Where should I start if I want quick weapon or armor upgrades?

If you’re looking to strengthen your weapons or armor without wandering endlessly, your best bet is to focus on early dungeons and specific bosses that drop upgrade materials. Areas like the Stormveil Castle and the Gatefront Ruins are excellent starting points. You’ll often find smithing stones and materials as drops from minibosses or hidden chests.

A little tip: always check side paths in these locations. Elden Ring loves to reward players who wander off the main route. Sometimes the treasure is tucked behind a breakable wall or hidden in a room that feels completely optional. It might take an extra few minutes, but those extra materials can save hours of farming later.

Are there spots where I can farm Runes efficiently to afford upgrades?

Absolutely. Some locations have enemies that respawn frequently and provide a solid Rune payout. A classic example is Caelid, with its scarlet rot-infested swamps. Once you learn enemy patterns, you can run quick loops that net a lot of Runes without much risk. Even in other areas like the Liurnia of Lakes outskirts, groups of soldiers and sorcerers offer decent Rune gains once you get the timing down.

For players who might want a shortcut, you can also consider services like buy Elden Ring Runes. While this is optional, it’s handy if you’re trying to upgrade multiple weapons quickly or experimenting with builds without spending hours grinding.

How about late-game locations—are there places that make upgrades faster?

Yes, late-game zones like Leyndell Royal Capital or Mountaintops of the Giants host tougher enemies that drop higher-tier materials. The trick here is efficiency. Instead of wandering aimlessly, target minibosses that respawn or elite enemy groups. Farming here can give you the high-quality smithing stones needed for the most powerful upgrades.

If you’re feeling adventurous but don’t want to grind endlessly, there’s a growing community of players on platforms like U4GM where you can trade or acquire rare upgrade items. I’ve found it helpful when I want to focus on exploring new areas or experimenting with new weapon setups instead of repetitive farming.

Any personal tips to speed up upgrades?

From my experience, a few small habits make a big difference:

1. Scout enemy respawn points—knowing which groups come back lets you create effective Rune loops.

2. Upgrade as you go—don’t wait until you have a ton of materials. Sometimes a small upgrade can make a tough area much more manageable.

3. Combine farming with exploration—instead of dedicating a whole session to grinding, mix it with exploring hidden paths. You get materials and Runes without feeling like it’s a chore.

One thing I love is when a location feels “alive” while farming. Watching enemy patterns, dodging attacks, and timing your strikes turns a grind into a mini-challenge. It’s a lot more satisfying than mindlessly repeating the same loop.

Which areas give the best bang for your buck?

If I had to recommend three spots for fast upgrades, I’d go with:

• Stormveil Castle for early-game weapon and armor materials.

• Caelid swamps for mid-game Rune farming.

• Mountaintops of the Giants for late-game smithing stones.

Mixing these locations ensures you have a steady stream of materials and Runes, and you’ll feel your character growing steadily stronger.

Elden Ring can be tough, but knowing where to go for upgrades takes a lot of the frustration out of the grind. Whether you’re experimenting with new weapons or just trying to make your favorite build more effective, these locations give you a clear path to stronger gear. And remember, a little planning and curiosity go a long way—sometimes the fastest upgrades come from places you’d least expect.

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