How to equip great rune

What are Great Runes in Elden Ring?

Great Runes are powerful remnants of the Elden Ring, shattered during the events leading up to the game's present narrative. They are dropped by the major shardbearer bosses found throughout the Lands Between. Each Great Rune possesses a unique and potent ability that can significantly enhance a Tarnished's capabilities. However, acquiring a Great Rune is only the first step; these powerful artifacts require activation and activation to truly harness their power.

How to Activate a Great Rune

Before you can equip a Great Rune, it must first be activated. Each Great Rune is linked to a specific Divine Tower, a towering structure often found in proximity to the shardbearer's arena. To activate a Great Rune, you need to reach the top of its corresponding Divine Tower and interact with the altar there. For instance, Godrick's Great Rune is activated at the Divine Tower of West Limgrave, while Rennala's Great Rune is activated at the Divine Tower of Liurnia. Successfully activating a Great Rune allows you to utilize its passive effects.

Equipping and Using Great Runes

Once a Great Rune has been activated, you can then equip it. Navigate to your inventory screen, select the Great Rune you wish to use, and choose the 'Equip' option. It's crucial to understand that you can only have one Great Rune equipped at any given time. The powerful passive benefits granted by the Great Rune are not immediately active upon equipping. To make them functional, you must consume a Rune Arc. Rune Arcs are scarce consumable items that can be found as loot, dropped by specific enemies, or purchased from certain merchants. Upon consuming a Rune Arc, the effects of your equipped Great Rune will be applied.

The Effects and Limitations of Great Runes

The benefits bestowed by Great Runes are substantial. For example, Godrick's Great Rune increases all of your attributes by five points, a significant boost to your overall power. Mohg's Great Rune, on the other hand, enhances your attack power when you are near blood loss buildup. Each Great Rune offers a distinct advantage tailored to different playstyles and challenges. However, these potent buffs come with a significant drawback: they are lost upon death. When your Tarnished falls in battle, the effects of the Great Rune are dispelled, and you will need to consume another Rune Arc to reactivate them. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic consideration, especially when facing difficult bosses or exploring dangerous areas. Players must weigh the risk of losing their Rune Arc and the Great Rune's effect against the potential rewards.

Strategy and Best Practices

Choosing the right Great Rune depends heavily on your build and the current challenges you face. For early-game progression, Godrick's Great Rune offers a balanced stat boost that benefits most builds. As you progress, you might find Great Runes that cater more specifically to your combat style, such as those that enhance critical hits or specific damage types. Managing your Rune Arc supply is also vital. It's often advisable to save Rune Arcs for particularly challenging encounters or when you feel you need a significant edge. Experimenting with different Great Runes and understanding their activation requirements and effects is key to mastering their use and overcoming the trials of the Lands Between.