Radahn vs. Morgott: Which Great Rune Reigns Supreme in Elden Ring?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question isn’t simply, “Which Great Rune is the best?” but rather, “Which Great Rune is best for my build and playstyle?” While Morgott’s Great Rune provides a substantial HP boost, Radahn’s Great Rune offers a more balanced increase to HP, FP, and Stamina. Therefore, neither rune is definitively “better” – their value depends entirely on your character’s needs. For a pure Strength build focused on raw damage output, Morgott’s might be more appealing. For a more versatile build incorporating spells or intricate weapon arts, Radahn’s becomes a strong contender.
Understanding the Great Runes
Before diving into a detailed comparison, let’s recap what each Great Rune offers:
-
Radahn’s Great Rune: Increases HP, FP, and Stamina by 15%. This rune provides a well-rounded buff, improving survivability and resource management. It is accessed after defeating Starscourge Radahn and activating it at the Divine Tower of Caelid.
-
Morgott’s Great Rune: Increases maximum HP by 25%. A straightforward rune that significantly boosts your health pool, enhancing your ability to withstand enemy attacks. This rune is obtained after defeating Morgott, the Omen King, and activated at the Divine Tower of East Altus.
When Morgott’s Great Rune Shines
Morgott’s Great Rune excels in scenarios where survivability is paramount.
- Tanky Builds: Characters built around absorbing damage, particularly Strength builds that rely on heavy armor and colossal weapons, benefit immensely from the increased HP.
- High-Level Play: As you progress through the game and face increasingly challenging bosses, the 25% HP boost can be a lifesaver, allowing you to survive critical hits that would otherwise be fatal.
- Facing Hard Hitters: Against bosses known for dealing massive damage in single attacks, such as Malenia or Maliketh, the extra health provides a crucial buffer.
The Versatility of Radahn’s Great Rune
Radahn’s Great Rune offers a more nuanced benefit, appealing to a wider range of builds.
- Hybrid Builds: Characters that blend melee combat with magic or weapon skills (e.g., Faith/Strength builds, Intelligence/Dexterity builds) will appreciate the boost to FP, allowing for more frequent use of spells and weapon arts. The extra stamina also improves the effectiveness of dodges and blocks.
- Early to Mid-Game: While the percentage-based bonus is smaller, the combined effect of increased HP, FP, and Stamina can be significant, especially during the early to mid-game where stat points are still being invested across multiple areas.
- Resource Management: The added Stamina and FP are incredibly useful for players who often find themselves running out of resources in combat.
A Deeper Dive into the Math
While percentages are easy to understand, let’s look at some hypothetical numbers to illustrate the differences.
-
Scenario 1: Low Level Character (Level 50)
- Base HP: 800
- Morgott’s Rune HP: 800 + (25% of 800) = 1000 HP (+200)
- Radahn’s Rune HP: 800 + (15% of 800) = 920 HP (+120), plus 15% to FP and Stamina.
-
Scenario 2: High Level Character (Level 150)
- Base HP: 1800
- Morgott’s Rune HP: 1800 + (25% of 1800) = 2250 HP (+450)
- Radahn’s Rune HP: 1800 + (15% of 1800) = 2070 HP (+270), plus 15% to FP and Stamina.
As you can see, the raw HP increase from Morgott’s Great Rune grows significantly as your base HP increases. However, the value of Radahn’s Rune lies in the additional FP and Stamina, which can indirectly contribute to survivability by allowing you to cast more spells, perform more dodges, or execute more weapon arts.
Situational Awareness
Consider the encounter you are facing. Are you fighting a boss with a high health pool and a barrage of relentless attacks? Morgott’s Great Rune might be the better choice. Are you facing a boss that requires precise timing and strategic use of your skills? Radahn’s Great Rune could provide the edge you need.
Beyond the Big Two: A Quick Look at Other Great Runes
While this article focuses on Radahn and Morgott, remember that other Great Runes offer unique benefits:
- Godrick’s Great Rune: +5 to all stats. A strong early-game option that provides a well-rounded boost.
