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How To Use Ash Of War Elden Ring Determination

How To Use Ash Of War Elden Ring Determination

4 min read 27-11-2024
How To Use Ash Of War Elden Ring Determination

Mastering the Elden Ring Ash of War: Determination – A Comprehensive Guide

Determination, a potent Ash of War in Elden Ring, isn't flashy. It lacks the immediate visual spectacle of a sweeping blade attack or a devastating magical blast. However, its understated power lies in its strategic application and transformative effect on your combat approach. This guide delves deep into understanding Determination, exploring its mechanics, optimal weapon pairings, effective strategies, and how to integrate it into diverse builds.

Understanding Determination's Mechanics:

Determination is a unique Ash of War categorized as a "Buff" type. Unlike Ashes that directly inflict damage, Determination enhances your character's defenses and significantly improves the effectiveness of Guard Counters. Its primary function is to grant a substantial boost to your Guard Counter damage, making it a devastating tool against aggressive opponents. However, it also offers a less obvious but equally valuable passive benefit: improved poise damage.

The core mechanics of Determination involve two key aspects:

  • Guard Counter Enhancement: This is the most significant impact. Upon successfully performing a Guard Counter (perfectly timing a block just before an enemy's attack connects), the damage output is dramatically increased. This increase is not a fixed percentage but is heavily influenced by your character's stats, specifically Strength and Dexterity. The higher these stats, the more potent your Guard Counters become when using Determination.

  • Poise Damage Increase: This secondary effect is often overlooked. Determination subtly boosts your poise damage, meaning your attacks are more likely to stagger enemies, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up strikes. This is especially valuable against larger, more resilient foes who typically resist being staggered.

Optimal Weapon Pairings:

Determination synergizes best with weapons that facilitate effective Guard Counters. Here are some ideal weapon types and examples:

  • Straight Swords and Greatswords: These weapons offer excellent reach and a relatively easy-to-time guard counter window. Straight swords excel at quick, precise counters, while greatswords deliver powerful blows.

  • Colossal Swords: While slower, colossal swords deliver immense damage with successful Guard Counters. The increased poise damage from Determination helps land these devastating blows.

  • Katanas: Katanas benefit from Determination's enhanced Guard Counter damage, leveraging their speed and agility for swift, punishing counters.

  • Weapons with inherent Guard Counter capabilities: Some weapons possess unique movesets which make Guard Counters more effective, naturally pairing well with Determination. Thoroughly examine your weapon's moveset to find opportunities to use guard counters.

Effective Strategies and Tactics:

The power of Determination lies in its strategic integration into your combat style. Here are some key tactical considerations:

  • Patient Defense: Determination isn't for aggressive, reckless play. It rewards calculated defense and precise timing. Mastering the art of perfect Guard Counters is essential.

  • Baiting Attacks: Learn to anticipate enemy attack patterns and bait them into attacks you can perfectly counter. Observe enemy attack animations to hone your timing.

  • Combining with other Ashes of War: Determination works well alongside other Ashes that enhance survivability or damage output. Combining it with Ashes that boost stamina recovery can improve your ability to perform multiple Guard Counters.

  • Understanding enemy types: Certain enemies are more susceptible to Guard Counters than others. Experiment with different enemy types to find those that are easily countered. Larger enemies who telegraph their attacks are particularly good candidates.

  • Adapting to different enemy attacks: Not all attacks are equally easy to Guard Counter. Practice your timing with different attack types and learn which ones are easiest to counter with your chosen weapon.

Build Considerations:

While Determination works with various builds, certain stat allocations maximize its effectiveness:

  • High Strength and Dexterity: These stats directly impact the damage output of your Guard Counters. Prioritize these if you intend to make Determination a core component of your build.

  • High Vigor: While not directly related to Determination, high Vigor ensures survivability, allowing you to take more hits and survive failed Guard Counter attempts.

  • Endurance: Sufficient Endurance is crucial for performing multiple Guard Counters without running out of stamina.

Limitations and Alternatives:

Despite its power, Determination isn't without limitations:

  • Requires Precise Timing: Mastering perfect Guard Counters takes practice and precision. Mistiming will leave you vulnerable.

  • Not Effective Against All Enemies: Some enemies have attacks that are difficult or impossible to Guard Counter effectively.

  • Passive Nature: Unlike Ashes that directly deal damage, Determination is primarily reactive. It is not a primary source of offense.

Alternatives to Determination include Ashes of War that focus on direct damage or crowd control, depending on your preferred playstyle. Consider experimenting with other Ashes to find the best fit for your build and combat preferences.

Integrating Determination into your Gameplay:

To fully utilize Determination's potential, incorporate these steps:

  1. Weapon Selection: Choose a weapon that complements Determination's mechanics.

  2. Skill Mastery: Practice perfecting your Guard Counter timing with your chosen weapon.

  3. Strategic Positioning: Learn to position yourself optimally for Guard Counters, anticipating enemy attacks.

  4. Build Optimization: Allocate stats to maximize your Guard Counter damage output.

  5. Adaptive Play: Adjust your approach based on enemy types and attack patterns.

Determination, while seemingly simple, is a powerful and versatile Ash of War in Elden Ring. By understanding its mechanics, choosing suitable weapon pairings, and mastering the art of Guard Counters, you can transform this seemingly unassuming Ash into a potent tool that will carry you through even the most challenging encounters. Its understated strength lies in its strategic application, making it a rewarding choice for players who appreciate calculated combat and precise execution. Don't underestimate its potential – master Determination, and watch your combat prowess soar.

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