Is the Axe of Godrick Worth It? A Deep Dive for Elden Ring Players
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The Axe of Godrick is a prominent weapon found relatively early in Elden Ring, obtained by trading in the Remembrance of Godrick after defeating Godrick the Grafted. So, is it worth your time and effort? In short, the Axe of Godrick can be a strong choice for Strength-focused builds looking for a hard-hitting weapon with a flashy weapon art, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Its slow attack speed and high stat requirements might deter some players, especially early on. Let’s delve deeper into its strengths, weaknesses, and alternatives to help you decide if it’s the right weapon for your Tarnished.
Axe of Godrick: A Comprehensive Overview
Stats and Scaling
The Axe of Godrick is classified as a Greataxe, meaning it prioritizes raw damage over speed. Its base physical damage is quite respectable, and it boasts solid Strength scaling (D initially, improving to C with upgrades) and some Dexterity scaling (E, improving to D with upgrades). This makes it best suited for players who have invested heavily in Strength.
The stat requirements are as follows:
- Strength: 34
- Dexterity: 22
- Intelligence: 0
- Faith: 0
- Arcane: 0
These requirements are relatively high for the early game, meaning players might need to respec or level up considerably to wield it effectively.
Weapon Art: I Command Thee, Kneel!
The weapon art, “I Command Thee, Kneel!”, is a visually impressive move. It involves a powerful leaping slam that creates a small area-of-effect shockwave. This attack can stagger enemies and deal significant damage, making it useful for crowd control and breaking enemy stances. However, the long animation leaves you vulnerable, so timing is crucial.
Strengths
- High Damage Output: Delivers substantial damage with each swing, especially when fully upgraded and paired with a suitable build.
- Stagger Potential: The “I Command Thee, Kneel!” weapon art is excellent for staggering enemies and creating openings for follow-up attacks.
- Cool Factor: Let’s be honest, the weapon looks amazing and the weapon art is incredibly stylish.
- Availability: Obtainable relatively early in the game after defeating Godrick.
Weaknesses
- Slow Attack Speed: Greataxes are inherently slow, making you vulnerable to faster enemies. This requires careful timing and positioning.
- High Stat Requirements: The 34 Strength and 22 Dexterity requirement can be a significant hurdle, especially early on.
- Vulnerable Weapon Art: “I Command Thee, Kneel!” leaves you open to attack during its long animation.
- Weight: Greataxes are heavy, impacting your equip load and potentially hindering your mobility.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to other early-game weapons, the Axe of Godrick offers higher damage potential than many alternatives, but at the cost of speed and accessibility. The Grafted Dragon, another weapon obtained from Godrick’s Remembrance, is an interesting alternative. While it doesn’t deal as much raw damage per hit, it has lower stat requirements and a unique weapon art that deals damage over time. The article even mentioned some axes in Elden Ring, in the context of which being the strongest: The Warped Axe could be considered as it has the strongest STR scaling.
Verdict: Who Should Use the Axe of Godrick?
The Axe of Godrick is best suited for players who:
- Are committed to a Strength-focused build.
- Enjoy slow, methodical combat.
- Value high damage per hit over attack speed.
- Are willing to invest time in leveling up to meet the stat requirements.
- Appreciate a stylish and impactful weapon art.
If you prefer faster weapons or have limited stat investment, other options might be more suitable. However, for the right player, the Axe of Godrick can be a powerful and rewarding weapon throughout their Elden Ring journey.
It’s important to always keep learning and adapting to the game’s mechanics. Resources like the Games Learning Society can offer invaluable insights into game design and player behavior, helping you make informed decisions about your character build and playstyle. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Axe of Godrick viable in the late game?
Yes, the Axe of Godrick remains viable in the late game, especially when fully upgraded and optimized with appropriate talismans and armor. However, it may require more skillful play due to its slow attack speed.
2. What are the best talismans to use with the Axe of Godrick?
Recommended talismans include the Axe Talisman (enhances charged attacks and weapon skills), the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery), and the Erdtree’s Favor (raises maximum HP, stamina, and equip load).
3. What is the best armor set to pair with the Axe of Godrick?
Armor with high poise and physical defense is ideal. Consider the Bull-Goat Set or the Lionel’s Set for maximum protection and poise.
4. Can the Axe of Godrick be infused with Ashes of War?
No, the Axe of Godrick has a unique weapon skill and cannot be infused with Ashes of War.
5. What are some good strategies for using the “I Command Thee, Kneel!” weapon art?
Use it defensively to create space and stagger enemies, or aggressively to punish predictable attacks. Practice the timing to avoid getting hit during the animation.
6. How does the Axe of Godrick compare to other Greataxes?
It has a unique weapon skill, but other Greataxes might offer better scaling or different Ashes of War options. Experiment to find what suits your playstyle.
7. Is it worth respeccing my character to use the Axe of Godrick?
If you enjoy the weapon’s moveset and are committed to a Strength build, respeccing can be worthwhile. However, consider other options if you prefer faster weapons.
8. What level should I be to effectively use the Axe of Godrick?
Ideally, you should be around level 40-50 with sufficient Strength and Dexterity to wield it effectively.
9. Does the Axe of Godrick benefit from two-handing?
Yes, two-handing increases your Strength by 50%, allowing you to meet the Strength requirement with slightly lower stats.
10. Can I use the Axe of Godrick in PvP?
Yes, but be mindful of its slow attack speed and telegraphing. Good spacing and timing are essential for success in PvP.
11. What are some good early-game alternatives to the Axe of Godrick?
The Greatsword and the Lordsworn’s Greatsword are excellent early-game options with lower stat requirements.
12. How do I upgrade the Axe of Godrick?
You upgrade the Axe of Godrick at a blacksmith using Somber Smithing Stones.
13. Is the Axe of Godrick a good option for a beginner player?
Not typically. Its high stat requirements and slow attack speed can be challenging for new players.
14. Does the Axe of Godrick deal additional damage types (e.g., holy, fire)?
No, the Axe of Godrick primarily deals physical damage.
15. Are there any hidden effects or lore associated with the Axe of Godrick?
The weapon’s lore is directly tied to Godrick the Grafted. It represents his desperate attempts to emulate his ancestors and claim power. The axe does not have additional hidden effects beyond what is described above.