Great Runes and New Game Plus in Elden Ring: A Tarnished’s Guide
Yes, Great Runes do carry over to New Game Plus (NG+) in Elden Ring. This means that you won’t have to re-acquire them by defeating the shardbearers again. However, keep in mind that you will still need to reactivate them by visiting their respective Divine Towers and restoring their power. Also, the effect granted by a Great Rune is NOT permanent – it only lasts until you die, even in NG+. To use a Great Rune, you need to equip them at a Site of Grace and consume a Rune Arc to activate its effect.
Diving Deeper: Great Runes in Elden Ring
Great Runes are powerful items acquired by defeating the main demigod bosses, the shardbearers, in Elden Ring. Each Great Rune offers a unique buff to your character when activated with a Rune Arc. Godrick’s Great Rune, for example, increases all your attributes, while Radahn’s Great Rune boosts your HP, FP, and Stamina. These buffs can be invaluable for tackling difficult areas or bosses, especially in NG+ where enemies are significantly stronger.
Activating and Utilizing Great Runes
Obtaining a Great Rune is only the first step. To harness its power, you need to:
- Visit the corresponding Divine Tower: Each Great Rune has a specific Divine Tower associated with it. You need to travel to that tower to restore the Rune’s power.
- Equip the Great Rune at a Site of Grace: Once restored, you can equip the Great Rune at any Site of Grace.
- Use a Rune Arc: Consuming a Rune Arc will activate the Great Rune’s effect. The buff will last until you die.
Why Great Runes Matter in NG+
NG+ in Elden Ring offers a significant increase in difficulty. Enemies hit harder, have more health, and can pose a serious challenge, even for experienced players. Great Runes, therefore, become even more valuable. They provide a tangible boost to your stats, helping you survive encounters and deal more damage. Deciding which Great Rune to use based on your build and playstyle is crucial for success in NG+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Great Runes and their role in Elden Ring, especially in NG+:
1. Are Great Runes automatically active in NG+ if I had them active at the end of my previous playthrough?
No. While you keep the Great Runes themselves, you must still visit the Divine Towers to restore their power and then use a Rune Arc to activate them each time you want their effects.
2. Do Rune Arcs carry over to NG+?
Yes, Rune Arcs carry over to NG+. You keep any Rune Arcs you had in your inventory or storage at the end of your previous playthrough.
3. Is there a way to permanently activate Great Runes?
Unfortunately, no. The effect of a Great Rune only lasts until you die or switch to a different Great Rune. You’ll need to use a Rune Arc each time to reactivate it.
4. Which Great Rune is the best for NG+?
The “best” Great Rune depends on your build and playstyle. Godrick’s Great Rune is generally a solid choice early on due to its balanced stat boosts. Radahn’s Great Rune becomes more valuable later in the game, with its percentage-based HP, FP, and Stamina increases.
5. What happens if I don’t activate a Great Rune?
If you don’t activate a Great Rune at its respective Divine Tower, it will remain dormant and provide no benefits. Even equipping it at a Site of Grace won’t do anything until it’s been activated.
6. Can I lose a Great Rune?
No, you cannot lose a Great Rune once you’ve obtained it. It will remain in your inventory even after death or starting NG+.
7. How many Great Runes are there in Elden Ring?
There are a total of seven Great Runes obtainable in Elden Ring from the main shardbearer bosses.
8. Does the difficulty of restoring Great Runes at Divine Towers increase in NG+?
No, the difficulty of the Divine Towers themselves remains the same in NG+. The enemies inside and the challenges they present are unchanged. However, the overall increased difficulty of NG+ might make these areas feel more challenging.
9. Are there any new Great Runes in NG+?
No, there are no new Great Runes introduced in NG+. You can only obtain the same Great Runes as in your first playthrough.
10. Can I use multiple Great Runes simultaneously?
No, you can only equip and activate one Great Rune at a time.
11. How do I farm Rune Arcs?
Rune Arcs can be obtained by defeating bosses, helping other players as a cooperator, or found as loot in various locations. Multiplayer is a reliable way to replenish your supply.
12. Is it worth using Great Runes in NG+?
Absolutely. The stat boosts provided by Great Runes can be invaluable for tackling the increased difficulty of NG+. They can provide a crucial edge in challenging encounters.
13. Do Great Runes affect summoning or multiplayer interactions?
No, Great Runes do not directly affect summoning or multiplayer interactions. However, the stat boosts they provide can indirectly impact your effectiveness in co-op or PvP.
14. Are there any glitches related to Great Runes in NG+?
While glitches can sometimes occur, there are no widely known or persistent glitches specifically related to Great Runes in NG+. Always ensure your game is updated to the latest version to minimize the risk of encountering any potential issues.
15. How does the Great Rune of the Unborn work in NG+?
The Great Rune of the Unborn doesn’t provide a combat buff like other Great Runes. Instead, it allows you to respec your character’s stats at Rennala, the Queen of the Full Moon. This function carries over to NG+, allowing you to reallocate your stats as many times as you have larval tears.
Mastering the Elden Ring Experience
Ultimately, understanding and utilizing Great Runes effectively is a key aspect of mastering Elden Ring, especially in the challenging landscape of NG+. Experiment with different Great Runes, adapt your strategies, and prepare to die (a lot!). Embrace the learning curve, and you’ll find yourself conquering even the most formidable foes. Remember to check out resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming. Good luck, Tarnished! May your Great Runes guide you to become Elden Lord!