In Elden Ring, Runes are the lifeblood of progression — you need them to level up, buy gear, and upgrade weapons. While fast travel makes rune farming easier, there are times when players challenge themselves by going without it. Maybe you're doing a no-fast-travel run, or just enjoy a more immersive experience. Either way, there are efficient ways to farm runes on foot — and this guide will walk you through eight effective methods to speed up the process.

1. Choose a High-Mobility Mount Route

Torrent is your best friend when you're skipping fast travel. Plan loop routes that let you hit dense enemy areas and return to a Site of Grace to reset them. Limgrave, with its wide fields and weaker enemies, is an ideal starting zone to set up these circuits.

2. Target Enemy Clusters with Low Risk

Focus on groups of enemies that are easy to dispatch quickly, such as soldiers near Gatefront Ruins or the demi-humans in the Coastal Cave region. Their low health pools make them perfect targets for farming, especially early on. This helps you stockpile Elden Ring runes for sale or personal use with minimal danger.

3. Maximize AoE Damage

Equip gear or spells that deal damage to multiple enemies at once. If you're playing as a mage, spells like Glintstone Arc or Dragonfire can wipe out groups in seconds. Melee builds can use sweeping weapons like halberds or greatswords to achieve similar results.

4. Use Rune-Boosting Talismans

Equip items like the Gold Scarab, which increases rune acquisition. Although getting it requires a bit of effort (and a trip through the Abandoned Cave), the return is well worth it. This passive buff significantly improves your rune yield on foot.

5. Optimize Enemy Respawn Loops

When you're not using fast travel, you’ll need to get creative about resetting enemies. Look for Sites of Grace that are close enough to key farming zones that you can return on foot quickly. These loops keep your grind smooth and continuous.

6. Farm While Exploring

If you’re heading toward a new area, clear enemies along the way instead of sprinting past them. Farming doesn't always need to be a dedicated session — collecting runes during exploration ensures steady growth without detouring too much from your goals.

7. Manage Inventory and Weight

A heavy build will slow your roll — literally. If you’re farming without teleportation, staying light allows you to move faster and dodge better. Keep your inventory lean and equip only what you need to stay agile.

8. Sell Unused Loot

Running low on runes? Sell off duplicate or unused gear. This is especially effective after long farming runs, where you'll likely have extra weapons or armor. It’s not uncommon for players to look for the best site to buy Elden Ring items, but don’t overlook the value of selling your own loot when needed.

While fast travel adds convenience, there’s a rewarding satisfaction in mastering the rhythm of manual farming routes. With enough practice, you’ll find that trekking across the Lands Between on foot can be both profitable and immersive. And for those looking to boost their progression further, options like Elden Ring runes for sale from platforms such as U4GM can complement your farming efforts — just be sure to explore all your options before making decisions.

Whether you’re grinding your way to a new level or just prepping for the next boss fight, these tips will help you make the most of your time — no teleportation required.