Best Games That Use Runic Magic

Key Takeaways

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice focuses on rune discovery and intricate game mechanics.
The Witcher 3 uses runestones to enhance silver swords and boost combat stats.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 allows players to craft runes and harness their power in battles.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the integration of runic magic in video games has always been a fascinating aspect for me. The way it enhances gameplay mechanics and adds an extra layer of strategy is simply captivating.

Runes hold significant value in Viking lore as well as serving as fundamental aspects in numerous fantasy video games, both classic and contemporary. In these gaming worlds, runes often grant players unique powers, enhancements for their tools, or boosts to their equipment, ultimately making the gameplay less challenging by providing additional resources.

As a gamer, I’ve come across games where runes seem to be just an aesthetically pleasing addition, but there are others that truly master their implementation, offering players significant advantages that not only boost gameplay effectiveness but also elevate the visual spectacle during battles against formidable bosses and adversaries. Here are some games I’ve enjoyed that leverage runic magic as a fundamental aspect of their mechanics.

5 Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Discovering Rune Patterns Will Show Players The Way

Runes show players the way and must be identified through different angles and perspectives.
The story revolves around a psychotic Celtic woman from the Viking era, looking to bring her dead lover back to life.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is likely one of the most distinctive games ever produced, providing a chilling portrayal of psychosis. It is advised to play this game with headphones on, as Senua consistently encounters voices that create discomfort for both her character and the player controlling her. The narrative begins with Senua navigating a river while transporting Dillion’s severed head in a boat. Upon arriving at Helheim (the underworld), Senua must conquer numerous obstacles and confront her inner torments.

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, while runic magic isn’t employed by Senua to combat her adversaries directly, it does offer players an avenue to advance through the narrative. Throughout numerous stages, including one preceding a significant boss encounter, players must search for scattered runes across a vast expanse. This involves manipulating perspective and angles skillfully in order to prevail.

4 The Witcher 3

Runic Magic Allows For Stronger Silver Swords

Runestones increase various silver sword stats.
They can be obtained by either facing vicious monsters, exploring dark caves, or taking on dangerous side quests.

The Witcher 3” is admired not just for its lengthy storyline, excellent DLC additions, and endearing characters, but also for its exceptional game mechanics. These mechanics are bolstered by elements referred to as Runestones within the game, which can be acquired in numerous ways such as exploring caves, eliminating monster lairs, or completing various quests across The Continent.

As a quest becomes more challenging or when a monster proves to be particularly tough, the skills of Runestone players will improve significantly. Runestones serve to enhance specific attributes on Geralt’s silver sword, leading to increased damage output, special damage against certain enemy types, and additional bonuses that can provide an edge in combat. Furthermore, some Runestones and Glyphs are capable of amplifying Witcher signs, which are crucial for survival – particularly when playing on the Death March difficulty level.

3 Divinity: Original Sin 2

A Turn-Based Fantasy Game That Harnesses The Power Of Runes

The game allows players to craft runes.
Runic magic plays a pivotal role in the game, potentially making the difference between victory and defeat.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is undeniably one of the top-notch turn-based combat games to emerge in the last ten years. This captivating adventure unfolds in the enchanting realm of Rivellon, where players assume the identities of powerful magic-wielders. The intricate system of runic magic is integral to both combat and survival, with potent spells unlocked and harnessed as the story unfolds, empowering us on our journey.

In this game, players have the ability to create runes which they can use to blend diverse elemental powers and transform into an indomitable entity. Magic runes are not just for attacking; they can also modify the surroundings, fostering intriguing interactions among characters, adversaries, and other forces.

2 God Of War (2018)

Rune Magic Makes Kratos’ Leviathan Axe Much Deadlier

Runes can be used to upgrade the Leviathan Axe, Atreus’ bow, and both protagonists’ armor.
Nornir chests contain valuable loot.

Upon its release in 2018, longtime followers of the God of War franchise were taken aback when they discovered that Kratos had not only lived through his ultimate act of rebellion against the gods but had also transplanted himself to the Norse realm of Midgard. In this new setting teeming with creatures drawn from Norse mythology and folklore, Kratos embarks on a journey alongside his son Atreus. Along the way, he will confront numerous adversaries and find himself once more resorting to his previously abandoned violent ways.

At the outset of the game, Kratos primarily wields the Leviathan Axe. This weapon isn’t just powerful in close combat but can also be hurled at distant targets or interactive objects that help Kratos, the Spirit of Sparta, conquer various challenges. Even something as harmless as a plastic straw could be lethal with him. However, by inscribing runes onto the Leviathan Axe, it gains extra abilities such as enhanced attacks, elemental damage, and numerous other benefits. The same principle applies to his armor; upgrades can make it more robust and effective.

In addition to their adventures, Runes enable Kratos and Atreus to open Nornir chests, which are often filled with treasures that players should not overlook. To gain access to these prized chests, they just need to search the area for hidden runes and strive to strike them accurately with the Leviathan Axe before the time expires.

Fun fact: While real-life Vikings are most known to use Younger Futhark runes, God Of War (2018) actually combines both Younger and Elder Futhark runes.

1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Runes Allow Players To Set Traps For Unsuspecting Enemies

Runes can be used to set traps for enemies.
Players can choose between Fire, Frost, and Shock rune damage.

Magic has consistently held a significant role in the game “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”, which was launched in 2011. Since then, players have enjoyed the freedom to customize their gaming experience by choosing their preferred playstyle. While it’s feasible to blend melee combat with magic, it has always been suggested to master one approach over the other. In this title, runes aren’t employed as portable spell containers, but instead serve as traps that can unexpectedly harm enemies who stumble upon them.

As a gamer, I get to pick among fire (orange symbols), frost (icy blues), and shock (purplish whites) rune types when playing. These magical sigils need careful placement and planning based on the type of foe I’m aiming for. Given that The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is steeped in Norse mythology, it’s not surprising at all that runic magic holds such a crucial role within the game.

2024-09-19 02:34