Essence Runes

Runes are a late-game character enhancement system for characters at level 120 and above. Equipping them requires AP and Upgrade Cores. Essence Runes are permanent and can be leveled up. Blended Runes trigger a proc effect on certain skill casts at a 1–2% chance and cannot be leveled. In EP XXIV the maximum rune slot count was raised from 30 to 60 (16 Basic plus 44 Extension slots). Karma Runes were added in EP XLIII.

Essence Runes cover a wide range of stat bonuses. Major categories include: EXP gain, Party EXP, Pet EXP, Skill EXP (AXP), Alz drop and bomb, Defense Rate, Attack Rate, Resist Down/Knockback/Stun, primary attributes (DEX/INT/STR), HP and MP, Attack and Magic Attack, Defense, HP Absorb, MP Absorb, Sword/Magic Skill Amp, Maximum Critical Rate, Critical Damage, Damage Reduce, and Accuracy. Some variants (Runes II) use Divine Cores to level up and provide stronger bonuses.

Blended Runes are a secondary rune type crafted at Rune Agent Flasha in Bloody Ice. They are not levelable. Each has a 1–2% chance to proc a special effect when a skill is cast. Unlike Essence Runes they cannot be leveled up.