If you’ve spent any time wandering the Lands Between, you already know that exploration is as rewarding as it is dangerous. Every new region is full of enemies, hidden loot, and crafting materials that can give you an edge. But item farming isn’t just about grinding in one spot—it’s also about making the most of your time when stepping into unexplored territory. Here are 12 effective ways to farm items while discovering new areas in Elden Ring.

1. Target Enemy Types That Drop Useful Gear
Certain enemies are known for their valuable loot pools. For example, Godrick Soldiers can drop weapons and armor early on, while Albinaurics in the Haligtree zone can drop rare crafting materials. When entering a new zone, take note of which enemy types repeat—farming them can be highly efficient.

2. Farm While Following Questlines
Many side quests naturally lead you through enemy-rich zones. If you pace yourself, clearing enemies while advancing the quest, you can stockpile resources without feeling like you’re grinding.

3. Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot Wisely
These temporary buffs boost item discovery. Save them for farming enemies in high-reward areas, such as the Mountaintops of the Giants, to maximize efficiency.

4. Combine Rune Farming With Item Farming
When looking for the best place to buy Elden Ring Runes, remember that you can also choose farming spots that drop both Runes and rare materials. This way, you’re building currency and your inventory at the same time.

5. Farm NPC Invaders
In new zones, scripted NPC invaders often drop unique weapons or spells. They may only spawn once, but they’re worth tracking down for those one-of-a-kind rewards.

6. Hit Caravans and Patrols
Traveling enemy groups often carry loot you can’t get from stationary mobs. Ambushing these caravans while exploring can give you weapons, crafting items, and upgrade materials.

7. Farm Wildlife for Crafting Ingredients
Don’t overlook animals. Sheep, eagles, and turtles all drop items used in consumables. While exploring, collect these passively to avoid having to backtrack later.

8. Explore Underground for High-Tier Loot
Caves, mines, and catacombs often contain rare upgrade stones and talismans. These areas also respawn enemies, making them great for repeated farming runs as you explore.

9. Farm While Testing New Builds
If you’ve recently acquired a new weapon or spell, try it out on enemies in fresh regions. You’ll learn its strengths and weaknesses while also farming valuable drops.

10. Keep an Eye Out for Hidden Merchants
Some merchants in remote areas sell rare consumables and upgrade materials. For players wondering where to buy Elden Ring items Xbox, these NPC vendors can be a great in-game alternative to farming everything yourself.

11. Double Back Through Cleared Zones
Enemies respawn after resting at a Site of Grace. When crossing a zone multiple times, clear it again for extra loot, especially if you know the drops are valuable.

12. Use Co-op to Speed Up Loot Runs
In multiplayer, farming becomes faster as allies help clear enemies. This lets you focus more on loot collection while still covering new ground.

Exploring new areas in Elden Ring is never just about sightseeing. If you’re strategic, you can turn every journey into an opportunity to stock up on rare gear, crafting materials, and Runes. The key is balancing progress with efficiency—making sure that every step forward in the Lands Between also fills your inventory with treasures worth the risk.