Not every Tarnished wants to grind through waves of enemies just to build up a stash of Runes. Whether you're running a low-level build, testing new gear, or just looking for safer farming routes, Elden Ring offers a surprising number of locations where you can gather Runes without ever drawing your weapon. Here are 18 places across the Lands Between where you can passively farm Runes—no combat required.

1. Lenne's Rise (Greyoll’s Dragonbarrow)
Trigger the nearby spirit spring trap and watch the boulder crash down the hill. Each successful hit grants over 2,000 Runes. Ride back up and repeat.

2. Mohgwyn Palace Boulder Trap
After unlocking Mohgwyn Palace via Varre’s questline, use the cliffside near the Site of Grace to dodge the blood boulder. It rolls itself off the ledge, giving you around 11,000 Runes per reset.

3. Greyoll’s Roar (Caelid)
Take down Elder Dragon Greyoll using rot-based spells or Spirit Ashes while she remains passive. Killing her gives you a whopping 75,000 Runes. Her surrounding offspring don’t aggro until provoked.

4. Windmill Village Dancers
North of Altus Plateau, this eerie spot is filled with frenzied dancers who often ignore you entirely. Let the madness damage do the work while you grab Runes and get out.

5. Deathbird-Spawning Areas at Night
Certain zones spawn Deathbirds at night, triggering massive NPC fights. Stay hidden and collect Runes after the dust settles.

6. The Flame Chariots in Mount Gelmir
These deadly machines roll through predetermined paths and can destroy surrounding enemies. Lure groups into their path, then collect Runes safely from a distance.

7. Divine Tower of East Altus Bridge Ambush
Two enemies fight near the lift mechanism. Let them take each other out and enjoy the free Runes after their duel concludes.

8. Deeproot Depths – Rot Avatar Fight
Spirit NPCs and Rot Avatar enemies will often fight amongst themselves here. Watch the battle unfold from a cliff and pick up the Runes when it ends.

9. Ordina, Liturgical Town (Consecrated Snowfield)
After deactivating the evergaol barrier, ghost enemies inside the town respawn and fight each other. Sneak past and loot freely.

10. Caria Manor Spectral Knights
The upper levels of Caria Manor have patrolling spectral knights that sometimes fight each other or fall off ledges. Sit back and reap the rewards.

11. Liurnia’s Rockfalls (Boulder Trap Near Academy Gate Town)
A rolling boulder crushes enemies below if you bait it properly. Farm passively from the safety of high ground.

12. Moghwyn Palace – Passive Albinauric Farm
Even without combat, triggering a summon and running in circles can aggro enemies into falling off ledges or attacking each other.

13. Sellia, Town of Sorcery (Trap Baiting)
With careful movement, you can activate traps that kill nearby sorcerers. Each drop gives a few hundred Runes.

14. Yelough Anix Ruins (Consecrated Snowfield)
This late-game area includes ghost enemies that often vanish or kill themselves after spotting the player. Minimal effort needed.

15. Mountaintops of the Giants – Freezing Lake Trap
Drag enemies into the Lake of Rot or lead them into environmental hazards. The result? Free Runes with no blade drawn.

16. Jarburg
Although this peaceful village doesn’t have enemy combat, it’s full of materials and occasional Rune pickups that add up over time.

17. Stormhill Shack – NPC Duel
Some players report NPC invaders clashing under certain conditions. Wait it out and collect dropped Runes without lifting a finger.

18. Altus Plateau – Caravan Ambush Sites
In several places, roaming caravans are attacked by wild enemies. If you linger at a distance, you'll earn Runes once the battle ends.

Bonus Tips for Efficient Farming Without Risk
Use a Gold Scarab talisman to boost Rune gain even from passive farming.

Rest at nearby Sites of Grace to reset environments quickly.

Equip Rune-boosting Talismans and armor sets for added returns.

For players who want to skip farming entirely or need a quick gear upgrade, many turn to the best site to buy Elden Ring Runes or look for the best site to buy Elden Ring items. While farming is part of the journey, it's good to know that alternatives exist when you're short on time.

Whether you're farming boulders or watching dragons bleed out, passive Rune farming in Elden Ring is both satisfying and efficient—perfect for cautious Tarnished or anyone looking to build wealth without battle.