Does the Rune Farm Dragon Respawn in Elden Ring?
No, the Greyoll dragon in Elden Ring, the one frequently used for early-game rune farming, does not respawn. Once defeated, either through legitimate combat or the commonly exploited bleed method, it’s gone for good in your current playthrough.
The Allure of Early Rune Farming
Elden Ring, like its predecessors in the Soulsborne genre, is notoriously challenging. Leveling up and upgrading your equipment are crucial for survival in the Lands Between. Early in the game, however, runes (the game’s currency and experience points) can be scarce. This is where the allure of efficient rune farming methods comes into play. The Greyoll dragon, located in Fort Faroth in the Dragonbarrow region of Caelid, presents an irresistible opportunity for many players.
Why Greyoll is Such a Popular Target
Greyoll, the ancient and immobile mother of dragons, doesn’t actively fight back. This makes her a sitting duck, albeit a very large one with a massive health pool. Even at low levels, players can exploit various techniques, most notably bleed damage, to chip away at her health until she finally succumbs. The reward for defeating Greyoll is a substantial 80,000 runes in the base game, a staggering amount for early-game characters. This influx of runes can allow players to significantly boost their stats, purchase powerful weapons and armor, and gain a considerable advantage in the early hours of their adventure.
The Cost of Easy Runes
While the Greyoll rune farm offers a tempting shortcut to power, it comes with a trade-off: the dragon doesn’t respawn. Once you claim your 80,000 runes, that particular farming opportunity is permanently closed off in your current playthrough. This is why many players carefully consider when and how they choose to exploit this method. Some prefer to save it for later when the rune reward is even more impactful, while others jump on it immediately to gain a quick edge.
Alternate Rune Farming Methods
Even though Greyoll is a one-time opportunity, the Lands Between are rife with other rune farming possibilities. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:
The Bell Bearing Hunter at Warmaster’s Shack
The Bell Bearing Hunter, a formidable enemy that appears at the Warmaster’s Shack in Limgrave at night, provides a decent rune reward for his difficulty. While not as lucrative as Greyoll initially, he respawns, offering a repeatable (albeit challenging) farming method. His weapon skills and unpredictable attacks will test your skills.
The Lenne’s Rise Rolling Ball
Near Lenne’s Rise in Eastern Liurnia, a large ball repeatedly spawns and rolls down a hill. This ball can be killed for a relatively easy 2,000 runes per kill. It requires precise timing and patience, but it’s a safe and repeatable farming method. This is especially beneficial early on before obtaining a Spirit Steed.
The Mohgwyn Palace Approach Ledge-Road
Considered one of the best rune farming spots in the late game, the Mohgwyn Palace Approach Ledge-Road offers incredible rune gains with relatively low risk. Players can use a ranged attack to trigger the death of a sleeping albinauric on a distant ledge, granting a large number of runes. This method is highly efficient and repeatable.
Birds and Albinaurics at Mohgwyn Palace
Also in Mohgwyn Palace, you can take advantage of the birds and Albinuarics near the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace. Using a ranged attack or weapon art like Sacred Relic Sword’s Wave of Gold, you can easily dispatch the Albinaurics along the path, or kill the bird perched on a nearby cliff.
Planning Your Rune Farming Strategy
Ultimately, the decision of whether to exploit the Greyoll rune farm depends on your individual playstyle and goals. If you’re looking for a quick power boost early in the game, it can be a worthwhile option. However, if you prefer a more gradual progression or want to save the large rune reward for later, exploring alternative farming methods might be a better strategy. Regardless of your approach, remember that Greyoll is a one-time opportunity, so choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rune Farming and Greyoll
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity and information:
1. Is Greyoll the only dragon that doesn’t respawn?
While most dragons in Elden Ring respawn, Greyoll is unique in that she is a single, immobile entity specifically placed for a massive rune reward. Other dragons, such as those encountered in Dragonbarrow or Liurnia, will generally respawn after being defeated.
2. What’s the best weapon for killing Greyoll early game?
Weapons that inflict bleed damage are highly effective against Greyoll. The Reduvia dagger, obtained early in Limgrave, is an excellent choice, as is the Uchigatana available from the Deathtouched Catacombs. Applying bleed will quickly deplete Greyoll’s health.
3. Does difficulty affect the number of runes dropped by Greyoll?
Elden Ring does not have adjustable difficulty settings. Therefore, the number of runes dropped by Greyoll (80,000 in the base game) remains constant regardless of your progress or character level. New Game Plus does increase the total number of runes received.
4. Can I still access Fort Faroth after killing Greyoll?
Yes, killing Greyoll does not affect access to Fort Faroth. The fort and its contents, including the Dectus Medallion (Right), remain accessible regardless of whether Greyoll is alive or dead.
5. Are there any consequences to killing Greyoll besides her not respawning?
There are no direct negative consequences to killing Greyoll beyond her not respawning. It does not affect any storylines, quests, or NPC interactions.
6. Can I reset Greyoll by starting New Game Plus?
Yes, starting a New Game Plus resets the entire game world, including the Greyoll encounter. This means you can defeat her again for another 80,000 runes in the new playthrough.
7. How does multiplayer affect the Greyoll rune farm?
In multiplayer, only the host receives the 80,000 runes when Greyoll is defeated. Phantoms who assist in the fight do not receive the full reward, but will get some runes based on their level and contribution to the fight.
8. Is there a level requirement to kill Greyoll?
There is no level requirement to kill Greyoll. Players can technically defeat her at level 1, although it might be challenging without proper equipment and strategy. Using bleed-inducing weapons is a common strategy for low-level players.
9. Are there any talismans that increase the runes received from Greyoll?
The Gold Scarab talisman increases the number of runes you receive from enemies by 20%. Equipping this talisman before defeating Greyoll will boost your rune reward.
10. Can I kill the smaller dragons around Greyoll for runes?
Yes, there are smaller dragons surrounding Greyoll. These smaller dragons do respawn. These are all sleeping and will wake when you attack them or when you get too close.
11. Are there any items I should use to maximize the rune gain from Greyoll?
Besides the Gold Scarab, using a Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot consumable will temporarily increase the runes you receive from enemies by 30%. Combining both the Gold Scarab and the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot can significantly boost your rune gains.
12. How long does it take to kill Greyoll using the bleed method?
The time it takes to kill Greyoll using the bleed method varies depending on your weapon, stats, and skill. With a bleed weapon and sufficient Arcane investment, it can be done in a matter of minutes.
13. Does killing Greyoll affect the Dragon Communion Seal?
No, killing Greyoll does not directly affect the Dragon Communion Seal. The Dragon Communion Seal is obtained from the Fringefolk Hero’s Grave and is independent of Greyoll.
14. Is the Greyoll rune farm considered an exploit or a legitimate strategy?
Whether the Greyoll rune farm is considered an exploit or a legitimate strategy is a matter of perspective. Some players view it as exploiting the game’s mechanics, while others see it as a valid way to gain an early advantage. FromSoftware has not officially stated it to be an exploit, but use it at your own risk.
15. Can I use Spirit Ashes to help kill Greyoll?
Yes, you can use Spirit Ashes to assist in killing Greyoll. While they won’t directly deal bleed damage, they can distract the smaller dragons and provide a buffer for you to attack. Just be wary of them drawing aggro of Greyoll herself if you decide to attack the babies.