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As someone who’s spent over 200 hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve experienced firsthand how frustrating midgame bottlenecks can be in Elden Ring. After a smooth early journey, it’s common to hit a wall—especially when you need more Elden RIng runes to upgrade your character, gear, and Spirit Ashes. Without a smart approach, farming runes can become tedious and repetitive.

To help fellow Tarnished avoid this issue, I’ve put together seven tried-and-true tips that helped me overcome the midgame rune drought. These tips are based on real in-game experience, and they prioritize practical advice, efficiency, and player well-being.

1. Plan Your Build Early

One of the biggest rune sinks in the midgame is respeccing. While Elden Ring gives you the flexibility to change your stats using Larval Tears, it's best to plan your build early to avoid wasting precious runes. Whether you're focusing on Strength, Dexterity, or Sorcery, knowing your weapon and spell preferences ahead of time will save countless rune investments.

2. Target High-Rune Farming Zones

At around Level 50-70, I found the Moghwyn Palace area to be a game-changer for rune farming. Unlocking this area via Varre’s questline gave me access to enemies that drop massive amounts of runes—especially the sleeping Albinaurics. A single farming session there helped me level up quickly without needing to grind low-level mobs.

3. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot Strategically

I used to forget about this consumable, but it can boost rune gains by 30% for a short time. I now save it for high-yield encounters, like bosses or late-game farming runs. It’s a simple trick, but it significantly accelerates rune collection when used wisely.

4. Prioritize Rune-Efficient Upgrades

Midgame temptation often leads players to upgrade too many weapons. In my experience, focusing on one or two main weapons prevents you from burning through smithing stones and runes. The same goes for armor—stick with lightweight gear that complements your build instead of spreading upgrades thin.

5. Buy Elden Ring Runes for Leveling Up (Responsibly)

Let’s be real—not everyone has hours to grind. When I was short on time but wanted to keep up with friends in co-op, I decided to buy Elden Ring runes for leveling up through a trusted seller like U4GM. The process was fast, secure, and saved me hours of repetitive farming. Just make sure to use reputable sources to avoid account risks.

6. Clear Mini Dungeons Efficiently

Many of the midgame mini-dungeons offer high rune returns and important upgrade materials. I found that clearing Catacombs, Evergaols, and optional caves not only netted good runes but also kept the game interesting. These challenges also help you stay sharp before big boss fights.

7. Invest in the Gold Scarab

The Gold Scarab talisman was a turning point in my rune farming efficiency. After defeating the Cleanrot Knights in the Abandoned Cave, equipping this talisman gave me a passive rune boost from all enemies. It’s essential gear for anyone trying to avoid rune bottlenecks during the midgame.

Hitting a rune bottleneck in Elden Ring is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. With a bit of strategy, the right farming spots, and time-saving options like choosing to buy Elden Ring runes for leveling up, you can keep progressing without burnout. These tips helped me enjoy the game at my own pace—and hopefully, they’ll do the same for you.

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