Hey there, Tarnished! Ever wondered why your mighty Colossal Sword sometimes hits like a wet noodle, while other times it sends enemies flying into next week? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the mysterious world of Motion Values in Elden Ring!
What in Marika’s name is a Motion Value?
Simply put, a Motion Value (MV) is a multiplier that determines how much of your weapon’s Attack Rating (AR) actually translates into damage for each specific attack. It’s like a secret sauce that FromSoftware sprinkles on every swing, stab and bonk in the game.
The Magic Formula:
Actual Damage = Motion Value * Base Attack Rating
For example, if your trusty Claymore has an AR of 600, and you perform a light attack with an MV of 1.0 (or 100%), you’ll dish out 600 points of raw damage. But if you unleash a mighty charged heavy attack with an MV of 1.5 (150%), suddenly you’re swinging for a whopping 900 raw damage!
Why Should You Care?
Understanding Motion Values can transform your gameplay:
- Optimize your damage output: Know which attacks pack the biggest punch for each weapon.
- Master boss fights: Use high MV attacks to break poise and create openings.
- Appreciate weapon diversity: Realize why that dagger can compete with your great hammer in DPS.
- Become a PvP nightmare: Surprise opponents with unexpected damage from “weak” attacks.
Fun Facts:
- Most light attacks have MVs close to 1.0, making them reliable damage dealers.
- Some weapon skills have insanely high MVs, explaining why they hit like a runaway Rune Bear.
- Status effects like bleed and frost have their own MVs, which is why some weapons build them up faster than others.
The Split Damage Twist:
Remember how split damage weapons used to be the black sheep of the Souls family? Well, in Elden Ring, they’ve made a comeback! High MV attacks and boss poise mechanics mean that split damage can now shine, especially with certain Ashes of War.
The Hidden Dance of Weapon Types
Let’s break down some common weapon categories and their Motion Value quirks:
Daggers: Don’t let their tiny size fool you! While their base AR might make you cry, their rapid attack speed and surprisingly decent MVs on critical hits make them deadly in the right hands. The Misericorde’s backstab can turn even Malenia into swiss cheese!
Colossal Weapons: These bad boys typically have lower MVs on basic attacks to balance their massive AR, but their charged R2s? chef’s kiss We’re talking MVs that can reach 160% or higher. That’s why your Giant-Crusher feels like it’s sending enemies to the moon!
Straight Swords: The reliable middle child of Elden Ring’s weapon family. Their balanced MVs (usually ranging from 90-120%) make them perfect for newcomers and veterans alike. The Square Off skill on the Longsword? Pure MV goodness!
Real-World Application
Let me share a personal story: I was struggling with Malenia (weren’t we all?) using my usual bonking strategy with a Colossal Sword. After learning about MVs, I switched to using primarily rolling attacks and charged R2s instead of R1 spam. The difference? Like night and day! Those higher MV attacks staggered her more frequently and let me create openings I never knew existed.
The Stance Break Dance
Here’s something cool that often gets overlooked: Motion Values don’t just affect damage – they influence stance break too! This is why:
- Some weapons with lower AR can actually break stance faster than heavier ones
- Jump attacks have hidden stance break multipliers (FromSoft really wants us to channel our inner Mario)
- Running attacks often have unique MVs that can surprise both PvE and PvP opponents
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Status Effect Shenanigans:
Remember how we mentioned status effect MVs? Here’s a pro tip: pair high MV attacks with innate status effects for some truly disgusting combinations. My favorite? A frost-infused Heavy Thrusting Sword with Ice Spear. The high MV of the weapon art combined with frost buildup is chef’s kiss magnificent!
Power Stance Poetry:
Dual-wielding adds another layer to the MV dance. Power stance L1s often have unique MVs that can outperform standard R1s, especially with faster weapons. This is why dual curved swords make bosses dissolve like butter in a microwave!
In Conclusion
Motion Values are more than just hidden numbers in Elden Ring’s complex combat dance – they’re the rhythm that makes each weapon truly unique. Understanding MVs isn’t about min-maxing or becoming a spreadsheet warrior (though if that’s your jam, go for it!). It’s about appreciating the intricate balance FromSoftware has woven into every swing, thrust, and slam.
Whether you’re:
- A casual explorer figuring out why your katana suddenly hits harder with that running attack
- A PvP enthusiast looking to surprise opponents with unexpected damage patterns
- Or just someone trying to survive another encounter with that darn Tree Sentinel
…knowing your weapon’s Motion Values can be the difference between “YOU DIED” and “GREAT ENEMY FELLED.”
Remember, Tarnished: Every weapon in Elden Ring is viable when you understand its strengths. That rusty dagger might have lower base damage than your friend’s fancy Rivers of Blood, but with the right MVs and proper timing, you can still make Malenia regret ever setting foot in the Haligtree.
So go forth and experiment! Try those weapon arts you’ve been ignoring, test those charged heavies, and discover the true potential of your arsenal. After all, the Lands Between are vast, and there’s always another boss waiting to taste the perfectly-timed, high-MV attack of your chosen weapon.
And hey, next time someone tells you your favorite weapon is “trash-tier,” you can smile knowing that MVs are your secret weapon in the endless dance of combat. Visit Google Docs for a comprehensive compilation of “ER – Motion Values and Attack Data“.
For a clearer understanding, I have graphically represented some data from the sheet for the Moonveil Katana:
Stay sharp, fellow Tarnished! May your MVs be high and your hits be true!
P.S. – And for Marika’s sake, please stop R1 spamming that Colossal Sword. Those charged R2s are there for a reason! 😉
Oh, and don’t forget: we have plenty more Guides & Tips that you might find helpful!
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