Looking to power up your character in Elden Ring? Great Runes are key to unlocking powerful bonuses and unique mechanics tied to the game's legendary demigods. Each rune offers distinct effects, from boosting core stats to enabling stat respecs or supporting PvP invasions. Whether you're new to the game or diving into New Game Plus, this guide covers every Great Rune in detail. Don’t forget—you can also buy Elden Ring Runes to quickly access the benefits and enhance your journey through the Lands Between.
Great Runes in Elden Ring are fragments of the shattered Elden Ring, inherited by powerful demigods after the Shattering. These mystical runes grant immense strength and unique powers when restored and equipped. Each Great Rune has its lore significance and unique gameplay effect. To activate their effects, players must first restore them at Divine Towers and consume Rune Arcs to invoke their power.
Great Runes offer significant advantages in Elden Ring, from enhancing attributes to unlocking unique mechanics tied to the game’s legendary bosses. To make the most of these powerful items—especially on PS4—many players choose to Buy Elden Ring items PS4 to access essential gear and consumables that complement their Great Runes and elevate their gameplay experience.
Godrick's Great Rune is the first Great Rune most players will acquire in Elden Ring. It provides a balanced, all-around buff by increasing all attributes, making it especially useful in the early and mid-game. However, its effectiveness diminishes later compared to more specialized runes.
| Effect Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Attribute Boost | Grants +5 to all eight primary attributes: Vigor, Mind, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane |
| Activation Method | Restore the rune at the Divine Tower of Limgrave, then equip it at a Site of Grace. Use a Rune Arc to activate its power |
| Duration | The effect lasts until death or until the rune is unequipped |
| Bonus Mechanics | The +5 boost indirectly increases defensive stats such as HP, Stamina, FP, and resistances due to scaling |
| Ideal Use Case | Balanced builds or early-game characters needing a universal stat boost |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle |
| Additional Reward | Also drops the Remembrance of the Grafted |
| Location | Stormveil Castle, after defeating Godrick the Grafted |
| Restoration Site | Divine Tower of Limgrave, accessed via the bridge east of Stormveil Castle |
| NG+ Note | Must be reacquired and restored again in each New Game Plus cycle |
Rykard's Great Rune is a unique Great Rune in Elden Ring that rewards aggressive play by restoring health after every enemy kill. Unlike other runes that offer passive stat boosts, this rune provides powerful sustain, making it particularly useful in dense enemy zones and extended battles.
| Effect Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Healing Effect | Upon defeating an enemy, restores a flat 80 HP plus 7% of the user's maximum HP (based on Vigor stat) |
| Activation Requirement | Must be restored at the Divine Tower of West Altus and activated using a Rune Arc at a Site of Grace |
| Duration | The healing effect remains active until death or until another Great Rune is equipped |
| Ideal Use | Excellent for clearing large groups of enemies, sustaining health during invasions, or for offensive-focused builds |
| Limitations | Provides no direct stat boosts; the healing does not trigger from environmental kills or enemy self-destruction |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy |
| Location | Volcano Manor, Mt. Gelmir, near the Audience Pathway Site of Grace |
| Additional Reward | Remembrance of the Blasphemous is also awarded after the battle |
| Restoration Site | Divine Tower of West Altus, accessed via the Sealed Tunnel near Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace |
| Restoration Action | Interact with the Rune Arc pedestal and select “Restore the power of the Great Rune” |
Radahn's Great Rune is one of the most powerful runes in Elden Ring for players who favor a stamina-heavy or magic-infused playstyle. It provides a substantial boost to core survivability and resource pools—HP, FP, and Stamina—making it a versatile choice for both melee and caster builds alike.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| HP Boost | Increases maximum HP by approximately 15% (scales with base HP) |
| FP Boost | Increases maximum FP by approximately 12% (scales with base FP) |
| Stamina Boost | Increases maximum Stamina by approximately 15% (scales with base Endurance) |
| Activation Requirement | Must be restored at the Divine Tower of Caelid and then activated using a Rune Arc at any Site of Grace |
| Duration | Lasts until the player dies or unequips the rune |
| Best Use Scenarios | Ideal for PvE endurance fights, caster-heavy builds, or hybrid playstyles that require all three resources |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Obtained upon defeating Starscourge Radahn |
