In the vast and treacherous Lands Between, success hinges on a Tarnished's mastery of runes, the lifeblood of progression in Elden Ring. 🗡️ Much like souls in previous FromSoftware adventures, runes are the universal currency used to increase stats, purchase vital items, and strengthen one's character. The stakes are high: upon death, all carried runes are dropped at the site of demise. A brave Tarnished must return to that very spot to reclaim their lost fortune. But beware! Dying again before retrieving them means those precious runes are lost forever. 😱 With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, the types and uses of runes have only expanded, making a comprehensive guide more essential than ever for aspiring Elden Lords in 2026.

Let's break down the different categories. First up, the consumable Golden Runes. These are your portable banks! 💰 Found in the world or dropped by enemies, they come in various tiers, from the humble Broken Rune to the mighty Lord's Rune. The key is knowing their value so you can use them strategically, perhaps right before a costly level-up or a crucial purchase from a merchant.

Here's a quick reference table for some of the most common Golden Runes you'll encounter:

Rune Item Approximate Rune Value
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-0 Golden Rune [1] 200
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-1 Golden Rune [5] 1,600
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-2 Golden Rune [10] 5,000
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-3 Golden Rune [13] 10,000
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-4 Hero's Rune [3] 25,000
elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-5 Lord's Rune 50,000

Don't forget the powerful newcomers from the Shadow Realm! The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduced a whole new series of high-value consumables. These Shadow Realm Runes range from Rune [1] worth 7,500 runes all the way up to Rune [7], a massive 30,000-rune windfall. elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-6 Finding these in the Land of Shadow can give your progression a serious boost.

But runes aren't just for spending. The most significant ones shape the very world and your journey through it. Enter the Great Runes. 🏆 These are legendary artifacts acquired by defeating the game's shardbearers, the demigod bosses. Each grants a unique, powerful passive effect that must be activated at a Divine Tower and equipped at a Site of Grace. They are game-changers for tough battles.

  • Godrick's Great Rune: The classic starter. It simply raises all attributes, a fantastic all-rounder for any build. elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-7

  • Radahn's Great Rune: A favorite for endurance. It boosts maximum HP, FP, and Stamina. Perfect for spell-slingers and melee warriors alike.

  • Morgott's Great Rune: If you need to survive bigger hits, this rune greatly raises your maximum HP pool. A literal life-saver!

  • Malenia's Great Rune: For aggressive, high-risk playstyles. After taking damage, your attacks will recover HP. Turn defense into offense!

  • Rykard's Great Rune: Great for clearing dungeons and mobs, as it restores HP upon defeating enemies.

  • Mohg's Great Rune: A more niche but powerful effect for cooperative or invasive play, granting a blessing of blood to phantoms.

The Great Rune of the Unborn is in a category of its own. It doesn't provide a stat boost but is used for the crucial function of respeccing your character's stats, allowing for total build reworks.

Finally, we reach the pinnacle of rune lore: the Mending Runes. These are not for consumption or combat buffs. ✨ They are key items directly tied to the story of the Elden Ring itself and determine the fate of the Lands Between in the endgame. Each represents a different philosophical path for mending the world.

  • Mending Rune of the Death-Prince: Seeks to restore the cycle of life and death that was removed by Marika.

  • Mending Rune of the Fell Curse: A path that embraces the dreadful power of the curse.

  • Mending Rune of Perfect Order: An attempt to impose a rigid, golden order upon the world.

Choosing which Mending Rune to use (if any) is one of the most significant narrative decisions a Tarnished can make, leading to different endings and shaping the legacy of their rule. elden-ring-rune-guide-2026-all-golden-great-and-mending-runes-explained-image-8

So, whether you're hoarding Golden Runes for your next level, strategically cycling through Great Runes for boss fights, or pondering the cosmic implications of a Mending Rune, understanding this hierarchy is fundamental. In 2026, with the full scope of the base game and DLC available, mastering runes is the true path to becoming Elden Lord. Now go forth, Tarnished, and may your runes always be safe! 💫