How to Maximize Runes Gains with 20 Hidden Elden Ring Buffs
Runes are the currency of survival in Elden Ring. Whether you're leveling up, buying gear, or upgrading weapons, you'll need a steady supply to progress efficiently. While farming hotspots like Mohgwyn Palace are well-known, fewer players tap into the passive and active buffs scattered across the game that can significantly boost rune acquisition. Below are 20 hidden or underutilized buffs that can help maximize your rune gains without constant grinding.
1. Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
A classic consumable that boosts rune gain by 30% for a limited time. Stack this with other buffs during farming sessions for exponential results.
2. Gold Scarab Talisman
Probably the most essential item for rune farming. Found in the Abandoned Cave, this talisman increases rune acquisition by a flat percentage and stacks with other effects.
3. Celebrant Weapons
Weapons like the Celebrant’s Skull and Celebrant’s Rib-Rake grant runes upon striking enemies. While they’re not the strongest in raw damage, they can be surprisingly effective in mob-heavy areas.
4. Godrick’s Great Rune (Activated)
Once restored and equipped, Godrick’s Great Rune boosts all attributes, letting you wear gear or use spells that indirectly speed up farming runs through efficiency and survivability.
5. Sacred Relic Sword (Wave of Gold)
Available in New Game+, this weapon's unique Ash of War makes rune farming large enemy groups incredibly fast, especially in high-yield areas.
6. Endure (Ash of War)
While not a rune buff itself, Endure allows you to safely pull large enemy packs without stagger, making it easier to group enemies before AoE farming them.
7. Ritual Shield Talisman
Not a rune booster, but it keeps you alive longer during rune farming by boosting defense at full HP. Survivability is essential when farming large groups efficiently.
8. Rune Arcs
While normally used for activating Great Runes, some players forget that they also provide a temporary stat boost. These buffs can help you one-shot enemies faster during farming.
9. Glintstone Scrap
Cheap, throwable, and effective for luring enemies. Useful in directing enemies toward AoE setups to kill multiple targets at once for optimal rune gain.
10. Summons That Distract
Spirit Ashes like the Skeletal Militiamen or Mimic Tear can pull aggro while you focus on high-speed farming. Less stress, more runes.
11. Graven-School Talisman
If you’re using AoE sorceries for farming, this talisman boosts magic potency. Faster kills mean faster rune cycles.
12. Wondrous Physick: Greenspill Crystal Tear
Stamina can be a bottleneck when chain-farming enemies. This tear helps you sprint, dodge, and swing more often without running out of stamina.
13. Flask of Wondrous Physick (Temporary Buff Combinations)
Pairing temporary buffs like the Opaline Hardtear or Thorny Cracked Tear helps keep you alive or enhances damage during burst-farming.
14. Fire’s Deadly Sin
This odd pyromancy passively damages enemies near you, making it a quirky but surprisingly effective farming tool in tight areas like catacombs.
15. Seppuku Ash of War
Perfect for bleed-based farming builds. It boosts bleed build-up and can activate rune boost talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation in the process.
16. Beast Crest Heater Shield
A lightweight, high-resistance shield that helps survive surprise ambushes during rune farming—especially in the early game.
17. Explosive Greatbolts
Pair with ballistae for ranged farming in areas like Windmill Village. Eliminates enemies from a distance without drawing aggro from others.
18. Night Maiden’s Mist
Another AoE spell that damages enemies over time. Stack it with Gold Scarab and Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot for passive farming while you stay hidden.
19. PvP Rune Multiplier (Host Wins)
While inconsistent, winning PvP encounters rewards runes. Using buffs during invasions or hosting duels can net you unexpected profits.
20. Cheap Gear Combinations
Running lighter, optimized gear often makes rune farming smoother. For players looking to test different setups, keeping access to cheap elden ring runes allows for faster respecs and gear purchases. Similarly, browsing Elden Ring Items for sale can help shortcut the process of acquiring the tools listed above.
In the Lands Between, power doesn’t just come from brute strength—it comes from preparation and knowing how to make the most of every tool at your disposal. These buffs might not all be flashy, but when combined intelligently, they make a noticeable difference in your rune farming efficiency. Whether you're prepping for New Game+ or just want to avoid burnout, optimizing your build with these lesser-known advantages can go a long way.