If you're like me, you've probably wandered through the Lands Between in awe, soaking in the haunting beauty of Elden Ring’s vast world. But let’s be honest—eventually, we all hit a point where we need runes, and lots of them. Whether it’s for leveling up, upgrading gear, or just testing new builds, rune farming becomes a necessity. The good news? You don't have to sacrifice aesthetics for efficiency. Here are seven rune farms that offer both breathtaking views and exceptional returns, based on my own gameplay experience and extensive testing.

1. Mohgwyn Palace – The Sacred Blood Marsh

This place is as gruesome as it is gorgeous. Accessed via Varre's questline or a teleport from the Consecrated Snowfield, the red-tinted sky and eerie atmosphere make it a visual standout. The best part? The Albinaurics here offer incredible rune yields. With a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot and a good AoE weapon, you can easily earn hundreds of thousands of runes per hour.

Tip: Use the Sacred Relic Sword’s wave attack after defeating the final boss to farm multiple enemies in one shot.

2. Windmill Village – Dancing with the Dead

Dominula, Windmill Village, is unexpectedly serene—colorful flowers, blue skies, and joyous dancers. But once you get over the unsettling cheerfulness, this area becomes a rune goldmine. The enemies here are lightly armored and drop a decent amount of runes. It’s a great early- to mid-game farming spot that doesn’t feel like a grind.

3. Liurnia Highway – Roadside Carnage

I stumbled upon this farm accidentally while exploring Liurnia’s western road. The key is to target the spectral soldiers patrolling the route. They’re relatively easy to defeat, especially with spirit summons, and drop a consistent amount of runes. Plus, the fog-covered lake and ruined architecture are some of the game’s best vistas.

4. Bestial Sanctum – Beastly Efficiency

Accessible early through a portal in Limgrave, the Bestial Sanctum offers one of the highest early-game rune yields. The enemies are tough, but if you master the pattern, you can farm Black Blade Kindred's minions for impressive rewards. The towering statues and ominous setting add a layer of epic fantasy that enhances the experience.

Note: For those who want a jump start, many players choose to buy Elden Ring runes from trusted platforms like U4GM, ensuring they don’t miss out on high-level content due to grinding fatigue.

5. Haligtree – Frozen Majesty

Endgame content doesn’t get more beautiful—or dangerous—than Miquella’s Haligtree. The snow-covered branches and crystalline enemies make it one of the most visually striking zones. Enemies here drop large rune amounts, and with proper buffs, farming can be surprisingly efficient.

Pro Tip: Equip items that increase rune gain and look out for Elden Ring runes with bonus drops from elite foes and scarabs.

6. Castle Sol – Storm and Shadow

Located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, Castle Sol is not only crucial for story progression but also a lucrative farming spot. The ghosts and soldiers here are susceptible to AoE magic, making them easy targets for high-INT builds. The backdrop of snow, wind, and ruin sets an atmospheric tone that’s hard to beat.

7. Deeproot Depths – Ancient Wonders

This hidden underground area is one of Elden Ring’s most awe-inspiring zones. With massive roots, ancient structures, and ambient lighting, it’s easy to forget you’re here to farm. The centipede enemies drop a fair number of runes and are easily overwhelmed with the right setup.

In my 100+ hours with Elden Ring, rune farming has been both a necessity and a part of the adventure. These locations not only boosted my progress but also deepened my appreciation for the world FromSoftware created. While it’s tempting to buy Elden Ring runes when time is short, exploring these scenic farms is incredibly rewarding both visually and mechanically.

Whether you’re after Elden Ring runes with bonus or just a change of scenery, these farms offer a perfect balance of beauty and utility. So grab your favorite weapon, pop a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, and enjoy the grind—it’s all part of the journey.