Most people who play Bloodborne don'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 the Bloodborne that can alter the experience in its own way is the various Caryll Runes that players can pick up on their journey.
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 June 5, 2022 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 of Elden Ring has 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.
15 Beast
Beasthood is one of the most underrated stats in Bloodborne that 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 experienced Bloodborne players, and the Beast rune enhances this transformation boost even more. The best version of this rune (outside of the one found in the Lower Ailing Loran Root Chalice Dungeon) is found by killing the Suspicious Beggar, who transforms into the powerful Abhorrent Beast and is a tough yet enjoyable fight.
14 Clockwise Metamorphosis
Vitality is one of the most important stats that 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. If the Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice Dungeon doesn't seem like a great area to explore, then players can settle for the 10% bonus afforded by a version of this rune that's present in a cave in the Nighmare Frontier.
13 Great Lake
There are several Caryll Runes that help decrease the damage incurred by a player in Bloodborne. 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 in the Isz Root Chalice Dungeon, while a slightly less effective version of the Great Lake rune can be found in the Upper Cathedral Ward.
12 Guidance
Rallying is a unique mechanic in Bloodborne that pretty much screams at players to be aggressive in combat. It allows players to recover some of the damage incurred by attacking enemies right after taking damage.
With the Guidance rune, a player's Rally potential is increased significantly. Defeating the powerful Ludwig nets the best version of this rune.
11 Hunter
Stamina management is key to succeeding at Bloodborne. A player who attacks and dodges without a care in the world will die quickly after their stamina inevitably runs out.
By completing 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.
10 Formless Oedon
The Quicksilver Bullets players use in Bloodborne can be a valuable resource, but they can quickly deplete in a single run. This is especially true for Bloodtinge builds or players who prefer using Visceral Attacks.
The Formless Oedon rune allows players to carry extra bullets into battle. The best version of this rune is present in the Pthumeru 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 the Healing Church Workshop and walk into a secret passage in the middle of the ride to get this version of the rune.
9 Deep Sea
The Deep Sea rune 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 with the Winter Lanterns.
A good version of this rune can be found in the Forbidden Woods in a viper pit. However, the best version requires players to hunt in the Isz Root Chalice.
8 Heir
Visceral Attacks are pretty satisfying to pull off in Bloodborne. With the Heir rune, 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.
The best version of the Heir rune is present in the Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice. However, players can settle for another version that is present on a dead body in Yahar'gul, Unseen Village.
7 Communion
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 the Communion rune, players can now carry more of these vials into a fight, which is highly valuable for obvious reasons.
The Celestial Emissary drops the best version of this rune in the main areas of the game. Players who want an even better version of this rune need to head to the Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice.
6 Great Deep Sea
There are several debilitating status effects that players can be inflicted with in Bloodborne. Thankfully, the Great Deep Sea rune provides some respite by increasing the resistance of a hunter to all negative status effects in the game.
Getting this rune involves dealing with some Winter Lanterns in the Nightmare Frontier, but it's worth the effort. A better version can be found in the Isz Root Chalice.
5 Oedon Writhe
Triggering Visceral Attacks requires players to either land a charge attack on an enemy's back or hit them with a bullet while they're charging their attacks. The latter can waste quite a few bullets, but the Oedon Writhe rune should help out in this regard.
This rune nets a set number of Quicksilver Bullets after every Visceral Attack. Players need to kill Iosefka before defeating Rom to get a great version of this rune, although the best version of this rune is present in the Pthumeru Ihyll Root Chalice.
4 Milkweed
The Milkweed rune is one of two runes in the game that can completely change a person's appearance. Becoming a Lumenwood Kin is a surprisingly fun experience, enhanced with the pairing of the Kos Parasite.
This rune can be obtained after completing the questline for Saint Adeline in the Research Hall. Players who are using an Arcane build should definitely try the combination of both this rune and the weapon to enjoy a unique Bloodborne experience.
3 Beast's Embrace
The second rune that can change the player's appearance in the game is the Beast's Embrace rune. This rune can be found after defeating Laurence, The First Vicar.
It transforms the player into a beast-like creature, a transformation that becomes more lethal when paired with the Beast Claw. The player gains an entirely new moveset, coupled with faster dodges and the like to make the hunter seem like even more of an out-of-control beast.
2 Blood Rapture
The Blood Rapture is a great addition to a hunter's arsenal, especially if they specialize in Visceral Attacks. This rune is a great way to gain some much-needed HP after completing a Visceral Attack.
The best version of this rune is found after completing the Eileen the Crow questline. Be warned — the fight against the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst is anything but easy, and players need to give it their all to defeat this powerful enemy.
1 Clawmark
Hitting enemies for a ton of damage always feels extremely satisfying. The Clawmark rune is especially satisfying in this regard and can let players hit enemies for additional damage upon landing a Visceral Attack.
A great version of this rune can be found after killing a transformed Gilbert in Central Yharnam after unleashing the Blood Moon. The best version of this rune can be found after a bit of hunting in the Lower Ailing Loran Root Chalice.
Bloodborne is available on Playstation 4.
