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U4GM - 7 Best Farming Zones for Mid-Level Players

As someone who's spent well over 200 hours exploring the Lands Between, I know the importance of farming effectively, especially during the mid-game phase in Elden Ring. Gaining Elden Ring runes quickly is crucial for leveling up, upgrading gear, and progressing through tougher regions. Whether you're looking to strengthen your build or need a boost before taking on a challenging boss, finding the right farming zones can save you a lot of time. Here are my top 7 best farming zones for mid-level players based on personal experience, community consensus, and overall rune efficiency.

1. Windmill Village (Dominula, Altus Plateau)

Once you reach the Altus Plateau, Windmill Village becomes an excellent farming spot. The celebrant enemies are weak and give a surprising number of runes for how little effort it takes to kill them. With light armor and fast weapons, you can sweep through this area in a minute or two and rake in thousands of Elden Ring runes. When I first discovered this area, I made about 40,000 runes in 10 minutes without breaking a sweat.

2. Mohgwyn Palace (Underground Region via Varre’s Questline or Portal)

This place is infamous for being one of the best rune farming spots, and rightfully so. If you manage to reach Mohgwyn Palace, even mid-game, the passive enemies and the massive bird you can lure off a cliff (using a bow) will easily net you over 10,000 runes per loop. I personally farmed here before heading into late-game bosses, and it made a huge difference in terms of my power level.

If you’re short on time or want to avoid farming altogether, some players opt to buy Elden Ring runes no account needed from trusted sources. While I prefer to earn my runes, I understand the appeal for players with limited gaming hours.

3. Sealed Tunnel (Leyndell Outskirts)

This hidden zone offers great rune returns from mining enemies and soldiers guarding the area. It’s a great mid-level spot as you’ll be around level 60-80 when exploring Leyndell, and the enemies here provide both challenge and reward. I also found some valuable smithing stones here, making it a two-for-one zone for farming and upgrading gear.

4. Caelid: Southern Swamp near the Smoldering Wall

This area is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re geared well, the enemies here drop decent runes and are spaced far enough apart to avoid being overwhelmed. The giant crows and infected dogs are tough, but they drop substantial runes. I used my horse to kite them and slowly whittle down their numbers. The risk is high, but the reward is worth it for mid-level builds.

5. Gelmir Hero’s Grave

Once inside Mt. Gelmir, this dungeon offers a grind-heavy but high-return experience. The chariots and fire-based enemies can be frustrating, but if you learn their patterns, you’ll come away with a heavy rune purse. I revisited this location multiple times after learning how to bait the chariots properly. It's also an underrated spot for gaining combat experience.

6. East Altus Plateau: Forest near the Minor Erdtree

This area features packs of demi-humans and trolls, which are ideal for AoE attacks. They’re spread across an open space, and if you’re using magic or sweeping weapons, you can clear them quickly. It’s where I tested some of my newer spells, and the results were very rewarding — both in terms of gameplay and rune gain.

7. Shaded Castle

This decaying fortress in the north of Altus Plateau is crawling with poisoned enemies and spirits. It’s tricky but not overwhelming, and the rune payout is solid. When I first explored it, I wasn’t expecting much, but after a full clear, I realized this was one of the most underrated mid-game zones for farming. Plus, the castle’s eerie atmosphere is worth experiencing.

Farming runes effectively can completely change your experience in Elden Ring, especially during that tricky mid-game period. While I always recommend engaging fully with the world and its challenges, there’s no shame in looking for shortcuts when life gets busy. Some players choose to buy Elden Ring runes no account needed as a way to skip the grind and enjoy the story, and that’s perfectly valid too — just be sure to use reputable sellers.

For me, discovering and optimizing these farming zones added an extra layer of satisfaction to the game. Hopefully, these locations help you gain the edge you need and let you enjoy Elden Ring on your own terms. Happy farming, Tarnished!

Read Before You Play:Can You Drop Runes for Friends in Elden Ring? 5 Things You Need to Know