Everything You Need to Know About Runes in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
Runes are a fundamental aspect of the enchanting system in the popular MMORPG, Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). These mystical symbols hold immense power and allow players to imbue their weapons, armor, and jewelry with magical properties. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the fascinating world of runes in ESO, exploring their types, uses, and how to harness their full potential.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Types of Runes
- Rune Qualities
- Rune Combinations
- Using the Enchanting Station
- Enchantment Traits
- Enchanting Skills
- Master Writs
- Farming Runes
Introduction
Enchanting, one of the crafting professions in ESO, allows players to improve their gear by adding enchantments through the use of runes. These enchantments can provide various bonuses such as increased damage, improved defense, or enhanced magical abilities. Mastering the art of enchanting requires a deep understanding of the different types of runes, their qualities, and how they can be combined to create powerful effects.
Types of Runes
There are three primary types of runes in ESO: Potency, Essence, and Aspect. Each type contributes to different aspects of the enchantment process.
Potency Runes
Potency runes determine the level of the enchantment and the quality of the glyph crafted. They are further divided into different levels, known as Potency Improvement, ranging from Jora to Ta. Higher-level potency runes enable the creation of more potent and effective enchantments.
Essence Runes
Essence runes define the kind of enchantment applied to the item. They represent various aspects like health, stamina, magicka, weapon damage, spell damage, and more. There are a total of ten essence runes, including Oko, Deni, Makko, and more, each corresponding to specific attributes and bonuses.
Aspect Runes
Aspect runes determine the quality of the glyph and the effect it bestows upon the item. They are associated with the three armor weights: Jode for light, Notade for medium, and Ode for heavy armor. Aspect runes also provide specific protection against certain elements and grant unique bonuses based on the chosen aspect.
Rune Qualities
Rune qualities directly impact the potency of the enchantment. There are four qualities of runes in ESO: white, green, blue, and purple.
White Runes
White runes are the most basic and readily available. They provide the lowest benefit and are generally used for lower level equipment.
Green Runes
Green runes offer a moderate boost to the enchantment’s power and are suitable for mid-level gear.
Blue Runes
Blue runes provide a significant increase in the enchantment’s potency compared to white and green runes. They are commonly used for high-level gear and can drastically improve its effectiveness.
Purple Runes
Purple runes represent the highest quality available, offering the most powerful enchantments. They are sought after by experienced enchanters looking to maximize the potential of their equipment.
Rune Combinations
The combination of potency, essence, and aspect runes determines the type of glyph created. Different combinations unlock various enchantment effects, making rune selection a crucial step in the enchanting process.
When crafting a glyph, the potency, essence, and aspect runes must be compatible. For example, if a potency rune of the Subtractive level is chosen, an essence rune of the same level must be selected to maintain compatibility. Failure to choose compatible runes will result in a failed enchantment.
Experimentation is key to discovering powerful combinations. Enchanters can experiment with different rune combinations, varying qualities, and aspect effects to create unique enchantments that suit their playstyle or specific needs.
Using the Enchanting Station
The enchanting station is where enchanters practice their craft and create powerful glyphs. These stations are found in major cities, guildhalls, or player housing. To use an enchanting station:
- Approach the enchanting station and activate it.
- Select the equipment you wish to enchant from your inventory.
- Choose the desired glyph from your available glyphs.
- Confirm the enchantment process and provide the necessary materials, including the appropriate potency, essence, and aspect runes.
- Complete the process to receive your enchanted gear.
It is worth noting that enchanting stations also provide additional features such as the ability to deconstruct glyphs, which yields valuable materials for future enchantments, and the ability to extract glyphs from gear without destroying the item.
Enchantment Traits
Every enchantment in ESO has a specific trait associated with it. These traits are additional effects that augment the enchantment’s primary bonus. Some traits increase the effectiveness of the enchantment, while others provide unique bonuses. Here are a few notable enchantment traits:
- Crusher: Reduces the enemy’s armor and spell resistance.
- Infused: Increases the overall effectiveness of the enchantment.
- Sharpened: Increases the penetration of the enchantment against armored foes.
- Charged: Gives a chance to deal elemental damage.
- Powered: Increases the duration of the enchantment.
Choosing the right trait can significantly impact your character’s performance and combat effectiveness, so it’s important to consider your playstyle and build when selecting enchantments.
Enchanting Skills
ESO offers a variety of skills and passives that enhance the enchanting profession. These skills allow players to craft more powerful glyphs, extract additional materials, and improve the chances of creating higher quality glyphs. Some notable enchanting skills include:
- Aspect Extraction: Increases the chances of extracting multiple runes from glyphs.
- Keen Eye: Runestones: Highlights runestones in the world, making them easier to locate.
- Aspect Improvement: Increases the chances of extracting Aspect runes when deconstructing gear.
- Potent Enchanting: Improves the quality of crafted glyphs.
By investing skill points into these enchanting abilities, players can enhance their enchanting capabilities, create higher quality glyphs, and maximize the potential of their enchantments.
Master Writs
Master Writs are special crafting quests that can be obtained from writ boards and master craftsmen in various locations across Tamriel. They provide enchanters with challenging tasks that require expertise in the profession. Master Writs offer valuable rewards, including high-tier crafting materials, experience, and unique housing furnishings.
Completing Master Writs is a great way to test your enchanting prowess and reap significant benefits for your efforts. However, these quests may require a considerable investment in skill points, additional crafting materials, and a deep understanding of the enchanting system.
Farming Runes
Finding runes can be a daunting task, especially for beginner enchanters. However, there are several effective methods for acquiring runes:
- Exploration: Runestones can be found throughout the game world, particularly in dungeons, delves, and ruins. By thoroughly exploring these areas, players can discover hidden runestones laden with valuable runes.
- Guild Traders: Joining a trading guild can provide access to an extensive network of guild traders. These traders often carry a wide assortment of runes, allowing enchanters to purchase specific runes they may need.
- Merchant Huts: Certain merchants specialize in selling enchanting-related items. Seek out these specialized merchants and browse their inventories for the desired runes.
- Deconstructing Glyphs: Deconstructing unwanted glyphs obtained from loot and rewards is an excellent way to obtain additional runes and enchanting materials.
By utilizing these methods, enchanters can build a collection of runes over time, ensuring a steady supply to fuel their enchanting endeavors.
In conclusion, runes are a vital component of the enchanting system in ESO. Understanding the different types of runes, their qualities, and how they interact is key to becoming a master enchanter. Through careful experimentation, skill investment, and the acquisition of rare runes, players can craft powerful glyphs that enhance their gear and strengthen their characters. Harness the power of runes and unlock the full potential of your equipment in the wondrous world of Elder Scrolls Online!
References
Runes in Elder Scrolls Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Online:Rune
Table of Contents