U4GM - Elden Ring Rune Speedrun Routes for Low-Gear Builds
For players starting out in Elden Ring or those looking to create powerful characters on a budget, mastering rune farming early in the game is essential. Whether you're trying to level up quickly or simply need enough Elden Ring runes to survive the tougher parts of the Lands Between, knowing the right speedrun routes can make all the difference—especially if you're using a low-gear build.
Low-gear builds are typically light on armor, weapons, and spells, making combat more challenging but also rewarding for skilled players. Because of the limited starting gear, farming Elden Ring runes efficiently is key to progression. The following routes focus on accessible early-game locations that don’t require powerful equipment, allowing you to gather thousands of runes with minimal risk.
Route 1: Gatefront Ruins & Limgrave Soldiers Right after exiting the Stranded Graveyard, head northeast to the Gatefront Ruins. This area is filled with soldiers that drop decent rune amounts and can be defeated with basic weapons or stealth tactics. For low-gear builds, try luring enemies out one by one rather than rushing in.
Route 2: Third Church of Marika to Bestial Sanctum Use the portal behind the Third Church of Marika to reach the Bestial Sanctum. Although the enemies here are tough, you don't need to fight them. Just sneak around or dash between checkpoints to farm the passive enemies in the area. These drop large numbers of cheap Elden Ring runes and can be reset quickly by resting at the nearby grace.
Route 3: Stormhill Evergaol Loop In Stormhill, there's an Evergaol that contains a miniboss. Even if you don't fight the boss, the surrounding area has groups of wandering knights and animals that offer consistent rune drops. Use ranged weapons or fast dodging to avoid damage while picking off enemies.
Route 4: Caelid Crow Farm This method is more advanced, but once you unlock the Mohgwyn Palace area via a portal or questline, you can farm the Albinaurics and the giant crow enemy that can be baited off a cliff. It's a popular route for those looking for cheap Elden Ring runes fast. Even low-level players can do this with a bow and the right positioning.
Route 5: Academy Gate Town Spirits This ghost-filled area in Liurnia of the Lakes offers weak enemies that drop runes in clusters. The spirits appear at night and can be quickly dispatched with minimal gear, making it ideal for fragile builds.
Using these speedrun routes, players with low-gear builds can gather enough Elden Ring runes to improve their stats, buy spells, or upgrade equipment. While each method varies in risk and efficiency, they all provide excellent options for fast and early progression in the game.
Stick with it, and soon your underpowered character will become a force to be reckoned with—all thanks to smart farming and efficient rune gathering.