Elden Ring Runes: 24 Pathing Methods That Reduce Backtracking
Exploring the massive world of Elden Ring is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game—but anyone who has wandered too far in the wrong direction knows how frustrating backtracking can be. Whether you’re farming for Elden Ring Runes or hunting down gear, mastering efficient pathing saves time and enhances your overall experience. Here are 24 pathing tips and strategies to minimize retracing your steps and make better use of your exploration time.
1. Always Activate Sites of Grace ImmediatelyEven if you’re unsure whether you’ll stay in the area, light the Site of Grace. It’s a free fast-travel point and can save you from running across dangerous zones again.
2. Use Beacons for Custom WaypointsThe map’s beacon system helps you mark key areas of interest so you don’t miss crucial locations or forget where you planned to go next.
3. Progress with Looping RoutesInstead of rushing into one-way dungeons, consider looping around the perimeter of new regions. This way, you avoid bottlenecks and always have an exit route.
4. Save Legacy Dungeons for LaterLarge dungeons like Stormveil Castle or Raya Lucaria are often more linear. Clear surrounding overworld areas first so you don’t miss easier rune sources.
5. Farm Runes Before Hard BossesYou can significantly reduce deaths and unnecessary repeats by gathering cheap Elden Ring runes beforehand and leveling up before key fights.
6. Keep a Checklist of NPC QuestlinesSome NPCs move or vanish after certain triggers. Keeping track of their location prevents having to backtrack or miss out on rewards.
7. Use Spirit Ashes for Risky ZonesSummoning helps you push forward in tough areas. Making progress with minimal deaths saves the time of running back and recovering runes.
8. Use the Environment to Your AdvantageHidden paths, ladder shortcuts, and crumbling ledges often lead to faster traversal. Pay attention to unusual terrain—it might be a time-saver.
9. Invest in a Torrent-Focused BuildMobility on horseback lets you zip through outdoor areas faster. Combined with rune farming, it can help you gear up quickly and avoid repetition.
10. Explore Vertically, Not Just HorizontallyCaves and cliffs often hide optional entrances or secret exits. Exploring vertically can sometimes let you bypass entire zones of enemies.
11. Memorize Teleporter TrapsGetting whisked across the map by a chest trap might seem inconvenient at first, but these can be great for early access to high-reward areas—just remember where they drop you.
12. Clear Minor Dungeons on First VisitIf a dungeon seems manageable, clear it right away. Repeating the same entrance trek later is usually more time-consuming.
13. Skip Optional Bosses if UnderequippedSome early bosses are better left for later. Mark them, leave, and come back once you’ve had time to buy Elden Ring items that suit your build.
14. Learn Enemy Spawn PatternsKnowing what to expect helps you avoid ambushes or detours, especially when rune farming in familiar areas.
15. Don’t Overlevel in One ZoneSpread your progression across multiple regions to avoid outpacing the content and having to backtrack for missed items or fights.
16. Stack Run Boosting TalismansThe faster you move, the less time you spend getting from point A to B. Talismans like the Radagon’s Scarseal also help you power through obstacles.
17. Tag Dungeon Entrances on the MapEven if you’re skipping a dungeon, mark it. That way, you can teleport back directly instead of stumbling around looking for it later.
18. Use Online Maps SparinglyThey’re great for spotting missed points of interest, but over-relying on them can spoil discoveries. Use them to double-check your route after clearing an area.
19. Travel During DaytimeSome enemies and events only appear at night. If you're rushing to cover ground, traveling by day makes movement smoother and safer.
20. Maximize Inventory EfficiencyKeeping key Elden Ring Items on-hand avoids needing to return to the Roundtable Hold mid-journey. Prepare ahead.
21. Avoid Dead-End Elevators Until NecessaryThese often lead to boss rooms. If you haven’t explored nearby first, you may be locked into a tough fight.
22. Use Sleep Arrows to Skip FightsThey can disable certain enemies, letting you slip by without the need to return later with better gear.
23. Rotate Between Regions RegularlyThis keeps your character balanced and avoids grinding one area too much, which leads to inefficient rune collection.
24. Keep a Build Focused on FlexibilityIf your setup handles both melee and magic, you’ll rarely need to respec or gear swap, helping you avoid returning to older areas for adjustments.
With these methods, not only can you reduce unnecessary running around, but you’ll also optimize your rune collection. Whether you’re looking to build efficiently or save time, knowing when to explore, when to skip, and when to double back can make all the difference. For players looking to save even more time, many seek cheap Elden Ring runes or buy Elden Ring items to complete builds without grinding. Either way, the key is smart pathing and being prepared.