Introduction
Elden Ring is packed with mysteries, challenges, and treasures waiting to be discovered. Among its many features, Great Runes stand out as powerful items that can change the tide of battle. But let’s be real—figuring out how to equip Great Runes can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new to the game.
If you’ve been scratching your head, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to equip Great Runes and use them to unleash their full potential.
What Are Great Runes?
Before we dive into equipping them, let’s quickly explain what Great Runes are.
Great Runes are special items obtained by defeating major bosses in Elden Ring, known as Demigods. These runes grant significant bonuses to your character, like increased health, stamina, or strength. However, simply defeating a boss and collecting their Great Rune isn’t enough—you’ll need to activate and equip it first.
How to Equip Great Runes: Step-by-Step
Equipping a Great Rune in Elden Ring isn’t as straightforward as other RPGs. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
1. Defeat a Demigod Boss
To get your hands on a Great Rune, you first need to defeat a Demigod boss. These bosses are tough, but the rewards are worth it. Some examples include:
- Godrick the Grafted (in Stormveil Castle)
- Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon (in Raya Lucaria Academy)
- Radahn, the Starscourge (in Caelid)
Each boss drops their unique Great Rune, so prepare yourself for an epic battle!
2. Activate the Great Rune at a Divine Tower
Once you’ve acquired a Great Rune, it will be inactive. To activate it, you’ll need to visit the corresponding Divine Tower. Here’s how:
- Check the description of the Great Rune in your inventory to find its associated Divine Tower.
- Travel to the tower’s location. Most towers are near the region where you fought the boss. For example, to activate Godrick’s Great Rune, you’ll need to visit the Divine Tower of Limgrave.
- Climb to the top of the tower and interact with the glowing altar to activate the Great Rune.
3. Equip the Great Rune at a Site of Grace
Now that your Great Rune is activated, it’s time to equip it:
- Rest at any Site of Grace.
- Navigate to the “Great Runes” menu.
- Select the activated Great Rune you want to equip.
Once equipped, the Great Rune’s effects will be ready to use—but there’s one more step to unlock its true power.
4. Use a Rune Arc to Activate Its Effects
Simply equipping a Great Rune isn’t enough to reap its benefits. You’ll need to use a Rune Arc to activate its effects temporarily.
- Rune Arcs are consumable items that can be found in various places, purchased from merchants, or earned by defeating certain enemies.
- After equipping your Great Rune, use a Rune Arc from your inventory. This will “activate” the rune’s effects until you die.
Pro Tip: Since Rune Arcs can be rare, save them for challenging areas or boss fights.
Benefits of Great Runes
Each Great Rune provides a unique bonus that can greatly enhance your gameplay. Here are a few examples:
- Godrick’s Great Rune: Boosts all of your attributes, making it a versatile choice for any build.
- Radahn’s Great Rune: Increases your maximum health, stamina, and FP (Focus Points).
- Morgott’s Great Rune: Boosts your maximum HP, which is perfect for tanky builds.
Choose the Great Rune that complements your playstyle and current challenges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to Activate the Great Rune: Many players collect Great Runes and wonder why nothing happens. Remember, you must activate them at a Divine Tower before equipping them.
- Wasting Rune Arcs: Don’t use Rune Arcs casually—they’re best saved for tough fights or challenging areas.
- Skipping the Divine Towers: Each Great Rune has a specific tower. If you’re stuck, refer to the rune’s description for hints about the tower’s location.
Conclusion
Equipping Great Runes in Elden Ring might seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a rewarding system that can greatly enhance your character’s power. By defeating Demigod bosses, activating their Great Runes at Divine Towers, and using Rune Arcs to unlock their effects, you’ll have a powerful edge in your journey across the Lands Between.
So, the next time you face a challenging boss or explore a dangerous area, don’t forget to equip and activate your Great Runes—they might just save your life!
FAQs
1. Can I use multiple Great Runes at once?
No, you can equip only one Great Rune at a time. However, you can switch between them at a Site of Grace.
2. Where can I find Rune Arcs?
Rune Arcs can be purchased from certain merchants, found in chests, or dropped by specific enemies. Keep an eye out as you explore!
3. Do Great Runes stay activated after I die?
No, the effects of a Great Rune will disappear when you die. You’ll need to use another Rune Arc to reactivate it.
4. Are all Great Runes equally powerful?
Not necessarily. Each Great Rune offers different benefits, so choose one that suits your playstyle or the challenges you’re facing.
5. Do I need to activate every Great Rune at a Divine Tower?
Yes, each Great Rune must be activated at its specific Divine Tower before it can be equipped.
Now, go out there and conquer the Lands Between with the power of Great Runes!
