Playing Elden Ring in co-op is one of the most satisfying ways to experience the Lands Between. Whether you're helping friends or being summoned by random Tarnished, co-op battles offer a thrilling mix of coordination and challenge. But for all the fun, there's one drawback — rune gains can be inconsistent, especially compared to solo play. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to maximize your rune efficiency while playing with others.

Here are 9 practical tips to help you boost your rune gains during co-op sessions.

1. Use the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot Wisely

This consumable temporarily boosts the number of runes you gain from defeated enemies. The key is timing — don’t use it too early in a co-op session. Activate it just before a boss fight or when entering a high-density enemy area to make the most out of the short duration.

2. Choose High-Yield Areas for Summoning

If you’re looking to earn runes efficiently, prioritize areas like Farum Azula, the Mountaintops of the Giants, or Haligtree. These zones have tougher enemies and bosses that reward significantly more runes upon defeat. Being summoned in these zones often yields better returns than earlier game areas.

3. Stick With the Host Until the End

It's tempting to leave a session early after a tough mini-boss, but rune rewards increase significantly if you help defeat a major boss or finish a significant portion of an area. Completing the full session with your host increases the chance of better drops and rune gains.

4. Equip Rune-Boosting Talismans

Certain talismans, like the Gold Scarab, passively boost the number of runes earned. These talismans are incredibly useful in co-op play where your rune rewards are limited to enemy defeats (not exploration or looting). Prioritize equipping them when entering long multiplayer runs.

5. Farm While You Wait

While waiting to be summoned via your summon sign, don't just idle. Use the time to farm mobs in the area where you placed your sign. Some players prefer the Moghwyn Palace area for this very reason — you can earn runes solo while queuing for co-op.

6. Stack Rune Multipliers When Possible

Buffing items, talismans, and certain event bonuses (like in-game festivals or limited-time boosts) can be stacked for exponential gains. Planning your co-op sessions during these periods is a great way to enhance your rune farming. Always double-check your gear before jumping into another player's world.

7. Limit Deaths — Stay Alive to Reap the Rewards

It might sound obvious, but dying in someone else's world resets your rune potential to zero for that run. Prioritize survivability over aggression, especially in unfamiliar areas. Rune-efficient players are often those who play cautiously and consistently.

8. Optimize Your Build for Co-op Efficiency

In co-op, playing to your strengths benefits everyone. Whether you're tanking, healing, or focusing on ranged DPS, the faster and smoother the session, the more efficient your rune farming becomes. A strong support or high-damage build can help wrap up encounters quickly, which translates directly to more rune gains over time.

9. Keep Your Inventory Ready with Useful Consumables

Being well-stocked means less time prepping and more time farming. Items that boost stamina, FP regeneration, or reduce spell cost can indirectly improve rune efficiency by keeping you in action longer. Sites known as the best site to buy Elden Ring Runes or the best site to buy Elden Ring items are often where players go to maintain a steady supply of these resources, especially when crafting or grinding feels too slow.

Rune farming in co-op doesn’t have to be inefficient. With smart preparation and strategic play, you can turn every summon into a profitable venture. Whether you're a seasoned summon or a newcomer exploring jolly cooperation, these tips should help you make the most of your time in Elden Ring’s interconnected world.