| Location | Redmane Castle, located in Caelid, accessible during the Radahn Festival event |
| Associated Rewards | Also drops Remembrance of the Starscourge |
| Restoration Site | Divine Tower of Caelid, located north of Redmane Castle, connected via a bridge leading from Dragonbarrow |
| Activation Process | Climb to the top of the tower and interact with the altar to restore the rune’s power |
Morgott's Great Rune is a powerful rune in Elden Ring obtained after defeating Morgott, the Omen King. This rune is favored by players who prioritize survivability, as it offers one of the highest raw HP increases among all Great Runes. While it does not provide bonuses to other stats or resources, the sheer boost to health makes it highly effective in both PvE and PvP.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Max HP Boost | Increases maximum HP by 25% of the player's base HP (not affected by talismans or temporary buffs) |
| Activation Requirement | Must be restored at the Divine Tower of East Altus and activated using a Rune Arc at a Site of Grace |
| Duration | Effect remains active until death or until a different Great Rune is equipped |
| Best Use Scenarios | Ideal for melee-focused builds, boss fights, and any situation where high durability is required |
| Additional Benefit | Enables tankier gameplay with greater margin for error, useful in high-damage areas or against multiple enemies |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by Morgott, the Omen King |
| Location | Leyndell, Royal Capital, accessed after defeating previous story bosses |
| Additional Reward | Remembrance of the Omen King is also granted |
| Restoration Site | Divine Tower of East Altus, located in the Altus Plateau |
| Tower Access Route | Reached through the Forbidden Lands by progressing east from the Grand Lift of Rold |
| Activation Process | Interact with the altar at the top of the tower to restore the rune's power |
Mohg’s Great Rune is a unique and sinister rune in Elden Ring, designed around invasion gameplay and blood-based mechanics. Unlike other Great Runes that provide direct benefits to the player, Mohg’s Rune empowers summoned allies—particularly in PvP settings—by infusing them with blood magic that amplifies their offensive potential. It also introduces a special consumable mechanic through the Phantom Great Rune, enabling strategic sacrifices for further power.
| Effect Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood Blessing for Summons | When Mohg’s Great Rune is activated, summoned invaders (such as those called by the player using the Festering Bloody Finger or Mohg's unique summoning items) are granted a bloodflame blessing, which adds additional Blood Loss buildup to their attacks |
| Phantom Great Rune | After a successful invasion, the player receives a Phantom Great Rune, which can be used to sacrifice HP to empower nearby enemies, potentially useful for cooperative events or PvP mind games |
| Activation Requirement | Must be restored at the Divine Tower of East Altus, then activated with a Rune Arc to enable the blood blessing |
| Duration | The effects last until the player dies or unequips the rune |
| Best Use Cases | PvP-focused builds, especially those using bleed mechanics, or those aiming to support other invaders or summonable enemies |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by Mohg, Lord of Blood |
| Location | Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum, specifically at the Cocoon of the Empyrean in Mohgwyn Palace |
| Additional Reward | Remembrance of the Blood Lord is also awarded |
| Access to Mohgwyn Palace | Can be accessed via a portal in the Consecrated Snowfield (using the Pureblood Knight’s Medal from White-Faced Varre’s questline) |
| Restoration Site | Divine Tower of East Altus |
| Access Route | The tower is accessible from Leyndell, Royal Capital’s eastern side via a lift and bridge system; the same tower is used for restoring Morgott’s Great Rune |
| Restoration Process | Interact with the altar at the top of the tower and select “Restore the power of the Great Rune” |
Malenia’s Great Rune is one of the most complex and skill-rewarding Great Runes in Elden Ring. Unlike other runes that offer passive bonuses, this rune requires a reactive, aggressive combat style to maximize its value. By allowing the player to recover lost HP through retaliation attacks, it rewards those who can stay on the offensive after taking damage. However, it also comes with a drawback—reduced Flask of Crimson Tears healing—creating a high-risk, high-reward gameplay dynamic.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-Healing Mechanic | Restores a portion of lost HP when the player lands attacks shortly after receiving damage |
| Flask Healing Reduction | Significantly reduces the healing power of the Flask of Crimson Tears while the rune is active |
| Activation Requirement | Must be restored at the Isolated Divine Tower and activated with a Rune Arc at any Site of Grace |
