Exploring the Lands Between in Elden Ring can be overwhelming, especially for new players. With its open-ended world and lack of traditional quest markers, it’s easy to overlook valuable resources early in the game. Among these overlooked treasures are Elden Ring runes—essential currency for leveling up and upgrading your character. In this guide, we’ll cover hidden and easily missed rune sources in early areas, and explain how they tie into other Elden Ring items to help boost your early-game progression.
1. Gatefront Ruins Underground Chest
In Limgrave, most players pass through Gatefront Ruins, but few notice the underground cellar. Inside is a chest that contains not only valuable Elden Ring items but also guards surrounded by soldiers that drop a fair amount of runes when defeated. Defeating these enemies and opening the chest can easily net over 1,000 runes in the first hour of play.
Tip: Rest at the nearby Site of Grace and repeat the area to farm runes early on.
2. Coastal Cave Rune Drop
Located west of the Church of Elleh, the Coastal Cave is a dungeon that many players skip. Inside, there are demi-human enemies that drop decent rune amounts for early levels. Clearing the cave and defeating the boss duo can reward you with several thousand Elden Ring runes and access to useful crafting items.
Bonus: This also unlocks a path to the secluded Church of Dragon Communion, which becomes important for spellcasters.
3. Agheel Lake North Encampment
Near the Agheel Lake North Site of Grace is a military camp filled with Godrick soldiers. These enemies are manageable at low levels and drop a steady stream of runes. The camp also contains crafting materials and weapons, making it a valuable spot for both Elden Ring runes and Elden Ring items early on.
Don’t Miss: A golden rune can be looted from the glowing skulls found scattered around the area. These skulls can be crushed in your inventory for instant runes.
4. Highroad Cave and the Bridge Trap
Highroad Cave, hidden behind the waterfall north of the Saintsbridge Site of Grace, is another rune-rich dungeon that many miss. It’s filled with wolves and tricky terrain but rewards you with not just runes, but rare Elden Ring items like the Blue Dancer Charm talisman.
Nearby, a broken bridge leads to a trap ambush—defeating the enemies here grants a large one-time rune haul and early gear upgrades.
5. Stormhill Rune Corpses
Along the cliffs of Stormhill, near the entrance to Stormveil Castle, are multiple corpses containing Golden Runes. Some are perched on ledges and hidden behind rocks, requiring a bit of platforming to reach. These hidden consumables can be used to boost your rune count instantly.
Useful Gear Nearby: The area also contains items like the Stonesword Key and early Ashes of War, both important Elden Ring items for customizing your build.
6. Dragon-Burnt Ruins Secret Basement
The Dragon-Burnt Ruins, found on the south side of Agheel Lake, have a secret basement protected by rats. Inside is a trapped chest that teleports you to a late-game area. But before triggering the trap, explore the ruin’s surface enemies for a safe rune haul. The rats themselves drop more runes than you’d expect, and there’s another Golden Rune tucked inside.
Be Careful: Don’t open the chest unless you’re ready to face high-level enemies.
7. Summonwater Village Mini-Boss
Just north of Mistwood, Summonwater Village is haunted by a Tibia Mariner. This early boss is not overly difficult and drops a large chunk of Elden Ring runes when defeated, along with a Deathroot and a summon. Many players avoid the area due to the eerie fog, but the rune reward is worth it.
8. Weeping Peninsula Ruined Shack Farm
South of Limgrave, the Weeping Peninsula offers an overlooked farming route. A group of demi-humans near the Castle Morne Rampart grace can be cleared quickly. With a decent weapon, you can earn several thousand Elden Ring runes in just minutes, along with lootable items like smithing stones.
Whether you’re new to Elden Ring or returning for a fresh start, it’s easy to overlook high-value Elden Ring runes and Elden Ring items scattered across early zones. Revisiting these areas can offer a major advantage in the early hours of gameplay. Make sure to explore thoroughly, loot every glowing skull, and defeat camps of enemies you might have once avoided.
By collecting these missed runes and items, you can strengthen your build, afford better gear, and push forward into tougher regions with more confidence.