The Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is very different from the base game, both in its progression, and in the major items obtained, linked to the story. There are indeed memories that can be duplicated, but the only Major Rune available is in a sad state. Finding all of Miquella’s Crosses will unfortunately not change anything.
Where to find the Major Rune of Miquella?
This specific item is obtained as a reward when you defeat the boss Avatar of the Occult Tree. This boss is located at the Base of the occult treewhich makes sense. To reach this area, you have to enter the Black Castle through the East Gate. You then have to go through the flooded religious district, and empty it by turning the valve of the lock. This will give you access to a passage at the back of a ruined church, with a suspension bridge and finally the boss.
You can consult our guide to Map Fragments, and especially, the one to the routes to follow, in order to better visualize the path to take to reach the places.
What is the Major Rune of Miquella used for?
As mentioned above, this item does not count as a true Major Rune, you cannot go and repair it in one of the Divine Towers in the base game. It will appear in the list of reusable consumables from your inventory, and it can be equipped in the quick-use item bar. Its role is very specific, and it is a bit reminiscent of Margitt’s Shackles or Maliketh’s Black Claw. But its use is even more specific.
Indeed, this Major Rune is only useful during the second phase of the final boss of the DLC, Radahn, consort of Miquella. During this second phase, if the boss manages to catch you, Miquella will whisper sweet nothings in your ear, promising you 1000 peaceful years. This will also make a golden halo appear above your character’s head.
If Miquella manages to catch you a second time, he will complete his enchantment, you will end up like Leda and the others. A special message will appear on the screen, to warn you that your heart was stolen by Miquella. This leads to instant death, no matter how much health you have available.
This is where Miquella’s Major Rune comes into play. If you use it after being caught by the boss, it will dispel the enchantment. When Radahn catches you a second time, Miquella will have to use her first animation again, which you can dispel again. There are no limits to the use of Miquella’s Major Rune, and it also costs nothing, except a precious moment, during the most difficult fight in the game.
