Group

Leveling up efficiently in Elden Ring is a core part of character progression, especially as enemies and bosses ramp up in difficulty. While farming runes is the most direct way to level, certain items can significantly boost your progress if used correctly. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for New Game Plus, understanding how to leverage these tools can save hours of grinding. Below, we break down 9 Elden Ring items that can help speed up leveling and optimize your rune gains.

1. Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot

A staple for rune farming, the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot increases the number of runes earned from defeated enemies for a limited time. Use it right before clearing a mob-heavy area or a tough boss for maximum effect. It’s particularly effective in spots like Moghwyn’s Palace, where rune returns are already high.

2. Sacrificial Twig

Death in Elden Ring can mean losing thousands of runes. The Sacrificial Twig prevents rune loss upon death, making it essential for players farming in high-risk areas. By avoiding major setbacks, you can maintain your rune momentum and keep investing in levels without interruption.

3. Gold Scarab Talisman

Arguably the most important rune-boosting item in the game, the Gold Scarab talisman passively increases rune acquisition as long as it’s equipped. Combine it with a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to stack bonuses and maximize your farming sessions. If you’re exploring areas with enemies that drop thousands of runes each, this talisman is a must-have.

4. Consumable Rune Items (e.g., Hero's Rune)

Hero's Rune, Lord’s Rune, and similar consumable items give you a flat amount of runes when used. These are great when you’re just short of leveling up but don’t want to run back out for a fight. Stockpiling them also lets you level strategically at Sites of Grace.

5. Glovewort Pickers' Bell Bearings

Upgrading Spirit Ashes may not directly increase your level, but it reduces the need to invest in survivability stats. By farming and upgrading ashes efficiently, you free up your rune spending to focus on offensive stats. Bell Bearings help unlock higher-level Gloveworts at the Twin Maiden Husks, speeding this process up.

6. Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot

While not directly related to leveling, this item increases item discovery, helping you find rare gear or materials you can sell for extra runes. It’s particularly useful in areas with valuable drops, and the rune income can be redirected toward leveling faster. When browsing Elden Ring items for sale, you’ll often see players looking for this for a reason.

7. Memory Stones

Gaining extra memory slots allows spellcasters to access more powerful or diverse magic setups. More efficient combat means faster kills, and therefore more runes per hour. If your build is magic-based, unlocking Memory Stones early can lead to a big long-term payoff.

8. Larval Tear

Respeccing your stats using a Larval Tear and Renalla’s help can optimize your build for better rune farming. For example, switching to an AoE-heavy build can clear enemy groups faster. Once you've maxed out your farming efficiency, it’s easier to build levels quickly without struggling through slow fights.

9. Wondrous Physick Combinations

Some Physick blends can enhance your rune-farming capabilities by making fights faster or reducing damage taken, improving rune-per-minute output. While not a direct rune boost, optimizing this system means fewer deaths, quicker clears, and more consistent leveling.

If you're looking to speed up progression, combining these items with good farming strategies makes a noticeable difference. For players who want to skip some of the grind, there are always Elden Ring runes for sale through community trading hubs, though it’s always more satisfying to earn them through smart gameplay. With the right item setup and efficient farming routes, your leveling journey in the Lands Between can become much smoother—and a lot more rewarding.