Most people who playBloodbornedon’t usually stop at just one playthrough. After all, the NG+ of this game coupled with alternate builds allow for an immense amount of replayability where every run can prove to be a highly unique and engaging experience in its own right. Of course, another aspect of theBloodbornethat can alter the experience in its own way is the various Caryll Runes that players can pick up on their journey.
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These Caryll Runes provide various bonuses that stack and allow the player to personalize their playthrough and reward certain actions or behaviors that they are accustomed to. However, the player can only carry a limited number of runes on their person. As a result, it becomes important to select the best Caryll Runes of the lot, and the following options are the cream of the crop in this context.
Updated on July 06, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:Bloodborne is still considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time, to the point where even the monumental launch ofElden Ringhas still not unseated this Lovecraftian adventure from its throne in the eyes of many players. The sheer number of innovations it made to the patented Soulsborne gameplay are immense, with the addition of Caryll Runes being another great way to spice up the experience. Here are some of the best Caryll Runes that players can get their hands on in the game.
15Beast
Beasthood is one of the most underrated stats inBloodbornethat players should take into account. After all, a beastly transformation ensues that players deal a ton of damage at the cost of lower durabilty.
The increased susceptibility of damage shouldn’t be an issue for experiencedBloodborneplayers, and the Beast rune enhances this transformation boost even more. The best version of this rune (outside ofthe one found in the Lower Ailing Loran Root Chalice Dungeon) is found bykilling the Suspicious Beggar, who transforms into the powerful Abhorrent Beast and is a tough yet enjoyable fight.
14Clockwise Metamorphosis
Vitality isone of the most important statsthat every beginner should invest in. Failing to do so is pretty much asking to get absolutely destroyed by the many hard-hitting enemies in this game.
With the Clockwise Metamorphosis rune, players can increase their health even further. Ifthe Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice Dungeondoesn’t seem like a great area to explore, then players can settle for the 10% bonus afforded by a version of this rune that’spresent in a cave in the Nighmare Frontier.
13Great Lake
There are several Caryll Runes that help decrease the damage incurred by a player inBloodborne. Most of these runes are specific to one type of damage, with the Great Lake rune being the sole exception.
With this rune, players can decrease all types of damage they can incur, albeit by a minor percentage. The best version of this rune is found inthe Isz Root Chalice Dungeon, while a slightly less effective version of the Great Lake rune can be found inthe Upper Cathedral Ward.
12Guidance
Rallying is a unique mechanic inBloodbornethat pretty much screams at players to be aggressive in combat. It allows players to recover some of the damage incurred byattacking enemies right after taking damage.
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With the Guidance rune, a player’s Rally potential is increased significantly.Defeating the powerful Ludwignets the best version of this rune.
11Hunter
Stamina management is key to succeeding atBloodborne. A player who attacks and dodges without a care in the world will die quickly after their stamina inevitably runs out.
Bycompleting Eileen the Crow’s questline, players gain access to the powerful Hunter rune. It increases the rate at which stamina is recovered, which makes a world of difference in each and every combat encounter in the game.
10Formless Oedon
The Quicksilver Bullets players use inBloodbornecan be a valuable resource, butthey can quickly deplete in a single run. This is especially true for Bloodtinge builds or players who prefer using Visceral Attacks.
TheFormless Oedonrune allows players to carry extra bullets into battle. The best version of this rune is present in thePthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice, although players can find a second-best version in the main story as well. Players need to take the elevator leading up to theHealing Church Workshopand walk into asecret passage in the middle of the rideto get this version of the rune.
9Deep Sea
TheDeep Searune increases Frenzy Resistance, which is incredibly valuable to prevent this highly annoying status effect from taking hold. This rune is a godsend to help players get through the Nightmare of Mensis or deal withthe Winter Lanterns.
A good version of this rune can be found in theForbidden Woods in a viper pit. However, the best version requires players to hunt in theIsz Root Chalice.
8Heir
Visceral Attacks are pretty satisfying to pull off inBloodborne. With theHeirrune, pulling off this attack can be highly rewarding as well. This is because the rune increases the Blood Echoes received from using Visceral Attacks to kill enemies.
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The best version of the Heir rune is present in thePthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice. However, players can settle for another version that is present on adead body in Yahar’gul, Unseen Village.
7Communion
Blood Vials are one of the most important tools in a hunter’s arsenal since it allows them to regain their vitality after a gruesome battle. With theCommunionrune, players can now carry more of these vials into a fight, which is highly valuable for obvious reasons.
TheCelestial Emissary drops the best versionof this rune in the main areas of the game. Players who want an even better version of this rune need to head to thePthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice.
6Great Deep Sea
There are several debilitating status effects that players can be inflicted with inBloodborne. Thankfully, theGreat Deep Searune provides some respite by increasing the resistance of a hunter to all negative status effects in the game.
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Getting this rune involves dealing with some Winter Lanterns inthe Nightmare Frontier, but it’s worth the effort. A better version can be found in theIsz Root Chalice.
