Dynasty Mode is the heartbeat of College Football 26-the place where players pour hundreds of hours into building a powerhouse, nurturing pipelines, and shaping the next generation of college football legends CFB 26 Coins. But for as deep and rewarding as the mode can be, one feature continues to lag behind the rest of the experience: auto recruiting.
For years, fans have asked EA Sports to improve this system, and in College Football 26, it remains almost exactly where it was last season-functional in theory, but deeply flawed in execution. At its worst, auto recruiting can turn a 5-star powerhouse like Ohio State into a program finishing outside the top 30 on National Signing Day.
Today, we're taking a deep dive into auto recruiting-why it behaves the way it does, how it can ruin an otherwise great Dynasty run, and what EA needs to overhaul for the future.
Auto Recruiting in College Football 26: The Feature That Should Help… But Doesn't
Auto recruiting should be a quality-of-life feature.
It should help Dynasty players who don't have time to micromanage 15–25 recruits every single week. It should handle the basics-offer scholarships, apply the appropriate pitch strategy, and keep you competitive with other programs while you focus on games, coaching trees, and roster management.
But right now?
Auto recruiting is essentially unusable unless you understand exactly how it behaves.
The First Problem: Auto Recruiting Fills Your Board With the Wrong Players
Let's start with the most glaring issue.
Even when coaching at a premier program like Ohio State, auto recruiting will:
Keep your board filled to exactly 31 players, every week
Add and remove recruits constantly
Prioritize players who don't make sense
Ignore the players you manually added
If you fill your board, set up your dream class, offer scholarships, and then turn on auto recruiting, the system throws away everything you did. It wipes out your entire board, replaces your targets with CPU-selected recruits, and proceeds to "recruit" based on its own preference logic.
This is the opposite of how a helpful assistant should behave.
Players want assistance-not a replacement.
The Second Problem: Auto Recruiting Spreads Hours Poorly
The next issue is how the system allocates its weekly recruiting hours.
Even as a powerhouse, auto recruiting will:
Put 35 hours into 5-star recruits
Put 75 hours into random 3–4 star players
Ignore priority battles
Fail to respond to momentum shifts
Miss obvious "hard sell" and "soft sell" opportunities
Overinvest in players you're already dominating
Ohio State putting 78.5 hours into a mid-tier in-state prospect while only investing 35 hours into a national 5-star WR is just... bad AI. And this isn't an isolated case-it happens constantly.
Because of this randomness, auto recruiting cannot execute a coherent strategy.
The Third Problem: Auto Recruiting Doesn't Use Basic Strategy Tools
College Football 26 introduced deeper recruiting strategy:
Hard sell
Soft sell
Send a house
Evaluations
Visit scheduling
Motivation targeting
Top-five reactions
Auto recruiting barely uses any of it.
It refuses to consistently:
Offer scholarships
Trigger soft sell at the right time
Switch to hard sell when top-five locks in
Remove unnecessary pitches
Adjust energy based on competition
Respond to recruiting battles dynamically
The CPU opponents already recruit using simplified logic. Auto recruiting uses an even weaker method. The result? You lose battles your program should win easily.
Sim Results: Auto Recruiting at Ohio State Is Shockingly Bad
To see how broken the system really is, let's look at the outcomes of a two-year Ohio State simulation with auto recruiting enabled.
Season 1
Early National Signing Day:
5–6 commits
Ranked #78 nationally
Final (after transfers):
9 total signees
Ranked #34
A blue-blood program-ranked 5-star at the start-finished with a class worse than some Group of 5 rebuild teams. Even with elite head coaching boosts.
This is unacceptable in a simulation.
Season 2
Early National Signing Day:
8 commits
Ranked #32
Final:
#34 again
The system is consistent-but consistently terrible.
Even when Ohio State has:
Full pipelines
Elite coaching abilities
High prestige
Winning seasons
Favorable location
Recruiting momentum
…auto recruiting performs as if the program is an 80-ranked team from a mid-major conference.
Why CPU Teams Recruit Better Than Human Teams Using Auto Recruit
One of the most surprising revelations is that CPU-controlled Ohio State will sign elite classes-but user-controlled Ohio State using auto recruiting will not.
Why?Because CPU teams use a different internal logic designed for simulation. When a human activates auto recruiting, the system switches to a less efficient set of rules-likely for balance, but far too handicapped.
This creates a massive problem:
The moment a human turns on auto recruiting, their program gets worse.
You are punished for using a feature that's supposed to help you.
What Auto Recruiting Should Do
The frustrating part is that fixing this system wouldn't even require major overhauls. Auto recruiting needs to function like a real assistant coach-not a complete takeover AI.
Here's what the feature should do:
1. Respect the Player's Board
If a user adds 15 players to target, auto recruit should never remove them.
2. Fill Out Scholarships Automatically
If the user offers none, auto recruit should apply them logically.
3. Maintain Core Strategy
Example:
Top-five reached → switch to hard sell
Pipeline match → increase energy
Competition detected → adjust pitch order
4. Highlight Recommended Actions
Small UI improvements-like auto-highlighting the hard sell button-would make massive differences.
