In Elden Ring, one of the primary goals for players is to collect as many runes as possible. These runes are used to level up, upgrade gear, and purchase essential items, making them a central part of the gameplay experience. However, some areas in the game provide a much worse return on your runes compared to others, making the grind feel even more punishing. In this article, we will explore which area in Elden Ring has the worst runes return and why this area stands out as particularly challenging.

The Concept of Runes in Elden Ring

Runes in Elden Ring serve as the primary currency, and they can be obtained by defeating enemies, bosses, or finding hidden caches throughout the game world. The more powerful the enemy, the more runes they drop. As players progress through the game, they typically look for the best places to farm these runes, hoping to level up their character and gear to face even stronger foes.

However, not all areas in Elden Ring are equal when it comes to rune returns. Some areas are particularly brutal and offer a low rune yield for the level of difficulty they present, making it a tedious and frustrating experience for players.

The Worst Runes Return in Elden Ring

One area that stands out for having a poor return on runes is the Lake of Rot. This area is notorious for its toxic environment, slow movement through water, and overwhelming enemies. The Lake of Rot is located in the Atlus Plateau and provides an incredibly difficult challenge due to the toxic water, which continuously drains health unless the player is careful. On top of this, many of the enemies here are strong and can deal devastating amounts of damage.

Despite all the effort it takes to navigate through this area, the rune rewards from enemies in the Lake of Rot are relatively low. This creates a frustrating disparity between the difficulty of the area and the meager rewards. Players may find themselves repeatedly dying in this area, only to return to find that the runes they gained from their efforts are insufficient to justify the pain endured.

Another area that deserves mention is Caelid, specifically the Aeonia Swamp. While the swamp is home to some of the most dangerous enemies in the game, including the powerful Scarlet Rot, the rune return for these encounters is often disappointing. The difficulty of traversing this area, combined with the risk of contracting Scarlet Rot and the powerful foes that inhabit it, makes farming in this area much less rewarding than expected. The long and perilous journey through Caelid simply doesn’t justify the low amount of runes dropped by the enemies, leaving players feeling under-rewarded for their efforts.

Why the Low Rune Return?

The low rune return in these areas might seem odd, especially considering the high difficulty associated with them. In Elden Ring, the game seems to encourage players to explore and overcome obstacles, but these areas test patience and perseverance rather than reward those efforts with a substantial rune gain.

In some cases, these areas might be designed to force players to take a more strategic approach, rather than farming enemies mindlessly. Players must often navigate through hazardous environments or solve puzzles before they can earn rewards, making the overall experience one of survival rather than pure combat. For example, in areas like the Lake of Rot, it's not just about defeating enemies but about overcoming the environment itself.

Elden Ring Runes PC Players and Their Struggles

For PC players, the issue of poor rune return in these areas is amplified by the fast-paced nature of combat. The ability to quickly traverse the game world or use fast load times might make these areas even more frustrating. The constant need to engage with enemies and take damage while struggling to get any worthwhile return on runes can make it feel like a wasted effort. Additionally, since PC players can often face more enemies at once, the lack of a solid rune yield can make these encounters feel excessively punishing.

Conclusion

When it comes to the worst rune returns in Elden Ring, the Lake of Rot and Caelid’s Aeonia Swamp are prime candidates for players seeking a frustrating experience. While the challenge of these areas is undeniable, the disappointing rune rewards often make the effort feel unworthy. It is essential for players to carefully consider their strategy in these areas and determine whether the risk is worth the reward. Ultimately, these areas in Elden Ring serve as a reminder that not every challenge is about the quantity of runes, but about the thrill of survival and overcoming environmental hazards