In the realm of the Lands Between, the power of Great Runes beckons to weary adventurers. These primordial relics bestow upon their wielders extraordinary abilities, capable of shaping the very fabric of reality. However, harnessing their immense potential requires a profound understanding of the sacred rituals and hidden mechanics that govern their use. This comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries surrounding Great Runes, empowering you to equip and unleash their transformative force upon the unforgiving landscapes of Elden Ring.
To embark on the path of unlocking Great Runes, you must first seek the guidance of the enigmatic Two Fingers, who reside within the Roundtable Hold. These enigmatic beings possess the ancient knowledge necessary to activate the power of the Runes, but their favor comes at a price. You must prove yourself worthy by vanquishing formidable foes and traversing treacherous dungeons, gathering fragments of the shattered Great Runes as you progress. With each fragment you acquire, the Two Fingers will bestow upon you the ability to equip a single Great Rune, granting you access to its profound effects.
The Great Runes of Elden Ring are not merely static power-ups; they are intricate puzzle pieces that can be combined and synergized to create an unparalleled array of strategic possibilities. By equipping different Great Runes in tandem, you can tailor your character’s abilities to match your playstyle and the challenges that lie ahead. Additionally, each Great Rune possesses a unique rune arc, a consumable item that grants temporary bonuses to specific attributes or abilities. By utilizing the rune arcs wisely, you can adapt your Rune-powered arsenal to meet the ever-changing demands of the game’s relentless foes.
Acquiring Great Runes
Great Runes are potent artifacts found throughout the vast world of Elden Ring. These enigmatic relics bestow remarkable powers upon their bearers, enhancing their abilities and granting them unique advantages in battle. Acquiring these coveted Runes is a pivotal task for any Tarnished seeking to become Elden Lord.
The journey to acquire Great Runes unfolds in a multifaceted manner, intertwining exploration, strategic gameplay, and interactions with enigmatic characters. Each Rune possesses its own distinct story and set of challenges that must be overcome to claim its power. By conquering formidable demi-gods and unraveling the secrets of the Lands Between, Tarnished can gradually amass these extraordinary Runes and wield their transformative abilities.
To initiate the arduous quest for Great Runes, Tarnished must traverse the realm, following the guidance of Grace and venturing into perilous dungeons and towering castles. Along this treacherous path, they will encounter formidable adversaries known as demi-gods, who serve as formidable guardians of these coveted treasures. Defeating these formidable opponents requires adept combat skills, strategic planning, and unwavering determination. Upon vanquishing each demi-god, Tarnished are rewarded with their corresponding Great Rune, unlocking its vast potential for enhancing their attributes and empowering them in combat.
| Demi-God | Great Rune | Location |
|—|—|—|
| Godrick the Grafted | Great Rune of Godrick | Stormveil Castle |
| Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon | Great Rune of the Unborn | Academy of Raya Lucaria |
| Radahn, General of Radagon | Great Rune of General Radahn | Redmane Castle |
| Malenia, Blade of Miquella | Great Rune of Malenia | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree |
The Power of Great Runes
Great Runes are powerful relics in Elden Ring that grant their users various benefits and abilities. They are obtained by defeating major bosses throughout the game, and they can be equipped to provide a significant advantage in combat.
Equipping Great Runes
To equip a Great Rune, simply open your inventory and select the “Great Runes” tab. From there, you can choose which Rune you want to equip. To activate a Rune’s effects, you must first activate it at a Site of Grace. Once activated, the Rune’s effects will last until you die or unequip it.
Each Great Rune provides a different benefit, such as increased health, stamina, or damage resistance. Some Runes also grant special abilities, such as the ability to cast spells or summon spirits. The following table summarizes the effects of each Great Rune:
| Great Rune | Effect |
|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Increases health and stamina |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | Increases intelligence and mind |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Increases strength and endurance |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Increases dexterity and arcane |
| Malenia’s Great Rune | Increases damage output |
| Mohg’s Great Rune | Increases health regeneration |
Usage and Limitations of Great Runes
Great Runes are powerful items in the game Elden Ring that bestow unique boons upon the player. To equip a Great Rune, you must first find and activate it at a Divine Tower. Once activated, the Great Rune can be equipped at a Site of Grace. However, there are certain limitations to using Great Runes:
Limitations
- Only one Great Rune can be equipped at a time.
- Great Runes require a certain amount of Runes to activate (ranging from 10,000 to 40,000).
- If the player dies, the equipped Great Rune will be deactivated and must be re-activated before its effects can be used again.
Activation Costs of Great Runes
The following table lists the activation costs of all available Great Runes in Elden Ring:
| Great Rune | Activation Cost |
|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | 10,000 Runes |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | 20,000 Runes |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | 30,000 Runes |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | 40,000 Runes |
Activating Great Runes
To activate a Great Rune, you must first obtain its corresponding Rune Arc item. Rune Arcs can be found throughout The Lands Between, or purchased from merchants. Once you have a Rune Arc, follow these steps:
- Open the menu.
