For players who prefer the raw power of halberds or the sweeping reach of greatswords, farming runes efficiently in Elden Ring can feel a bit tricky. These heavy weapons have slower attacks compared to daggers or bows, which means speed farming isn’t always straightforward. However, with the right spots, tactics, and a little patience, you can maximize your rune gain without wasting time or risking too many deaths.
Choosing the Right Farming Spots
The first step is picking enemies that play well with your weapon style. Halberds and greatswords excel against groups that stay somewhat clumped together or have predictable attack patterns. Large, slow-moving foes or tightly packed enemy patrols are ideal. Areas like the early regions in Limgrave and the open sections of Caelid are surprisingly good for building up your early rune stash.
One tip I’ve picked up over countless runs: patience is your best friend. Halberds shine when you can space enemies correctly and land consecutive heavy hits. Avoid rushing into mobs that scatter easily; you’ll spend more time chasing than killing. With this approach, you can steadily farm Elden Ring runes without constantly worrying about death and respawns. Even a few minutes in a well-chosen spot can net hundreds or even thousands of runes per loop.
Using Weapon Skills to Your Advantage
Both halberds and greatswords come with weapon skills that can turn a farming session from slow grind into efficient plowing through enemies. For example, sweeping attacks or spinning moves can hit multiple foes at once, letting you chain kills faster. Experiment with stamina management, since running out mid-combo is frustrating and wastes time. Personally, I like switching between charged attacks and normal swings depending on the number of foes and their spacing.
Another practical tip: equip talismans that boost your melee damage or stamina recovery. Even small bonuses make a noticeable difference when you’re doing repeated loops. You’ll start noticing how much faster you can clear areas compared to a standard attack-only run.
When You Need a Shortcut
Sometimes, your in-game rune stockpile might not be enough, especially if you’re aiming for a big upgrade or boss fight. This is where third-party platforms like U4GM come into play. They offer Elden Ring runes for sale in small, safe increments that can give you the boost needed to continue leveling without excessive grinding. I personally treat this as a backup option, saving it for moments when I want to tackle a tough boss or experiment with different build upgrades.
Using such services isn’t necessary for everyone, but it can save time if you’re struggling to gather the runes needed for major weapon upgrades. Just make sure to stick with reputable platforms and avoid risky sources.
Farming Loops That Work Well
Here’s a simple loop I’ve used that fits halberd and greatsword playstyles:
- Find an area with grouped enemies—either soldiers, beasts, or bandits.
- Clear one group using sweeping attacks and finishers.
- Retreat briefly to reset enemy respawn if needed.
- Repeat while keeping stamina topped up and health in check.
Consistency is key. You don’t need to rush through the map; focus on hitting as many enemies per swing as possible. Over time, these loops yield a surprisingly high amount of Elden Ring runes, making your weapon upgrades and leveling much smoother. I’ve seen players underestimate the power of well-paced farming with heavy weapons, but it really pays off.
Safety and Efficiency Tips
- Use terrain to your advantage: narrow paths, cliffs, and choke points help control enemy movement.
- Don’t ignore summoning spirits if a group is particularly tough. They act as distraction and let you land your heavy hits more safely.
- Keep an eye on your rune tally and retreat if needed. Losing a large stack of Elden Ring runes from a careless death is frustrating, especially when you’re so close to a milestone.
With a halberd or greatsword, each kill feels satisfying because you can see the impact of your swings. Unlike faster weapons, the payoff comes in precision and timing rather than sheer speed. Once you find your rhythm, rune farming becomes less of a chore and more of a rewarding gameplay loop.
Farming runes with heavy weapons in Elden Ring doesn’t have to be slow or boring. By picking the right enemies, mastering your weapon skills, and occasionally leaning on safe rune sources like U4GM, you can steadily build up your stockpile for upgrades and character progression. The key is knowing your weapon’s strengths and playing to them, not just chasing every enemy on the map.
With practice, halberd and greatsword users can match—or even surpass—fast-attack builds in rune gain, all while enjoying that satisfying feeling of each massive swing connecting perfectly.


