TL;DR
- UNDECEMBER offers complete class freedom with 300+ runes for unlimited build combinations
- Skill and Link Runes require precise tag and color matching for optimal enhancement
- Rune growth depends on character level with four distinct rarity tiers
- Strategic slot activation and color management are crucial for advanced builds
- Free rune transfer available until Episode 2 completion
UNDECEMBER revolutionizes traditional RPG mechanics by eliminating class restrictions entirely, allowing Rune Hunters to freely combine over 300 distinct runes to craft truly personalized character builds. This unprecedented flexibility means your playstyle isn’t locked into predetermined archetypes – you define your combat identity through strategic rune combinations.
Creating your unique combat approach involves mastering three core components: Runes, Zodiacs, and Gear. Each element serves a distinct purpose in shaping your character’s capabilities and combat effectiveness.
Skill Runes determine your active combat abilities, Link Runes enhance and modify those skills, Zodiacs provide passive bonuses that complement your chosen direction, and Gear serves to amplify strengths or compensate for weaknesses. For visual demonstrations, the UNDECEMBER official Youtube channel provides comprehensive tutorials on rune mechanics.
Skill Runes and Link Runes form the essential foundation for completing your build in UNDECEMBER. Basic Skill Runes can be acquired through multiple channels including main story quests, town NPC vendors, and random monster drops throughout your adventures.
Select your preferred Skill Rune and equip it directly in the Rune Cast interface. Once slotted, the associated skill becomes immediately available for use in combat situations.

More advanced key runes require utilizing the Synthesis feature available through Alchemy stations. This crafting system allows you to combine materials and lower-tier runes to create more powerful variants.
Link Runes Must Match the Skill Rune’s Tags
Link Runes significantly amplify Skill Rune effectiveness through specialized modifiers, but successful linking requires meeting two critical conditions: tag compatibility and color alignment between the runes.

Consider the example showcasing three Link Runes: “Multishot“, “Quick Cast“, and “Additional Fire DMG“. The “Multishot Link Rune” carries the [Projectile] tag, “Quick Cast” features the [Spell] tag, while “Additional Fire DMG” possesses the [Fire] tag. These Link Runes align perfectly with the [Projectile], [Fire], and [Spell] tags of the “Fire Ball” skill, enabling connection to the Skill Rune within the Rune Cast interface.
Skill Rune Slot’s Color Must Match the Link Rune’s Color
Every Skill Rune in UNDECEMBER features a hexagonal design with six connection points called slots. These slots can be activated through chance-based processes handled by the Mystic Pauline NPC available in all major towns. Activated slots receive random color assignments from the Red, Green, and Blue spectrum. Similarly, Link Runes maintain fixed colors of Red, Green, or Blue. Successful linking requires matching colors between the Skill Rune slot and the Link Rune.
Consequently, the “Multishot“, “Quick Cast“, and “Additional Fire DMG” Link Runes display Green, Blue, and Red colors respectively, allowing connection to corresponding colored slots on the “Fire Ball” Skill Rune.
Many players encounter challenges with slot availability and color placement optimization. These issues can be systematically addressed using three fundamental Essence types designed specifically for rune modification.
To modify or enhance your runes, visit NPC Pauline in any settlement. Choose the target Skill Rune for enhancement, and you’ll find Rune Birth Essence, Rune Color Essence, and Rune Link Essence available in the interface panel.
• The Rune Birth Essence enables activation of 1-6 Skill Rune slots.
• The Rune Color Essence modifies the colors of your active slots.
• The Rune Link Essence repositions activated slots while preserving their current color assignments.
How to Get Rune Birth/Rune Color/Rune Link Essences?
You can purchase Rune Birth/Rune Color/Rune Link Essences using UNDECEMBER Rubies from the Premium Shop, or acquire them through monster drops, equipment disassembly, or mining Ore deposits throughout the game world.
These three foundational Essences enable strategic Link Rune connections and powerful Skill Rune configurations through careful planning and resource management.
Rune development encompasses two primary advancement paths: Rune Level progression and Rune Grade enhancement.
Rune Level
Advance your Rune levels through the Rune Growth interface accessible via NPC Pauline in settlements. Utilize Elements collected from quest completion and enemy encounters to elevate your Runes’ power levels. The maximum attainable Rune level correlates directly with your character’s current level. Higher character levels unlock progressively higher Rune level caps. Maintaining your Runes at maximum available levels significantly improves your ability to progress through the game’s Acts efficiently.
Rune Grade
Beyond level progression, Runes feature quality grades spanning Normal, Magic, Rare, and Legendary classifications. You can improve Rune Grade quality using the Rune Enchant functionality provided by NPC Pauline.
Transforming a Normal Rune into a Magic Rune requires applying a Skill or Link Rune Magic Upgrade Essence. This methodology extends consistently for advancing Runes to superior grade tiers.

The most crucial aspect of Essence management involves acquisition strategies. While monster hunting provides random Essence drops, the most consistent method involves disassembling developed Runes. Your Runes’ current levels influence the quality of Essences obtained through disassembly. Accumulating 10 identical grade Upgrade Essence fragments enables creation of 1 complete Rune Upgrade Essence.

Rune quality grades apply individually to each Rune. Superior grades unlock enhanced modifier options including expanded Area of Effect ranges and damage amplification. These improvements often produce visible effect changes, making Rune upgrading advisable whenever resources permit. Consult the disassembly formula displayed in-game or reference the official game documentation for comprehensive details.
When you need to replace previously selected Runes, utilize the Transfer Rune capability available through Alchemy stations without cost until completing Episode 2 (Act 10). After finishing Episode 2, the Transfer Rune feature remains accessible but requires payment for subsequent uses.
This comprehensive approach completes the Rune configuration segment of character build creation in UNDECEMBER. For additional category-specific information to enhance your game understanding, visit the official Youtube channel of UNDECEMBER for detailed visual guides and advanced techniques.
Action Checklist
- Acquire basic Skill Runes through quests, NPCs, and monster drops
- Equip Skill Runes in Rune Cast and test immediate functionality
- Identify compatible Link Runes by matching both tags and colors
- Visit Mystic Pauline to activate Skill Rune slots using Rune Birth Essence
- Optimize slot colors and positions using Rune Color and Link Essences
- Level up Runes using collected Elements to match character level progression
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » How Do Runes Work in UNDECEMBER Master UNDECEMBER's rune system with advanced strategies for skill linking, growth optimization, and build customization
