Elden Ring is filled with hidden mechanics and tools that can make a real difference in your journey through the Lands Between. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours exploring every corner of the game, I’ve come to appreciate how vital consumables can be—not just for survival, but for maximizing your rune income. Whether you're new to the game or grinding to hit the soft caps, knowing how to use consumables effectively can make farming
Elden Ring runes faster and more rewarding.
In this article, I’ll walk you through six reliable ways to use consumables for bonus runes, including some personal insights and recommendations I’ve tested myself.

1. Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot Before Farming
The Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot is hands-down the most effective consumable for increasing rune acquisition. When used, it boosts the number of Elden Ring runes you earn from defeated enemies for a limited time.
My experience: I used this while farming Albinaurics in Mohgwyn Palace, and the difference was massive. Without it, each run would yield around 40,000 runes. With the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot, I was pulling in over 60,000. If you're doing long farming sessions, always keep a few of these on hand.
2. Stack Rune-Boosting Talismans With Consumables
While not consumables themselves, rune-boosting talismans like the Gold Scarab can be stacked with consumables like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. The synergy can help you get the most out of every farming run.
Tip: Activate the talisman and the consumable just before engaging with rune-rich enemies. I tested this at the Windmill Village and doubled my rune gains in about 20 minutes.
3. Farm for Consumables and Craft Them
Consumables that boost rune acquisition can also be crafted once you find the right cookbooks and farming spots. For example, Gold Fireflies are needed for Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot and are found near Minor Erdtrees at night.
Personal tip: After dying too many times trying to buy them or hoping to loot them randomly, I just learned where to farm Gold Fireflies. Once you have enough, you’ll never run short of rune-boosting items.
4. Use Rune Items Strategically
Elden Ring gives you plenty of rune items like Golden Runes, Hero’s Runes, and Lord’s Runes. These consumables can be used to gain an instant burst of runes. Save them for critical moments—like when you're just a few thousand short of leveling up or buying something expensive.
My experience: I used to pop them the moment I found them. Now I wait and use them to avoid losing runes after a boss fight or before trying new gear. They're also great for helping answer the question I often hear: can you buy runes Elden Ring? Technically, no, but using rune consumables is the next best thing.
5. Combine Rune-Boosters With Spirit Ashes
This one is a bit tactical. When you're fighting in high-rune-yield areas, use your best Spirit Ashes to help clear enemies faster while under the effects of consumables. More kills in less time equals more runes.
I learned this in Consecrated Snowfield, where enemies are tough but rewarding. Using Mimic Tear and a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot helped me stay alive and rake in massive rune hauls.
6. Sell Unused Gear to Buy Rune Items
While you can’t directly buy runes in Elden Ring from merchants, you can sell unused weapons, armor, and crafting materials to vendors in exchange for runes. This is a great way to clear out your inventory and turn dead weight into leveling potential.
My routine: After every major dungeon, I sort through my inventory and sell off duplicates or low-scaling weapons. I’ve used the proceeds to buy crafting supplies for Gold-Pickled Fowl Feet and even stock up on arrows or Spirit Summons. So when people ask me,
can you buy runes Elden Ring? I tell them: not directly—but with smart selling and consumable use, it feels like you can.
Earning Elden Ring runes efficiently is all about preparation and smart use of what the game gives you. From timed buffs like Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to smart inventory management, these consumables offer a serious edge. I’ve tested each of these methods myself, and they’ve helped me power through late-game content and boss encounters with confidence.
So next time you're about to dive into a rune farm or tackle a major boss, check your inventory. The right consumable at the right time can mean the difference between struggling and thriving in the Lands Between.
What You Missed:
Elden Ring Rune Synergy with Weather-Sensitive Gear: 5 Combinations to Enhance Gameplay