How to Activate Great Runes?

Activating Great Runes is a key gameplay mechanic in Elden Ring, a popular action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware. Great Runes are powerful items obtained by defeating major bosses, known as Demigods, and provide significant buffs to the player character when activated. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate Great Runes in Elden Ring:

Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Great Runes

1. Defeat a Demigod Boss:

   • Great Runes are dropped by major bosses in the game, called Demigods. You need to defeat a Demigod to obtain their Great Rune. Some examples of Demigods include Godrick the Grafted and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.

2. Restore the Power of the Great Rune at a Divine Tower:

   • After obtaining a Great Rune, its power is initially dormant. To activate it, you must visit a Divine Tower in the Lands Between. Each Great Rune corresponds to a specific Divine Tower.

   • Divine Towers are typically marked on the game map. Travel to the relevant Divine Tower and make your way to the top.

3. Interact with the Rune Monument:

   • Once you reach the top of the Divine Tower, there will be a Rune Monument where you can restore the Great Rune's power.

   • Interact with the Rune Monument to restore the Great Rune, which will activate it for use.

4. Equip the Great Rune at a Site of Grace:

   • To use the Great Rune’s powers, you need to equip it. Head to a Site of Grace, the game’s checkpoint system, and open the menu.

   • Select the "Great Runes" option and choose the activated Great Rune you wish to equip.

5. Consume a Rune Arc to Activate the Great Rune’s Effects:

   • Simply equipping a Great Rune does not activate its effects. You need to consume a Rune Arc item to activate the Great Rune’s abilities temporarily.

   • Rune Arcs can be found throughout the game world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from certain merchants.

   • Once you use a Rune Arc, the effects of the equipped Great Rune will be active until you die or change the equipped Great Rune.

Tips for Using Great Runes

• Understand Each Great Rune's Effect: Different Great Runes provide different buffs. For example, Godrick’s Great Rune boosts all your attributes, while Radahn’s Great Rune increases your maximum health, stamina, and equipment load. Choose the one that best suits your playstyle.

• Stock Up on Rune Arcs: Since activating a Great Rune requires a Rune Arc, it’s a good idea to have several in your inventory, especially before tough battles or challenging areas.

• Use Great Runes Strategically: Save your Rune Arcs for significant challenges or when you need a substantial power boost, as they are relatively rare and can greatly impact difficult encounters.