Are Colossal Swords Viable in Elden Ring?
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Yes, Colossal Swords are absolutely viable in Elden Ring, but they require a specific playstyle and build to truly shine. They’re not for everyone due to their slow attack speed, high stamina consumption, and significant weight. However, the sheer damage output, incredible stagger potential, and ability to flatten many enemies make them a force to be reckoned with in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Success with Colossal Swords hinges on understanding their strengths, mitigating their weaknesses, and building a character that complements their unique characteristics.
Understanding Colossal Swords in Elden Ring
Colossal Swords are the largest weapon class in Elden Ring, characterized by their immense size, overwhelming power, and deliberate pace. They demand a substantial investment in Strength and Endurance, and often other stats like Vigor, to wield effectively.
Strengths of Colossal Swords
- High Damage: Colossal Swords boast some of the highest raw damage potential in the game. A single, well-placed hit can decimate enemy health bars.
- Exceptional Stagger Potential: These weapons excel at breaking enemy stances, leaving them vulnerable to critical attacks. Charge attacks are particularly potent in this regard.
- Flattening Power: Many Colossal Sword attacks have a wide arc and the ability to knock down smaller enemies, creating openings for follow-up attacks.
- Poise Damage: Colossal Swords deal significant poise damage, allowing you to trade blows effectively with many enemies, including bosses.
- Range: Despite their slow swing speed, they offer a surprising amount of range, allowing you to keep your distance while still dealing damage.
- Incredible weapon art: Colossal swords also benefit from having unique weapon arts such as Giant Hunt or Lion’s Claw to keep combat engaging.
Weaknesses of Colossal Swords
- Slow Attack Speed: The most significant drawback is their slow attack animation, leaving you vulnerable to counterattacks. Timing and positioning are crucial.
- High Stamina Consumption: Each swing consumes a significant amount of stamina, demanding careful stamina management.
- Heavy Weight: Their weight restricts movement speed and agility, requiring careful management of equipment load.
- Limited Mobility: Rolling distances are reduced due to the weight, making dodging more challenging.
- Predictable Attacks: Opponents can easily anticipate your attacks due to their slow speed, making them vulnerable to parrying or dodging in PvP.
Building a Viable Colossal Sword Character
To overcome the weaknesses and maximize the strengths of Colossal Swords, a dedicated build is essential.
Key Stats
- Strength: The primary stat, dictating damage output. Aim for at least 60 Strength.
- Vigor: Essential for survival. A high Vigor stat (40+) is highly recommended.
- Endurance: Increases stamina and equipment load. Crucial for wielding Colossal Swords and wearing decent armor. Aim for at least 30-40.
- Mind: If you plan on using weapon skills, such as Lion’s Claw or Giant Hunt, a decent amount of mind to increase FP is recommended.
Essential Talismans
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed, mitigating stamina consumption issues.
- Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load, providing a significant boost to survivability and mobility.
- Great-Jar’s Arsenal: Massively increases equipment load, allowing you to wear heavier armor while maintaining a medium roll.
- Bull-Goat’s Talisman: Increases poise, allowing you to trade blows more effectively.
- Claw Talisman: Increases jump attack damage, synergizing well with Colossal Swords’ jump attacks.
- Axe Talisman: Enhances charged attacks, which is how colossal swords are commonly used to stagger bosses.
Armor
Prioritize armor with high poise to withstand enemy attacks and avoid being staggered. Balancing poise with acceptable weight is crucial.
Ashes of War
Ashes of War can significantly enhance Colossal Swords. Lion’s Claw is a popular choice for its hyper-armor and stagger potential. Giant Hunt is another powerful option, allowing you to launch enemies into the air. Infusing your weapon with elements like Fire, Lightning, or Frost can also provide additional damage and status effects.
Playstyle
Embrace a deliberate and methodical playstyle. Focus on timing your attacks to capitalize on openings. Charge attacks are your friend for staggering enemies. Utilize jump attacks to close the distance and deal significant damage. Practice patience and avoid being overly aggressive.
Colossal Swords in PvE vs. PvP
- PvE: Colossal Swords are exceptionally effective against many enemies, particularly those vulnerable to stagger. Bosses with predictable attack patterns are also prime targets.
- PvP: Colossal Swords can be challenging in PvP due to their slow speed. However, skilled players can use them effectively by exploiting openings, utilizing weapon arts, and punishing aggressive opponents. Poise and hyper armor are your best friend.
FAQs: Colossal Swords in Elden Ring
1. What are the best Colossal Swords in Elden Ring?
The best Colossal Swords are subjective and depend on your build and playstyle. Popular choices include the Greatsword, the Ruins Greatsword, the Starscourge Greatsword, and the Godslayer’s Greatsword. The Royal Greatsword is another option if you can incorporate intelligence into your build.
2. Do I need to two-hand Colossal Swords?
Yes, at least initially. Two-handing provides a significant Strength bonus, allowing you to meet the stat requirements and maximize damage output. However, with sufficient Strength (60+), you can one-hand some Colossal Swords, allowing you to use a shield or other off-hand weapon.
3. How do I manage stamina effectively with Colossal Swords?
Prioritize investing in Endurance, equip the Green Turtle Talisman, and use armor with high poise. Learn to time your attacks and avoid unnecessary swings.
4. Are Colossal Swords good for beginners?
Generally, no. Their slow speed and high stamina consumption can be challenging for new players. However, determined players can still learn to use them effectively.
5. What stats should I prioritize for a Colossal Sword build?
Strength, Vigor, and Endurance are the most important.
6. What Ashes of War are best for Colossal Swords?
Lion’s Claw, Giant Hunt, and Prelate’s Charge are excellent options. Experiment with different Ashes of War to find what suits your playstyle.
7. Can I use Colossal Swords on horseback?
Yes, but their effectiveness is limited due to the slower attack speed. However, jump attacks from horseback can still be powerful.
8. What is the best armor for a Colossal Sword build?
Armor with high poise, such as the Bull-Goat Set, is ideal. However, prioritize armor that allows you to maintain a medium roll.
9. Are Colossal Swords viable in the late game?
Yes, absolutely. Their high damage output and stagger potential remain effective throughout the entire game.
10. How do I deal with fast enemies using Colossal Swords?
Use jump attacks, weapon arts, and strategic positioning to punish their aggression. Learn to anticipate their movements and time your attacks accordingly.
11. Are Colossal Swords good against bosses?
Yes, especially against bosses with predictable attack patterns. Utilize charge attacks and jump attacks to stagger them and create openings for critical hits.
12. How does poise work with Colossal Swords?
High poise allows you to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered, allowing you to trade blows effectively. The Bull-Goat’s Talisman is crucial for maximizing poise.
13. Can I infuse Colossal Swords with status effects?
Yes, infusing your weapon with elements like Fire, Lightning, or Frost can add additional damage and status effects.
14. What is the best way to farm runes for a Colossal Sword build?
Utilize efficient rune farming methods, such as killing the Albinaurics in Mogwyn Palace or defeating the Greyoll dragon.
15. How do I counter players who constantly roll away from my Colossal Sword attacks in PvP?
Use delayed attacks, unlock your camera to free aim your swings, and punish their rolls with well-timed jump attacks or weapon arts. Use of the crouch poke may also catch an opponent off guard.
In conclusion, Colossal Swords are a formidable weapon class in Elden Ring. While they require a specific build and playstyle, their high damage, stagger potential, and range make them a viable option for both PvE and PvP. Embrace their strengths, mitigate their weaknesses, and unleash their devastating power upon the Lands Between.