Quick Answer: Great Runes are demigod power buffs in Elden Ring. After defeating a major demigod, restore their Great Rune at the corresponding Divine Tower, then equip and activate with a Rune Arc. Each Great Rune provides a different buff: Godrick’s adds +5 to all stats, Radahn’s boosts HP/FP/Stamina, Mohg’s heals on hit. Only one Great Rune active at a time.
Welcome to the EldenGuide Great Runes Wiki. Great Runes are powerful relics earned from the demigods, granting strong passive bonuses once activated. This page explains how they work.
What Are Great Runes?
A Great Rune is a major reward dropped by a demigod boss. Each one represents a shard of the shattered Elden Ring and grants a significant character-wide bonus while active. Collecting Great Runes is also tied directly to the main story — they are required to reach the endgame.
How to Use a Great Rune
Obtaining a Great Rune is only the first step. Before it does anything, you must activate it at the corresponding Divine Tower — a tall structure linked to that specific rune. Once activated, you equip the Great Rune like an accessory.
Rune Arcs
An equipped Great Rune only provides its bonus while you are “blessed” by a Rune Arc. Consuming a Rune Arc activates your equipped Great Rune’s effect until you die. This means Great Rune bonuses are powerful but conditional — you keep them as long as you survive. Rune Arcs are found in the world, dropped by enemies, and bought from merchants.
What Great Runes Do
Each Great Rune offers a different powerful bonus, such as:
- A large boost to your maximum HP, FP, and stamina;
- A significant increase to all attributes;
- Bonus Runes gained from defeating enemies;
- Automatic HP restoration after defeating foes;
- Other unique, build-shaping effects.
You can only equip one Great Rune at a time, so choosing the one that best supports your build matters.
Great Runes and Story Progress
Great Runes are not optional flavor — collecting enough of them is required to access the path to the capital and the endgame. As you defeat the demigods guarding the Lands Between, their Great Runes mark your progress toward becoming Elden Lord. Our Bosses Wiki covers the demigods who hold them.
Choosing the Right Great Rune
Since only one Great Rune can be equipped, pick the bonus that fits your playstyle. A survivability-focused rune suits a cautious build; a rune-gain bonus helps you level faster; an all-attribute boost benefits hybrid builds. Swap your choice at a Site of Grace as your needs change.
Making the Most of Great Runes
Keep a supply of Rune Arcs so your Great Rune bonus is active for important fights. Activate every Great Rune you collect at its Divine Tower — an unactivated rune does nothing. Treat the bonus as a meaningful buff for boss runs and difficult areas.
Final Notes
Great Runes are the relics of the demigods and a measure of your journey toward the throne. Activate them at their Divine Towers, keep Rune Arcs on hand, and equip the rune that best empowers your build. Browse our Great Runes Wiki to plan your path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do Great Runes work?
A: After defeating a major demigod, travel to the corresponding Divine Tower to restore their Great Rune. Then equip and use a Rune Arc to activate (lasts until death).
Q: Best Great Rune in Elden Ring?
A: Godrick’s Great Rune (+5 to all stats) is the most universal. Radahn’s Great Rune (boosts HP/FP/Stamina) is best for survivability.
Q: Where to find Rune Arcs?
A: Drop from invaders, defeated co-op summoners, and on corpses. Buyable at certain merchants. Limited supply — use only for tough fights.