Are Colossal Weapons Good in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
Yes, colossal weapons are indeed good in Elden Ring, but their effectiveness isn’t straightforward. They are not the “best” weapon type for every player or every situation. Instead, they represent a potent but demanding option, rewarding patience and a strategic approach to combat. Colossal weapons are characterized by their immense size, slow attack speed, and high stagger potential, making them capable of delivering devastating blows. However, their drawbacks include lengthy wind-up animations, considerable stamina consumption, and limited mobility. Whether they are “good” depends entirely on a player’s build, playstyle, and willingness to adapt to their unique demands. This article delves into the nuances of colossal weapons in Elden Ring, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and how to maximize their potential.
The Power of Colossal Weapons
The most significant advantage of colossal weapons is their raw power. They boast some of the highest base damage numbers in the game and can inflict significant physical damage on enemies. Furthermore, their high stagger potential means that they can disrupt enemy attacks and create openings for follow-up strikes. This makes them especially effective against large, slow-moving foes and bosses that are vulnerable to stagger.
Many colossal weapons also possess unique Weapon Skills that can be game-changers. These skills range from powerful area-of-effect attacks to defensive maneuvers that can turn the tide of a battle. Learning to effectively use these skills is crucial for mastering colossal weapons.
Another advantage comes from the Strength stat, which is often the primary stat scaling for colossal weapons. Increasing Strength not only boosts their damage but also allows you to wield heavier weapons and wear heavier armor, increasing your survivability.
The Challenges of Colossal Weapons
While powerful, colossal weapons are not without their drawbacks. Their slow attack speed leaves players vulnerable to quicker enemies that can easily interrupt attacks. The high stamina consumption can also be limiting, forcing players to manage their stamina carefully and plan their attacks strategically. The lack of mobility makes it hard to dodge quick attacks, and can make players feel clunky in combat.
Furthermore, colossal weapons can be difficult to parry when wielded two-handed. While it is possible to parry with them when wielded single handed, you will not be able to parry two handed attacks.
Maximizing Colossal Weapon Potential
To make the most of colossal weapons, you need to build a character that complements their strengths. A Strength-focused build is essential, as this is often the primary scaling attribute. Investing in Endurance is also important, as this will give you more stamina and increase your equipment load so that you can wear the best and heaviest armor.
Choosing the right weapon is also crucial. Not all colossal weapons are created equal, and some are better suited for specific situations. The Giant-Crusher, for example, is known for its tremendous damage and stagger potential, while the Starscourge Greatsword has unique attack options that make it more versatile.
Dual wielding colossal weapons is a powerful option for those with high Strength, as it unleashes a flurry of devastating attacks. This was further enhanced by the 1.07 patch which buffed the damage potential. However, be aware that this playstyle requires even more stamina management and can leave you more vulnerable to interruptions.
Learning the timing of your attacks is vital to avoid getting punished. Colossal weapons require patience and a good understanding of enemy attack patterns. Also, understanding which talismans help to increase the damage that colossal weapons can do is important, as this can further boost your power.
FAQs: Colossal Weapons in Elden Ring
1. What is the strongest colossal weapon in Elden Ring?
While damage can vary slightly depending on stats and upgrades, the Giant-Crusher is generally considered to have the highest damage potential. It has a high Strength requirement and scales exceptionally well with the Strength stat.
2. How many colossal swords are in Elden Ring?
There are 11 colossal swords in Elden Ring, each with unique characteristics and scaling.
3. What is the easiest colossal sword to get in Elden Ring?
The Greatsword is one of the easiest colossal weapons to obtain. You can find it in a carriage in Caelid.
4. Can you dual wield colossal weapons?
Yes, you can dual wield colossal weapons. This strategy, particularly when coupled with a strong Strength build, can be incredibly powerful but requires careful stamina management.
5. Are colossal weapons parryable?
Most colossal weapons are not parryable when wielded two-handed. You can only parry with them when wielded single handed.
6. Does Strength make my colossal weapons do more damage?
Yes, the Strength stat directly increases the physical damage output of colossal weapons and allows you to wield them effectively. It is the most important stat for any build utilizing colossal weapons.
7. What is the best talisman for colossal weapons?
Several talismans benefit colossal weapon users. Some of the most useful include Radagon’s Icon, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Graven-Mass Talisman, and the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman. The exact choice will depend on your specific build and playstyle.
8. Are colossal weapons good against bosses?
Yes, colossal weapons can be very effective against bosses due to their high stagger potential and damage output. However, you need to learn boss patterns and use your attacks at the right times.
9. Is the Greatsword better than the Giant-Crusher?
Giant-Crusher deals more damage at maximum upgrades than the Greatsword. However, the Greatsword is more versatile due to its wider range and ease of use.
10. What is the highest strength scaling weapon in Elden Ring?
The Giant-Crusher has the highest strength scaling in Elden Ring.
11. Are colossal swords viable in Elden Ring?
Yes, colossal swords are very viable in Elden Ring. While they are slow, they offer immense damage and stagger potential, which can be extremely effective if used correctly.
12. When should you stop leveling strength in Elden Ring?
The value of leveling strength diminishes significantly after 40, so it is recommended to aim for that number in your main attribute. If you are doing a strength-focused build, you can aim for 60-80, after which diminishing returns will become significant.
13. What is the best combo in Elden Ring for a strength build?
For a strength-focused build, the Giant-Crusher is a great choice. You can use talismans like the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia and Radagon Icon to maximize your damage output.
14. What is the best curved sword in Elden Ring?
The Wing of Astel is often considered one of the best curved swords in the game, due to its high damage output and unique weapon skill. However, several options like the Scavenger’s Curved Sword are also excellent choices depending on your playstyle.
15. Is dual-wielding stronger in Elden Ring?
Dual-wielding can significantly increase damage output and attack speed, making it a very powerful strategy. The combinations are endless as you can dual wield one of each weapon, or two of the same weapons to maximize the potential of your build.
Conclusion
Colossal weapons in Elden Ring are a powerful but demanding weapon class. They reward patience, strategic thinking, and a build designed to maximize their strengths. While they might not be the best choice for every player, their potential for dealing massive damage and staggering enemies is undeniable. If you are willing to overcome their challenges, they can be a very rewarding choice for your journey in the Lands Between.