5. Follow a Smart Allocation Model
The system should:
Prioritize realistic battles
Avoid dumping hours into lost causes
Avoid overinvesting in locked-in recruits
Use house visits intelligently
Schedule optimal visit weeks
6. Allow Optional "Assisted Recruiting"
A hybrid mode where the CPU handles:
Scholarships
Pacing
Weekly hour distribution
Visit scheduling
…but leaves your board untouched.
This is how most modern sports games implement it-NCAA 14 fans have wanted something like this for years.
Coaching Tree Upgrades Can Improve Auto Recruiting (But Not Enough)
There are ways to make auto recruiting better, but they require heavy investment:
Program Builder
Pipelines
Relationship Building
Strong Roots
Elite Recruiter
Pitch Mastery
These help significantly.
But they don't fix the core issue:
Auto recruiting ignores the players you want.
Even with maxed coaching abilities, Ohio State still ended with a class ranked in the 30s. The system becomes usable-but never optimal.
Why This Matters for Dynasty Players
Dynasty Mode is supposed to be a long-term experience. For many players, the most tedious part of running year after year is managing 20+ recruits weekly.
Auto recruiting should allow players to:
Sim years quickly during rebuilds
Focus on gameplay
Handle multiple teams in multi-coach dynasties
Play casually without micromanaging
Right now, it can't do that.
Turning on auto recruiting means:
Losing battles you shouldn't lose
Signing tiny classes
Dropping prestige
Falling behind rivals
Breaking the immersion of realism
Even for casual users, the system is too inefficient to rely on.
What EA Needs to Prioritize for College Football 26
Auto recruiting doesn't need a complete rewrite-but it badly needs refinement. Here are the top priorities:
Make auto recruiting respect the player's board
Improve hour allocation logic
Implement smart pitch and visit scheduling
Add an "assist mode" instead of full control
Allow toggles (auto-scholarships, auto-visits, etc.)
Stop removing user-selected recruits
Remove the hard cap on 31 auto-added players
With small improvements, auto recruiting could become one of the most useful tools in Dynasty Mode.
Final Thoughts: Auto Recruiting Has Potential-But Isn't Ready Yet
College Football 26's Dynasty Mode is incredibly fun, but auto recruiting remains an underdeveloped feature that needs serious tuning. Right now, it behaves like an outdated system that actively hurts your progress.
For players who love recruiting micromanagement, this isn't a huge issue. But for players who want streamlined progression, sim-only dynasties, or multi-team control, auto recruiting must improve College Football 26 Coins.
Until then, it's simply not reliable enough to trust-especially if you're running a major powerhouse like Ohio State and expect to sign the classes that match your on-field dominance.
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Whether you're running through NG+7 or gearing up for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, there's always room for a new powerhouse build Elden Ring Items. From strength-based crushers to spell-flinging hybrids-and every one of them proves why Elden Ring remains the most replayable action RPG of all time.
Let's break down each of these top-tier builds, their setups, and what makes them so devastatingly effective.
1. Gargoyle Twinblade Successive Hit Build
If you love the feeling of relentless pressure and pure melee aggression, this build is your bread and butter. The core idea is to stack successive attack buffs using the Gargoyle Twinblade (Heavy Affinity), which already swings lightning fast and synergizes beautifully with talismans that boost consecutive strikes.
Ash of War: Spinning Weapon-It instantly builds your successive hit stacks and shreds bosses with tight attack windows.
Key Talismans:
Winged Sword Insignia or Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Shard of Alexander
Blade of Mercy
Thorny Cracked Tear + Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Stat Spread:
55 Vigor / 27 Endurance / 66 Strength / 23 Dexterity / 25 Faith
Buffs: Golden Vow, Blessing's Boon, Flame Grant Me Strength
Matt even scored a no-hit run against Godfrey, showing just how fluid and deadly this twinblade setup can be. It's fast, aggressive, and one of the most satisfying ways to dismantle late-game bosses.
2. Faith Spear Build (Messmer Soldier's Spear)
This one's tailor-made for Faith mains who love spears. Using the Messmer Soldier's Spear (from the DLC) with Flame Art Affinity and Royal Knight's Resolve, you'll melt everything in your path-literally.
Why it works:
This spear gets a B in Faith scaling, letting your fire incantations and buffs drastically amplify each thrust. With Golden Vow, Howl of Shabriri, and Blessing's Boon, Matt dropped Gideon in just four hits on NG+3.
Talismans:
Fire Scorpion Charm
Axe Talisman
Shard of Alexander
Two-Handed Sword Talisman
Stats:
55 Vigor / 30 Endurance / 34 Strength / 60 Faith
Faith players looking for a build that's both flashy and brutally effective-this is your moment.
3. Carian Sorcery Hybrid Build
Next up, a hybrid melee-mage setup that merges the Carian Sovereignty Ash of War with Carian Slicer and Glintstone Icecrag. The idea is to combine the physical utility of a Cold Broadsword with the raw power of Intelligence-based sorceries.
Weapons & Gear:
Cold Broadsword (Carian Sovereignty)
Carian Glintstone Staff
Magic Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, Godfrey Icon, Graven-Mass Talisman
Stats:
55 Vigor / 23 Mind / 75 Intelligence
While the Fire Giant's resistances made phase two tough, the damage potential is undeniable. If you want a fast-paced mage setup that still lets you swing a sword, this build's mix of spell variety and physical hits makes it both stylish and powerful.
