In Elden Ring, players constantly search for ways to gather more runes, the game’s essential currency for leveling up and upgrading. While many farming spots are well known, there are also hidden rune locations scattered throughout the Lands Between that offer a surprise boost to your progress. Whether you’re just starting or already deep into your journey, uncovering these secret caches of Elden Ring runes can help you grow stronger without grinding endlessly. This guide highlights some of the best hidden rune locations and what Elden Ring items you might find along the way.
1. Hidden Rune Spot: Secluded Cell (Stormveil Castle)
One of the earliest hidden rune spots is located just outside the Secluded Cell Site of Grace in Stormveil Castle. After defeating the enemies near the cell, look for a corpse hanging off the cliff edge to the left. Loot it to gain a decent amount of Elden Ring runes in the form of Golden Runes. Many players miss this spot due to its dangerous placement, but it rewards exploration.
Bonus Tip: Nearby, you can also find valuable Elden Ring items like the Hawk Crest Wooden Shield.
2. Secret Area in Caelid: Smoldering Wall Cliffs
Travel east from the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace and look along the cliff edges for glowing skulls. Smashing them can drop Golden Runes. While these amounts seem small individually, the sheer number scattered across Caelid adds up quickly if you explore carefully.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for enemies disguised as terrain objects; defeating them often drops more Elden Ring runes and rare consumables.
3. Hidden Catacomb Rune Chest: Black Knife Catacombs
Located in the Liurnia region, the Black Knife Catacombs have a secret wall behind an enemy statue. Strike the wall, and you’ll uncover a hidden passage leading to a rune chest that contains Golden Rune [6] or higher. Many players skip this optional path, but it’s one of the better hidden rune rewards in the mid-game.
Loot Bonus: You’ll also find a few unique Elden Ring items, including grave and ghost gloveworts for spirit upgrades.
4. Cliffside Graveyard: Mountaintops of the Giants
In this cold and harsh region, several rune-rich corpses are hidden in a graveyard west of the First Church of Marika. Each corpse has a high-tier Golden Rune, often [10] or greater. These offer tens of thousands of Elden Ring runes with no combat required.
Safety Note: Equip gear that boosts your fire resistance—fire monks often guard the surrounding area.
5. Secret Rune Source: Volcano Manor’s Hidden Chamber
Behind a hidden wall in the Volcano Manor’s drawing room lies a route to the manor’s depths. Past a room filled with lava slugs and traps, there is a corpse holding a Hero’s Rune. These give a huge chunk of runes when consumed.
Item Alert: Nearby, you’ll also find fire-based Elden Ring items like the Magma Blade or Fireproof Dried Liver.
6. Haligtree Hidden Corpse: Near Elphael Inner Wall
Once you make it to Miquella’s Haligtree, you’ll notice multiple hidden ledges and tree branches to explore. One of these leads to a hidden corpse containing a Lord’s Rune, one of the highest rune types in the game.
Optional Bonus: A nearby chest also contains powerful Elden Ring items, such as the Cleanrot Knight’s Sword or Haligtree Knight Helm.
Finding hidden Elden Ring runes isn’t just about getting rich—it’s about rewarding your sense of adventure and paying attention to the environment. Many of these spots also contain powerful Elden Ring items that help you survive longer, hit harder, or enhance your build. If you’re tired of the usual rune farming routes, take the road less traveled and uncover these secret stashes. You’ll be surprised at how much power lies off the beaten path.