Leveling up in Elden Ring can be a grind, especially when you’re pushing past the early game and into tougher regions like the Altus Plateau or the late-game Haligtree. Whether you’re trying to respec for a new build or power through NG+, using the right Elden Ring Items can drastically improve your Rune farming efficiency. Here are 13 item-based tricks that veteran players use to level up faster—some well-known, others more niche, but all effective.
1. Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot
This consumable is practically essential for farming Elden Ring Runes. When used, it temporarily boosts the number of Runes you gain from defeated enemies. Always pop one before big fights or when you’re clearing out dense mob zones like Mohgwyn Palace.
2. Silver Scarab + Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot
While not directly Rune-related, this combo increases item discovery, helping you farm valuable items like upgrade stones or rare weapons that can be sold for Runes. Combine this with a good farming route and you’ll see your inventory (and wallet) fill up fast.
3. Gold Scarab
Possibly the most important Talisman for Rune farming, the Gold Scarab passively increases Rune acquisition. It’s hidden behind a tough dungeon in the Caelid region, but absolutely worth the effort. Always keep it equipped when grinding.
4. Remembrances and Walking Mausoleums
After beating shardbearer bosses, don’t forget to duplicate their Remembrances at Walking Mausoleums. While you may want the boss weapon, these also sell for a huge amount of Elden Ring Runes. Plan ahead and duplicate the ones worth the most.
5. Rune Arcs
These boost your stats when paired with a Great Rune, but they also make you much stronger during difficult farm runs. Use them to stay alive longer in high-yield farming areas, letting you chain-kill enemies without retreating.
6. Wondrous Physick Mixes
Customizing your Wondrous Physick with a defensive bubble or extra stamina regen can make farming faster and safer. With the right mix, you can clear areas like Windmill Village or Deeproot Depths more efficiently.
7. Spirit Ashes: Mimic Tear & Black Knife Tiche
While not items in the traditional sense, upgraded Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche are vital tools for farming in high-risk areas. Let them draw aggro or clean up mobs while you stay alive and gather those sweet Runes.
8. Bell Bearings
Collecting Smithing Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings allows you to buy upgrade stones directly from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold. This lets you skip tedious hunting and jump straight into tougher zones with fully upgraded gear.
9. Larval Tears
While used for respec, Larval Tears are also great for experimenting with Rune-efficient builds. Want to try a Rune-hungry spell build? Respec and see if it clears faster than your melee one. Testing out builds can lead to faster farming in the long run.
10. Sacrificial Twig
Protecting your Runes is just as important as earning them. If you’re grinding in high-risk zones like Mohgwyn Palace or Consecrated Snowfield, a Sacrificial Twig can save you from rage-quitting after a careless death.
11. Preserving and Neutralizing Boluses
These are life-savers in areas with Scarlet Rot or poison. Faster survivability = faster clearing = faster leveling. Always stock up before heading into rot-filled areas like Lake of Rot or Aeonia Swamp.
12. Portable Crafting Kit
Crafting your own Gold-Pickled or Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot means you’ll never run out mid-farm. Gathering the ingredients takes a bit of prep, but long-term Rune gain will skyrocket.
13. Trade Smartly
When it comes to acquiring hard-to-find Elden Ring Items, smart trading can save time and energy. Reputable player-to-player marketplaces like U4GM are known for their community-driven exchanges. Whether you’re after Rune Arcs, upgrade materials, or consumables, sourcing the right tools quickly can make a huge difference in leveling efficiency.
Leveling in Elden Ring isn’t just about raw combat skill—it’s about strategy, efficiency, and knowing how to use what you’ve got. From farming tools to survival boosters, the right item can make or break your Rune gains. Whether you’re a first-time Tarnished or heading into your fifth NG cycle, these tricks will help you maximize every fight, every farm, and every hard-earned level.
