Are the Star Fists Good in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, the Star Fists are a good weapon in Elden Ring, especially for specific builds and playstyles. They offer a unique combination of damage, protection, and status buildup, making them a viable choice for both PvE and PvP. Their effectiveness shines when paired with the right build and understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dive deeper into why the Star Fists might be the perfect weapon for your Tarnished.
The Allure of the Star Fists
The Star Fists are more than just a novelty weapon. They offer a unique package in Elden Ring’s vast arsenal. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:
- Dual Scaling: Primarily scaling with Strength and Dexterity, the Star Fists allow for a flexible character build, accommodating those who invest in either or both of these stats.
- Endure Weapon Art: The Endure weapon skill provides a brief window of increased poise and damage reduction, making you significantly more resilient in close-quarters combat. This allows you to trade blows effectively and withstand otherwise staggering attacks.
- Bleed Buildup: The Star Fists inherently inflict blood loss, adding a layer of damage over time that can quickly devastate enemies susceptible to Hemorrhage.
- Accessibility: Found relatively early in the game within Leyndell, Royal Capital, they are accessible to most players without requiring extensive exploration or difficult boss fights.
Building Around the Star Fists
The true potential of the Star Fists is unlocked with a dedicated build. Here are a few popular approaches:
- The “Howling Starfist” Dexterity Build: This build maximizes Dexterity to enhance attack speed and damage. The Beast’s Roar Ash of War provides ranged options, compensating for the Star Fist’s short reach. Consider incorporating talismans that boost attack power on consecutive hits or increase damage based on equip load.
- Strength/Endurance Powerhouse: Focusing on Strength and Endurance allows for heavy armor and aggressive play. The Endure weapon skill becomes crucial for weathering incoming attacks, while high poise ensures you can deliver uninterrupted blows. This build can utilize Ashes of War that provide powerful single-target damage or wide-sweeping attacks.
- Bleed Focused Build: Emphasizing Arcane alongside Strength and Dexterity will significantly increase the blood loss buildup, making this a terrifying weapon against many enemies. Using items that inflict blood loss is essential as well.
Comparing the Star Fists to Other Fists
While the Star Fists are a solid choice, other fist weapons offer unique advantages:
- Grafted Dragon: While only obtainable once per playthrough, the Grafted Dragon boasts the highest Attack Rating (AR) of all fist weapons. Its unique skill allows you to unleash a torrent of fire, making it effective against groups of enemies and those weak to fire.
- Veteran’s Prosthesis: This weapon stands out by offering a better Attack Rating (AR) without any status buildup. This makes it a solid choice for a pure damage build.
- Katar: The Katar specializes in piercing attacks, allowing it to bypass enemy shields. However, its damage output is generally lower than the Star Fists.
- Spiked Caestus: This weapon also has blood loss buildup like the Star Fist, and when combined with the Endure skill, it becomes another formidable weapon.
Addressing the Drawbacks
Despite their strengths, the Star Fists have limitations:
- Short Range: Like all fist weapons, their range is extremely limited, requiring you to be right in the enemy’s face.
- Dependency on Build: Their effectiveness relies heavily on a well-optimized build. Without proper stat investment and Ash of War choices, their damage output can be underwhelming.
FAQs: Star Fists in Elden Ring
1. Where can I find the Star Fists?
The Star Fists are located in Leyndell, Royal Capital. Climb up to the Colosseum area and follow the left path around the structure. You’ll find them on a corpse.
2. What stats do the Star Fists scale with?
The Star Fists primarily scale with Strength and Dexterity.
3. What is the weapon skill on the Star Fists?
The Star Fists come with the Endure weapon skill, which increases poise and reduces damage taken for a short duration.
4. Are the Star Fists good for a Strength build?
Yes, the Star Fists are viable for a Strength build, especially when paired with an Ash of War like Hoarah Loux’s Earthquake.
5. Do the Star Fists inflict blood loss?
Yes, the Star Fists inherently inflict blood loss buildup, adding a layer of damage over time.
6. How do the Star Fists compare to the Grafted Dragon?
The Grafted Dragon has a higher Attack Rating (AR) and a unique fire-based weapon skill, but you can only obtain one per playthrough. The Star Fists are more readily available and offer blood loss buildup.
7. What are some good Ashes of War for the Star Fists?
Good Ashes of War options include Hoarah Loux’s Earthquake, Beast’s Roar, Bloodflame Blade, or any that provide added range or status effects.
8. Are the Star Fists good for PvP?
Yes, the Star Fists can be effective in PvP, especially with the Endure skill for trading blows and the blood loss buildup for pressuring opponents.
9. Can you parry with fist weapons in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can parry with fist weapons like the Star Fists, although the parry window is relatively small.
10. Are fist weapons difficult to use in Elden Ring?
Fist weapons, including the Star Fists, can be challenging due to their short range and reliance on close-quarters combat.
11. How does Dexterity affect the Star Fists?
Dexterity increases the attack speed and damage of the Star Fists, making it a valuable stat to invest in for a dedicated build.
12. What is the best fist weapon in Elden Ring?
The “best” fist weapon depends on your build and playstyle. The Grafted Dragon has the highest AR, while the Star Fists offer a good balance of damage, protection, and blood loss buildup.
13. Where is the Katar located in Elden Ring?
The Katar can be found inside a chest in Fort Gael, located in Caelid.
14. What kind of build is the “Flame Dancer” that uses fist weapons?
The Flame Dancer build is a Strength/Faith build that utilizes a Greatshield for Block Counters, Flame Dance to destroy groups of enemies, and Fire Incantations for ranged attacks.
15. What are some tips for using the Star Fists effectively?
Utilize the Endure weapon skill to trade blows, manage your stamina carefully, and consider incorporating talismans that enhance attack power or status buildup. Also, try different Ashes of War to find what fits your personal play style!
Conclusion: Embrace the Beast Within
The Star Fists are a compelling weapon choice for those seeking a unique and aggressive playstyle in Elden Ring. While they may not be the most straightforward option, their combination of damage, protection, and status buildup, when paired with a well-crafted build, can make them a force to be reckoned with. So, embrace the beast within, Tarnished, and unleash the power of the Star Fists!
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