Starting out in Elden Ring can feel a bit brutal, especially when your character is at level 1 and every enemy hits like a truck. One of the first things you'll notice is just how much you need runes to improve your gear, level up, and make even the simplest encounters manageable. While there are plenty of ways to farm runes in the game, some spots are particularly friendly for low-level characters, and that’s what I’m sharing here today.

The Early Game Struggle

When you first leave the starting area, you’re basically a glass cannon. Any hit from a standard enemy can wipe you out quickly, so you need to be strategic about how you farm runes. Running straight into a high-level area will only end in frustration. Instead, I recommend sticking to zones where enemies are predictable and not overly aggressive. Places like the Limgrave hills or the starting swamp areas are surprisingly rich in low-risk rune opportunities. The key is patience and repetition—you’re essentially grinding, but safely.

Recommended Rune Farming Spots

Limgrave Hills

The rolling hills near the starting village are a goldmine for early runes. Enemies here are slow and easy to kite, which makes it possible to farm without risking death constantly. I like to stick to the clusters of wolves and small soldiers—they drop decent rune amounts and respawn reliably. Bring a bow or ranged spells if you can, as you can pick off enemies from a distance. Even a level 1 character can make steady progress here if you play cautiously.

Gatefront Ruins

Another spot that’s great for new players is Gatefront Ruins. The skeleton enemies can be tricky at first, but they have predictable patterns. Using a summon or a ranged weapon to thin their numbers makes farming much easier. The real bonus here is that you get a mix of runes and items that can help boost your early survivability. I’ve found it’s a lot safer to farm these ruins in small batches rather than trying to clear the whole area in one go.

East Limgrave Minor Dungeons

If you feel a bit braver, the minor dungeons scattered around East Limgrave are worth exploring. Many of them have skeletons, wolves, or other low-level mobs that give respectable rune drops. Make sure you know your exit route—dying in a dungeon at level 1 can be frustrating, especially if you lose a big chunk of your hard-earned runes. Pro tip: mark the exit on your mental map and clear enemies in a loop so you don’t waste time running back and forth.

Quick Tips for Safe Farming

1. Use Spirit Summons: Even at level 1, a summon can distract enemies and soak up damage for you.

2. Upgrade Your Flask: Every extra potion counts—survivability is your best friend early on.

3. Pick Your Battles: Don’t try to fight every enemy in sight. Focus on groups you can handle safely.

Sometimes, if you’re really struggling to get enough runes, it’s tempting to look for external sources. Platforms like U4GM offer options where you can buy Elden Ring runes. It’s not something I usually do, but if you’re short on time or want to focus on exploring the world rather than grinding, it’s an option to consider.

Playing it Safe

If you decide to take that route, make sure to buy Elden Ring runes safe. Scams and shady websites are everywhere, and losing your account or wasting money isn’t worth the convenience. From my experience, verifying the platform and checking player reviews goes a long way. Safety first—you don’t want a rune boost to turn into a headache.

Farming runes as a level 1 character in Elden Ring is all about patience and smart planning. Stick to low-risk areas, keep your equipment and flasks optimized, and take advantage of spirit summons or ranged tactics. Over time, you’ll start seeing your level creep up, which makes tackling bigger challenges much more satisfying.

And hey, if you find yourself running short, don’t feel ashamed about checking out options like U4GM or other safe ways to acquire runes. Sometimes a little boost is all you need to break past a frustrating wall without spoiling the challenge of the game.

Remember, Elden Ring is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about the grind. Level 1 rune farming can be tedious, but with the right spots and a bit of strategy, it can also be strangely satisfying. Happy farming, Tarnished.

Find Out More: Elden Ring Recommended Progression Route