4. Sword-and-Board Paladin Build
A fan favorite-the Sacred Broadsword + Brass Shield combo forms the core of this traditional Paladin setup. You'll block, counter, and smite your enemies with holy fury.
Ash of War: Sacred Blade
Seal: Tree Seal
Best Incantation: Multi-Layered Ring of Light from the DLC-stuns and staggers enemies like a dream.
Talismans:
Sacred Scorpion Charm
Shard of Alexander
Godfrey Icon
Curved Sword Talisman
Stats:
55 Vigor / 82 Faith
The Paladin build truly shines in boss fights with strong physical aggression. Guard counters melt foes, and standing in your healing field nullifies Bloodsucking Cracked Tear's HP drain. It's both thematic and effective.
5. Low-Buff Giant Hunt Build
For players who hate buffing every 30 seconds, this one's for you. Using Sword Lance (or Nightrider's Glaive if you don't have the DLC), you can deal massive damage with Giant Hunt-no elaborate buff routine required.
Setup:
Blood Affinity for bleed procs and pierce damage. The Lord of Blood's Exultation Talisman gives a free attack boost once bleed triggers.
Talismans:
Lord of Blood's Exultation
Shard of Alexander
Blade of Mercy
Two-Handed Sword Talisman
Stats:
55 Vigor / 45 Strength / 45 Arcane
This build is proof that simplicity can still destroy bosses. Even without stacking multiple buffs, Giant Hunt tears through enemies while looking incredibly cinematic.
6. Black Flame Nightrider Build
A callback to classic Faith builds, this setup turns the Nightrider's Glaive into a fiery death machine with Black Flame Tornado and the Godslayer's Seal.
Talismans:
Fire Scorpion Charm
Shard of Alexander
Flock's Canvas Talisman
Godfrey IconStats:
55 Vigor / 70 Faith
Even on bosses resistant to fire (like the Godskin Duo), Black Flame's percentage HP damage keeps the build relevant. It's a true Faith warrior's weapon-powerful, thematic, and devastating over time.
7. Earthshaker Bloodfiend Build
This one just oozes raw power. Built around Earthshaker and the Bloodfiend's Arm (DLC), it's a Strength-Arcane hybrid that shakes the battlefield-literally.
Affinity: Blood-to mix bleed procs with absurd posture damage.
Talismans:
Lord of Blood's Exultation
Shard of Alexander
Two-Handed Sword Talisman
Blade of Mercy
Stats:
55 Vigor / 45 Arcane / 60+ Effective Strength (two-handed)
Even without buffs, this build crushes bosses in seconds. The Earthshaker combo's follow-up swing adds cinematic flair and deadly precision. A perfect build for anyone who wants big hits and big drama.
8. Mady Heavy Build (Royal Knight's Resolve)
An underrated DLC weapon, Mady shines in Heavy Affinity thanks to its synergy with Royal Knight's Resolve and charge-attack talismans.
Why It Works:
Each R2 swing hits twice-doubling the RKR multiplier. Stack Axe Talisman and Two-Handed Sword Talisman for brutal damage.
Talismans:
Winged Sword Insignia
Blade of Mercy
Two-Handed Sword Talisman
Shard of Alexander
Stats:
55 Vigor / 66 Strength / 25 Faith
It's a flexible build that lets you transition to the Great Katana if you prefer. Either way, you'll be one-shotting most enemies before they even get to swing.
9. Fire-Frost Great Stars Hybrid
The finale is a dual-element powerhouse: Fire and Frost together. With dual Great Stars, one in Flame Art and one in Cold Affinity, you'll trigger both burn and frostbite-while benefiting from Strength and Faith scaling.
Ashes of War:
Flaming Strike (Flame Art)
Chilling Mist (Cold Affinity)
Talismans:
Claw Talisman
Blade of Mercy
Godfrey Icon
Fire Scorpion Charm
Stats:
55 Vigor / 34 Strength / 60 Faith
Buffs: Golden Vow, Blessing of the Erdtree, Burn O Flame, Giant's Flame Take Thee
Matt used this to defeat Maliketh, showing how the hybrid scaling and frost proc combine for monstrous burst damage. The poise damage from Great Stars also ensures frequent staggers.
Why These Builds Matter
From pure Strength juggernauts to Faith hybrids and magic assassins, these nine setups prove that Elden Ring is still the best sandbox for creative combat in gaming today.
Final Thoughts
Thousands of hours later, players are still finding new synergies, new affinities, and new reasons to jump back into the Lands Between cheap Elden Ring Runes.
So before the next expansion drops, take one of these nine monsters for a spin. Whether you're cleaving through Godfrey no-hit, nuking Gideon in four hits, or freezing and burning Maliketh at the same time, these builds remind us why Elden Ring continues to reign supreme in the RPG world.
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In College Football 26, offensive creativity has reached a new level-and few playbooks embody that evolution better than the Run and Shoot offense. Born in the 1950s and refined by legends like Mouse Davis and June Jones CFB 26 Coins, this system revolutionized passing football. While its core remains rooted in simplicity-attacking space through receiver choice routes-its execution in CFB 26 demands precision, IQ, and the right personnel.
