Elden Ring is a vast world filled with deadly enemies, colossal bosses, and countless opportunities to collect runes. Among the most iconic foes in the game are the dragons—massive, fiery beasts that offer a thrilling challenge. But did you know that these terrifying creatures can also be a lucrative source of runes?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some effective ways to earn runes while taking down these legendary dragons, and we’ll also touch on how you can buy Elden Ring runes if you’re looking to fast-track your progression.

1. Know Where the Dragons Roam

Before you dive into dragon slaying, you need to know where these massive creatures are located. Some of the most notable dragon hotspots in Elden Ring are:

• Caelid: This area features the infamous Dragonbarrow, home to multiple dragons including the Red Dragon.

• Leyndell, Royal Capital: The vicinity around the capital also hosts a powerful dragon encounter.

• The Forbidden Lands: You can find another high-level dragon in this more endgame area.

Each location typically has one or more dragons, and they often guard valuable items or areas, which means slaying them not only rewards you with runes but with rare loot as well.

2. Fight Smart to Maximize Rune Gains

Fighting dragons in Elden Ring is no easy feat. These creatures have massive health pools and can wipe you out with their fiery breath or powerful tail swipes. However, the reward for defeating them is well worth the effort, with some dragons dropping thousands of runes upon their defeat. Here are a few tips to maximize rune earnings while fighting dragons:

• Target Weaknesses: Most dragons in Elden Ring have elemental weaknesses. For example, some may be weak to fire, while others are vulnerable to lightning or magic. Use the appropriate weapon or incantation to deal more damage, which will help you finish the fight faster and earn runes more efficiently.

• Use Runes for Buffs: Don’t forget to use any runes you’ve gathered to buy buffs or upgrade your weapons before facing a dragon. A well-prepared character has a much better chance of surviving the battle, which can prevent you from wasting resources like healing items and ultimately help you maximize your rune earnings.

3. Engage in Dragon Hunts for Extra Runes

Dragon hunting can be a profitable endeavor in Elden Ring if you know where to look. Some dragons drop additional items like Dragon Hearts that can be traded for powerful incantations. Not only does this help improve your build, but it can also indirectly boost your rune-earning potential by making you more effective at slaying other enemies.

Additionally, some dragons drop rare materials, which you can sell to NPC merchants for extra runes. If you’re interested in accumulating runes quickly, combining dragon hunts with exploration for merchant items can help.

4. Repeatable Dragon Encounters

Some dragon fights in Elden Ring are repeatable, and these offer an excellent opportunity to farm runes without needing to progress much further into the game. You can return to these locations after respawning them by resting at nearby Sites of Grace. While the dragons’ difficulty may scale with your level, these repeatable encounters can still yield a hefty sum of runes, especially when combined with rune-boosting items.

If you’re not interested in grinding through tough dragon fights repeatedly, you can always explore other ways to buy affordable Elden Ring runes. Purchasing runes from trusted sources can save time, but remember to always consider the risks involved.

5. Farm Dragons for Runes in Co-Op Play

If you're struggling to take down a dragon solo, you can always join forces with other players. Elden Ring's co-op multiplayer mode allows you to summon other players for assistance in battles. While this might reduce the rune payout slightly, the teamwork aspect makes dragon fights much more manageable. Plus, helping others defeat dragons can earn you a share of their runes, so it's a great way to farm runes while having fun with friends or strangers alike.

6. The Risk vs. Reward of Dragon Fights

While it's tempting to engage with every dragon you encounter, it's essential to understand the risk versus reward. Some dragons, like the Ancient Dragon, are extremely challenging and might take several attempts to defeat. The higher the difficulty, the higher the rune payout, but the time spent and resources used should be considered. For players who don’t mind the grind, dragon slaying can be a reliable source of income.

For those who prefer a quicker way to level up and farm runes, buying Elden Ring runes can be an option worth considering. However, this method comes with the cost of bypassing the challenging yet rewarding experience of earning them through gameplay.

Earning runes while fighting dragons in Elden Ring is not only a rewarding way to progress, but it’s also a deeply satisfying aspect of the game. With the right strategies, you can maximize your rune gains from dragon fights, whether you’re using elemental weaknesses to your advantage, engaging in repeatable encounters, or teaming up with others for co-op battles.

Remember, the game is all about balance—sometimes it’s worth investing your time in hunting dragons for those valuable runes, while other times, buying affordable Elden Ring runes might be a quicker path to your goal. Whatever you choose, the world of Elden Ring offers plenty of ways to earn, explore, and conquer.