- Select the “Great Runes” tab.
- Choose the Great Rune you want to activate.
- Press the “Activate” button.
Once you have activated a Great Rune, it will provide you with its special bonus. However, Great Runes can only be activated for a limited time. To extend the duration of a Great Rune, you must use a Rune Arc. Rune Arcs can be consumed at any time, even when you are not in combat.
Rune Arc Details
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
| Rune Arc | Activates a Great Rune for a limited time. |
| Great Rune | Provides a special bonus when activated. |
Upgrading Great Runes
Great Runes in Elden Ring can be upgraded to enhance their potency and unlock new abilities. To upgrade a Great Rune, you need to find its respective Rune Arc and consume it at the Divine Tower where the Rune was initially found. Rune Arcs can be obtained by defeating major bosses or by exploring the game world.
| Great Rune | Rune Arc Location | Divine Tower Location |
|---|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Defeat Godrick the Grafted | Stormveil Castle |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Defeat Starscourge Radahn | Redmane Castle |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | Defeat Renalla, Queen of the Full Moon | Raya Lucaria Academy |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Defeat Morgott, the Omen King | Leyndell, Royal Capital |
| Malenia’s Great Rune | Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella | Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree |
Once you have obtained the necessary Rune Arc, head to the Divine Tower where you found the Great Rune and interact with the altar at the top. Select “Consume Rune Arc” and confirm your choice to upgrade the Rune. Each Great Rune has multiple levels of upgrade, with each level conferring a more powerful benefit.
Upgrading Great Runes is essential for optimizing your character’s performance and unlocking the full potential of these powerful artifacts. Through careful exploration and strategic use of Rune Arcs, you can enhance the effects of your Great Runes and gain a significant advantage in the Lands Between.
Selecting the Ideal Great Runes
Selecting the most suitable Great Runes for your character in Elden Ring is crucial to enhancing their strengths and aligning with your combat style. There are various Great Runes available, each offering distinct bonuses. Consider the following factors when making your selections:
1. Character Class:
The initial character class influences your choice of Great Runes. For example, the Samurai benefits from Godrick’s Great Rune, which increases attack power when using weapons with high critical hit ratios.
2. Playstyle:
If you favor aggressive combat, consider Great Runes that boost damage or reduce damage taken. If you prefer spellcasting, opt for Runes that enhance mana regeneration or spell potency.
3. Rune Level:
Great Runes require Rune Arcs to activate. Determine the Rune Arcs you have available and choose Runes that you can consistently activate.
4. Boss-Specific Runes:
Certain bosses drop Great Runes upon defeat. These Runes provide unique bonuses related to their respective bosses’ abilities. For instance, Godrick’s Great Rune increases damage dealt by Stormcaller-type attacks.
5. Synergies:
Consider how the bonuses from different Great Runes interact. For example, Radahn’s Great Rune boosts attack power, while Malenia’s Great Rune reduces damage taken. Together, they create a formidable combination for increasing survivability and offensive capabilities.
6. Rune Types:
| Rune Type | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Increases attack power when using weapons with high critical hit ratios |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | Increases intelligence and mind |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Increases attack power and stamina |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Reduces damage taken and increases health regeneration |
| Malenia’s Great Rune | Reduces damage taken and increases health regeneration at the cost of health loss |
Great Runes in Practice
Great Runes are tangible pieces of the Elden Ring, and they bestow potent bonuses upon those who wield them. To equip a Great Rune, the following steps must be taken:
Obtain a Great Rune
Great Runes are acquired by defeating major bosses throughout the Lands Between. Each boss drops a unique Great Rune upon defeat.
Activate a Great Rune
Once a Great Rune is obtained, it must be activated at a Divine Tower. There are six Divine Towers scattered across the Lands Between, each corresponding to a specific Great Rune.
Equip a Great Rune
After activating a Great Rune, it can be equipped at a Site of Grace. To equip a Great Rune, select the “Great Runes” option from the Site of Grace menu and choose the desired Rune from the list.
Using Great Runes
Great Runes can be used to enhance the player’s stats or grant special abilities. Each Great Rune has its own unique effects, which are detailed in its description.
Great Rune Slots
Players can only equip one Great Rune at a time. However, they can have multiple Great Runes activated and stored in their inventory.
Great Runes and Death
If a player dies while a Great Rune is equipped, the Great Rune will be deactivated and its effects will be lost. The Great Rune can be reactivated at a Site of Grace.
