How to get the Golden Scarab in Elden Ring and get more runes

The Golden Scarab is a great item in Elden Ring, passively increasing how many runes you receive.

Accessories that increase “experience gain” has been a staple of FromSoftware titles, with the best example being the Covetous Silver Serpent Ring from Dark Souls titles. In Elden Ring, the Golden Scarab increases the number of runes dropped by enemies. Given that runes function both as money and experience points, this item makes it much easier to become stronger.

Golden Scarab location in Elden Ring

The Golden Scarab is found after defeating the optional Cleanrot Knight boss fights in the Abandoned Cave area in Caelid.

In the northeastern parts of Caelid, as it moves into becoming Dragonbarrow, there is a ruined wall that still glows with embers. This is the Smoldering Wall, and there is a site of grace partway along its length on the southern side.

From the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace, head southeast until you find the Abandoned Cave. Enter the cave and make your way to the optional boss fight against two Cleanrot Knights. One has a sword and the other has a spear, but they are otherwise identical to other Cleanrot Knights elsewhere in the game.

These two Cleanrot Knights at the end of the Abandoned Cave drop the Golden Scarab and 7,000 runes. While you have the Golden Scarab equipped, it increases the number of runes gained by 20%. It may not be the most massive boost, but it can make a huge difference in the speed of your progression. Plus, if you can beat a boss while wearing it, you’re in for a huge payday of runes.

For players looking to get a massive boost to their strength early in the game, intelligence-based casters can grab this item and then the Meteorite Staff. Both are found in Caelid and obtained relatively early in the game.

The Golden Scarab is a question of risk versus reward. The stronger the enemy, the more runes dropped, but the more likely that you’ll miss out on the other bonuses from combat-oriented talismans. Either way, it’s sure to become a staple of those looking to jumpstart their Elden Ring run.