Unleashing Colossal Power: The Best Ash of War for a Pure Strength Build in Elden Ring
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For the uninitiated Tarnished seeking to conquer the Lands Between with brute force, the pure Strength build reigns supreme. But even the mightiest warhammer feels incomplete without the right Ash of War to amplify its destructive potential. The best Ash of War for a pure Strength build is Lion’s Claw. It provides unparalleled damage, hyper armor, knockdown capabilities, and ease of positioning.
Why Lion’s Claw is King
Lion’s Claw isn’t just a good Ash of War; it’s a game-changer. Its impact stems from a confluence of advantages perfectly tailored to the Strength playstyle:
- Raw Power: Lion’s Claw delivers exceptional damage. The heavy impact of the two-handed smash rivals some of the strongest attacks in the game.
- Hyper Armor: This ability allows you to power through enemy attacks. During the somersault and the subsequent slam, your character gains significant resistance to being staggered. Trade blows confidently, knowing your attack will land.
- Knockdown Potential: Few things are more satisfying than sending a hulking boss tumbling to the ground. Lion’s Claw excels at breaking enemy poise, leading to critical hit opportunities.
- Positioning Prowess: The forward somersault grants surprisingly good mobility. Use it to close the gap, reposition for a follow-up attack, or even dodge incoming projectiles.
- Versatility: While Lion’s Claw shines on colossal weapons, it’s effective on a range of Strength-scaling armaments. From Greatswords to Greataxes, it adapts to your preferred weapon choice.
Lion’s Claw can be obtained as a drop from a Lion Guardian in Fort Gael.
Beyond Lion’s Claw: Honorable Mentions
While Lion’s Claw sits firmly on the throne, several other Ashes of War deserve recognition for their contributions to a Strength build:
- Wild Strikes: For unrelenting aggression, Wild Strikes transforms your weapon into a whirlwind of destruction. Excellent for staggering enemies and applying status effects.
- Cragblade: This Ash of War increases your weapon’s physical attack power and improves your ability to stagger enemies. It’s a fantastic option for burst damage and stance breaking.
- Earthshaker: A powerful ground slam that creates a shockwave. Earthshaker offers excellent area-of-effect damage and can knock down multiple opponents.
- Royal Knight’s Resolve: A one-time buff for your next attack, greatly boosting its damage. This can be paired with a charged heavy attack or any other Ash of War for maximum impact.
- Stormcaller: This skill is a useful and versatile option to consider. It unleashes a whirlwind of wind around the player.
Crafting the Ultimate Strength Build
Choosing the right Ash of War is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly maximize your Strength build’s potential, consider these factors:
- Weapon Selection: Colossal Swords, Greatswords, Greataxes, and Hammers are your bread and butter. Prioritize weapons with high Strength scaling (indicated by a “S” or “A” rating). The Greatsword is a solid choice, easily obtainable early on.
- Stat Allocation: Dump the majority of your points into Strength, Vigor, and Endurance. Strength dictates damage output. Vigor ensures survivability. Endurance allows you to wear heavier armor and swing your massive weapons more often.
- Armor Choices: Heavy armor provides superior protection. Equip the heaviest armor you can while maintaining a “Medium Load” to avoid fat-rolling.
- Talismans: Equip talismans that enhance your strengths (literally!). The Claw Talisman boosts jump attack damage. The Green Turtle Talisman increases stamina recovery. The Erdtree’s Favor raises HP, stamina, and equip load.
- Incantations & Spells: Buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength can further amplify your physical damage output. While not essential, they add another layer of power to your build.
FAQs: Mastering the Strength Build
1. Does the weapon’s scaling affect the Ash of War’s damage?
Yes, the weapon’s scaling directly influences the damage output of many Ashes of War, including Lion’s Claw. A weapon with high Strength scaling will amplify the Ash of War’s damage significantly.
2. Can I change the Ash of War on a unique weapon?
No, unique weapons (those that cannot be infused with Ashes of War at the blacksmith) cannot have their Ashes of War changed. They come with a fixed, unremovable skill.
3. How do I get more Ashes of War?
Ashes of War are found throughout the Lands Between. Some are dropped by enemies, others are rewards for defeating bosses, and many can be purchased from merchants like Knight Bernahl at the Warmaster’s Shack.
4. What is the best early-game Ash of War for a Strength build?
War Cry is an excellent early-game choice. It buffs your attack power and changes your charged heavy attack.
5. Should I two-hand my weapon for a Strength build?
Yes, two-handing your weapon increases your effective Strength by 50%. This allows you to meet the Strength requirements of heavier weapons and further boost your damage.
6. What’s the difference between Heavy and Standard weapon infusions?
The Heavy infusion increases Strength scaling while reducing other scaling attributes. The Standard infusion maintains the weapon’s default scaling. For a pure Strength build, the Heavy infusion is almost always the better choice.
7. How does poise work in Elden Ring?
Poise determines your resistance to being staggered. High poise allows you to withstand more hits before being interrupted. Strength builds benefit greatly from high poise, allowing them to trade blows effectively.
8. What are the soft caps for Strength?
The soft caps for Strength are at 54 (when two-handing) and 80 (when one-handing). After these points, the damage gains per level diminish significantly.
9. Is it worth investing in other stats besides Strength, Vigor, and Endurance?
For a pure Strength build, minimizing investment in other stats is ideal. However, a few points in Faith for buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength can be worthwhile.
10. What’s the best way to deal with fast-moving enemies as a Strength build?
Use Ashes of War like Lion’s Claw or Wild Strikes to quickly close the gap and apply pressure. Don’t be afraid to use jump attacks, as the Claw Talisman provides a substantial damage boost.
11. Does weapon level affect Ash of War damage?
Yes, upgrading your weapon directly increases the damage output of its Ash of War. Prioritize upgrading your primary weapon to maximize its effectiveness.
12. How do I choose the right weapon affinity?
For a pure Strength build, choose the Heavy affinity to maximize Strength scaling. Other options like Fire or Lightning may be viable for hybrid builds, but they’ll sacrifice some pure physical damage.
13. What are some good Spirit Ashes to use with a Strength build?
Spirit Ashes that provide support or draw enemy aggro are excellent choices. The Black Knife Tiche or Lhutel the Headless are powerful options that can distract bosses and allow you to unleash your heavy attacks.
14. Can I parry with a colossal weapon?
No, colossal weapons cannot parry. You’ll need a shield or a parrying dagger equipped to utilize parry Ashes of War. However, Strength builds don’t typically focus on parrying.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and learning through games?
You can find more information on the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores how game mechanics can be applied to educational settings to enhance learning outcomes.
Embrace the power of Strength, master the art of the Lion’s Claw, and carve your legend into the annals of the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished!