How to Use Runes – Bloodborne Guide
Bloodborne is well-known for its brutal difficulty, gothic horror setting, and deeply rewarding combat system. Beyond weapons, armor, and leveling, one of the most underrated mechanics is the Rune system. Runes act like passive buffs that can significantly alter your playstyle, giving you advantages in survivability, damage, stamina, and more.
If you are new to Bloodborne or returning after a long break, understanding how to use runes can drastically improve your gameplay experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about runes, how to equip them, the different types available, and where to find them.
What Are Runes in Bloodborne?
Runes are special items you can equip to gain passive bonuses. Think of them as accessories or stat boosters. Unlike Blood Gems (which are socketed into weapons), runes affect your Hunter’s overall abilities.
They are inscribed symbols of the Great Ones and can only be used after you unlock Caryll Runes, named after Caryll, a scholar who could transcribe the inhuman voices of the Great Ones into readable symbols.
Runes provide effects such as:
- Boosting maximum health or stamina
- Increasing resistance against poison, frenzy, or physical attacks
- Enhancing healing from Blood Vials
- Improving damage output
How to Unlock and Equip Runes?
You cannot equip runes immediately. They become available once you defeat The Witch of Hemwick in Hemwick Charnel Lane.
After defeating the boss:
- You receive the Rune Workshop Tool.
- Return to the Hunter’s Dream.
- Access the Memory Altar (to the left of the workshop).
- From there, you can slot runes into your character.
You can equip three standard runes and one oath rune at the same time, depending on your progression.
Types of Runes
There are two main categories:
- Caryll Runes (Standard Runes) – These give general buffs like increased stamina, defense, or healing.
- Oath Runes – These are tied to multiplayer or covenants, granting unique benefits.
Bloodborne Runes: Effects and Locations
Here is a detailed table of some of the most important runes, their effects, and where to find them:
| Rune Name | Effect | Location / How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Clawmark | Increases visceral attack damage | Found in Cathedral Ward and Forbidden Woods |
| Blood Rapture | Restores HP after successful visceral attacks | Hemwick Charnel Lane; dropped by Shadows of Yharnam |
| Formless Oedon | Increases maximum Quicksilver Bullets | Cathedral Ward (various NPC drops and chests) |
| Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis | Increases stamina | Forbidden Woods and Nightmare Frontier |
| Clockwise Metamorphosis | Increases maximum HP | Cathedral Ward and Forbidden Woods |
| Communion | Increases maximum number of Blood Vials | Cathedral Ward; dropped by various NPCs |
| Heir | Increases Blood Echoes gained from viscerals | Cathedral Ward; dropped by enemies |
| Great Lake | Increases overall physical damage reduction | Nightmare Frontier and Byrgenwerth |
| Moon | Increases Blood Echoes gained from enemies | Byrgenwerth; also in Nightmare of Mensis |
| Beast | Enhances transformation/beast mode damage | Dropped by NPC Hunters and Beast-like enemies |
| Hunter | Increases damage against beasts | Forbidden Woods and Nightmare Frontier |
| Corruption (Oath) | Covenant rune that heals allies when they kill enemies | Given by Alfred if you complete his quest line |
| Impurity (Oath) | Allows you to summon and be summoned as a League member | Reward from Valtr in Forbidden Woods |
This table only scratches the surface—there are multiple variations (e.g., +1, +2, +3 versions) with stronger effects as you progress.
Best Runes for Early Game
If you are in the early stages:
- Clockwise Metamorphosis (HP boost) – helps survivability.
- Communion – carrying more Blood Vials means more healing.
- Clawmark – visceral attacks are common early, making this a strong choice.
These are relatively easy to find and give a good foundation for exploration.
Best Runes for Mid to Late Game
As you advance into areas like Nightmare Frontier or Nightmare of Mensis, enemies hit harder, and Frenzy/Poison mechanics become deadly. Recommended runes include:
- Great Lake – reduces incoming damage significantly.
- Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis – stamina boosts allow for extra dodges.
- Moon Rune – farming Blood Echoes becomes easier.
- Blood Rapture – sustain yourself during visceral chains.
If you’re playing co-op, consider an Oath Rune such as Impurity or Corruption to make multiplayer more rewarding.
Strategies for Using Runes Effectively
- Adapt Runes to Boss Fights
Some bosses deal heavy elemental or physical damage. Switching to resistance runes like Great Lake or Frenzy resist runes can save your life. - Exploration vs. Farming
Use Moon Rune when farming echoes, but swap back to survivability runes like Clockwise Metamorphosis for progression. - Visceral Builds
Combine Clawmark and Blood Rapture to maximize health sustain and damage if you rely heavily on parries. - PvP and Co-op
Equip Oath runes depending on your covenant choice. They grant special multiplayer bonuses and identify you to other Hunters.
Why Runes Are Essential for Bloodborne Builds?
Unlike weapons and armor, runes allow subtle but powerful customization. A strength-based Hunter may prefer stamina and health runes, while an arcane build may prioritize resistances. By mixing and matching, you create unique playstyles suited for boss encounters, Chalice Dungeons, or PvP.
Think of them as hidden upgrades—many new players overlook them, but mastering rune setups can turn the tide of battle.
FAQs
Conclusion
Runes in Bloodborne may not seem flashy, but they provide some of the most game-changing benefits in the entire experience. By unlocking the Rune Workshop Tool and experimenting with different setups, you can tailor your Hunter’s strengths to match your preferred playstyle.
Whether you want to maximize survivability, boost stamina for faster dodging, or farm Blood Echoes more efficiently, there’s a rune combination waiting to elevate your gameplay. Don’t underestimate their power—mastering runes is one of the keys to mastering Bloodborne.
