‘Somewhere a great rune has broken’ meaning in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

“Somewhere a great rune has broken” in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree, and, along with it, a powerful charm has been released. You may read these words and quickly forget about them as you’re exploring the Shadow Keep or the Scadu Altus region, but at some point you’ll wonder — where is it? What does it reveal? Should you be concerned?

What does the ‘Somewhere, a great rune has been broken’ and ‘so too has a powerful charm’ mean?

Images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

When you first enter the vicinity of the Shadow Keep, you’ll be given two mysterious on-screen prompts saying “Somewhere, a great rune has been broken” and “And so too has a powerful charm.”

This is nothing to be concerned about if you wish to continue exploring the Scadu Altus region, as what it means that a new region of the map has unlocked somewhere in the Realm of Shadow, and that the charm refers to something which happens to certain characters.

If you don’t mind spoilers, here is where to find the newly unlocked location...

‘Broken great rune’ location in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Graphic: Johnny Yu | Source images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

If you’ve visited the Cerulean Coast before exploring the Shadow Keep or venturing to the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, you probably spotted a large hole in the southwest section of the map. Drop down the ledges to find a yellow barrier with Miquella’s symbol. If you try to interact with the seal before the above prompt, this line will appear on your screen, “Sealed and obscured by Miquella.”

After the seal has been broken, you can return to the Stone Fissure to learn more about Miquella’s story in the realm of shadow. Without spoiling too much about what is behind the broken seal, you’ll be able to progress in a certain NPC’s questline and face off against a mighty boss.

‘And so too has a powerful charm’ meaning explained

Images: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Johnny Yu

Don’t forget that a powerful charm has been released from Leda and her allies! Hop around from NPC to NPC to learn that Miquella has seemingly charmed all of her followers. Everyone seems to be in disarray wondering if they were right in following Miquella and what they should be doing now. The story of Miquella’s followers will change based on your decisions from here on out, so tread carefully!

Looking for more Shadow of the Erdtree guides? Check out our guides on new Elden Ring DLC weapons, armor, map fragments, sites of grace, and talismans. We’ve also got location guides on where to find Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, and an interactive Elden Ring DLC map.