Creating a no-combat rune build in Elden Ring may seem like a strange challenge at first, but it offers a unique and deeply satisfying way to experience the game. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or a newer player looking to experiment, this guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to build a character that thrives without traditional combat. Drawing from my own playthrough and in-game trials, I’ll also share personal tips and tricks to help you succeed in your pacifist journey—while maximizing your use of Elden Ring Runes.
Why Go No-Combat?
When I first started exploring a no-combat approach, it wasn’t about avoiding difficulty—it was about immersion, creativity, and exploring alternative gameplay mechanics. I wanted to engage with the world in a different way: using stealth, spirit summons, environmental hazards, and merchant interactions to progress and collect Elden Ring Runes without directly fighting enemies myself.
Step 1: Choose the Right Class and Keepsake
Start with the Wretch or Astrologer. The Wretch begins at level 1 and offers a blank slate, while the Astrologer starts with high Intelligence, which is useful for distraction-based magic. For your keepsake, pick the Golden Seed for extra healing early on, or the Lands Between Rune for a quick rune boost.
Step 2: Focus on Rune Farming Without Fighting
Your primary goal is to collect runes efficiently—without swinging a weapon.
Top methods I’ve tested personally include:
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Let enemies fight each other. In places like Sellia Crystal Tunnel or the War-Dead Catacombs, you can lure enemies into fighting each other and collect the runes after.
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Utilize fall damage. Kite mobs off cliffs to earn passive rune gains.
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Spirit Ashes. Summon powerful ashes like the Mimic Tear to do the fighting while you hide or keep distance.
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Area-based farming. The Mohgwyn Palace entrance is still one of the best rune farming zones—especially when you use the bird lure trick. I’ve farmed over a million runes in a single sitting without lifting a sword.
Step 3: Equip Rune-Boosting Gear
Look for items that increase rune gain, like:
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Gold Scarab (Talisman): Boosts rune acquisition by a significant percentage. It’s found in the Abandoned Cave—difficult to reach but well worth it.
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Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot (Consumable): Temporarily increases rune gain. Use these during farming sessions for maximum return.
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Silver Scarab: Though it boosts item discovery, combining it with rune farming can yield valuable loot to sell.
These were essential for me when I avoided direct combat and focused on making every farming run count.
Step 4: Invest Runes Wisely
You’ll be collecting thousands of Elden Ring Runes, so be strategic:
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Level up Vigor, Mind, and Endurance. Staying alive is key.
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Put points into Intelligence or Faith if you plan to use utility spells like Invisibility or buffs for your summons.
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Upgrade Spirit Ashes through Roderika in Roundtable Hold. A strong summon can carry you through bosses.
In my experience, investing in utility rather than brute strength kept my pacifist run consistent and fun.
Step 5: Leverage Non-Combat Gameplay
Your build can still contribute without direct attacks:
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Use stealth and distraction spells like Night Maiden’s Mist and Unseen Form.
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Craft consumables that inflict status or create diversions—like Sleep Pots or Bone Darts.
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Interact with NPCs, complete quests, and trade to obtain gear and runes.
By focusing on exploration and game-world interaction, I found new appreciation for Elden Ring’s design and depth.
Step 6: Buy Elden Ring Runes Securely (Optional)
Sometimes, a no-combat approach can feel slower than traditional play. If you want to supplement your progress, you can buy Elden Ring Runes securely from reputable platforms like U4GM. I’ve used their service once when I was short on time before a major boss encounter and wanted to level up my Spirit Ashes fast. The transaction was smooth, fast, and safe, with no issues affecting my account.
Always make sure you’re using trustworthy vendors that protect your account and deliver in-game currency through legitimate methods.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Creating a no-combat rune build gave me a whole new appreciation for Elden Ring. It challenged me to think differently, use the environment creatively, and deepen my understanding of rune mechanics. The sense of accomplishment I felt after clearing an entire legacy dungeon without fighting was unlike anything I’d experienced in the game before.
If you’re looking for a fresh, low-stress, yet highly strategic way to play, I encourage you to try this build. And remember, whether you’re farming on your own or choosing to buy Elden Ring Runes securely, the journey is yours to shape.
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