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Volcano Manor is one of the more unique and sinister locations in Elden Ring, offering a darker narrative path, plenty of hidden lore, and some of the most efficient ways to rack up Elden Ring Runes. Whether you're preparing for a challenging boss or trying to round out your build, having a reliable rune farming strategy can make a huge difference.

Here are 13 of the best strategies to farm runes in Volcano Manor — a mix of combat tips, exploration routes, and some sneaky tactics that even experienced Tarnished might overlook.

1. Complete the Volcano Manor Contracts

Before diving into combat-heavy farming, start with the assassination quests offered by Tanith. Each contract rewards you with a solid chunk of Elden Ring Runes and unique gear. These missions are relatively quick and give you a taste of PvE that feels like PvP.

2. Exploit the Iron Virgins

Deep inside the manor, you’ll encounter Iron Virgins — terrifying mechanical enemies with high rune drops. They’re dangerous, but with the right spacing and ranged attacks, they can be farmed repeatedly for large returns.

3. Use the Guest Hall Site of Grace Loop

After unlocking the Guest Hall Site of Grace, backtrack through the lava-flooded areas. Several humanoid enemies patrol these corridors, and they’re relatively easy to defeat once you get their patterns down. Use this loop to quickly farm runes without taking much damage.

4. Equip Rune-Boosting Talismans

Always remember to equip items like the Gold Scarab talisman to increase your rune acquisition. It’s especially useful when dealing with larger enemy mobs inside the manor.

5. Clear the Man-Serpent Hallways

Man-Serpents are tough but drop a decent amount of runes. Use sweeping AoE attacks or Spirit Ashes to handle multiple enemies at once. These hallways can turn into efficient farming zones with the right gear.

6. Chain-Kill the Lesser Abductor Virgins

Lesser Abductor Virgins are placed in tight rooms that let you exploit their poor maneuverability. Learn their timing, and they can become a predictable source of Elden Ring Runes.

7. Use Multiplayer Invasions Strategically

Volcano Manor encourages PvP, and invasions in this area often lead to player kills — which reward you with runes. While not always consistent, this is a fun and lore-fitting way to farm.

8. Repeatedly Defeat the Inquisitors

Inquisitors located in side chambers are often isolated and can be taken out with minimal risk. They drop useful items as well as a solid number of runes.

9. Respec and Optimize for AOE Farming

If you're planning a long farming session, consider using Larval Tears to respec your build for AoE-heavy damage. Spells like Comet Azur or Ashes of War with wide arcs can speed up your rune gain dramatically.

10. Use Spirit Summons to Your Advantage

Summoning Spirit Ashes like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche can help handle clustered enemies without draining your resources. They make farming runs more efficient and safer.

11. Farm the Magma Wyrm for Boss-Level Runes

If you’ve unlocked the deeper lava areas, consider farming the nearby Magma Wyrm. It’s not a pushover, but once you’ve mastered its patterns, the rune payout is worth the effort.

12. Rest Between Loops at Optimal Grace Points

Use Sites of Grace that minimize downtime. Efficient loops between kills and resting significantly increase runes per hour. Guest Hall, Temple of Eiglay, and Prison Town Church are among the best options.

13. Know When to Buy, Not Grind

Sometimes, it's better to save time by getting what you need directly. While farming has its place, if you’re stuck or short on a key item for your build, the Best Place to buy Elden Ring Items can be a game-changer — especially when your focus is on progression rather than loot hunting.

Volcano Manor isn’t just a twisted narrative detour — it's also one of the most efficient areas in Elden Ring for rune farming. Whether you're crushing serpent-folk or sneaking through dark corridors, these strategies will keep your rune count climbing. Just remember, like with any good grind, efficiency is key. The right route, the right build, and a bit of patience go a long way in the Lands Between.