Whether you're coaching Hawaii, San Jose State, or importing the philosophy into another team, this guide breaks down how to recruit, build, and execute the Run and Shoot for maximum offensive efficiency and fun.
1. A Brief History of the Run and Shoot
The Run and Shoot offense dates back to Glenn "Tiger" Ellison in the 1950s. His "Lonesome Polecat" formation focused on isolating defenders by sending three receivers to one side while rolling the quarterback to the weak side. The simplicity of reading half the field allowed quarterbacks to react faster and receivers to adjust routes in real time.
In the 1960s, Mouse Davis expanded the system into a full-field passing philosophy, and later, June Jones modernized it at Hawaii and in the NFL with the Houston Oilers and Warren Moon.
Today, even though few teams run a pure version, Run and Shoot concepts-especially choice routes-influence nearly every spread playbook in College Football 26.
Programs like Hawaii and San Jose State are the most faithful to the system, offering a perfect place to learn and master this style of play.
2. Understanding the Core Philosophy
The Run and Shoot flips the usual logic of football:
"You pass to set up the run."
It's a pass-heavy, high-IQ offense that relies on reading coverage and throwing with timing before receivers make their cuts. It's not about pre-snap reads or brute strength-it's about anticipation and precision.
The goal is to create leverage mismatches across the field. Every receiver's route is determined by the defensive coverage, not by the play design. That makes this system one of the most adaptive and dangerous in College Football 26-if you know how to use it.
3. Building the Perfect Run and Shoot Roster
Success in the Run and Shoot starts with recruiting and roster setup. Every position plays a critical role, especially when your offensive balance leans 70% toward the pass.
Quarterback: The Pocket Passer
Forget the dual-threat archetype for this scheme. You want a pure pocket passer with the highest possible throw accuracy.
Accuracy is more valuable than throw power because you'll often throw before the receiver's break on a choice route.
Look for traits like "On Time" or "Pre-Cut Accuracy"-they make a massive difference in hitting tight windows.
A quick release and composure under pressure also go a long way. You'll often have to throw in under three seconds, and any hesitation can kill a drive.
Halfback: The North-South Receiver
You're not running power football here. The halfback in this system acts as both a runner and a receiver, serving as the safety blanket when deeper routes are covered.
Prioritize North-South Receivers who can catch out of the backfield and turn short passes into 8–10 yard gains.
If you want to tilt slightly more toward running (around 40%), an East-West Playmaker archetype can work-but receiving ability is still non-negotiable.
While the run game exists, it's secondary to maintaining spacing and rhythm in your passing attack.
Wide Receivers: Route Artists and Speedsters
This is the heart of the Run and Shoot. Every route in this playbook depends on clean, crisp breaks and separation timing.
The best archetype: Route Artist.
Avoid physical possession receivers-they often run sloppy routes that disrupt spacing.
Medium Route Running (MRR) is the most valuable stat, as most choice routes break between 10–15 yards.
You can sprinkle in Speedsters, but only if they also possess good route-running attributes. Poorly timed cuts lead to misreads and turnovers, so discipline matters more than pure speed.
Tight End: The Vertical Threat
In this offense, tight ends act as big slot receivers. They often line up wide in formations like Spread Double Flex or Flanker Close, allowing you to audible into multiple looks while maintaining balance.
The Vertical Threat archetype works best because of the frequency of seam and drag routes.
The flexibility of using a TE as your fourth receiver also enables quick tempo adjustments in 11 personnel formations.Offensive Line: Pass Protection Only
This is simple. You live and die by pass protection.
Aim for linemen specialized in Pass Pro; ignore run blocking entirely.
You'll need 2.5 to 3.5 seconds of pocket time on most plays.
Always consider keeping your RB in to block when facing elite pass rushers or heavy blitzes.
The more time your QB has to read, the deadlier the offense becomes.
4. Learning Choice Routes
The choice route defines the Run and Shoot. It's not a static play-it's a real-time read by the receiver based on the defense's coverage.
In College Football 26, the AI determines which route variation your receiver takes-fade, post, out, or hitch-based on coverage type (Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4, or Man). Route running or awareness ratings don't influence the decision, but clean timing and accuracy do.
Key Rule:
Always throw before the receiver's break-never after.
If you throw after the cut, you risk the ball sailing into coverage because the AI receiver already chose a different route than you anticipated.
5. Practicing the System
To master this offense, set up drills in Practice Mode using the Hawaii or San Jose State playbook. Focus on plays tagged with RNS (Run and Shoot) or those with visible option routes.
Recommended Drills:
Run & Shoot Curl Flat vs different coverages
Practice against Cover 3 Sky, Tampa 2, and Cover 4 Quarters.
Notice how the same route breaks differently against each coverage.
Switch Smash and Switch Dig plays to learn spacing principles.
Always throw the ball right before the receiver reaches the 20-yard mark (or similar depth markers). Timing is crucial.
The goal is to learn how each coverage dictates the receiver's cut:
Cover 3: Expect an out route.
Cover 4: Receiver may alternate between post or out depending on defender reaction.
Tampa 2: Usually converts into a fade or seam route against safeties.