| Duration | The blessing remains active until death or until unequipped |
| Ideal Use Case | Best suited for aggressive melee builds and players skilled at quickly retaliating after getting hit |
| Unique Mechanic | Timing is critical—maximum healing occurs within a small window after taking damage |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by Malenia, Blade of Miquella |
| Location | Found deep in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, one of the most challenging legacy dungeons in the game |
| Additional Reward | Also grants the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess |
| Restoration Site | Must be restored at the Isolated Divine Tower |
| Access Route | Reach the Isolated Divine Tower by using the teleport portal on the Divine Bridge in Leyndell, Royal Capital |
| Activation Process | Interact with the altar at the tower’s peak to restore the rune’s power |
To make the most of each Great Rune, players must not only master combat mechanics but also manage their resources wisely. Essential Elden Ring Items like Rune Arcs, Larval Tears, and boss remembrance materials play a vital role in unlocking and sustaining the power of these runes. Whether you're boosting survivability, enhancing aggression, or experimenting with new builds, having the right items on hand ensures you're always ready to harness each rune's unique potential.
The Great Rune of the Unborn is a special rune in Elden Ring granted to players upon defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. Unlike most Great Runes, it does not offer passive stat bonuses or require restoration at a Divine Tower. Instead, it unlocks the ability to respec your character, allowing you to reallocate attribute points using Larval Tears. This rune is essential for players who want to experiment with different builds and playstyles throughout their journey.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Respecialization | Allows the player to reallocate their character’s attribute points (respec) |
| Activation Method | Speak to Rennala at the Grand Library of Raya Lucaria |
| Requirement | Must possess at least one Larval Tear to begin the respec process |
| Larval Tear Usage | A Larval Tear is only consumed when the player accepts and confirms a stat redistribution |
| Safe Exit Option | Players can enter the respec menu and back out without losing the Larval Tear |
| Limitations | The player must meet the minimum stat requirements for their current level and cannot reduce attributes below their starting class baseline |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Obtained after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon |
| Location | Found at the Raya Lucaria Grand Library in Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Additional Reward | Also grants the Remembrance of the Full Moon Queen |
| No Restoration Needed | This rune is active by default—no Divine Tower or Rune Arc required |
| Functionality Unlock | After defeating Rennala, players can speak to her at the Grand Library Site of Grace to access the respec option at any time (as long as they have Larval Tears) |
Miquella’s Great Rune stands apart from all other Great Runes in Elden Ring due to its unique function. Rather than providing a passive bonus or being activated with a Rune Arc, this rune plays a special role in a specific boss encounter. It is directly tied to the story and mechanics of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, offering strategic counterplay in one of the final battles of the DLC.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Can be used during the boss fight against Radahn, Consort of Miquella, to nullify the charm effect cast by Miquella |
| Usage Condition | The rune is automatically available if acquired before the Radahn, Consort of Miquella encounter |
| No Passive Effect | Unlike other Great Runes, it does not grant any passive stat bonuses or resource boosts |
| Activation Method | Not activated with a Rune Arc and not equipped at a Site of Grace |
| One-Time Use Context | The rune is only relevant during the specified boss battle and has no general gameplay utility outside of it |
| Ideal Strategy | Use the rune strategically during the fight to break free of Miquella’s control and shift the combat phase dynamics |
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Boss Drop | Dropped by the Scadutree Avatar |
| Location | Found at the Scadutree Base in the Scaduview region of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion |
| DLC Requirement | This rune is only available in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC content and cannot be accessed in the base game |
| Additional Loot | The Scadutree Avatar may also drop Scadutree Fragments or other Shadow Realm-related materials depending on progression |
| Restoration Requirement | Does not require restoration at any Divine Tower and is immediately usable upon acquisition |