So, you've finally taken down one of Elden Ring's legendary Demi-Gods. That epic boss fight probably left you breathless, and as a reward, you got a shiny new Great Rune. 🎮 But hold on, Tarnished! That powerful-looking item in your inventory is just a paperweight for now. If you're feeling confused about what to do next, don't worry—everyone does. This guide will break down everything you need to know about activating and using Great Runes to finally get those game-changing buffs working for you.

Think of a Great Rune like a supercharged battery—you find it, but it needs to be plugged in and charged before it can power anything. Your first big hurdle after defeating a shardbearer like the infamous Godrick the Grafted is finding its corresponding Divine Tower.

🔍 The Divine Tower Hunt: Where to Activate Your Runes

Each Demi-God boss has a specific Divine Tower where their Great Rune must be activated. This isn't always a straightforward trip! While some towers, like the one for Godrick, are relatively close to his stomping grounds in Stormveil Castle, others are hidden in far-flung corners of the Lands Between. The key thing to remember: the tower's doors will only swing open if you're carrying the correct Great Rune in your inventory. So if you find a sealed tower, you likely haven't beaten the right boss yet.

Here’s the core process, step-by-step:

1. Defeat a Demi-God Boss (e.g., Godrick, Radahn, Rennala).

2. Receive their unique Great Rune.

3. Locate and ascend the corresponding Divine Tower.

4. Activate the Great Rune at the tower's summit.

⚡ Powering Up: Equipping and Using Rune Arcs

Activation at the tower is only half the battle. To actually use the rune's power, you need to do two more things:

• Equip the Activated Rune: Head to any Site of Grace. In the menu, you'll find a new option to equip your activated Great Runes. You can only have one equipped at a time.

• Consume a Rune Arc: This consumable item is the final key. Once you have your chosen Great Rune equipped, using a Rune Arc will activate its powerful effects. These effects are incredibly diverse—from massively boosting all your attributes to granting lifesteal on hits.

⚠️ Crucial Detail: The buff from a Great Rune lasts until you die. Once you fall in battle, the effect vanishes, and you'll need to use another Rune Arc to get it back. This makes managing your Rune Arc supply super important!

💰 Where to Find Rune Arcs

Since you'll be using them regularly, knowing where to get Rune Arcs is essential. Luckily, there are several reliable sources even years after the game's release:

• Merchants: The Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold sell them for a fixed price.

• Exploration: They are common loot found in chests, on corpses, and as rewards for exploring dungeons.

• Multiplayer: A fantastic way to farm them is by engaging in cooperative or competitive multiplayer. Successfully helping another player defeat a boss or invading another world often rewards you with a Rune Arc.

🏆 The Ultimate Prize: Effects of Each Great Rune

Each rune offers a unique advantage that can define your build. Here’s a quick look at what some of the most sought-after runes do:

Great Rune	Source Boss	Primary Effect (When Activated with Rune Arc)
Godrick's Great Rune	Godrick the Grafted	Boosts all attributes by +5. The perfect all-rounder for any build.
Radahn's Great Rune	Starscourge Radahn	Greatly increases maximum HP, FP, and Stamina. A tank's best friend.
Morgott's Great Rune	Morgott, the Omen King	Significantly increases your maximum HP. Pure survivability.
Malenia's Great Rune	Malenia, Blade of Miquella	Attacks restore HP on hit (even on blocked attacks!). Transforms your playstyle.

🛡️ Pro Tips for Great Rune Mastery in 2026

• Don't Hoard Rune Arcs: Use them! Especially before tackling a tough boss or a tricky legacy dungeon. Their effect can be the difference between victory and defeat.

• Match the Rune to Your Build: If you're a spellcaster, Godrick's all-attributes boost might be better than Morgott's pure HP buff. Think strategically.

• Co-op is Your Friend: If you're running low on Rune Arcs, throw down your summon sign. Helping others is rewarding and replenishes your stock.

• The Effect is Silent: Remember, the game doesn't flash a big icon when the effect is active. You just have to trust that your stats are higher until that unfortunate death occurs.

Mastering the system of Great Runes is what separates novice Tarnished from true Lords. It adds a fantastic layer of strategy, encouraging you to seek out every Demi-God and conquer every Divine Tower. So get out there, activate those runes, pop a Rune Arc, and claim the Elden Throne with the power you rightfully earned! 💪