Can You Use More Than One Great Rune in Elden Ring?
No, you cannot actively equip and benefit from more than one Great Rune at a time in Elden Ring. You can possess multiple Great Runes, but only one can be actively empowered after resting at a Site of Grace and using a Rune Arc. Once a Rune Arc is consumed, the currently equipped Great Rune’s effect will be active.
Understanding Great Runes in Elden Ring
Great Runes are powerful items obtained by defeating the Shardbearers, demigod bosses who are offspring of Queen Marika the Eternal. These runes offer significant boons to the player, enhancing their character in various ways. However, their power is dormant until restored and activated in a specific way.
Restoring Great Runes
After acquiring a Great Rune, it needs to be restored at the Divine Tower associated with that specific Shardbearer. For instance, Godrick’s Great Rune must be restored at the Divine Tower of Limgrave. Each Great Rune has a dedicated Divine Tower. This process essentially unlocks the rune’s potential.
Activating and Equipping Great Runes
Even after restoration, a Great Rune’s effects are not automatically active. To harness their power, you must first equip the restored rune at a Site of Grace. You can only equip one Great Rune at a time. After equipping the desired rune, you need to consume a Rune Arc. A Rune Arc is a consumable item that empowers the equipped Great Rune, granting you its benefits. The effect lasts until you die.
Strategic Considerations
The inability to use multiple Great Runes simultaneously necessitates strategic decision-making. You must carefully consider which rune’s benefits align best with your current build, playstyle, and the challenges you’re facing. For example, Godrick’s Great Rune increases all attributes, offering a well-rounded boost, while Radahn’s Great Rune boosts HP, FP, and Stamina, favoring a more aggressive approach.
Great Runes: A Summary Table
| Great Rune | Shardbearer | Divine Tower | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ————- | ———————— | ———————————————————————— |
| Godrick’s Great Rune | Godrick | Limgrave | Raises all attributes. |
| Radahn’s Great Rune | Radahn | Caelid | Raises HP, FP, and Stamina. |
| Rykard’s Great Rune | Rykard | Divine Tower of West Altus | Restores HP upon defeating enemies. |
| Morgott’s Great Rune | Morgott | Divine Tower of East Altus | Greatly raises maximum HP. |
| Mohg’s Great Rune | Mohg | Divine Tower of East Altus | Grants the blessing of blood to summons. |
| Malenia’s Great Rune | Malenia | Isolated Divine Tower | Attacks performed immediately after receiving damage will recover HP. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I have multiple Great Runes restored?
You can have all the Great Runes restored. However, you can only equip one at a time at a Site of Grace and activate it with a Rune Arc.
2. Can I switch between Great Runes whenever I want?
Yes, you can switch between restored Great Runes at any Site of Grace. This allows you to adapt your strategy based on the situation.
3. Does the effect of a Great Rune stack if I use multiple Rune Arcs?
No, using multiple Rune Arcs while a Great Rune is already active will not stack its effects. One Rune Arc activates the Great Rune; further use will be wasted.
4. Where can I find Rune Arcs?
Rune Arcs can be found as loot in the world, purchased from merchants, and earned as rewards for cooperative multiplayer. They are relatively rare, so use them wisely.
5. How long does the effect of a Great Rune last?
The effect of a Great Rune, activated by a Rune Arc, lasts until you die.
6. Do Great Runes affect my summoned Spirit Ashes?
Some Great Runes, like Mohg’s Great Rune, specifically affect your summoned Spirit Ashes, granting them additional power. Others primarily benefit the player character.
7. Is it worth using a Rune Arc to activate a Great Rune?
Generally, yes. The benefits provided by Great Runes are substantial and can significantly improve your character’s survivability and damage output. However, consider the situation and the rune’s effect before consuming a valuable Rune Arc.
8. Can I get Great Runes in multiplayer?
You obtain Great Runes by defeating the Shardbearers in your own world. While you can assist others in defeating these bosses in multiplayer, you will not receive the Great Rune unless you defeat the boss in your world.
9. What is the most versatile Great Rune?
Godrick’s Great Rune is often considered the most versatile, as it increases all attributes, making it useful for any build.
10. What is the best Great Rune for a melee build?
Radahn’s Great Rune, increasing HP, FP, and Stamina, is generally favored for melee builds, providing more survivability and allowing for more frequent use of weapon skills.
11. What is the best Great Rune for a mage build?
Rykard’s Great Rune, which restores HP upon defeating enemies, can be very useful for mages who often find themselves at a distance and vulnerable. However, some mages prefer the more general boost of Godrick’s Great Rune.
12. Can I lose a Great Rune?
No, once you obtain a Great Rune and restore it at its Divine Tower, you cannot lose it. It will remain available for you to equip and activate as desired.
13. Are there any Great Runes that are considered “bad”?
No Great Runes are inherently bad. Their effectiveness depends on your build, playstyle, and the challenges you are facing. Experiment with different runes to find the ones that best suit your needs.
14. Does the Great Rune effect persist through fast travel?
Yes, the Great Rune effect activated by a Rune Arc persists through fast travel and zone transitions.
15. Can I “unequip” a Great Rune without dying?
You can “unequip” a Great Rune by equipping a different Great Rune at a Site of Grace. However, doing so will only change which Great Rune you’ll activate with your next Rune Arc. The current Great Rune will continue being active until your character dies.