Elden Ring is well known for its brutal difficulty and deep RPG mechanics, especially when it comes to leveling up and customizing builds. Runes, the game’s central currency, are critical for increasing stats, purchasing gear, and upgrading weapons. Many players wonder whether changing the difficulty mode—or anything comparable—can affect the number of Elden Ring Runes they earn while exploring the Lands Between. While FromSoftware games don’t use traditional difficulty settings, the challenge level can shift based on player choices, enemy scaling, and world progression. Here’s what you need to know to farm smarter.
1. Difficulty Is Player-Driven, Not Menu-Based
Unlike many RPGs, Elden Ring doesn’t offer easy, normal, or hard modes. Instead, your experience varies depending on your build, area progression, and how you approach combat. While this makes every playthrough unique, it also means that rune drops aren’t tied to a static difficulty setting. Killing the same enemy always yields the same amount of runes unless modifiers like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot are used. That means farming efficiency comes down to knowledge, not just brute force.
2. Farming Strategy Matters More Than Difficulty
If you’re aiming to gather runes quickly, consider high-efficiency farming spots like the Palace Approach Ledge-Road in Mohgwyn Palace or the Windmill Village in Altus Plateau. These areas are known for dense enemy clusters that drop high rune counts. More importantly, buffs and talismans—like the Gold Scarab—can significantly boost rune acquisition. If your character isn’t strong enough to farm these areas safely, it’s better to upgrade your gear and stats first rather than hoping for a difficulty shift to ease the process.
3. The Rise of Buying Elden Ring Runes and What to Know
As rune farming can be time-consuming, some players have turned to buying Elden Ring Runes through third-party services. While this may seem like a shortcut, it carries serious risks. Not only does it violate FromSoftware’s terms of service, but it can also lead to account bans or corrupted game data. For players truly struggling, it’s better to seek help from co-op summons or community guides rather than risking progress through unauthorized transactions.
Ultimately, rune farming success in Elden Ring isn’t about toggling an easier mode—it’s about mastering the game’s systems and making strategic choices. Whether you’re fighting your way through enemy-packed zones or carefully crafting your build, understanding how to optimize rune gains is essential. Stick to proven farming routes, use boost items wisely, and resist the temptation of risky shortcuts. With patience and planning, you’ll have all the Elden Ring Runes you need to become a legend in the Lands Between.
