord.