When it comes to leveling up and upgrading gear in Elden Ring runes are everything. They act as the primary currency for character progression, allowing players to level up stats, purchase items, and upgrade equipment. But what happens when you finish the game and start again in New Game Plus (NG+)? Is rune farming in NG+ harder, easier, or just different? This guide breaks it all down to help you navigate rune farming as you continue your journey through the Lands Between.

What Changes in NG+?

Starting NG+ in Elden Ring resets the world but not your character progression. You keep your levels, weapons, and most items, but all enemies are significantly stronger—and they drop more runes. On the surface, this might sound like a win-win, but there’s more to consider.

Enemies Are Tougher, But So Are You

In NG+, enemy health, damage output, and defense stats are increased. This means battles that were once manageable might now require more strategic play, better gear, or higher levels of preparation. While enemies do drop more Elden Ring runes, killing them takes longer and may require more resources like healing flasks or FP.

Still, for experienced players, NG+ doesn't necessarily make rune farming harder—it just shifts the dynamic. If you’ve already built a strong character with optimized gear and a solid understanding of enemy patterns, you’ll likely find farming to be more efficient thanks to the increased rune drop rate.

Best Farming Spots in NG+

Certain rune farming hotspots remain viable in NG+, especially when paired with rune-boosting items like the Gold Scarab talisman or consumables like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. Some of the top NG+ farming locations include:

• Mohgwyn Palace – The Albinaurics near the Dynasty Mausoleum Entrance Site of Grace still provide an excellent rune-to-time ratio.

• Palace Approach Ledge-Road – Using a bow or spell to target the bird enemy across the chasm remains an efficient rune farming method.

• Haligtree Enemies – While dangerous, the enemies here drop a considerable amount of Elden Ring runes and can be an excellent farming source for high-level players.

When Farming Becomes a Chore

For some players, especially those who want to test out multiple builds or reach high-level PvP metas, rune farming can become repetitive. The grind to reach very high levels increases exponentially, and even in NG+, it may feel like a slog.

This is one reason why many players look into safe and reliable options to buy Elden Ring runes instead of spending hours farming. Services that offer Elden Ring runes buy options can be a convenient way to bypass the grind, allowing you to focus on exploration, PvP, or challenging late-game content.

Is Buying Runes Safe?

If you’re considering this route, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy platform. Reputable vendors like U4GM offer Elden Ring runes at competitive prices with fast delivery and strong customer support. Look for sellers with secure transaction methods, positive user reviews, and clear refund or support policies.

While not everyone supports the idea of buying runes, it’s a personal choice—and for many, it can enhance the gameplay experience by cutting down on repetitive grinding.

Conclusion: NG+ Farming Is a Trade-Off

Rune farming in NG+ isn't necessarily harder—it’s just different. You’ll earn more per kill, but each kill takes more effort. For seasoned players, this trade-off can be worth it, especially with efficient builds and optimized strategies. But if you find yourself overwhelmed or short on time, exploring Elden Ring runes buy options might be a practical solution.

Whether you prefer the grind or a shortcut, one thing is clear: runes remain essential to progression, and managing them wisely is key to conquering Elden Ring, NG+ and beyond.