U4GM - Elden Ring Runes: 13 Challenges That Yield Huge Rewards If you’ve spent enough time exploring the brutal yet breathtaking world of Elden Ring, you know that the most satisfying rewards often come after the toughest fights. Whether you’re farming Elden Ring Runes to level up your build or seeking rare Elden Ring Items to gain an edge, tackling high-risk challenges can be the key to fast progression. Below are 13 challenges that, while demanding, offer huge payoffs for players bold enough to take them on. 1. Defeat the Bell Bearing HuntersThese night-time assassins appear at various merchant locations after dark. They’re aggressive and hit hard, but beating them nets you Bell Bearings that unlock valuable shop inventories—perfect for restocking essential Elden Ring Items. 2. Stormveil Castle’s Hidden PathwaysStormveil Castle is a labyrinth of traps and secrets. Venture off the beaten path to discover powerful loot, including a substantial number of Elden Ring Runes. A well-executed exploration here pays off long-term. 3. Gaol Bosses in EvergaolsEvergaols across the Lands Between imprison elite enemies. Though the fights are optional, the rune rewards and gear drops make them worth the effort. A few of them drop talismans that are game-changers for specific builds. 4. Redmane Castle FestivalThe Radahn Festival is more than just a story event—it’s one of the most exhilarating battles in the game. Conquering General Radahn not only unlocks story progress but grants a massive amount of Elden Ring Runes and access to his legendary weapons. 5. Leyndell’s Crucible KnightsThese heavily-armored foes are tucked into corners of the capital. They guard some of the best gear and offer an excellent rune yield if you manage to bring them down. 6. Volcano Manor Assassination MissionsJoining Volcano Manor opens a path of invasion-style missions. Completing them gives access to rare Elden Ring Items, powerful weapons, and massive rune rewards, making it a solid option for aggressive players. 7. Lake of Rot ExplorationWhile toxic and unforgiving, the Lake of Rot hides multiple items that significantly enhance magic and status builds. The real challenge is managing your resources—survive and you’ll walk away richer in both runes and loot. 8. Mohgwyn Palace Rune FarmWhile reaching Mohgwyn Palace is no small task, it’s one of the best places in the game to farm Elden Ring Runes. The Albinauric enemies here are high-yield and relatively easy to handle with AoE spells or bleed weapons. 9. Dragonlord PlacidusaxHidden in the depths of Crumbling Farum Azula, this optional boss is a spectacle and a challenge. Defeating him rewards a massive rune payout and a remembrance that can be traded for high-tier Elden Ring Items. 10. Haligtree’s Endgame GauntletMiquella’s Haligtree is one of the hardest areas in the game, filled with deadly enemies and precision platforming. Making it to the end and defeating Malenia is a rite of passage, but the rewards are absolutely worth it. 11. Night Cavalry BossesThese mounted bosses patrol roads at night and vary in difficulty depending on the region. They’re fantastic for rune farming and usually drop high-value weapons or upgrade materials. 12. Catacombs and Hero’s GravesOften overlooked, these dungeons contain some of the rarest Elden Ring Items and are excellent sources of runes. Many include Spirit Ashes that can significantly aid your boss fights. 13. Secret Medallions and Consecrated SnowfieldCollecting both halves of the Secret Haligtree Medallion unlocks access to the Consecrated Snowfield. It’s a tough, late-game area but filled with unique encounters and high rune yields, especially if you clear the entire region. Success in Elden Ring often means embracing the grind—but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Taking on these 13 challenges is not only rewarding in terms of Elden Ring Runes, but also opens up valuable Elden Ring Items that can dramatically shift the tide of battle. Whether you’re new to the game or returning for a new build, consider testing your skills against these trials. And for players looking to gear up quickly, many in the community turn to resources like U4GM to streamline their builds—but remember, the true thrill of Elden Ring lies in earning your rewards through sheer persistence and strategy.