Welcome, Tarnished! If you’ve ever found yourself face-to-face with a colossal boss or a swarm of pesky enemies, you know that timing is everything in Elden Ring. Among the arsenal of techniques at your disposal, one stands out like a beacon of raw power: the charged heavy attack.
This move isn’t just about smashing your foes; it’s about timing, strategy and a little bit of flair. So grab your weapon, and let’s dive into the art of charged heavy attacks!
The Dance of Patience and Precision
Imagine this: you’re in the heat of battle, dodging fireballs and slashing at a massive dragon. In the midst of chaos, you decide to unleash a charged heavy attack. But wait! This isn’t just any old swing; it requires holding down that strong attack button until your weapon releases its full blow. Yes, it takes longer than a standard attack, and yes, you might feel like a sitting duck—but trust me, the payoff can be monumental! Let me explain…
Beyond the Basic Bonk: Why Charged Heavies Rock
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of charged attacks, let’s talk about why you’d want to stand around charging your weapon like a warrior practicing their golf swing. Trust me, there’s method to this madness!
Breaking Through Defenses: That Crucible Knight who keeps blocking everything you throw at them? A charged heavy attack hits like a meteor, turning that mighty fortress of a shield into about as much protection as wet paper. Two or three of these bad boys, and you’ll have them kneeling faster than a pilgrim at a church!
Unleashing Hidden Moves: Ever noticed how some weapons seem to have secret moves hiding up their sleeves? That’s right—charged heavy attacks often pack special animations that look cooler than a frost sorcery and hit harder than your first encounter with Malenia. We’re talking overhead slams that could wake the dead, thrust attacks that’d make a fencing master jealous, and sweeps wide enough to clear out an entire mob of unfortunate hollow soldiers.
Saving Your FP: While your fancy pants weapon arts are burning through FP like runes at the blacksmith, charged heavy attacks cost nothing but stamina and a bit of patience. It’s like getting a five-star meal at fast food prices—if that meal could also knock a dragon off its feet!
Boss-Staggering Power: Here’s a little secret: some bosses are about as stable as a pile of books in a hurricane when hit with charged heavies. Time it right, and you’ll have them stumbling around like they’ve had one too many Erdleaf Flowers. That’s your cue to move in for a critical hit that’ll have them regretting all their life choices!
So next time you’re facing down a tough enemy, remember: sometimes the best approach isn’t about being the fastest blade in the Lands Between—it’s about being the one who hits hard enough to send them straight to the Erdtree! Now, ready to learn how to master these powerhouse moves? Let’s dive in!
Maximizing Your Damage Output
Now that you’re ready to charge up, let’s talk strategy. Here are some tips to ensure your charged heavy attacks hit harder than a freight train:
- Talisman Synergy: Equip the Axe Talisman to boost your charged attack damage by 10%. Combine this with the Spiked Cracked Tear in your Flask of Wondrous Physick for an additional 15% increase. It’s like adding extra cheese to your pizza—totally worth it!
- Counterattack Opportunities: Enter the ring with the Spear Talisman! This beauty amplifies damage when you trade hits with enemies. Time your charged heavy attack to land just as they swing, and watch their health bar plummet faster than your hopes after a surprise ambush.
- Buff Stacking: Don’t forget to apply weapon buffs like Royal Knight’s Resolve or Cragblade before charging up. Your enemies won’t know what hit them—literally!
Dancing with Giants: Your Position Matters!
You might think charged heavy attacks are all about standing still and swinging big, but there’s more fancy footwork involved than a Godrick Soldier’s victory dance. Let’s talk about where to plant those feet!
The Sweet Spot: Ever noticed how some bosses have a favorite hand for attacks? Getting to their off-hand side while charging up is like finding a cozy spot at the Site of Grace—safe and comfortable. Against that Tree Sentinel? His shield side is about as welcoming as the welcome party in Caelid, but his weapon side? That’s your golden ticket!
Rolling Into Position: Here’s a pro tip that’ll make you feel like a 5000 IQ player: start charging your attack DURING your roll recovery! By the time you’re back on your feet, you’ll already be halfway charged and ready to introduce your weapon to the enemy’s weak spot. It’s like serving dinner and cooking it at the same time—efficiency at its finest!
The Backstep Ballet: Got a weapon with a forward thrust charged attack? The backstep is your best friend! Take a quick step back (just far enough to make your enemy whiff their attack), then unleash your charged heavy right into their recovery animation. They’ll never see it coming—well, they might, but they’ll be too busy missing their own attack to do anything about it!
So remember, future Elden Lord: positioning isn’t just about not getting hit—it’s about being in the perfect spot to dish out those meaty charged attacks when the moment is right! Now get out there and show those bosses your fancy footwork!
