Elden Ring:Build for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Elden Ring:Build for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

Elden Ring: A Deep Dive Into the Sword Lance Build for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

The expansive world of Elden Ring continues to Elden Ring Runes captivate players with its intricate lore, stunning landscapes, and thrilling combat mechanics. With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, new possibilities have emerged, offering fresh experiences to both new and seasoned players. Among these, the enhancement of various weapon classes, particularly the Sword Lance, has given players new reasons to revisit their builds and optimize their approach to both PvE and PvP. This article delves into the Sword Lance build, exploring its mechanics, buffs, and how to maximize its potential in the world of Elden Ring.

The Sword Lance: A Weapon Revitalized

One of the standout changes in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is the increase in speed to the heavy attack for certain weapon classes. The Sword Lance has benefited tremendously from this buff. In its previous state, while the weapon had a true combo between its heavy and light attack, its effectiveness was hampered by the slower speed of the heavy attack. This made it difficult to pressure opponents in PvP or effectively deal with fast-moving enemies in PvE. However, with the new speed buff, the Sword Lance now excels in roll-catching, trading, and applying constant pressure, making it a formidable choice for any build centered around high-damage trades and quick, decisive strikes.

The True Combo: Heavy Attack to Light Attack

The true combo of the Sword Lance, consisting of a heavy attack followed by a light attack, has always been a potent tool. The increase in speed for the heavy attack now makes it even easier to initiate. This combo is ideal for players looking to engage in aggressive playstyles, especially in PvP. The heavy attack is designed to break through an opponent's defenses and stagger them, allowing the light attack to immediately follow through for additional damage. The fact that this combo is nearly guaranteed when properly executed means that players who can predict their opponent's movements or time their attacks well will be rewarded with significant damage output.

For players looking to maximize this combo, the use of the Spear Talisman is a must. This talisman increases damage when a counter-attack is triggered, which aligns perfectly with the Sword Lance's heavy attack, which is often used to trade into an opponent's attack. By initiating the trade with the heavy attack, players can take advantage of the Spear Talisman's bonus damage, further amplifying the output of the true combo.

Strength Build Synergy

The Sword Lance excels when paired with a strength-focused build. As a weapon that scales exceptionally well with strength when heavy-infused, it becomes a go-to choice for players who prioritize raw power and stagger potential. Additionally, heavy infusions synergize well with two-handed weapon builds, which increase the overall damage output and offer a more dynamic range of attacks. Two-handing the Sword Lance not only increases its strength scaling but also allows players to access hyper armor on many of their attacks, making it easier to trade with opponents.

Incorporating the Two-Handed Sword Talisman further bolsters this build. This talisman, when paired with a strength-heavy setup, significantly boosts damage output when two-handing a weapon. Given that the true combo often involves trading hits with the heavy attack, the additional bonus damage from this talisman can make all the difference in taking down both bosses and PvP opponents more efficiently.

PvP Strategies: Pressure, Trades, and Roll Catches

In PvP, the Sword Lance build shines due to its versatility in both offense and defense. The increased speed of the heavy attack makes it easier to pressure opponents and catch them off guard with roll catches. Roll catching is a crucial skill in PvP, and with the faster heavy attack, players can now more reliably predict when an opponent will roll and punish them for it. The true combo is devastating when executed properly, and players who can time their attacks well will find themselves controlling the pace of the fight.

Another key aspect of the Sword Lance build is its ability to trade effectively. By utilizing the heavy attack as a trade tool, players can force their opponents into a difficult position. The heavy attack's hyper armor allows it to power through weaker attacks, and once it lands, the light attack follow-up is almost guaranteed. This makes it especially potent against fast, aggressive opponents who rely on quick, light attacks to overwhelm their foes.

For added utility, players can incorporate Endure, an Ash of War that grants hyper armor for a short period, allowing players to absorb incoming attacks and trade even more effectively. This is especially useful when dealing with multiple opponents in gank scenarios or when facing enemies with high burst potential.

PvE: Boss Fights and Crowd Control

In PvE, the Sword Lance build remains just as deadly. The true combo is particularly useful in boss fights, where trading blows and maintaining pressure is often the key to victory. The stagger potential of the heavy attack can disrupt bosses, leaving them open to further attacks. Additionally, the weapon's reach and speed make it ideal for dealing with larger groups of enemies, allowing players to control the battlefield by quickly dispatching foes with wide, sweeping strikes.

The Royal Knight's Resolve Ash of War, which boosts the damage of the next attack, is an excellent choice for increasing burst potential during boss fights. When activated before a heavy attack, this Ash of War can turn a well-timed trade into a massive damage spike, making it easier to stagger bosses and deal significant damage in a short window of time.

The Art of Buffing: Maximizing Damage

Buffing is an integral part of the Sword Lance build, and players should take full advantage of the various consumables and spells available to them. In PvP, it's common for players to buff before engaging in combat, and the Sword Lance build benefits greatly from this. Items like the Exalted Flesh and spells like Golden Vow increase attack power, allowing the true combo to deal even more damage.

Additionally, using the Bubble Tear in the Wondrous Physick allows players to absorb the first hit they take, which can be crucial for setting up trades. By initiating a trade with the bubble active, players can absorb the initial blow, deal massive damage with the heavy attack, and follow up with the light attack for the true combo.

Conclusion: A Build for Every Occasion

The Sword Lance build in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a perfect example of how a single weapon buff can breathe new life into a playstyle. With its increased heavy attack speed, the Sword Lance now excels in both PvP and PvE, offering players a versatile tool for dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Whether you're looking to dominate in invasions, roll-catch opponents in duels, or take down tough bosses, the Sword Lance build is a reliable and powerful choice. By mastering the true combo, utilizing the right talismans, and taking advantage of buffs, players can maximize their damage output and create a build that is both fun and effective.