Mastering the Claymore: A Tarnished’s Guide to Stats and Strategy in Elden Ring
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Ah, the Claymore. A classic, a reliable, a truly versatile weapon in the vast and unforgiving world of Elden Ring. But simply picking it up isn’t enough. To truly wield the Claymore’s potential, you need to understand the stats required and how it scales. So, let’s dive in, Tarnished, and unlock the secrets of this magnificent greatsword!
The Claymore’s Core Requirements: Strength and Dexterity
To effectively wield the Claymore in Elden Ring, you’ll need the following minimum stat investments:
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 13
These are the bare minimum requirements to simply equip the weapon and perform basic attacks. However, meeting these requirements alone won’t unlock the Claymore’s full potential. That’s where scaling comes into play.
Understanding Scaling: How Your Stats Power Up the Claymore
The Claymore scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity. This means that the higher your Strength and Dexterity stats, the more damage the Claymore will inflict. The scaling grades are represented by letters, from E (worst) to S (best). While the Claymore’s scaling isn’t the absolute best for either stat individually (meaning other weapons might outperform it with a dedicated Strength or Dex build), its split scaling makes it incredibly adaptable.
Early on, the Claymore’s scaling will be relatively modest. However, as you upgrade the weapon at the blacksmith and increase your Strength and Dexterity stats, the scaling bonuses will become more significant, leading to a substantial increase in damage output. This is why the Claymore is such a popular choice throughout the entire game – it remains effective from early exploration to endgame encounters.
Two-Handing the Claymore: A Strength-Boosting Tactic
One crucial aspect to remember is the ability to two-hand weapons in Elden Ring. When you two-hand the Claymore, your Strength stat is effectively multiplied by 1.5. This allows you to meet the Strength requirement, and even get additional scaling benefits, even if your actual Strength stat is lower than what’s ideally needed for optimal scaling.
For example, if you have 11 Strength, two-handing the Claymore would effectively give you 16.5 Strength (11 x 1.5), allowing you to wield it properly. This opens up the possibility of investing more points into Dexterity or other stats early on, while still enjoying the Claymore’s benefits.
The Ideal Build: Balancing Strength and Dexterity
While the Claymore can be used effectively with a variety of builds, the most common and often most rewarding approach is to create a character with a balanced focus on both Strength and Dexterity. A good mid-to-late game target to aim for is 27 Strength (which becomes 40 when two-handing) and 40 Dexterity. This combination maximizes the Claymore’s scaling potential without overly specializing in one stat at the expense of the other. Remember this will change based on how you play, if you prefer 2-handing, then invest more points in strength.
This balanced build allows you to:
- Deal significant damage with the Claymore’s versatile moveset.
- Benefit from increased weapon skill damage (affected by Dexterity).
- Maintain flexibility to use other weapons that scale well with either Strength or Dexterity.
- Be able to use weapon arts that may require dexterity or strength
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Claymore
1. Is the Claymore a good weapon in Elden Ring?
Absolutely! The Claymore is considered one of the best weapons in Elden Ring, particularly for its versatility, accessible stat requirements, and well-rounded damage output. It’s a fantastic choice for both new and experienced players.
2. Where can I find the Claymore in Elden Ring?
The Claymore is located in Castle Morne on the Weeping Peninsula. It’s found inside a chest in one of the towers. Finding it early game will allow you to learn its mechanics and weapon art early.
3. Does the Claymore have good scaling in Elden Ring?
Yes, the Claymore scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity. While it doesn’t have the absolute best scaling for either stat individually, its split scaling makes it highly adaptable and effective with a balanced build.
4. What’s the best infusion for the Claymore?
The best infusion for the Claymore depends on your build and playstyle. Quality (which boosts both Strength and Dexterity scaling) is a solid choice for a balanced build. Other options include Heavy (for Strength-focused builds) or Keen (for Dexterity-focused builds). In early-game, infusions are not as important as upgrading the weapon.
5. Can I use Ashes of War on the Claymore?
Yes! The Claymore can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing you to customize its weapon skill and scaling to suit your preferences. Experiment to find the Ash of War that best complements your playstyle.
6. Is the Claymore better than the Greatsword?
Both the Claymore and Greatsword are excellent greatswords, but they cater to different playstyles. The Greatsword requires significantly higher Strength and is more focused on raw physical damage. The Claymore offers a more balanced approach with lower stat requirements and a versatile moveset.
7. What is the best early game Strength weapon in Elden Ring?
The Grafted Blade Greatsword is a popular and powerful early-game Strength weapon, found in Castle Morne.
8. What are some good Dexterity weapons in Elden Ring?
Excellent Dexterity weapons include the Uchigatana, Bloodhound’s Fang, Hand of Malenia, and Moonveil.
9. How do I two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring?
To two-hand a weapon, hold the interact button (Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox) and press the light attack button (R1/RB) to wield the weapon in both hands.
10. Is a Dexterity build viable in Elden Ring?
Yes! Dexterity builds are extremely viable and offer a wide range of powerful weapons and playstyles, focusing on speed, agility, and weapon skill damage. Dexterity builds also allow you to cast quicker.
11. What is the strongest sword in Elden Ring?
The Blasphemous Blade is often considered one of the strongest swords in Elden Ring, thanks to its powerful weapon skill and healing properties.
12. What are the benefits of upgrading the Claymore?
Upgrading the Claymore at the blacksmith significantly increases its attack power and scaling bonuses, making it a much more effective weapon. Always prioritize upgrading your weapons!
13. Is the Claymore better than the Longsword in Elden Ring?
Both the Claymore and Longsword are solid options, but they excel in different areas. The Longsword is faster and more stamina-efficient, while the Claymore offers greater damage and range.
14. What is the best early game DEX weapon in Elden Ring?
The Bloodhound’s Fang is a fantastic early-game Dexterity weapon, found in the Limgrave region.
15. How important is equipment load in Elden Ring?
Equipment load is very important in Elden Ring. Lighter equipment loads allow for faster rolls and more agile movement, while heavier equipment loads result in slower rolls and reduced mobility. The Claymore is relatively light compared to some other greatswords, allowing for more flexibility in your armor choices.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Versatility of the Claymore
The Claymore is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol of adaptability and reliability in the harsh landscape of Elden Ring. By understanding its stat requirements, scaling, and potential for customization, you can unlock its full potential and conquer the challenges that lie ahead. So, go forth, Tarnished, and wield the Claymore with confidence and skill!
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