The Somewhere a Great Rune Has Broken prompt appears when players approach the Shadow Keep for the first time in the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree. Learn what it means, what aspects of the game it affects, and which NPCs react to it here!

Somewhere a Great Rune Has Broken Meaning

A Great Rune Has Broken Summary
Scripted to Happen Near the Shadow Keep Makes Changes to Some NPC Quests Unlocks the Stone Coffin Fissure Area

Scripted Trigger When Approaching the Shadow Keep

When approaching the Shadow Keep for the first time, players will hear a global sound similar to glass breaking, then a prompt that says Somewhere a Great Rune has broken... and so too has a powerful charm will pop up.

This is a scripted event and it is part of the DLC's main story. Miquella, by leaving behind parts of himself across the Land of Shadow (courtesy of Miquella's Crosses), has finally shed his Great Rune, leading to it breaking.

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Walkthrough

Dispels the Charm Influencing Miquella's NPC Followers

Before the Great Rune breaks, most of these NPCs can be described as almost devout followers of Miquella, revering him with names such as Miquella the Kind and Kindly Miquella.

Once the spell breaks however, these same NPCs will have different insights on Miquella and their own backstory when you speak to them again.

Opens a Sealed Tunnel Leading to the Stone Coffin Fissure

In the southern part of the Cerulean Coast, specifically at the end of a deep hole that the player must descend, there lies a sealed door that has Miquella's symbol on it. Upon interacting, the player is denied entry.

Later on when the Great Rune breaks, returning to this place reveals that the path is now clear, allowing the player to venture into the depths of the Stone Coffin Fissure - a new area where you meet St. Trina.

Does the Great Rune Breaking Affect NPC Quests?

It Changes the Stance of Several NPCs

As a scripted trigger, it completely alters the dialogues and future progression of NPCs now that they are no longer bound to Miquella's spell.

Some NPCs will opt to stay loyal to Miquella, while others will pull away from it for various reasons, inevitably leading to conflict in future encounters.

Where to Find Miquella's Great Rune

Dropped by the Scadutree Avatar

World View	Map Location

The Scadutree Avatar holds Miquella's Great Rune, and serves as an Optional Boss that may be defeated to acquire it. The Scadutree Avatar can be found in the Tree-Worship Sanctum, Northeast of the Shadow Keep.

Elden Ring Related Guides

Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Guide

All Shadow of the Erdtree Guides