Elden Ring: Which Enemies Drop the Most Runes?
In Elden Ring, runes are the primary currency used to level up your character, purchase weapons and armor, and acquire important Elden Ring items. Understanding where to find enemies that drop large quantities of runes can help players progress faster and optimize their builds. In this guide, we’ll explore the enemies that drop the most Elden Ring runes and where you can find them, while also highlighting some key items you may obtain in these areas.
Why Runes Matter
Runes serve as both experience points and currency in Elden Ring. The more runes you collect, the stronger your character becomes through stat upgrades, spell purchases, and smithing. While every enemy drops runes, some enemies are especially valuable due to their high rune yields.
Top Enemies That Drop the Most Elden Ring Runes
Here are some of the highest rune-dropping enemies in the game, especially useful for farming:
| Enemy Name | Location | Runes per Kill (Approx.) | Notable Elden Ring Items Dropped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albinaurics (Haligtree) | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree | 2,000–5,000 | Larval Tears, Rune Arcs |
| Soldiers of Mohgwyn | Mohgwyn Palace | 11,000–12,000 | Numen’s Rune, Somber Smithing Stones |
| Trolls (Giants) | Various locations | 1,000–2,000 | Smithing Stones, Golden Runes |
| War-Dead Catacombs Spirits | Caelid | 3,000–5,000 | Grave Gloveworts, Runes |
| Knights of the Haligtree | Elphael | 4,000–8,000 | Haligtree Knight Helm, Rune Arcs |
| Cleanrot Knights | Miquella’s Haligtree | 6,000+ | Cleanrot Armor Set |
| Mohg, Lord of Blood (Boss) | Mohgwyn Palace | 420,000 | Remembrance of the Blood Lord |
| Godrick Soldiers | Leyndell & Altus Plateau | 800–1,500 | Bolts, Smithing Stones |
Best Area for Rune Farming
While several zones offer decent rune drops, Mohgwyn Palace stands out as the most efficient rune farming area due to its dense population of high-reward enemies and its accessibility later in the game.
To unlock Mohgwyn Palace:
- Complete White Mask Varre’s questline, or
- Use the Pureblood Knight’s Medal to teleport there directly.
Once in the area, you can defeat the blood-swamp enemies or use a bow to snipe the sleeping bird enemy across the cliff, which yields over 10,000 runes per shot.
Tips to Maximize Rune Gains
- Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot: Increases rune acquisition by 30% for 3 minutes.
- Equip the Gold Scarab Talisman: Boosts rune gain by 20-30%.
- Rest at Sites of Grace Frequently: Resets enemies and allows repeated farming.
What to Spend Your Runes On
Collected runes are best used to invest in:
- Character leveling (Vigor, Endurance, Strength, etc.)
- Upgrading Elden Ring items like weapons and armor
- Purchasing consumables like Rune Arcs and crafting materials
Spending runes wisely allows you to tackle tougher areas and bosses, improving your survivability and damage output.
Knowing which enemies drop the most Elden Ring runes gives you a powerful advantage, especially as you prepare for late-game content. While rune farming can be repetitive, focusing on high-value targets like the Albinaurics or Mohgwyn Palace enemies will accelerate your progress significantly. As you accumulate more runes, don’t forget to also gather powerful Elden Ring items along the way to enhance your build and explore new playstyles.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Tarnished, mastering rune farming is a critical step in conquering the Lands Between.