The Epic Quest for Great Runes in Elden Ring

Jun-24-2024

 

 

Greetings, fellow Tarnished! If you've found yourself here, you're likely neck-deep in the sprawling, enigmatic world of Elden Ring, searching for those elusive Great Runes. These powerful artifacts are more than just shiny baubles—they're your key to conquering the Lands Between.

 

But how many are there, and where can you find them? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on an adventure through the mystical realms of Elden Ring, exploring the Great Runes and the lore and challenges that accompany them.

 

 

What are Great Runes?

Great Runes are powerful items tied to the demigods of Elden Ring. These demigods, who are the children or direct descendants of Queen Marika, each possess a Great Rune. Collecting these runes is crucial for your progression, not just because they grant incredible powers when activated, but also because they are integral to the lore and endgame.

 

 

The Great Runes of Elden Ring

In total, there are seven primary Great Runes that you can collect. Each rune offers unique benefits and challenges, tied intricately to its respective demigod. Here's a rundown of these coveted artifacts:

 

1. Godrick's Great Rune

Holder: Godrick the Grafted

Location: Stormveil Castle

Effect: When activated, this rune raises all attributes, providing a well-rounded boost to your character.

 

2. Radahn's Great Rune

Holder: Starscourge Radahn

Location: Redmane Castle, Caelid

Effect: This rune significantly increases your maximum HP, stamina, and FP (Focus Points), making it a formidable asset in battle.

 

3. Morgott's Great Rune

Holder: Morgott, the Omen King

Location: Leyndell, Royal Capital

Effect: It greatly increases your maximum HP, making you harder to kill.

 

4. Rykard's Great Rune

Holder: Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy

Location: Volcano Manor, Mt. Gelmir

Effect: Restores HP upon defeating enemies, a lifeline in prolonged fights.

 

5. Malenia's Great Rune

Holder: Malenia, Blade of Miquella

Location: Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree

Effect: When activated, this rune allows you to recover health with every successful attack—a boon for aggressive playstyles.

 

6. Mohg's Great Rune

Holder: Mohg, Lord of Blood

Location: Mohgwyn Palace

Effect: Grants a blessing of blood to summons, enhancing their attack power.

 

7. Great Rune of the Unborn

Holder: Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon

Location: Raya Lucaria Academy

Effect: This rune doesn’t provide combat benefits but allows for character respec—letting you reallocate your stats, which is invaluable for refining your build.

 

 

Activating Great Runes

Finding a Great Rune is only half the battle. To harness its power, you must activate it at a corresponding Divine Tower. Each Divine Tower is located in a different region and requires its own set of challenges to reach. Once activated, you can equip the Great Rune at any Site of Grace and use Rune Arcs to trigger their effects. These effects will be specific to the boss from which the rune was obtained and will remain active until you die, at which point they are lost. Rune Arcs can be discovered throughout Elden Ring or purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks and several other merchants within the game.

 

 

The Journey to Collect Great Runes

Stormveil Castle: Your first encounter with a Great Rune typically begins here. Godrick the Grafted, a grotesque figure with an amalgamation of limbs, guards Godrick's Great Rune. Stormveil Castle is a labyrinth of treacherous paths and deadly foes, but perseverance will reward you with your first Great Rune.

 

Redmane Castle: Radahn, the Starscourge, awaits you in the festering lands of Caelid. This titanic warrior commands gravity itself, and the battle against him is one of the most epic encounters in the game. Defeating Radahn grants you his Great Rune, which is a significant boost to your survivability.

 

Leyndell, Royal Capital: Morgott, the Omen King, is a tragic and formidable foe. His Great Rune, hidden within the heart of the capital, offers a massive increase to your HP, essential for surviving the toughest battles.

 

Volcano Manor: The fiery halls of Volcano Manor house Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. The grotesque, snake-like demigod offers a challenging fight, but his Great Rune’s lifesteal effect is invaluable.

 

Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree: Deep within this sacred tree lies Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Known for her devastating power and regenerative abilities, Malenia’s Great Rune mirrors her own strength, allowing you to regain health through combat.

 

Mohgwyn Palace: The blood-soaked realm of Mohg, Lord of Blood, is a hidden area filled with dangerous enemies and traps. Mohg's Great Rune enhances your summons, making them more formidable allies.

 

Raya Lucaria Academy: Rennala's Great Rune, found in the grand academy, is unique as it allows for character respec. This flexibility lets you tailor your character to fit your evolving playstyle.

 

 

The Impact of Great Runes

Great Runes are more than just powerful items; they are deeply woven into the narrative and lore of Elden Ring. Each rune tells the story of its bearer, their struggles, ambitions, and downfall. Collecting these runes not only makes you stronger but also immerses you deeper into the rich tapestry of the game's world.

 

 

Conclusion

The quest for Great Runes in Elden Ring is a journey filled with peril, discovery, and triumph. Each rune you collect brings you one step closer to mastering the mysteries of the Lands Between and confronting the ultimate fate that awaits you. So, Tarnished, gear up, hone your skills, and set forth on the path to gather all seven Great Runes. The adventure is arduous, but the rewards are beyond measure. Happy hunting, and may the guidance of grace always light your way!