Mastering the Hand Axe Strength Build in Elden Ring

Welcome, Tarnished! Today, we're diving deep into a unique and powerful strength build in Elden Ring, centered around using the Hand Axe in your left hand. Whether you're new to the game or looking for fresh ideas for your next playthrough, this guide will cover everything you need to know to dominate your foes using this versatile setup. If you find yourself in need of resources to try out this build, don’t hesitate to buy Elden Ring Runes, as they can greatly enhance your experience and help you level up faster.

Build Overview

This strength build revolves around pairing the Hand Axe with a variety of weapons, allowing for a dynamic playstyle that can adapt to any situation. The core concept is to utilize the Hand Axe for quick strikes while leveraging your primary weapon for range and stagger potential. With this build, you'll find yourself effective in both one-on-one duels and multi-enemy encounters.

Weapon Choices

1. Hand Axe (Off-Hand): The Hand Axe serves as a quick, dual-wielding weapon that allows for rapid attacks and mixing up your playstyle.

2. Great Katana / Halberd (Primary Weapon):

· Great Katana: Offers excellent range, decent speed, and strong poise damage, making it a solid choice for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

· Halberd: This weapon excels in spacing and provides great poke attacks. It can be used effectively for chase-down situations.

3. Colossal Weapons: If you prefer a slower but more formidable approach, colossal weapons are great for hyper armor trades and to maintain offensive pressure.

4. Light Weapons: Weapons like the Shamshir can add a layer of unpredictability, keeping your opponent on their toes with rapid attacks.

Ashes of War Choices

The versatility of the Hand Axe allows for various Ashes of War, which can add utility and AoE damage to your setup. Some great options are:

· Flaming Strike: Useful for chasing down enemies and creating space; it serves as a fantastic roll catch tool.

· Waves of Darkness: Ideal for combating aggressive opponents and creating a protective zone around you.

· Piercing Fang: Works exceptionally well if you land a stun with the Hand Axe, allowing you to easily follow up for roll catches.

Stat Allocation and Gear

Stat Focus

· Strength: As this is a strength build, prioritize leveling up your Strength attribute for increased damage output.

· Endurance: Boost this stat to ensure you can equip heavier armor without compromising mobility.

· Vigor: Having sufficient health is essential for surviving duels and encounters with multiple enemies.

Talisman Choices

1. Great-Jar's Arsenal: Increases your equip load to allow for a heavier armor setup.

2. Erdtree’s Favor +2: Enhances your HP, stamina, and equip load for increased survivability.

3. Shard of Alexander: Boosts the damage dealt by your Ashes of War, making your attacks even deadlier.

Armor Set

Armor choice is subjective, but aim for a set that provides high poise and defense while being mindful of your equip load. A well-balanced set will help you withstand hits while maintaining agility.

Playstyle and Tactics

Engaging Fights

· Spacing and Poking: Use the Halberd or Great Katana to maintain distance while keeping your opponent at bay. Look for openings to engage with the Hand Axe.

· Mixing Up Attacks: Utilize fast attacks from the Hand Axe in between your slower weapon strikes. This can confuse opponents and create openings for critical hits.

· Stun Utilization: Landing stuns with your main weapon can open up follow-up opportunities with the Hand Axe, allowing you to play aggressively.

Navigating Team Battles

In encounters involving multiple players, focus on isolating targets. Use area control Ashes of War like Waves of Darkness to disrupt coordination among your opponents, making it easier to pick them off one by one.

Managing Resources

Always keep an eye on your health and manage your resources wisely. Don't hesitate to heal if you find yourself low on HP, and use the Erdtree’s Favor talisman to give you that little extra edge.

Conclusion

This Hand Axe strength build is not only powerful but also offers the versatility to tailor your gameplay experience. By combining various weapons and Ashes of War, you can create a dynamic and engaging combat style. To enhance your journey, consider exploring options to acquire Elden Ring Items for sale from trusted sources like MMOEXP, which can provide you with the gear and resources needed to excel. Experiment with different gear and tactics to find what suits you best. Happy conquering, and may the grace of the Erdtree guide you on your journey!