One new concept introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the idea of runes for weapons and armor. They can be added to slots within these pieces and they act as perks and provide a special boost to Eivor, such as providing a boost to elite damage. Some of the best runes are just for weapons, and some are just for armor, but they all help when in the middle of a fight.
The runes are split into two categories known as major and minor runes. The major runes offer bigger rewards, but the minor runes are just as useful. It is up to the player to decide what works best for them and their build as they choose which of their runes to equip in their gear.
Updated May 23rd, 2021 by Rebecca O’Neill: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla introduced the idea of adding runes to weapons, and it has become even more prevalent now that the first DLC has been released. It is called Wrath of the Druids and takes place in Ireland, but it comes with a new storyline, additional weapons, and a Trading System unlike anything fans have ever seen before. You will need all of the Runes you can get your hands on in order to compete in this new land.
There are so many to choose from and we have added even more to not only reflect the 'great' versions of them all but also to give you a few more to consider. It can take some time and effort to seek them out, although it is well worth it in the end if you want an overpowered build in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
15 Great Antidote Rune (+2.0 Poison Damage Resistance)
Many enemies enjoy using poison on their weapons, and it can greatly deplete your health during a fight. Luckily, the Great Antidote Rune can fix this as it gives you +2.0 Poison Damage Resistance and it can be added to your armor.
It might not seem like much, but this little bit could be the difference between victory and defeat.
14 Great Headhunter Rune (+2.3 Headshot Damage)
If you prefer to use a ranged build with one of the best bows, then you should have the Great Headhunter Rune on hand. It is for your weapon and it will give you +2.3 Headshot Damage, whether you are trying to be stealthy or not.
Even if you don’t use a bow full time, it is still a great addition to it as a secondary, especially if you pull it out to slyly infiltrate enemy camps.
13 Great Warrior Rune (+2.0 Melee Damage)
The Great Warrior Rune will give you +2.0 Melee Damage, so you are guaranteed to use it during your playthrough. It can be added to your armor and aggressive players should really consider using it.
This rune will give you a boost in a fight, like when facing off against legendary animals, especially when you forget to give yourself a feast buff beforehand.
12 Great Rune Of Protection (+3.3 Light Resistance)
Enemies perform both light and heavy attacks, and the Great Rune of Protection will help keep you safe against the lesser of these. It is quite useful when facing off against a group of opponents as it will reduce how much damage their light attacks do to you as it adds +3.3 Light Resistance.
This might not seem super important, but stacking a few of this type of rune could give you a big advantage.
11 Great Rune Of Reinforcement (+5.0 Block)
If you prefer to use shields then you need to have the Great Rune of Reinforcement on hand. It will give you +5.0 Block so you can add it to your favorite, but you will also need to practice your parrying skills.
It will change the game for you as now performing this action will do a real number on your opponent.
10 Great Bulwark Rune (+3.3 Heavy Resistance)
This is an armor rune and it is great when fighting elite enemies as they tend to focus on heavy attacks. This rune will provide your armor with +3.3 heavy resistance, which can give you a second chance at life.
If you like to travel to areas above your power level or plan to face a boss, then it is in your best interest to stock up on these.
9 Great Toxin Rune (+3.3 Poison Build Up)
The Great Toxin Rune is great for those who prefer to use poison to down their enemies, as it makes it +3.3 more powerful. The great thing about poison is that you don't have to land all of your hits, as this substance will do the work for you.
This rune makes it even easier as it strengthens the toxins and makes them more potent than before and the ability can be acquired simply by following the story.
8 Great Feather Rune (-1.5 Weight)
The Great Feather Rune is one of the most common runes in the game, and it can be used for armor. This reduces the weight of your gear by -1.5 and it is perfect if you plan on using a heavy build.
It will allow you to be faster, and it is often recommended you use more than one to really see a difference.
7 Great Rune Of Rage (+4.0 Attack)
One aspect of the game that players experience is melee fighting, which means you want your attack to be as powerful as possible. Luckily, the Great Rune of Rage exists to help in this venture as it gives your weapon +4.0 attack power.
It might not seem like a lot, but that is also why it wasn't ranked higher as some players might find the other runes more useful. The later game might have you choosing something else, but in the early game, it is a great way to boost your stats and take down enemies with your best weapons.
6 Great Shell Rune (+5.0 Armor)
The Great Shell Rune adds +5.0 armor and it is a great way to reduce the amount of damage you take with each hit. It won't save you, although it might give you just enough time to take down your opponent or escape from a fight.
Many are surprised by its power as they raise the strength of their armor through this rune.
5 Great Flanking Rune (+10.0 Back Damage)
The Great Flanking Rune allows you to deal +10.0 back damage and is great for those who prefer to dodge and strike. If you find yourself constantly placing your body behind that of the opponent during an attack then there is no reason not to use this rune in your weapon.
It will change the game as each strike takes off bigger chunks of their health and gives you an easy victory.
4 Great Rune Of Agility (+5.0 Light Damage)
The Great Rune of Agility can be added to your weapon and it lets you deal more light damage. It is perfect for those who choose to wield one-handed weapons, such as a dagger, as it will allow them to deal more damage per light attack.
This is often the downside of using these types of weapons, but this rune changes the game.
3 Great Drengiligr Rune (+5.0 Elite Damage)
The Great Drengiligr Rune is anything but just a silly little rock with an inscription as it allows you to deal +5.0 elite damage. This includes any enemy with a gold name above their heads, which can be very hard to defeat.
It makes taking them down fairly easy as their health depletes even further with each hit, and hopefully, you find it before you beat the game.
2 Great Rune Of Tactics (+7.0 Ability Damage)
The Rune of Tactics is an amazing addition that will take your abilities to the next level. This rune can be added to your weapon and it allows you to deal +7.0 ability damage.
It can make a huge difference especially when you haven't unlocked all of your adrenaline slots yet.
1 Great Rune Of Life (+18.9 Health)
This is an armor rune and it is the best rune you can equip as it raises your baseline health by +18.9. It is great as you reach a higher level and face various bosses as you will need every ounce of health to defeat them.
Some might make you stronger, but not having enough life will end your battle and lead to desynchronization quicker than anything else.