Once you've memorized how choice routes behave against the four main coverage types-Cover 2, Cover 3, Cover 4, and Man-you'll be able to predict outcomes like a veteran OC.
6. Advanced Tips for Execution
Don't Lead the Receiver: Let the game's AI place the ball correctly based on the route choice.
Use Pre-Snap Motion: Helps identify whether the defense is in man or zone before the snap.
Shore Hands Ability: Essential for wideouts. Since many completions happen in tight windows, reliability after contact wins games.
Cutter and Layout Traits: These improve separation and catch consistency during sudden breaks in option routes.
Block Six When Blitzed: Having your RB help in pass pro keeps the QB alive long enough for deeper option routes to develop.
7. Recommended Formations
Some of the best Run and Shoot looks in College Football 26 include:
Spread Double Flex
Spread Halfback Weak
Flanker Close
Spread Slots Close
Each offers a slightly different spacing philosophy, but all maximize horizontal and vertical stress on defenders. Combine this with tempo control, and you can wear out defenses that can't disguise coverage fast enough.
8. Football IQ and Post-Snap Reads
Finally, this scheme rewards mental sharpness more than any other.
Your pre-snap read might look like Cover 2, but post-snap rotation could reveal Cover 3 or Quarters. That's why mastering post-snap recognition is essential.
Learning to identify rotations, safety drops, and leverage cues post-snap transforms this offense from complex to unstoppable.
Pairing it with film study or in-game replays can speed up your learning curve dramatically.
9. The Payoff: A Passing Offense Without Limits
Once you understand choice routes, the Run and Shoot becomes one of the most explosive and adaptive systems in College Football 26. You can take any program-from Hawaii's traditional spread to a power school experimenting with tempo-and build a top-five passing attack.
It's not easy. You'll throw interceptions while learning, and you'll misread routes early on. But once it clicks, the reward is unmatched: constant open receivers, explosive gains, and unstoppable drives that make every possession feel like chess, not checkers.
Final Thoughts
The Run and Shoot is more than an offense-it's a philosophy. It rewards creativity, patience, and attention to detail. Mastering it in College Football 26 means embracing its complexity: learning choice routes, trusting timing, and teaching your digital quarterback to think like Warren Moon or Colt Brennan buy NCAA Football 26 Coins.
It might take practice, but once you've unlocked its secrets, you'll see why so many call it the most dangerous passing scheme in the game.
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Ahoy, captains! The seas of Skull and Bones just got a lot more dangerous thanks to a brand-new endgame powerhouse-the Superore "Thunder Dragon" build. Designed for those who crave destruction, range, and pure spectacle, this build turns naval combat into a lightning storm of chaos Skull and Bones Items. From the ship's setup and weapon choices to armor and furniture optimization, this guide breaks down exactly how to recreate the build and why it's currently one of the most electrifying setups in Season 3.
Setting Sail with the Superore
After finally getting back into Skull and Bones following some server issues, our daring captain unveiled a new monster on the open seas: the Superore, fully leveled to rank 15 and kitted with a unique loadout centered on thunder, poison, and electric mayhem.
This ship isn't your standard bruiser-it's a precision-engineered hybrid capable of shredding sails from hundreds of meters away and melting hulls up close. What makes the Superore stand out is how it synergizes electric and toxic weapon effects through strategic perk stacking, turning every cannon volley into a storm surge of damage.
The Core of the Build: Thunder Dragon Cannons
The stars of this setup are the Thunder Dragon Cannons, which are as flashy as they are deadly. Each volley tears enemy sails apart and has a chance to summon lightning strikes-literal bolts of electricity-that deal massive AoE damage.
Here's the breakdown of what makes them so devastating:
Base Damage: 2,755 per shot.
Effect: Each cannon volley on enemy sails has a chance to summon a lightning strike that deals 5,000 electric damage every five hits.
Scaling: Lightning strike damage increases to 10,000 if the target's sails are already torn.
Perk Rolls: Noxious, Amplified Electric, and Flight Electric-boosting both poison and electric output while adding burst potential.
Each cannon slot is rolled with variations of these perks to maximize electric synergy. The amplified electric modifiers compound with secondary bonuses from ship furniture, pushing total electric weapon damage through the roof.
These cannons not only deal raw DPS but also apply consistent sail pressure, crippling enemy maneuverability and setting them up for finishing blows from close range.
Rear Weapon: Rotmouth Cannon
On the stern, the Rotmouth Cannon provides toxic backup-literally. This cursed weapon reduces enemy brace strength and inflicts extra poison damage on afflicted targets, synergizing beautifully with the electric elements from the main broadside weapons.
Base Damage: 2,914
Perks: Sharpened, Amplified Toxic, Amplified Toxic
Bonus Effect: Extra damage against poisoned targets and reduced enemy brace strength upon impact.
This weapon ensures that once an enemy is poisoned or slowed, they're practically doomed. The poison DoT (damage over time) effect continues to stack while electric strikes from the Thunder Dragons finish the job.
Tactical Utility: The Spirit Caller
A critical support tool in this build is the Spirit Caller, which deploys a spectral buoy that damages enemies, slows them, and weakens their armor-all while making Weeping Specters vulnerable to attack.
