When it comes to grinding in Elden Ring, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing certain farming spots are “must-visits.” Forums and guides often hype up locations where you can supposedly rack up huge amounts of runes in a short time. But in practice, many of these spots aren’t as efficient as they seem. Let’s break down why some popular areas get overrated and how you can optimize your farming strategy.

The Hype vs. Reality

A common problem is that players see someone on YouTube or a forum claiming a spot is the ultimate rune farm and rush there, only to realize it’s crowded with tough enemies or requires a lot of preparation to clear efficiently. These spots often rely on high-level items or skills that new or mid-level players might not have yet. Spending time here can be more frustrating than rewarding.

Sometimes it’s tempting to consider shortcuts. For instance, if you’re short on time and just want to boost your character quickly, you might consider using services to buy Elden Ring runes. While I’m not endorsing shortcuts, it’s worth knowing that these options exist for players who need a boost, especially during tough grind phases.

Enemy Density Isn’t Everything

One of the biggest misconceptions is that more enemies automatically mean more runes. In some of the popular farms, enemies respawn slowly, or they drop fewer runes than expected, making your time per rune much higher than on less hyped spots. Sometimes a smaller, easily repeatable area can yield more efficient results than a “legendary” farm packed with tough mobs.

Another factor is how easily enemies can be bypassed or controlled. Certain areas are famous because they seem convenient for AoE farming, but in reality, managing the mobs can be tricky, requiring healing items or summon help, which can eat into your overall efficiency.

Terrain and Accessibility Matter

It’s easy to overlook how terrain impacts farming. Some high-rune spots are located in tricky zones that demand multiple deaths if you’re not careful, costing you both progress and sanity. These areas can be appealing on paper, but the backtracking, narrow paths, or surprise ambushes make them less practical in the long run.

If you’re playing on different platforms, like PS5, you might also be tempted to explore options such as buy Elden Ring runes PS5 through services like U4GM. These can help when a particular area just isn’t yielding enough or is too difficult for your current build.

Efficiency Over Popularity

The key takeaway is that popularity doesn’t equal efficiency. Always evaluate farming spots by your own stats, abilities, and the time you’re willing to invest. A farm that works wonders for one build might be awful for another. Sometimes, exploring less-known areas or creating your own loops can be far more rewarding.

For example, I once spent hours at a highly recommended spot only to realize I could gather nearly the same amount of runes in half the time at a nearby, less-hyped location. It’s a simple reminder that player experience matters more than forum rankings.

Personal Tips for Smarter Farming

1. Mix it up: Rotate between a few different spots to avoid burnout and find the most comfortable rhythm.

2. Know your build: Certain farming areas favor melee, ranged, or magic-heavy builds. Pick spots that match your strengths.

3. Mind your death count: Overly dangerous areas can cost you more than they give. Sometimes farming easier enemies repeatedly is smarter.

4. Use consumables wisely: Things like rune-boosting items or temporary buffs can make an underrated farm incredibly effective.

Closing Thoughts

While it’s tempting to chase “legendary” farms, the truth is that many overrated spots exist simply because they look good in guides or videos. Focus on your own efficiency, your build, and your time. And remember, there’s no shame in using help if it saves you hours of frustration—services like U4GM or rune purchases can be a safety net when you need it. Smart farming is about making the game work for you, not blindly following hype.

Strategy Guide: Elden Ring Sacred Tears