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One of the coolest things about Elden Ring is how much power is hidden just off the main road. The game never really tells you where the best rune gains are, and that is part of the fun. If you are willing to take a few side paths, poke into strange corners of the map, and fight enemies that are a little above your comfort level, you can stack up runes way faster than by following the story straight through.
In this article, I want to share some side routes and optional areas that consistently pay off in extra runes. These are not speedrun tricks or late game exploits. They are paths that feel natural to explore and reward you for curiosity. I have used all of these on normal playthroughs, especially when I felt underleveled and needed a boost.
Why side paths matter more than you think
Elden Ring is built to reward players who wander. Main story routes are usually balanced to keep you moving forward, not to make you rich in runes. Side areas, on the other hand, often have tougher enemies, denser packs, or mini bosses that drop way more runes than expected for that stage of the game.
Another reason side paths are so valuable is safety. When you find a good side area close to a Site of Grace, you can farm without risking a long run back if you die. That kind of setup is perfect when you just need a few more levels to survive a boss.
Limgrave tunnels and early caves
Early on, many players rush past Limgrave, but this region is packed with small dungeons that are perfect for rune growth. The Limgrave Tunnels are a great example. The miners inside drop solid runes early game, and once you understand their slow attack patterns, they are easy to clear.
Nearby caves like Groveside Cave or Murkwater Cave are also worth doing fully. Even if the rune drops from basic enemies feel small, the mini bosses at the end usually drop a nice chunk. These early boosts can make a big difference, especially before your first major boss fight.
Personally, I like to clear these areas slowly and carefully. It teaches you combat fundamentals while quietly building your rune count without much stress.
Weeping Peninsula detours
If Limgrave feels a bit rough, heading south to the Weeping Peninsula is one of the best side paths in the game. Many enemies here are slightly weaker, but they still give respectable runes for early and mid game players.
Castle Morne is the highlight. It is optional, easy to miss, and full of enemies that can be farmed efficiently. The runes you gain from clearing the castle and fighting the boss at the end are often enough to push several levels at once.
This area is also good if you are experimenting with builds. You can test weapons and spells without feeling punished, and still walk away with extra runes.
Caelid outskirts for high risk rewards
Caelid is scary, no doubt about it. But you do not need to dive deep to benefit from it. The outskirts of Caelid offer some of the best early high-risk, high-reward rune paths.
Enemies here hit hard, but they also drop far more runes than those in Limgrave or the Peninsula. Even fighting a few enemies and retreating can be worth it. If you unlock a nearby Site of Grace, you can repeat short runs safely.
Some players choose to explore these areas when they feel stuck. Others prefer alternative options, including methods outside pure exploration. It is not uncommon to see discussions about players who buy elden ring runes to skip early grind, especially when testing new characters. While that is a personal choice, Caelid remains a strong in-game option if you are willing to learn enemy patterns.
Liurnia side roads and hidden paths
Once you reach Liurnia of the Lakes, the game opens up even more. The main road through the swamp is not where the best rune gains are. Instead, look for side roads, cliffs, and broken structures around the lake.
Small enemy camps and hidden ruins often contain groups of enemies that are easy to pull one by one. Clearing these areas feels relaxed, and the rune gain adds up quickly over time.
Academy Gate Town is another solid spot. The enemies are manageable, and the layout allows quick resets at nearby Sites of Grace. It is a good place to farm while practicing magic or ranged combat.
Optional evergaols and field bosses
Evergaols are some of the most overlooked side content in Elden Ring. Many players skip them until much later, but they are designed to be tackled throughout the game.
Each Evergaol boss drops a large amount of runes relative to when you find them. They also force you to fight one on one, which improves your skills fast. If you lose, you do not lose runes permanently, so the risk is low.
Field bosses, like Night Cavalry or Deathbirds, are another great source. They only appear at certain times, which makes hunting them feel rewarding. Defeating just a few can give you enough runes to reshape your build.
When time is limited
Not everyone has hours to explore every side path, and that is fine. Some players balance exploration with other solutions. You may see community mentions of services like U4GM when players talk about saving time or catching up with friends. Others mention options such as buy elden ring runes instantly delivered when discussing convenience rather than gameplay challenge.
No matter how you approach it, the game gives you freedom. The important thing is choosing what keeps the experience fun for you, whether that is deep exploration or quicker progression.
Side paths are not just optional content in Elden Ring. They are one of the best ways to gain runes, learn combat, and enjoy the world at your own pace. From quiet caves in Limgrave to dangerous edges of Caelid, every detour has potential value.
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