Elden Ring Progression Guide: Bosses That Drop the Most Runes
Progression in Elden Ring can feel like a rollercoaster. At the start of the Tarnished's journey through the Lands Between, basic mobs fall easily to a few swings. But all it takes is one difficult boss encounter to hit a sudden spike in difficulty. When that happens, players often need to step away from the main path, grind for levels, and prepare for what lies ahead.
The good news? Elden Ring's open world gives players the freedom to choose their own path. This flexibility makes farming Elden Ring Runes through powerful bosses one of the best strategies to overcome tricky sections. Whether you're tackling mandatory encounters or hunting optional bosses, knowing which enemies yield the biggest rune rewards can make progression much smoother.
With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, the Lands Between and the Land of Shadow are filled with even more opportunities for rune farming. Below is a ranked breakdown of the bosses that drop the most runes, including both base game and DLC encounters.
Why Rune Farming Matters in Elden Ring
Runes act as both currency and experience points, fueling character growth in every stat. Unlike many RPGs, Elden Ring doesn't hold your hand when it comes to progression pacing. Facing a boss who feels impossible? The answer often isn't to push through, but to grow stronger elsewhere.
By targeting bosses that give massive rune rewards, you can shorten the grind, gain more levels in fewer fights, and push past walls that may otherwise stall your adventure.
Top Bosses for Rune Rewards
Here are some of the most rewarding boss fights for rune farming, ranked by total rune yield:
1. Bayle the Dread - 490,000 Runes
At the summit of Jagged Peak in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, Bayle the Dread reigns as one of the most challenging encounters. With over 41,000 health and resistance to nearly every elemental attack, Bayle pushes even the strongest builds to their limits. But the payoff-an incredible 490,000 runes and the Heart of Bayle-is unmatched.
2. Malenia, Blade of Miquella - 480,000 Runes
Malenia is infamous for her brutal difficulty. Every strike she lands restores her health, and her second-phase transformation makes the fight even deadlier. Many players consider her the hardest boss in Elden Ring. For those who succeed, the 480,000 rune reward, along with her Remembrance and Great Rune, makes the battle worth every attempt.
3. Mohg, Lord of Blood - 420,000 Runes
Hidden deep beneath the Lands Between in Mohgwyn Palace, Mohg delivers one of the game's most punishing battles. With his devastating blood magic and life-draining abilities, Mohg is a menace. But he also offers one of the best rune rewards in the game. With the right tools-like Mohg's Shackle to interrupt him-you can farm a hefty 420,000 runes.
4. Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame - 410,000 Runes
An optional DLC boss, Midra, was once a sage who became corrupted by the Frenzied Flame. His fight combines sweeping sword combos, deadly flame explosions, and frenzied summons. Though dangerous, his rune payout of 410,000 makes him a top-tier farming target for expansion players.
5. Messmer the Impaler - 400,000 Runes
Central to Shadow of the Erdtree's storyline, Messmer wields devastating fire attacks and a spear with massive reach. His fight is a test of patience, dodging, and punishing openings. While not optional, defeating Messmer grants players 400,000 runes, making it one of the best progression boosts in the DLC.
Other High-Yield Bosses Worth Farming
While the five above stand out as the heaviest rune drops, plenty of other encounters can provide strong returns. Some notable ones include:
·Godfrey, First Elden Lord - 300,000 Runes: A late-game fight that prepares players for the endgame gauntlet.
·Dragonlord Placidusax - 280,000 Runes: A hidden fight in Crumbling Farum Azula with one of the most cinematic arenas.
·Rellana, Twin Moon Knight - 240,000 Runes: A Shadow of the Erdtree boss whose twin-blade assaults make her fight both elegant and deadly.
·Maliketh, the Black Blade - 220,000 Runes: A pivotal story boss that tests patience, precision, and terrain use.
Even optional enemies like the Death Rite Bird (220,000 runes) or Great Wyrm Theodorix (180,000 runes) provide excellent farming opportunities if you're willing to hunt them down.
Strategy Tips for Boss Rune Farming
1. Use Rune Boosting Items
Buy Elden Ring Items like the Gold Scarab Talisman or consume Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot before boss fights to maximize rune gains.
2. Summons Make a Difference
Spirit Ashes, such as Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tich, can make difficult fights far more manageable.
3. Pick Fights Wisely
Optional bosses like Malenia or Bayle might not be worth attempting until later in your playthrough. Start with mid-tier rune bosses if you need a safer boost.
4. Learn Patterns, Don't Rush
Rune-rich bosses are almost always challenging. Studying attack patterns and staying patient will prevent wasted runs.
Final Thoughts
Progression in Elden Ring is all about patience, strategy, and knowing when to step away from the main path. Whether you're fighting your way through Leyndell, venturing deep into Mohgwyn Palace, or exploring the Land of Shadow, every boss fight is both a challenge and an opportunity.
By targeting the bosses that yield the highest rune rewards, players can cut down on grind time and focus on what matters most-mastering FromSoftware's beautifully brutal combat. The path to becoming Elden Lord is never easy, but with smart rune farming, the journey becomes far more rewarding.
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