In Elden Ring, Great Runes are powerful rewards from the game’s demi-god bosses. These artifacts are more than just trophies — they offer potent bonuses when activated correctly. But many players, especially newcomers, overlook their importance or fail to use them optimally. Based on firsthand experience and in-depth gameplay, here are 7 reliable tips to make the most of Great Runes in Elden Ring.

1. Understand What Each Great Rune Does

Each Great Rune provides different buffs, and understanding them is crucial. For example, Godrick's Great Rune enhances all attributes by +5, while Radahn's boosts HP, FP, and Stamina. As someone who plays a Strength/Intelligence hybrid build, I personally found Godrick’s rune invaluable during early game invasions. Tailor your rune choice to your current build or challenge.

2. Don’t Forget to Activate Them at Divine Towers

Just defeating a boss won’t unlock a rune’s full potential. You must restore the Great Rune's power by visiting a specific Divine Tower linked to that rune. I remember defeating Rennala and being excited to use her rune, only to realize it required activation. Make sure to check your map and visit the correct tower — for Godrick, it’s the Limgrave Tower Bridge.

3. Keep Rune Arcs for Important Moments

Great Runes don’t work automatically. You must use a Rune Arc to activate one’s buff — and Rune Arcs are limited. In my experience, hoarding Rune Arcs early was a mistake. Instead, I recommend saving them for boss fights, PvP, or areas like Haligtree where every edge helps.

4. Buy Elden Ring Runes to Stay Prepared

Rune Arcs can be farmed, but it’s slow. When I was preparing for New Game+, I chose to buy Elden Ring runes from U4GM to keep my inventory stocked without grinding. U4GM offers fast delivery and fair prices, especially for players short on time but keen on experiencing everything the game offers.

5. Use Different Runes Strategically in NG+

In New Game+ mode, enemies hit harder and require new tactics. Switching between Great Runes based on situation gives you an advantage. For example, I often switch to Radahn’s Great Rune in open-world exploration and to Morgott’s when facing mobs, thanks to its HP boost. Adapting your rune loadout enhances your survivability and efficiency.

6. Pair Great Runes with Complementary Elden Ring Items

Great Runes synergize well with many Elden Ring Items. For instance, combining Godrick’s Great Rune with talismans that boost damage or resistance further amplifies your stats. I personally love pairing it with the Radagon Scarseal for a devastating Strength build. Consider how your talismans, weapons, and armor sets interact with the rune’s effects.

7. Practice Caution in Co-op – Rune Arc Buffs Disappear on Death

If you’re summoned or invade another world while your Great Rune is active via a Rune Arc, be aware that death will cancel the effect. I once lost a precious Rune Arc buff during a messy PvP skirmish. When playing multiplayer, make sure you’re ready to capitalize on the buff — or wait until you're tackling tough solo content.

Great Runes can be a game-changer in Elden Ring if used wisely. They aren’t just collectibles; they are part of your core toolkit. Whether you’re preparing for a boss or venturing into the toughest areas of the game, smart rune use can define success or failure.

Personally, once I started managing my Rune Arcs and Great Runes properly, the game opened up in a new way — more tactical and more satisfying. For players who want to stay prepared, services like U4GM offer a convenient way to buy Elden Ring runes and focus more on enjoying the game rather than grinding.