Elden Ring Weapons Build: Patch Buff and Invasion Tips
Patch Buff Overview
The recent Elden Ring patch introduced several buffs to hand-to-hand weapons:
1. Increased Damage: The base damage for H2H weapons got a straight-up increase, making them hit harder than before.
2. Faster Recovery: The recovery time between normal and follow-up attacks has been reduced, allowing for smoother and quicker combos. This opens up opportunities for mixups and faster engagements.
3. Heavy Attack Speed Buff: The speed of heavy attacks has been increased, making them not only faster but also safer to use. Heavy attacks already deal significant Poise damage, and now, with faster execution, they can be utilized more aggressively in both PvE and PvP.
Build Concept
The focus of this build is on maximizing the damage potential and utility of hand-to-hand weapons. To capitalize on the recent buffs, we will pair them with certain key skills, talismans, and strategies for both PvP invasions and PvE encounters.
Weapon Selection
· Primary Weapon: Hand-to-hand weapons, such as the Clinging Bone or Star Fist, will be our core weapons due to their boosted damage and faster follow-ups.
· Skill of Choice: I recommend pairing your hand-to-hand weapons with Storm Stomp. This Ash of War provides a hyper-armor trade option and guarantees a heavy attack follow-up, allowing you to capitalize on the heavy attack buff for additional Poise damage and damage output.
Hand-to-Hand Arts
To keep the build dynamic and versatile, I recommend incorporating two powerful hand-to-hand arts:
1. Dan's Footwork: A swift set of martial arts moves that emphasize agility and spacing.
2. Dry Leaf Arts: A more aggressive and heavy-hitting style, perfect for closing in on opponents.
Both of these arts have slightly different move sets but are equally effective for mixups and aggressive play.
Talismans
To maximize the damage and utility of hand-to-hand weapons, consider running the following talismans:
1. Lacerating Cross Talisman: Boosts the damage of running attacks, which will be key in your aggressive playstyle.
2. Shattered Stone Talisman: This talisman enhances the damage of your kicks, which synergizes well with hand-to-hand arts.
3. Claw Talisman: A must-have if you plan on using jump attacks. Hand-to-hand weapons excel at jump attack mixups, and this talisman will further enhance that aspect of your gameplay.
Build Stats
For this build, I recommend focusing on Strength for maximum damage output. While hand-to-hand weapons can work with status effects (like bleed or frostbite), I find that strength scaling allows for more reliable damage, especially in PvP, where hyper-armor trades are essential.
· Strength: Maximize this stat for heavy physical damage.
· Endurance: You'll need enough stamina to chain attacks and maintain aggression without running out of breath.
· Vigor: Since this is a tanky build, high vigor is important for surviving trades, especially during invasions.
PvP Strategy
Mixups and Heavy Attack Chains
One of the key strategies with hand-to-hand weapons post-patch is to utilize their newfound speed and recovery for mixups. The shortened recovery time allows you to quickly chain normal and heavy attacks, forcing your opponent to guess your next move. Open with a running attack or light attack to gauge your opponent's reaction, then follow up with a heavy attack to break their guard or stagger them.
Storm Stomp Combos
The Storm Stomp Ash of War is a perfect complement to this build. You can easily trade hits using its hyper armor, then follow up with a guaranteed heavy attack for massive damage. Given the increased speed of heavy attacks, this combo is even deadlier, and with enough strength, you can overwhelm most opponents with ease.
Trading and Poise Management
Hand-to-hand weapons don’t have the best range, so you'll often find yourself trading hits with your opponent. With the right talismans and high Vigor, you can survive these trades, and the heavy attack buffs allow you to deal significant Poise damage to stagger enemies more quickly. This is especially important in PvP, where controlling space and momentum is key to winning fights.
Invasion Tips
During invasions, always look for opportunities to catch groups of enemies off-guard. Hand-to-hand weapons are fast enough to break through gank squads if you time your attacks well. Use Storm Stomp to trade with multiple enemies, and follow up with heavy attacks to dish out damage and Poise breaks. Be mindful of your stamina management when engaging in 1vX scenarios, as you'll need to stay mobile to avoid being overwhelmed.
Here’s a brief clip from one of my recent invasions to showcase the build in action:
· Scene: I caught a group of enemies by surprise, opened with a charged jump attack to break their Poise, and followed up with a heavy attack using Storm Stomp. After a few running attack mixups, I managed to take down a gank squad by chaining together quick combos. It felt amazing to keep the pressure on without giving them a chance to recover.
Conclusion
This bare-handed build has been revved up after the recent patch, with faster attacks, more powerful combos, and incredible slam damage. Whether you're looking to dominate in PvP or crush your enemies in PvE, this build will give you the tools to succeed. Equip your amulets, enhance your slams, and unleash your fists of fury! And finally, Attention, Elden Ring adventurers! If you're seeking the best gear to conquer the Lands Between, MMOexp has you covered with a fantastic selection of Elden Ring Items for sale. Our platform offers everything from powerful weapons and armor to rare crafting materials, ensuring you have the tools necessary to elevate your gameplay. Forget the hours spent grinding; with our competitive prices and quick delivery, you can focus on what truly matters—defeating formidable foes and exploring breathtaking landscapes. Join the community of gamers who trust MMOexp for their Elden Ring needs and unlock your full potential today! Thanks for reading, and happy invading!