Choosing Your Weapon Wisely
Ready to pick your charged attack champion? While any weapon can dish out charged heavies, some truly shine brighter than Marika’s crown when it comes to these powerful attacks. Let’s explore some standout choices that’ll have your enemies questioning their existence!
Colossal Category Kings:
- Zweihander: The people’s champion of charged attacks! Its thrust heavy attack comes out surprisingly quick and has the range of a dragon’s neck. Slap on a Heavy affinity, and you’ve got yourself a boss-staggering machine that makes pancakes out of anything foolish enough to stand in your way.
- Giant-Crusher: When subtlety is overrated! This mammoth of a weapon might be slower than a snail in tar, but its charged heavy literally makes the ground shake. Perfect for those who believe the solution to every problem is “hit it harder.”
- Ruins Greatsword: Built-in knockdown potential with its charged heavy? Yes, please! The vertical slam creates a line of gravitational explosions that would make General Radahn proud.
Versatile Virtuosos:
- Claymore: The Swiss Army knife of greatswords! Its thrust charged heavy is perfect for roll-catching and has better range than most players expect. The real beauty? It’s available early game and stays relevant until the very end.
- Nightrider Glaive: The reach on this beauty’s charged heavy is absolutely criminal! Pair it with the Barbaric Roar ash of war, and you’ll be doing spinning charged attacks that would make a Beyblade jealous.
- Great Stars: Don’t let its humble appearance fool you. This morning star’s charged heavy not only bonks hard but also heals you with each hit. Talk about killing two birds with one very spiky stone!
Unexpected Champions:
- Guardian Swordspear: The sleeper hit of charged attacks! Its two-handed charged heavy is a devastating upward thrust that catches rolls like a magnet catches iron filings.
- Cross-Naginata: Who said spears can’t party? Its charged heavy is a sweep attack that hits wider than most players expect, perfect for catching those overconfident roll-spammers.
Pro Tip: Remember, the best weapon is the one that clicks with your playstyle. These are suggestions, not rules—except for the part about making your enemies regret their life choices. That’s definitely a rule!
You might want to take a look at our post “Motion Values in Elden Ring: The Hidden Dance of Damage” to help you complete your overall understanding of weapon choice and damage creation.
Situational Awareness: The Key to Victory
While charged heavy attacks can be game-changers, remember that timing is crucial. In many cases, you might deal more damage with several quick light attacks instead of waiting for that big swing. The trick is to recognize when your opponent is vulnerable—like after they’ve just finished a lengthy combo or when they’re distracted by your trusty summons.
When NOT to Charge In: The Art of Restraint
While charged heavy attacks are powerful, they’re not your answer to everything—sometimes they’re about as useful as a torch in Liurnia’s lakes. Let’s talk about when to keep that charge attack button untouched!
Fast and Furious Foes: Fighting those pesky dogs in Caelid or dealing with Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance? Trying to charge up a heavy attack here is like attempting to read a book in the middle of a tornado. Against lightning-quick enemies, stick to quick rolls and swift strikes unless you want to trade your HP bar for a loading screen.
AOE Champions: There’s nothing quite like winding up for the perfect charged attack, only to have that Fire Giant decide it’s time for a ground-pound festival. Against bosses who love their area-of-effect attacks (looking at you, Radagon), you’ll want to save those charged heavies for their recovery animations instead.
Gank Squad Situations: Finding yourself surrounded by a mob of soldiers or rats? Unless you’ve got the poise of a walking fortress, charging up attacks here is like painting a giant “please hit me” sign on your back. Better to keep mobile and use wide-sweeping light attacks to clear the crowd.
Remember, Tarnished—sometimes the bravest thing a warrior can do is NOT charge up that heavy attack. Your reflexes (and your rune count) will thank you later!
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any great warrior, mastering charged heavy attack timing takes practice. Start by learning enemy patterns and identifying those golden moments when they’re most exposed. Look for lengthy recovery animations after boss attacks or moments when they’re distracted (maybe by that flashy spell you just cast).
Remember, it’s not about spamming charged heavy attacks; it’s about using them strategically for maximum impact. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be crushing foes with perfectly timed charged heavies while looking like an absolute legend.
So gear up, Tarnished! The world of Elden Ring awaits, and with your newfound knowledge of charged heavy attacks, you’re one step closer to becoming a true Elden Lord! Did this guide help you master the art of charged heavies? Found a particularly devastating weapon combination we missed? Drop a comment below and share your experiences, if you like—after all, the best Tarnished are the ones who share their knowledge! Happy hunting!
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