In Lords of the Fallen, there's a significant focus on Runes, which players can place into various weapon and shield slots. These Runes offer distinct buffs, each unique in its abilities. They can be utilized on weapons or shields, and if two Runes of the same quality are equipped, they provide stacked functions for enhanced effects.

Advancing through the game grants players more Runes, enabling them to customize their builds and optimize their weapons as they progress.

In the process of obtaining runes, you will inevitably need to go through some battles. At this time, if you have enough Lords of the Fallen Vigor, you'd better buy some good armor and weapons in advance. This will make it easier for you to fight the enemies!

6. Aelstrix

• Enhanced Ammunition and Throwable Damage Boost
• Found as a drop from Griefbound Rowena in Fief of the Chill Curse

For ranged weapon users, Runes might seem limited. Aelstrix augments throwable weapons and ranged damage when equipped on weapons, while on shields, it bolsters ammunition capacity. Utilizing both functions allows players to deal substantial damage using throwables for extended periods due to increased ammunition capacity.

After offering 3 tablets to Gerlinde and upgrading weapons to higher levels, players can equip 3 Runes, a highly beneficial strategy for later stages.

5. Olandi

• Consecutive Smite on Enemies
• Obtained as a drop from Scourged Sister enemies

Pieta's Sword is a widely favored weapon in the game due to its accessibility and striking appearance. Olandi's weapon function increases Smite build-up speed, while its shield function enhances resistance to Smite.

Enhanced Smite build-up significantly benefits Pieta's Sword wielders, especially when dual-wielding it for more frequent Smite occurrences. When combined with other Runes, this synergy can make a substantial impact.

4. Hilvit

• Supreme Strength Rune
• Located in a chest in Bramis Castle, also dropped by Receiver of Sacred Resonance when performing an Umbral Finisher

Hilvit stands out as the go-to Rune for Strength-focused users, offering a remarkable damage boost regardless of the equipped gear. Its weapon function scales Strength, while its shield function significantly boosts the Strength attribute.

This Rune particularly caters to players favoring a sword and shield playstyle, providing substantial shield benefits even for those not primarily using shields.

3. Tianarx

• Essential for Fire-Based Builds
• Acquired as a drop from Infernal Enchantress enemies

Tianarx is a crucial Rune for any build centered on fire damage. Its weapon function increases fire damage, while its shield function enhances resistance against fire damage. Its percentage-based damage increase keeps it relevant throughout the game.

For players focusing on fire-based builds within the Inferno realm, Anarkos and Berlam are viable additions to amplify attributes or Inferno scaling.

2. Satus

• Optimal for Holy Damage Amplification
• Found as a drop from Sin-Piercer enemies in various map locations

Satus enhances Holy damage on weapons and bolsters Holy defense on shields, making it ideal for players dedicated to a Holy build playthrough.

For those pursuing a radiant-based build, Devoth and Orimon further elevate attributes or Radiant scaling.

1. Dimexus

• Enhanced Dual-Wielding Efficiency
• Obtained after defeating the Bringer Trio boss in Cistern

Dimexus is the top-choice Rune for players utilizing dual-wielding techniques. It boosts physical damage when dual-wielding on weapons and increases stamina regeneration on shields. Even if players solely seek a shield Rune, this option enables more aggressive play while facilitating quicker stamina recovery to evade fatal attacks.

As Lords of the Fallen necessitates multiple playthroughs for all endings, acquiring multiple sets of this Rune proves advantageous for future use.