How Much Damage Does the Carian Greatsword Do?
The Carian Greatsword in Elden Ring is a potent weapon, dealing a combination of physical and magic damage. Its damage output varies considerably based on several factors, including your character’s stats, the weapon’s upgrade level, talismans equipped, and the enemy’s resistances. At base level (0), with the minimum required stats of 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 15 Intelligence, the Carian Greatsword typically deals around 140-160 physical damage and 90-110 magic damage to unarmored enemies. At maximum upgrade level (+10), and with optimal stat scaling (around 80 Intelligence), the weapon can deal upwards of 400+ physical damage and 300+ magic damage per swing.
Understanding the Carian Greatsword’s Damage
The Carian Greatsword isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s about understanding how its damage is calculated and maximized. Several key elements play a crucial role.
Scaling
The weapon scales primarily with Intelligence, but also has some scaling with Strength and Dexterity. This means that the higher your Intelligence stat, the more damage the weapon will deal. Increasing Strength and Dexterity to their soft caps (generally around 50-60) will also provide a noticeable boost. While investing purely into intelligence might seem enticing, remember that the Carian Greatsword is not a pure magic weapon, so having enough strenght and dexterity is important for maximizing overall damage.
Weapon Upgrades
Upgrading the Carian Greatsword at a smithing table is crucial. Each upgrade significantly increases both the physical and magic damage output. Using Somber Smithing Stones to reach +10 is essential for maximizing its potential in the late game. A fully upgraded Carian Greatsword performs exceptionally well in most encounters.
Enemy Resistances
Different enemies have varying levels of resistance to physical and magic damage. Enemies with high physical resistance will take less damage from the physical component of the weapon’s attacks, and vice versa. Some enemies might even be completely immune to magic damage, rendering a significant portion of the Carian Greatsword’s potential useless. Understanding enemy weaknesses and strengths is vital.
Talismans and Buffs
Talismans and buffs can significantly augment the Carian Greatsword’s damage output. Talismans like the Magic Scorpion Charm boost magic attack power, while others like the Ritual Sword Talisman increase attack power when at full HP. Buffs like Terra Magica and Golden Vow can further amplify damage, turning the Carian Greatsword into a formidable weapon. Combining these buffs can lead to devastating damage potential.
Optimizing the Carian Greatsword Build
To truly unleash the power of the Carian Greatsword, consider these build optimizations:
Stats
- Intelligence: Prioritize Intelligence. Aim for 60-80 to maximize scaling.
- Strength/Dexterity: Meet the minimum requirements initially, then consider increasing them to around 50-60 for better scaling.
- Vigor: Don’t neglect Vigor! You need enough HP to survive encounters. Aim for at least 40.
- Mind: More FP means more weapon skill usage, which is crucial for this build.
Talismans
- Magic Scorpion Charm: Boosts magic attack power.
- Ritual Sword Talisman: Increases attack power when at full HP.
- Shard of Alexander: Enhances the damage of weapon skills, specifically the Carian Grandeur.
- Godfrey Icon: Enhances charged spells and skills, benefiting the charged Carian Grandeur.
Armor
Armor choices are less crucial than stats and talismans, but prioritize pieces that offer decent protection without hindering your equip load. Medium armor often provides a good balance.
Ashes of War
While the Carian Greatsword cannot have its Ash of War changed, optimizing its skill usage is key. Use Carian Grandeur strategically, charging it for maximum damage, especially against larger enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the base stat requirements for the Carian Greatsword?
The base stat requirements are 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 15 Intelligence. You won’t be able to effectively wield the weapon until you meet these requirements.
2. Does the Carian Greatsword deal purely magic damage?
No, the Carian Greatsword deals a combination of physical and magic damage. This makes it versatile against a variety of enemies.
3. How do I upgrade the Carian Greatsword?
You upgrade the Carian Greatsword using Somber Smithing Stones at any smithing table or by speaking to Smith Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold.
4. Is the Carian Greatsword effective against bosses?
Yes, the Carian Greatsword is effective against many bosses, especially those weak to magic damage. The Carian Grandeur weapon skill can deal significant burst damage.
5. What is the Carian Grandeur weapon skill?
Carian Grandeur unleashes a series of magic greatswords that deal significant damage. Charging the skill increases the number of swords and their damage.
6. Does Intelligence affect the physical damage of the Carian Greatsword?
Indirectly, yes. While Strength and Dexterity primarily affect the physical damage, a higher Intelligence stat increases the weapon’s overall attack rating, including the physical component.
7. What talismans are best for maximizing Carian Greatsword damage?
The Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, and Godfrey Icon are excellent choices for maximizing damage.
8. Can I change the Ash of War on the Carian Greatsword?
No, the Carian Greatsword has a fixed Ash of War: Carian Grandeur. You cannot change it.
9. How does the Carian Greatsword compare to other magic-infused weapons?
It offers a good balance of physical and magic damage, making it versatile. Its weapon skill, Carian Grandeur, is also very powerful. Some pure-magic weapons might offer higher magic damage, but less physical.
10. What is the maximum upgrade level for the Carian Greatsword?
The maximum upgrade level is +10, achieved using Somber Smithing Stones.
11. Is the Carian Greatsword good for PvP?
Yes, it can be effective in PvP due to its mix of damage types and the potential for burst damage with Carian Grandeur. However, opponents can dodge the weapon skill, so timing is crucial.
12. How important is Mind for a Carian Greatsword build?
Fairly important. Mind determines your FP, which is necessary for using Carian Grandeur. Having enough FP to cast the skill multiple times is crucial.
13. Does the Carian Greatsword benefit from buffs like Golden Vow?
Yes, buffs like Golden Vow and Terra Magica significantly increase the Carian Greatsword’s damage output.
14. What is the weight of the Carian Greatsword?
The Carian Greatsword weighs 8.0 units.
15. Is the Carian Greatsword viable for a first playthrough?
Yes, it’s perfectly viable. It’s accessible relatively early in the game and can carry you through much of the content with proper stat investment and upgrades. The combination of physical and magic damage ensures its effectiveness against a wide variety of enemies.