Equipping Great Runes in Elden Ring is a critical mechanic that can dramatically enhance your character’s strength, survivability, and overall build potential. These powerful relics, obtained from major bosses known as demigods, offer unique passive bonuses when properly activated and equipped. However, the game does not explain the process clearly, leaving many players confused about how to equip Great Runes effectively. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you unlock the full potential of these powerful artifacts and understand the systems surrounding them.
What Are Great Runes?
Great Runes are unique items dropped by specific story bosses primarily the demigod Shardbearers. They are remnants of the shattered Elden Ring and hold immense power. Each Great Rune provides a different bonus depending on which one you’ve equipped. However, these bonuses are not active by default; they must be restored and then equipped at specific points in the game.
Types of Great Runes
Examples of Great Runes include:
- Godrick’s Great Rune Boosts all attributes
- Radahn’s Great Rune Increases health, stamina, and FP
- Morgott’s Great Rune Greatly raises HP
- Mohg’s Great Rune Grants Blessing of Blood to summons
Each of these Great Runes must be earned through combat and unlocked through separate steps before they can be equipped and used.
How to Obtain a Great Rune
To equip a Great Rune, you first need to defeat a Shardbearer and claim their rune. Here are the general steps:
Step 1: Defeat a Shardbearer Boss
Shardbearers are powerful enemies located in legacy dungeons. The first commonly encountered is Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle. Others include Rennala, Radahn, Morgott, Mohg, and Rykard. Upon defeating one of these bosses, you’ll receive their respective Great Rune.
Step 2: Take the Rune to a Divine Tower
After acquiring a Great Rune, it must be restored before it can be equipped. Each rune has a corresponding Divine Tower where it must be activated.
For example:
- Godrick’s Great Rune â Restored at Divine Tower of Limgrave
- Radahn’s Great Rune â Restored at Divine Tower of Caelid
- Morgott’s Great Rune â Restored at Divine Tower of East Altus
To reach a Divine Tower, you’ll need to explore and navigate through tough enemies and sometimes puzzles. Once you reach the top of the tower, interact with the glowing sigil to restore the Great Rune.
How to Equip Great Runes
Once a Great Rune is restored, it can be equipped at any Site of Grace. Here’s how:
Step 1: Rest at a Site of Grace
Open your map and fast travel to a nearby Site of Grace. Alternatively, use one found in the open world or in a dungeon. Interact with the Site to sit down and open the options menu.
Step 2: Select Great Runes from the Menu
In the menu, choose the option labeled Great Runes. This will bring up a new interface showing all the restored Great Runes currently in your possession. Only restored runes will appear here. Unrestored runes must first be activated at their respective Divine Tower before they can be selected.
Step 3: Equip the Rune
Highlight the Great Rune you want to use and select it. It will now be displayed in the upper-left corner of your screen under your HP bar, indicating it’s equipped. At this point, however, the rune’s effects are still dormant.
Step 4: Use a Rune Arc to Activate
Equipping a Great Rune does not automatically grant its benefits. You must consume a Rune Arc to activate the effects temporarily.
- Open your inventory and use a Rune Arc
- Once consumed, the Great Rune’s power activates immediately
- The buff remains until death once you die, you must use another Rune Arc to re-activate the effect
Rune Arcs can be found in the world, dropped by rats, rewarded from co-op sessions, or purchased from certain merchants. Because they are somewhat rare, use them wisely, particularly before boss fights or difficult sections.
Tips for Managing Great Runes
Knowing how to equip Great Runes is only part of the process. Managing them strategically is just as important. Here are some helpful tips:
Choose the Right Rune for the Situation
Different runes suit different builds or combat scenarios. If you’re facing a boss with high magic damage, consider using a rune that boosts HP or resistance. For general exploration, Godrick’s all-attribute bonus is versatile and useful.
Save Rune Arcs for Key Battles
Since Rune Arcs are limited early on, try to save them for boss fights or areas with heavy enemy resistance. You can stockpile Rune Arcs by helping other players as a phantom using multiplayer summoning signs.
Pair Runes with Buffing Talismans
Some Great Runes synergize well with specific talismans. For instance, using Radahn’s Great Rune with talismans that enhance stamina recovery or FP usage can create a powerful combination for spellcasters or melee hybrid builds.
Switch Runes Between Encounters
You can change which rune is equipped at any Site of Grace, even mid-dungeon, provided you’re not in combat. This flexibility lets you adjust to upcoming challenges, such as switching from a balanced rune to one that boosts damage output for a boss encounter.
Advanced Notes on Great Rune Use
As you progress through the game, you’ll gather more Great Runes. Some are easier to restore and use than others, and each has unique effects tailored to different playstyles.
Rennala’s Rune Exception
Unlike other Shardbearers, Rennala’s Great Rune does not function like the others. Instead of equipping and activating it, her rune unlocks the ability to respec your character’s stats at Raya Lucaria Grand Library. You’ll need a Larval Tear to perform the respec, but her rune is essential for refining your build.
PvP and Co-op Considerations
In online multiplayer, Great Rune effects remain active as long as your Rune Arc is still in use. However, when you die in PvP, you lose the effect just like in PvE. Make sure to re-apply a Rune Arc before invading or hosting if you want the rune’s benefits active.
New Game+ and Great Runes
Great Runes carry over into New Game+, including their activation status. You’ll need to reacquire Rune Arcs, but restored runes remain available, allowing you to continue customizing your loadout in later playthroughs.
Understanding how to equip Great Runes in Elden Ring is essential for maximizing your power and survivability. From obtaining and restoring them to choosing the right one for each scenario, these artifacts form a vital part of your character’s journey through the Lands Between. Once equipped and activated with a Rune Arc, Great Runes offer significant buffs that can turn the tide of battle, help you survive tough encounters, and enhance your build across the game’s vast world. Mastering their use is a key step toward becoming Elden Lord.