Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm, offering a rich and immersive open-world experience. One of the key aspects of the game is collecting runes, which serve as the in-game currency to level up your character, purchase items, and upgrade gear. However, for players who enjoy an added challenge, Ironman mode presents a unique way to test your skills without the luxury of external help, such as buying runes in Elden Ring or relying on multiplayer features.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can farm runes in Elden Ring while sticking to the demanding constraints of Ironman mode, where every resource you obtain must come from within the game itself.

Understanding Ironman Mode in Elden Ring

Ironman mode in Elden Ring means you’re playing the game without any external help or shortcuts, like buying runes in Elden Ring. This means no co-op assistance, no trading items with other players, and no use of third-party services. Every rune you collect, every item you obtain, and every upgrade you make must come from your own hard work and resourcefulness.

This type of gameplay challenges your resource management skills, as well as your ability to survive and thrive in a hostile world filled with powerful enemies and tough bosses. Farming runes, then, becomes a crucial activity that requires both strategy and perseverance.

Best Methods for Farming Runes in Ironman Mode

While Ironman mode removes many shortcuts, it doesn’t mean farming runes is impossible. There are several efficient ways to earn runes without relying on external services, such as buying runes in Elden Ring. Here are some of the best methods for rune farming while sticking to Ironman mode:

1. Explore High-Rune-Reward Areas

The best way to farm runes is by exploring high-level areas with tough enemies that drop large amounts of runes. Locations such as the Altus Plateau and Leyndell, Royal Capital are great places to find enemies that drop substantial rune rewards. The key is to find areas where you can take on multiple enemies at once, using your combat skills and environment to your advantage.

Enemies like Tree Sentinels or Crucible Knights drop a hefty amount of runes, making these areas ideal for farming. Make sure to optimize your rune-gathering routes by revisiting these areas repeatedly.

2. Defeat Bosses Efficiently

Bosses are another excellent source of runes in Elden Ring. While many bosses in the game drop significant rune rewards, certain optional bosses provide better yields. For instance, Radahn and Malenia are infamous for their high rune drops, but more accessible bosses like Magma Wyrm Makar also drop a solid amount of runes for relatively less effort.

To maximize efficiency, learn the mechanics of these bosses and use techniques like summoning NPC allies or mastering certain combat styles. This way, even in Ironman mode, you can defeat powerful bosses without relying on outside help.

3. Use Rune-Boosting Items

Certain items and talismans in Elden Ring can increase the amount of runes you earn from enemies and bosses. For example, the Gold Scarab talisman boosts rune acquisition by 20%, which can significantly enhance your farming efforts. Make sure to equip such items whenever you’re on a rune-farming spree to make the most of your time.

Additionally, certain consumables can also increase your rune intake temporarily. These items should be used strategically when farming in higher-level areas to maximize your rune rewards.

4. Farming by Repeating Specific Encounters

Some players opt to farm by repeatedly defeating specific enemies or minibosses that are located in specific parts of the map. For example, the Red Wolf of Radagon is a tough but rewarding boss that can be farmed repeatedly for a good number of runes. By exploiting these repeatable boss encounters, you can build a steady supply of runes without venturing too far from familiar territory.

5. Explore the Night’s Calamity Events

As you progress through the game, special in-game events like the Night’s Calamity often spawn high-level enemies that drop considerable rune rewards. These events are a great opportunity to farm runes quickly, but be cautious as the difficulty of enemies during these events can be substantial.

Conclusion

Farming runes in Elden Ring while playing Ironman mode is all about strategy, patience, and skill. By focusing on high-rune-reward areas, efficient boss fights, rune-boosting items, and repeatable encounters, you can steadily build your rune supply without ever needing to resort to buying runes in Elden Ring.

Remember, the challenge of Ironman mode lies not just in surviving but also in optimizing your resources. With the right approach and dedication, you can navigate the lands between while earning runes and conquering Elden Ring’s most challenging trials