Base Damage: 258
Perk Rolls: Noxious, Soul Mending, and Overflow
If you don't have access to the Spirit Caller, the Royal Sentinel or Infernal Maul can serve as excellent substitutes. The key is to roll Noxious on whatever version you use to maintain poison synergy.
The Spirit Caller buoy is perfect for setting up ambushes or softening targets from a distance. Once deployed, it helps your Thunder Dragon volleys land critical hits faster, while your Rotmouth cannon capitalizes on the weakened armor for burst DPS.
Armor Choice: Nocturn Heart
Defensively, this build runs the Nocturn Heart, one of the sleekest and most efficient armor options for hit-and-run captains.
Passive Bonus: Increases weapon damage while at full hull health.
Perk Rolls:
Armored: +95 armor.
Stalwart: +7.6% hull health.
Maintenance: Restores 160 hull health per second.
This armor rewards aggressive but tactical play. As long as your ship remains unscathed, your damage output remains high-and even when you take a few hits, the Maintenance perk passively restores health to keep you fighting longer.
The synergy here is simple: stay on the move, keep your distance early, and strike fast while your passive health regeneration maintains your full-damage state.
The Secret Weapon: Furniture Synergy
Furniture is where this build truly shines. These upgrades transform the Superore from a strong ship into a floating thunderstorm of death.
1. Gimbal Ring Stores
Effect: Hitting a target over 180 meters away increases demi-cannon damage by 17% for 12 seconds.Extra Bonuses:
+14% projectile speed for demi-cannons.
+12% maximum range for demi-cannons.
This is the crown jewel of the setup. With the Thunder Dragon Cannons already built for range, the Gimbal Ring Stores pushes their reach and accuracy to insane levels. You'll be striking enemies from over 300 meters away with increased damage and speed.
2. Ram Rod Workshop
Effect: Reduces broadside reload time by 7%.
Bonus: Increases secondary broadside damage by 7%.
Perfect for maintaining pressure in extended fights. Faster reload means more lightning strikes-and faster kills.
3. Demi-Cannon Works I
Effect: Increases secondary damage of demi-cannons by 19%.
This ties directly into the Thunder Dragon Cannons, amplifying every storm strike they generate.
4. Charge Stores
Effect: Triggering Stormstruck on a target increases your next attack's damage by 50%.
Additional Bonuses:
+10% charge rate for A Blaze on Stormstruck targets.
+5% weapon damage for all electric weapons.
This single piece of furniture is what elevates the build from great to broken. Every time your lightning strike procs, your next volley hits even harder-creating a loop of consistent power spikes.
5. Plague's Ward
Effect:
-7% reload time for toxic weapons.
+4% increased toxic damage.
A crucial amplifier for the Rotmouth Cannon and Spirit Caller, ensuring the poison side of the build keeps pace with the electric core.
6. Copper Fashioning Station
Effect:
+12% secondary damage for electric weapons.
+8% maximum range for electric weapons.
This ties everything together-extending your strike radius and making sure your Thunder Dragons hit with full force even from long distances.
Combat Strategy: How to Use the Build
The Superore Thunder Dragon build is a range-first, pressure-second style setup. Here's how to run it effectively:
1.Engage from over 180 meters.
This triggers the Gimbal Ring's range bonus, giving your cannons +17% damage and faster projectile speed.
2.Target the sails first.
Torn sails increase lightning strike damage to 10,000 per proc. A few volleys will cripple enemy mobility and set up your next attack window.
3.Deploy the Spirit Caller.
Once the enemy slows, drop your buoy to weaken their armor and apply AoE damage.
4.Switch to the hull.
With weakened defenses and slowed movement, focus your fire on the ship's body. Use your Rotmouth Cannon for additional poison pressure.
5.Maintain health with Maintenance perk.
You'll notice slow but steady hull regeneration. Pair it with a repair kit when necessary for full uptime.
6.Stay mobile.
Don't get too close to brawlers. Your cannons are more efficient at medium to long range, and your furniture rewards accurate distant hits.
Performance and Versatility
In testing, the Superore's Thunder Dragon setup performed incredibly well in both PvE and PvP situations. The combination of lightning procs and poison stacking allows it to shred through merchant convoys, faction fleets, and even other players' ships.
What's more, it's not limited to one range. While optimized for long-distance combat, the Thunder Dragon Cannons are just as lethal up close-allowing for emergency brawls or plunders without feeling underpowered.
The armor regeneration and reload speed perks keep you sustained even in chaotic fights, and the ship's handling is smooth enough to make repositioning quick and natural.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Electric Storm
The Superore Thunder Dragon build is easily one of the most entertaining and efficient setups in Skull and Bones right now. It strikes a rare balance between raw damage, range control, and survivability-all while looking absolutely spectacular in action.
With lightning bolts crashing down from the sky, poisoned enemies coughing out green mist, and the sea itself lighting up from your volleys cheap Skull and Bones Silver, it's as cinematic as it is lethal.
Whether you're hunting down factions, raiding forts, or taking on PvP duels, this ship delivers results. Just be sure to keep an eye on your range, maintain your buffs, and enjoy the sight of the ocean turning into your personal storm.