- Malenia’s Great Rune: Restores HP after attacking after taking damage. Can be risky, but potentially powerful for aggressive playstyles. See more information about Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
- Mohg’s Great Rune: Grants a blessing of blood to summoned phantoms and imparts a phantom Great Rune upon successful invasion. Primarily useful for multiplayer.
- Rykard’s Great Rune: Restores HP upon defeating enemies. More suited for exploring areas than boss fights.
- Great Rune of the Unborn: Allows for Rebirth (respeccing) when used at Rennala. A utility rune, not for combat.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the “better” Great Rune is subjective. Morgott’s Great Rune provides a straightforward and powerful HP boost, ideal for tanky builds and facing challenging bosses. Radahn’s Great Rune offers a more balanced and versatile buff, suitable for hybrid builds and players who value resource management. Experiment with both runes and see which one best complements your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to swap between them depending on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I activate a Great Rune?
After defeating a Shardbearer (e.g., Radahn, Morgott), you must travel to the corresponding Divine Tower to activate their Great Rune. Each Shardbearer has a specific Divine Tower associated with them.
2. Where do I find the Divine Tower for Radahn’s Great Rune?
The Divine Tower of Caelid is located east of the Dragonbarrow area. It’s a long climb up a series of ladders, guarded by challenging enemies.
3. Where do I find the Divine Tower for Morgott’s Great Rune?
The Divine Tower of East Altus is accessed by travelling from Leyndell, Royal Capital and defeating the guard Golem.
4. How do I use a Great Rune?
Once activated, you must use a Rune Arc to gain the benefits of the Great Rune. Rune Arcs are consumable items that are relatively rare, but can be farmed.
5. Do Great Runes last forever?
No. The effects of a Great Rune only last until you die. Upon death, you must consume another Rune Arc to reactivate the Great Rune’s benefits.
6. Is Godrick’s Great Rune better than Radahn’s or Morgott’s early game?
Yes, Godrick’s Great Rune, which provides +5 to all stats, is often superior in the early game because it offers a more significant boost compared to the percentage increases of Radahn’s and Morgott’s runes when your base stats are low.
7. Can I stack Great Rune effects?
No, you can only equip one Great Rune at a time.
8. Does the Crimson Amber Medallion affect Morgott’s Great Rune?
Yes, the Crimson Amber Medallion, which increases maximum HP, will stack additively with the HP increase from Morgott’s Great Rune.
9. Is Malenia’s Great Rune worth using?
Malenia’s Great Rune restores HP upon attacking after taking damage, but can be risky. However, the missing health doesn’t stack. Consider using the Great Rune if you are very confident in your ability to constantly attack and out-trade your opponents.
10. Does Radahn’s Great Rune increase my Equip Load?
No, Radahn’s Great Rune only increases HP, FP, and Stamina. It does not directly affect your Equip Load, which determines your movement speed and dodge roll distance.
11. Are Great Runes affected by New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, your activated Great Runes and the associated Divine Towers carry over into NG+.
12. Can I respec my stats after using Morgott’s or Radahn’s Great Rune?
Yes, using Morgott’s or Radahn’s Great Rune doesn’t lock you into your current stats. You can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
13. Does the Erdtree’s Favor Talisman affect Morgott’s Great Rune?
Yes, Erdtree’s Favor, which increases HP, Stamina, and Equip Load, stacks with both Morgott’s and Radahn’s Great Runes.
14. Is there any way to increase the duration of the Great Rune effect beyond one life?
No, the Great Rune effect is tied to a Rune Arc and lasts only until you die.
15. Which Great Rune is better for a Level 1 run?
The answer is subjective and depends on player style. The 8 Best Great Runes For A Level 1 Run include: 1 Malenia’s Great Rune. 2 Morgott’s Great Rune. … 3 Radahn’s Great Rune.
Remember to experiment, adapt, and find the Great Rune that best empowers your Tarnished on their journey to become Elden Lord!