Dead Cells is a fast-paced roguelike with 17 unique biomes, many of which are gated behind special runes. These runes grant new traversal abilities, open hidden routes, and unlock bonus content like challenges and blueprints. This guide walks you through how to find and unlock every rune in the game.

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Vine Rune

The Vine Rune is the first rune you’ll need, and it’s essential for progressing in early areas. It lets you grow vertical vines at specific green growth points.

• Location: Promenade of the Condemned
• How to Unlock:
  1. Reach the end of the Promenade of the Condemned.
  2. Defeat the elite enemy guarding the rune.
  3. Pick up the Vine Rune to access new paths to the Toxic Sewers and Ramparts.

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Challenger Rune

The Challenger Rune unlocks access to Daily Challenges, a timed game mode with leaderboard scoring.

• Location: Black Bridge
• How to Unlock:
  1. Defeat the Concierge, the boss of the Black Bridge.
  2. The rune drops after the fight and permanently unlocks Daily Runs.

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Teleportation Rune

The Teleportation Rune allows you to teleport between matching sarcophagi/statues and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

• Location: Toxic Sewers
• How to Unlock:
  1. Use the Vine Rune to reach the Toxic Sewers from the Prisoner’s Quarters.
  2. Search for a gated room with a sarcophagus and elite enemy.
  3. Defeat the elite and collect the Teleportation Rune.

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Ram Rune

The Ram Rune upgrades your ground slam, enabling you to break through floor runes (cracked ground) and unlock hidden paths.

• Location: Ossuary
• How to Unlock:
  1. From the Promenade of the Condemned, skip the Ramparts elevator and look for a side route to the Ossuary(requires Teleportation Rune).
  2. Explore the biome and locate the elite enemy guarding the rune.
  3. Defeat it to gain the Ram Rune.

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Spider Rune

The Spider Rune allows you to cling to and climb vertical walls, opening up many previously inaccessible areas.

• Location: Slumbering Sanctuary
• How to Unlock:
  1. Start in the Prisoner’s Quarters and head to the Toxic Sewers.
  2. Use the Ram Rune to access the Ancient Sewers.
  3. Defeat Conjunctivius in the Insufferable Crypt.
  4. From there, enter the Slumbering Sanctuary.
  5. Defeat the elite enemy inside to obtain the Spider Rune.

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Homunculus Rune

The Homunculus Rune lets you detach your head from your body, allowing you to interact with distant objects, retrieve blueprints, and temporarily immobilize enemies.

• Location: Throne Room (Final Boss)
• How to Unlock:
  1. Complete a full run and defeat the Hand of the King in the Throne Room.
  2. The rune will drop after the victory, unlocking the Homunculus ability permanently.

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Tips for Unlocking Runes

• Explore Carefully: Runes are often guarded by elite enemies or hidden behind special traversal challenges.
• Gear Up First: Bring traps, turrets, or strong ranged weapons when facing elite enemies. They hit hard.
• Know the Routes: Some runes require you to unlock earlier runes and pass through multiple biomes.

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Once you’ve unlocked all six runes, you’ll have full access to Dead Cells’ map, secret areas, challenge zones, and high-level gear opportunities. They’re essential for advanced progression and exploring the game’s true depth.

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