U4GM - Elden Ring Rune Gains Guide: 3 Smart Reasons to Kill Merchants

When it comes to farming Elden Ring Runes, many players stick to traditional grinding spots, like the ever-popular Moghwyn Palace or Lenne’s Rise. However, during my second New Game+ run, I discovered a far less conventional – but surprisingly effective – method: killing merchants. This approach might sound brutal or even immoral at first, but in the Lands Between, every rune counts, and efficiency often outweighs sentiment.

The first time I considered turning my blade on a merchant, I was running low on flasks and desperate for a level-up before a boss fight. I had already purchased everything of value from the Nomadic Merchant near the Weeping Peninsula. On a whim, I attacked—and was shocked to see a satisfying rune payout along with some rare loot. This made me rethink how I viewed non-hostile NPCs in the game.

Reason 1: High Rune Yields for Minimal Risk

Killing a merchant usually yields thousands of Elden Ring Runes, depending on where you are in the game. Unlike most high-yield farming zones, merchant fights are relatively easy. They don’t have high health pools or aggressive tactics, meaning even mid-level builds can take them down without breaking a sweat. For players looking to level up quickly without hours of repetitive combat, this method is a legitimate shortcut.

Reason 2: Unique Loot and Bell Bearings

Another key benefit is the loot. Many merchants drop bell bearings when they die. These can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold, allowing you to continue buying the merchant’s inventory without them being alive. It’s a win-win scenario—runes now, and access to items later. Plus, some merchants carry exclusive armor pieces or weapons that don’t become available through normal progression.

Reason 3: Efficiency in Early to Mid-Game Progression

During my early game, especially before reaching Altus Plateau, I often hit rune walls when trying to upgrade my equipment and level my character simultaneously. Targeting specific merchants helped me bypass those limitations. If you're wondering where to buy Elden Ring runes or how to get large amounts without endlessly repeating Caelid farming runs, this strategy is a viable alternative, especially when time is limited.

That said, this tactic isn’t without its downsides. Once a merchant is dead, they’re gone forever in that playthrough. You must weigh the pros and cons carefully. I usually make sure I’ve bought their cookbooks, arrows, and unique gear before drawing my sword. And yes, there’s always the moral ambiguity—killing peaceful NPCs goes against the grain for many players. But in the brutal and decaying world of Elden Ring, survival often calls for harsh choices.

In conclusion, while it’s not the most heroic method, targeting merchants can be one of the smartest ways to maximize Elden Ring Runes early and efficiently. As long as you’ve made peace with the choice, it’s a practical option that helped me save countless hours in both my solo and co-op playthroughs.

Game Mechanics Explained: Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Elden Ring Runes on U4GM