In the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, where every step could be your last, choosing the right weapon is crucial for survival. Axes, often overlooked in favor of more glamorous choices, emerge as unsung heroes in this realm. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of axes, exploring their pros and cons, unique features, and why they deserve a place in your arsenal.
The Pros of Axes:
- Diverse Move Sets:
Axes in Elden Ring offer a rich variety of move sets. Each axe comes with its distinct style, allowing players to experiment and find the one that resonates with their combat preferences. Unlike some other weapon categories, axes stand out for their individuality.
- Early Availability:
One of the significant advantages of axes is their accessibility. Most axes can be obtained early in the game, allowing players to try out different options and tailor their playstyle accordingly. This early acquisition ensures that players can integrate their chosen axe into their strategy from the outset.
- Decent Attack Speed:
Axes strike a balance between power and speed. Compared to heavier weapons, axes boast a respectable attack speed, making them more versatile in various combat scenarios. Some axes even fall into the category of “light axes,” offering even faster attack speeds for those seeking a swift and deadly playstyle.
The Cons of Axes:
- Limited Status Effect Buildup:
Axes, unfortunately, lack diversity in terms of native status effect buildup. With only a couple of axes capable of inflicting status effects like frostbite or bleed, players looking to explore status effect builds might find themselves with limited options within the axe category.
- Short Reach for Some Axes:
A notable drawback is the short length of certain axes, making it challenging to land hits on enemies, especially when they are in close proximity. This limitation can pose difficulties in effectively engaging foes, emphasizing the need for precision in combat.
Play Styles and Weapon Choices:
- Axe and Shield:
The majority of players wielding axes opt for a combination of axe and shield. This choice arises from the suboptimal dual-wield move set of axes, which lacks synchronization. Additionally, the limited availability of axes suitable for spellcaster builds makes axe and shield the prevalent choice.
Unique Axes:
- Iceren Hatchet:
A standout among unique axes, the Iceren Hatchet offers a faster attack speed, frostbite effect, and early-game accessibility. While its attack rating may be lower, its versatility and unique characteristics make it a viable choice, especially for those beginning their Elden Ring journey.
- Ripple Blade:
Boasting native arcane scaling, the Ripple Blade synergizes well with blood poison and saric greases. Its unique move set and charged R2 attacks make it a distinct option for those seeking a balance between magical and physical damage.
- Stormhawk Axe:
The Stormhawk Axe shines with its high attack rating when buffed with thunderstorms. While its weapon skill, Thunderstorm, offers potent damage, careful consideration is required due to its high FP cost and vulnerability during follow-up attacks.
- Roses’s Axe:
Roses’s Axe, with a blend of physical and magic damage, stands out as a versatile option. While its weapon skill may have a lengthy windup, its high attack rating, and early-game availability make it a solid choice for hybrid builds.
Non-Unique Axes:
- Hand Axe:
Known for its faster attack speed and lower requirements, the Hand Axe is a well-rounded option for early-game exploration. Its quick strikes and lower weight make it suitable for players seeking a nimble combat style.
- Fork Hatchet:
Standing out as one of the two axes with native status effects, the Fork Hatchet inflicts bleed. Its lightweight nature and quick attacks make it an appealing choice for those wanting to apply status effects rapidly.
- Warped Axe:
Renowned for its raw damage potential, the Warped Axe offers the highest attack rating among axes when unbuffed. Players should leverage its unique charged R2 attacks and consider a strength-focused approach for optimal results.
- Highland Axe:
With impressive critical damage and passive Roar attack buffs, the Highland Axe caters to block counter builds. Its early-game accessibility and above-average reach make it a preferred choice for players favoring a defensive yet potent playstyle.
- Sacrificial Axe:
Serving a dual purpose, the Sacrificial Axe is not only a source of FP regeneration but also a formidable weapon in its own right. Its quick availability and decent attack rating make it a versatile choice for various builds.
Conclusion:
In the realm of the Elden Ring, where danger lurks around every corner, the axe emerges as a formidable weapon with its unique strengths and versatility. Whether you choose a unique axe with distinct properties or opt for a non-unique one tailored to your preferences, axes have the potential to carve a path of victory in this challenging world. As you embark on your journey, consider the merits of axes and unleash their might against the formidable foes that await.
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