In Elden Ring, rune farming is a constant concern for Tarnished of all levels. Whether you're looking to level up, upgrade gear, or just stockpile resources, every rune counts. While many players are familiar with popular rune-rich areas like Mohgwyn Palace, there are also overlooked methods that can generate steady income over time. These lesser-known sources won’t make you rich instantly—but they add up faster than you’d expect, especially when combined with proper gear and timing.

If you're grinding to afford weapon upgrades or browsing for cheap Elden Ring items, these tips will help stretch your rune income with minimal risk.

1. Jellyfish Fields Outside Stargazer’s Ruins

In the Mountaintops of the Giants, you’ll find an eerie field of glowing jellyfish near Stargazer’s Ruins. Slaying these peaceful-looking creatures may feel wrong, but each one yields a tidy rune reward with almost zero threat. They're easy to farm, especially with AoE spells or Spirit Ashes. Repeating this route a few times nets a surprising amount.

2. The Wandering Nobles Near the Bestial Sanctum

In early-game Caelid, teleporting via the trap chest in Dragon-Burnt Ruins lands you near the Bestial Sanctum. Around the cliffs nearby, a group of wandering nobles provides quick kills. They're defenseless, and with a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot active, the rune gains can spike even higher. This spot is ideal for players still building up a stock of cheap elden ring runes.

3. Nighttime Caravans in Limgrave

At night, certain merchant caravans are guarded by trolls and foot soldiers that offer solid rune returns. The one near the Mistwood area, for example, is a great target. Triggering the fight at night ensures you benefit from a full squad of enemies, and they’re manageable with crowd control.

4. Bell-Bearing Hunter Encounters

These surprise invaders replace shopkeepers during certain in-game nights and offer a decent rune payout. Defeating them isn’t always easy, but the challenge is balanced with useful Bell Bearings and a strong rune reward. Plus, it’s a satisfying win that breaks up the monotony of traditional farming.

5. Corpse-Rich Caves and Ruins

Caves like the Tombsward Catacombs and Black Knife Catacombs are often revisited for their loot, but many players overlook the fact that they respawn enemies on subsequent visits. Clearing the full area again—with a Gold Scarab equipped—can yield steady income over time. Combine these with cheap Elden Ring items like FP-saving talismans for even better returns.

6. Red Wolf of Radagon Rematches (Evergaol)

If you're past this boss in the Academy, consider fighting its optional variant at the Evergaol. While a bit tougher, the rematch provides a solid rune drop and can be repeated through new characters or co-op assistance. It's a nice side project for those burnt out on massive farming routes.

7. Hidden Cleanrot Knights in Elphael

Some hidden rooms and obscure paths in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, house Cleanrot Knights that drop good runes and useful items. They’re no joke in terms of difficulty, but once you learn their patterns, they’re a goldmine. For players gearing up with cheap elden ring runes from sources like U4GM, this is a good way to push your build to the next level.

8. PvP and Co-op Rune Bonuses

Helping others in co-op—especially for legacy dungeon bosses—nets you bonus runes even if you’re just tagging along. Likewise, successful invasions and duels offer rewards without risking your own runes. While not always consistent, it’s a fun way to earn while experimenting with different builds.

9. Selling Unused Gear to Roundtable Hold Merchants

Your inventory likely has dozens of duplicate weapons, spare armor, and crafting junk. Selling these to Twin Maiden Husks can yield thousands of runes with minimal effort. Before you consider hunting more, always check your stash. This method doesn’t rely on combat and is perfect for downtime between major battles.

While none of these techniques will replace high-efficiency routes like Albinauric farming or boss runs, they work wonderfully as supplemental sources. The trick is combining multiple minor routes in a farming cycle. Whether you’re saving up for a big upgrade or just want to stay ahead of the rune curve, every bit counts.

If you're the type of player who prefers to experiment with builds early or needs access to cheap elden ring runes, services like U4GM exist for a reason. But for those who want to squeeze every ounce from the game itself, these lesser-known rune sources will keep your wallet (and gear) steadily growing.