Elden Ring has captivated players with its vast open world, challenging combat, and intricate lore. Among the many activities that keep players engaged is farming runes, the game's primary currency. Runes are essential for leveling up, upgrading equipment, purchasing items, and more. Players are constantly on the lookout for efficient rune farming spots, and one location that has garnered significant attention is the Shadow of the Erd Tree.

In this article, we will explore why the Shadow of the Erd Tree is widely regarded as one of the best rune farming spots in Elden Ring, what makes it so effective, and tips for maximizing your rune-gathering efforts.

What Is the Shadow of the Erd Tree?

The Shadow of the Erd Tree is a mystical and secluded area located in the western part of the Altus Plateau, one of the Elden Ring Runes mid-to-late-game regions. The area's name is derived from the massive Erd Tree that looms overhead, casting a dramatic and eerie shadow over the entire landscape. The Shadow of the Erd Tree is accessible once you have progressed through the Altus Plateau and have unlocked the means to traverse the region.

Why Is It the Best Rune Farming Spot?

The Shadow of the Erd Tree stands out for several key reasons:

High-Rune Yield from Enemies One of the main reasons players flock to this area is the density and difficulty of enemies. The region is teeming with enemies that drop significant amounts of runes when defeated. Unlike other rune farming locations where enemies are either too weak or too scattered, the Shadow of the Erd Tree provides a balance of challenging yet rewarding foes.

Efficient Combat Setup The area contains enemies that are large in number and relatively clustered, which makes it easy to farm them using sweeping or area-of-effect (AoE) attacks. Many players choose to use flame, lightning, or other AoE spells to hit multiple enemies at once, greatly increasing farming efficiency.

Relatively Safe with Few Interferences While there are a number of enemies in the area, the layout of the region allows players to engage with them one group at a time. The high number of enemies can be intimidating at first, but with a careful approach, you can manage to farm safely without being overwhelmed.

Proximity to Sites of Grace The Shadow of the Erd Tree is conveniently located near several Sites of Grace, making it easy to respawn and resume farming without wasting time traveling long distances. This quick respawn makes the Shadow of the Erd Tree especially efficient for players looking to maximize their rune farming in shorter play sessions.

Enemies to Farm for Runes

The Shadow of the Erd Tree is home to several powerful enemy types that are great for rune farming. Below are some of the key enemies you will encounter:

Erdtree Guardians These large, imposing enemies are some of the best for farming. They are capable of dealing heavy damage, but with the right tactics, they can be taken down relatively quickly. Upon defeat, they drop a substantial amount of runes, which makes them highly valuable targets for farming.

Ghostly Apparitions These spectral enemies are less dangerous than the Erdtree Guardians but still present a threat due to their ability to quickly move around the battlefield. They drop a fair amount of runes and can be farmed easily with ranged attacks, making them a great target for players with magic or ranged weapons.

Hollows In addition to the larger foes, the region is filled with smaller, more numerous Hollow enemies. While individually weak, these enemies are abundant in number and drop decent amounts of runes for their effort. Farming these enemies in packs allows players to rack up runes quickly without expending too many resources.

Strategies for Efficient Rune Farming

To maximize your rune farming at the Shadow of the Erd Tree, here are some helpful strategies to employ:

Use AoE Attacks Given the number of enemies in the region, area-of-effect (AoE) spells or abilities are extremely effective. Spells like Flame of the Redmanes or Lightning Spear allow players to hit multiple enemies at once, significantly increasing the number of runes they can gather with each engagement. Likewise, large sweeping melee attacks or jump attacks can clear entire groups of enemies in one fell swoop.

Utilize Rune-Boosting Items There are several items and consumables in Elden Ring that can boost the number of runes you earn from each kill. Golden Scarabs, Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, and other similar items can stack with the base rune drop to provide a significant bonus to your farming yields. Be sure to have these items equipped or in your inventory to maximize your efficiency.

Clear the Area Methodically While the enemies are clustered, it's important not to rush in recklessly. Approach the Shadow of the Erd Tree methodically, using hit-and-run tactics to whittle down enemies. Take out the weaker groups first to avoid getting overwhelmed by the larger enemies. Once you're comfortable with the layout and enemy types, you can start clearing entire swaths of the area in one go.

Return to Sites of Grace Regularly Don't forget to use the Sites of Grace nearby to rest, respawn, and repeat the farming process. It's a good idea to rest at the Site of Grace after every successful run to replenish your resources and reset enemy spawns. This helps in creating an efficient farming loop that minimizes downtime and maximizes rune collection.

Consider Coop Farming If you find the enemies in the Shadow of the Erd Tree to be too challenging, consider summoning allies for co-op farming. Cooperative players can make the process much quicker, especially if you're working with a team that has specialized builds, such as those with high AoE potential.

Conclusion

The Shadow of the Erd Tree is one of the best rune farming spots in Elden Ring Items due to the high yield from enemies, the strategic combat setup, and its proximity to Sites of Grace. Whether you're farming for runes to level up your character or gather materials for crafting and upgrading, this area provides a perfect balance of challenge and reward. By using AoE spells, utilizing rune-boosting items, and following efficient strategies, you can quickly gather the runes you need while enjoying the rich atmosphere of this stunning location.

With this farming spot under your belt, you'll be on your way to mastering Elden Ring and conquering the Lands Between in no time.