Table of Great Runes
| Great Rune | Effect |
|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Increases all stats |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Increases damage against large enemies |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | Increases intelligence |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Increases maximum health and stamina |
| Mohg’s Great Rune | Causes enemies to bleed on hit |
| Malenia’s Great Rune | Increases attack power and reduces damage taken |
Synergizing Great Runes
| Great Rune | Synergistic Runes |
|---|---|
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Radagon’s Soreseal, Marika’s Soreseal |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Shard of Alexander, Godfrey Icon |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Flock’s Canvas Talisman, Ritual Sword Talisman |
| Rennala’s Great Rune | Magic Scorpion Charm, Ancestral Spirit’s Horn |
| Mohg’s Great Rune | Bloodflame Blade Incantation, Rivers of Blood katana |
By combining Great Runes with synergistic items, you can significantly enhance their effects. Here are some effective synergies:
Godrick’s Great Rune
- Radagon’s Soreseal and Marika’s Soreseal: Increases all attributes but also takes additional damage. Combine them with Godrick’s Rune to boost your overall stats while mitigating the damage penalty.
Radahn’s Great Rune
- Shard of Alexander: Increases the health and attack power of your summons. Use this charm with Radahn’s Rune to make your summons even more powerful.
Morgott’s Great Rune
- Flock’s Canvas Talisman: Increases the duration of buffs applied to you. Combine this with Morgott’s Rune to prolong the effects of beneficial incantations and spells.
Considerations for Different Builds
When choosing which Great Runes to equip, consider your build and playstyle.
**Melee Builds:** Enhance your physical damage with Godrick’s Great Rune, which increases all attributes. Alternatively, Malenia’s Great Rune grants temporary increased damage after landing a critical hit, ideal for high-risk, high-reward builds.
**Magic Builds:** For increased spell damage, equip Rennala’s Great Rune. It grants increased Intelligence, boosting your offensive spells. Alternatively, equip Rykard’s Great Rune to gain HP regen after critical hits, providing survivability in extended battles.
**Incantation Builds:** Enhance your fire and dragon abilities with Maliketh’s Great Rune, which increases Strength and Dexterity while using them. Alternatively, Mohg’s Great Rune grants increased Bloodflame Incantation damage and Blood Loss buildup.
**Support Builds:** Provide utility to your allies with Radahn’s Great Rune, which increases HP, FP, and stamina for the party. Alternatively, equip Morgott’s Great Rune to reduce damage taken by nearby allies, protecting them in chaotic battles.
Unique Considerations for Great Runes
**Godrick’s Great Rune:** Enhances all attributes, making it a versatile choice for any build. However, its effect is limited if you focus heavily on a specific attribute, such as Intelligence or Dexterity.
**Malenia’s Great Rune:** Grants temporarily increased damage after critical hits. Ideal for builds with high critical hit potential and passive buffs, such as the Uchigatana with the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War.
**Rennala’s Great Rune:** Increases Intelligence, boosting the damage of all Intelligence-based spells. Essential for pure mage builds and those using powerful Intelligence-scaling spells, such as Comet Azur.
How To Equip Great Runes
To equip a Great Rune, you must first obtain it by defeating the associated demigod. Once you have a Great Rune, you can equip it at a Site of Grace.
To equip a Great Rune:
- Rest at a Site of Grace.
- Select the “Great Runes” option.
- Choose the Great Rune you want to equip.
- Select the “Equip” option.
Tips for Effective Great Rune Usage
1. Consider your build. Each Great Rune provides different bonuses, so you should choose the one that best suits your playstyle and build.
2. Activate your Great Rune wisely. Great Runes can only be activated once per rest, so you should only use them when you need them most.
3. Be aware of the risks. Great Runes can also have negative side effects, so you should be aware of them before you activate them.
4. Experiment with different Great Runes. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using Great Runes. Experiment with different ones to see which ones work best for you.
5. Use Great Runes to your advantage. Great Runes can give you a significant edge in battle, so use them to your advantage.
6. Don’t be afraid to unequip Great Runes. If you find that a Great Rune is not working for you, don’t be afraid to unequip it.
7. Keep your Great Runes upgraded. Great Runes can be upgraded to increase their effects. Be sure to keep them upgraded as you progress through the game.
8. Don’t forget to use your Great Runes. It’s easy to forget to use your Great Runes, but they can be a valuable asset in battle.
9. Be patient. It takes time to learn how to use Great Runes effectively. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
10. Have fun! Great Runes are a great way to add some variety and excitement to your Elden Ring experience.
How To Equip Great Runes
To equip a Great Rune, you must first find and activate it. Great Runes can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, often guarded by powerful bosses. Once you have found a Great Rune, you must use a Rune Arc to activate it. Rune Arcs can be found by exploring the world or by defeating enemies.
Once a Great Rune has been activated, you can equip it at a Site of Grace. To do this, select the “Great Runes” option from the menu and then choose the Great Rune you want to equip. You can only equip one Great Rune at a time.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of equipping Great Runes?
Great Runes provide various benefits, such as increased health, stamina, or damage output. Some Great Runes also grant special abilities, such as the ability to summon spirits or heal allies.
Can I equip multiple Great Runes at the same time?
No, you can only equip one Great Rune at a time.
Where can I find Great Runes?
Great Runes can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, often guarded by powerful bosses.
