Where Should I Start Farming for a Strength Build?
When it comes to strength builds, your first priority should be getting weapons and gear that scale with Strength. Big swords, hammers, and colossal weapons are your friends here. But to upgrade these weapons and boost your stats, you need runes — lots of them. A common tip is to focus on early-to-mid game areas where enemies are dense but manageable. For example, the forests around Limgrave have some great groups of enemies that drop a decent chunk of runes each time.
If you’re ever feeling impatient, some players actually buy Elden Ring runes to quickly top off their character. It’s not cheating — think of it as giving yourself a small boost to keep the fun rolling without getting stuck at a grindy spot. I personally used this when I wanted to hit a strength breakpoint fast and it really saved me some time.
How Do I Maximize Rune Gains While Fighting?
One trick that works wonders for strength builds is taking advantage of enemies that are weak to heavy-hitting attacks. Your swings deal massive damage, so targeting groups that can’t retaliate quickly allows you to chain kills and rack up runes without dying constantly. Another tip is to use areas with respawning enemies and a safe retreat point nearby. That way, you can clear, rest, and repeat efficiently.
If you’re looking for a quick alternative or feel like the grind is too slow, many players turn to U4GM for their rune needs. While I like to farm naturally most of the time, using a reliable source like this can be a lifesaver when preparing for late-game strength weapon upgrades or bosses that require huge investments.
Are There Specific Locations That Are Best for Strength Farming?
Absolutely. For early game, Limgrave and the Mistwood are solid choices. Mid-game zones like Caelid and the Smoldering Wall areas are great because the enemies drop more runes and some even drop weapons or upgrade materials. Personally, I like revisiting the same enemy groups because once you learn their patterns, farming becomes almost mindless, and that’s perfect when you’re testing new strength weapons.
Pro tip: keep a teleport spot or nearby Site of Grace close to your farming location. It may seem obvious, but I’ve wasted way too many minutes running back and forth before I realized it. Efficiency is everything.
Should I Focus on Weapon Upgrades or Leveling First?
This is a common dilemma. My advice? Balance both. Strength builds thrive when your weapons hit hard, so upgrading your favorite weapon will often give you more immediate benefit than just leveling up. However, don’t neglect your character’s base stats. A few levels can make a noticeable difference in survivability, which keeps your farming sessions productive.
This is also where having extra runes handy can be useful. Whether you grind naturally or choose to buy Elden Ring runes, having a buffer ensures you don’t get stuck deciding between leveling and upgrading. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that can make farming feel less like a chore.
Any Tips for Late-Game Farming?
Late game? Things get a bit more intense. Enemies hit harder, and farming spots aren’t as forgiving. My go-to strategy is to pick areas with high-value drops and use summons to help thin out the danger. Strength builds are excellent for breaking through enemy defenses, but even the mightiest swings can fail against hordes without proper planning.
Also, keep in mind that tools like U4GM can be handy for those moments when you’ve exhausted your farming routes or need a quick rune infusion before a tough boss fight. I usually recommend using it sparingly — it’s nice to feel the satisfaction of earning runes naturally, but having that fallback option is a confidence booster.
Bottom Line
Farming in Elden Ring for a strength build doesn’t have to be tedious. With the right locations, strategies, and occasional smart shortcuts, you can keep your character powerful and your weapons deadly. Remember: the key is efficiency, knowing enemy patterns, and balancing between upgrades and levels. And if all else fails, there’s no shame in a little extra help to keep your journey smooth.