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If you've ever wanted to become a literal storm of feathers, lightning, and destruction in Diablo 4, the Evade Spiritborn build is your ticket Diablo 4 Items. This new Season setup transforms your character into a non-stop whirlwind of projectiles and chaos, capable of clearing Nightmare Dungeons and deleting elites before they even get a chance to move. The secret? A perfectly tuned synergy between Evade mechanics, Eagle Spirit Hulls, and chaos armor that lets you deal massive damage while staying nearly untouchable.
This is one of the most fluid, automated, and powerful builds in the game-and the best part is that once it's online, you barely have to lift a finger.
Core Concept-The Power of the Eagle Spirit Hull
At the heart of this build lies the Eagle Primary Spirit Hull, also known as the AMH (Avian Main Hull). This Spirit Hull turns Evade-normally a simple dodge mechanic-into a full-blown DPS engine. Thanks to recent changes this season, Storm Feathers now launch not only when you cast Eagle skills but also whenever you Evade.
That single adjustment transforms your Evade button into a constant damage trigger. Early on, you'll rely on Thunder Spike to reduce Evade cooldowns while you weave in dodges between casts. By level 15, the rhythm starts to click-and once you reach around 42% cooldown reduction (or 59% without Alacrity), the entire build comes alive. Evade stops being a defensive action and becomes your main attack button.
At that point, you're essentially spamming feathers non-stop, shredding everything in your path-trash mobs, elites, and even bosses. Once you acquire the Vnack P (Bushnack Chaos Armor) and start layering in legendary tempers, the damage skyrockets to absurd levels. Your Evade alone becomes an unstoppable engine of destruction.
Skill Setup-Evade, Feather, and Freeze
Here's how each core skill fits into the loop:
Thunder Spike-Your bread-and-butter early game skill. Every third cast applies Warner End and reduces your Evade cooldown by 5 seconds. It's the key to early sustain and cooldown recovery. Later, when perma-Evade kicks in, Thunder Spike remains useful for extra single-target pressure.
Armor Hide-Your defensive anchor. It grants Unstoppable, boosts Resolve, and gives 100% block chance during uptime. This block bonus powers your Redirect Force, meaning the more you block, the more damage you deal. It's a perfect blend of offense and defense.
Counterattack-A must-have for close-quarter fights. It boosts your critical strike damage based on the number of nearby enemies, making it ideal for elite packs and boss phases.
Seeker (Ultimate)-This skill supercharges your damage. While active, you gain guaranteed critical strikes and huge buffs from Resolution and Supremacy. It's the perfect burst window for boss fights.
Frosty Strides (via Merit Guard)-Every Evade you use now applies Freeze. That means free crowd control on top of constant feather spam, turning tough encounters into manageable waves of frozen enemies.
Spirit Hulls-Choosing the Right Companions
The Eagle Spirit Hull is non-negotiable-it's your main engine. It makes Evade unleash feathers and directly scales with your chaos armor damage.
For your secondary hull, start with the Gorilla Spirit Hull in the early game. It grants Unstoppable and provides extra damage to help you survive while farming gear.
Later, once you obtain Loyalty Mantle, swap your secondary hull to Eagle as well. Double Eagle Hull synergy boosts your one-ability damage, reduces cooldowns, and massively improves overall scaling.
Timing the swap is critical:
Use Gorilla until you've secured Loyalty Mantle.
Switch to Double Eagle the moment you do.
That change alone takes the build from "strong" to "broken."
Gear Setup-The Backbone of the Build
1. Boots:
You must have +Evade Charges on your boots. This is the linchpin of the entire setup-without it, the loop collapses. Aim for at least 42% total Evade Cooldown Reduction (CDR) with Alacrity or 59% without. Remember, CDR in Diablo 4 is multiplicative, so stacking the right sources is key.
2. Mythic and Chaos Armor:
Shroud of the False Death (Mythic): Provides survivability, damage, and resource regeneration. Stacks up to a 40–60% total power boost.
Bushnack Chaos Armor: Prioritize this on Gloves or Helmet-it amplifies your Eagle Hull's damage.
Loyalty Mantle: Reduces cooldowns and supercharges EMH (Eagle Main Hull).
Yin Shell: Great alternative for extra armor and faster farming routes.
Harmony of the Ebivvaka: Now fixed and amazing-turns feathers into enhanced Spirit attacks when paired with Sunbird's Gorge.3. Accessories:
Band of the Wrist Breath: Adds room for offensive aspects like Fist of Faith and Sunorge Gorge.
Amulet: Stack cooldown reduction and barrier effects.
Rings: Mix sustain (Life on Hit) and critical chance scaling.
The rule of thumb: if it adds cooldown reduction, Evade charges, or EMH damage-it belongs in your setup.
Consumables and Runes
Elixirs:
Soothing Spices
Queen Supreme
Red Mine Boss
Elixir of Resourcefulness
These smooth out your sustain, cooldown uptime, and general survivability.
Runes:
Best combo: Sam + Hax for massive raw DPS.
Alternative: Back + Que for extra barriers and survivability.
Budget options: Sir (extra offering), Ze (Seeker uptime), Tal (Freeze nova), and M (War Cry damage boost).
Chaos Perks-Unlocking Permanent Evade
Alacrity: The most crucial perk. It drastically reduces Evade cooldowns, enabling the perma-Evade loop.
Accelerating Chaos: Stacks even more cooldown reduction.
Merit Guard: Boosts armor and barrier generation while synergizing with Frosty Strides.
Beast Cornered: The ultimate perk. When your health caps at 50%, you deal double damage. This is what pushes the build into god-tier status.
Alternatives:
Erupting Chaos (extra cooldown reduction)
Brawn Over Brains (max life boost if you're too squishy)
Gems Setup
Weapons: Emeralds for offense and crit scaling
Armor: Emeralds for more crit damage
Amulet: Diamond for resilience
Rings: Skulls for sustain
Simple, effective, and perfectly aligned with your scaling stats.
Skill Tree and Paragon Board
The skill tree prioritizes Agility, Crit Scaling, and Barrier Synergy.
Offensive nodes:
Crit Chance
Crit Damage
One Ability Damage
Attack Speed
Defensive nodes:
Barrier upgrades
Damage Reduction while Moving
This ensures that while you zip across the battlefield dodging attacks, your defenses are active and your damage is amplified.
Paragon progression:
1.Talent Board-Core offensive stats and crit scaling
2.Vicious Shield / Jacked Plum-Barrier synergy for tankiness
3.Convergence (Spirit Board)-Boosts Spirit Hull and resource sustain
4.Sapping Colossal-Scales max life and mitigation for Nightmare Dungeons
5.Drive Cany-Rewards constant movement with more power
Fully optimized, your stats reach roughly:
+200% base damage
+209% crit damage
+38% one-ability damage
+90% elite damage
+57% max life and barrier bonuses
+40 Spirit Potency from Gorilla + Eagle synergy
The numbers speak for themselves-this build feels unfair once finished.
Mercenaries and Reinforcements
Main Hireling: Recir-He uses Shield Charge to taunt and group enemies, boosting your effective AoE and providing consistent armor buffs.
Reinforcement: Alt Kin-Drops Field of Languish on skill cast, reducing incoming damage. It's simple but essential for smooth gameplay during tough fights.
Gameplay Rotation
Early Game Loop:
1.Use Thunder Spike to apply Warner End and reduce Evade cooldown.
2.Evade to unleash feathers.
3.Repeat steadily-not too fast, or you'll outpace your cooldown resets.
4.Keep Armor Hide active for Unstoppable and block bonuses.
5.Use Counterattack when surrounded for big crit bursts.
6.Cast Rock Splitter periodically for Unyielding Hits.
7.Pop Seeker for guaranteed crits during boss phases.
Perma-Evade Phase:
Once you've reached your CDR breakpoints, gameplay becomes effortless.
Just spam Evade endlessly, layering Storm Feathers across the screen while maintaining defensive cooldowns. Bosses will vanish in seconds, and mobs won't survive long enough to touch you.
For farming, open spaces are your best friend-your feathers auto-target everything. Only tight doors slow you down. Against bosses, pace your cooldowns, drop Seeker early, and maintain Armor Hide uptime.
Avoid over-spamming Evade before you hit your CDR goals-it's better to play rhythmically until perma-Evade unlocks.
Final Thoughts
The Evade Spiritborn Build is one of the most satisfying and visually insane setups in Diablo 4's new season. It combines high mobility, near-invulnerability, and ridiculous DPS into one cohesive playstyle that feels like piloting a living storm.
Whether you're farming Nightmare Dungeons, pushing Pit 100s, or just annihilating elites for fun, this build delivers constant motion and endless power. Once the perma-Evade loop is active, your enemies won't even have time to react-they'll just disappear in a flurry of feathers and lightning d4 mats.
If you're looking for a build that feels effortless yet devastating, the Evade Spiritborn is your next main. Fast, flexible, and ferociously fun-it's Diablo 4's newest endgame monster.
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In Skull and Bones, strength on the seas isn't just about having the biggest ship-it's about mastering synergy between weapons, armor, and furniture to dominate every naval encounter. Today's focus is on one of the most resilient and punishing builds in the game: the Frigate Siege Build Skull and Bones Items.
Designed for players who want to tank incoming damage, lead the charge in plundering operations, and annihilate forts and enemy ships alike, this setup transforms the Frigate into a floating fortress of fire and iron.
The Frigate-Foundation of the Siege Build
The Frigate is a heavy-class ship built to endure relentless enemy fire. It's not the fastest vessel on the ocean, but what it lacks in mobility, it more than compensates for with its sheer survivability and defensive mechanics.
At the core of the Frigate's identity lies Grit, a stacking defensive mechanic that rewards players for holding the line under pressure.
Grit Mechanics:
Gain a stack of Grit every time you take damage.
Each stack grants +40 armor, up to a maximum of 10 stacks.
Each stack lasts for 15 seconds, encouraging sustained engagement.
Nearby allied ships within 200 meters gain 10% reduced incoming damage.
At full stacks (10 Grit), that protection rises to 20% for your allies.
This makes the Frigate not just a tank, but a true frontline support ship. It's the backbone of any coordinated plundering fleet, able to soak up fire while reducing the punishment allies take in battle.
Resolve-The Heart of the Frigate's Defense
Once your Grit reaches 10 stacks, your ship activates Resolve-a temporary buff that supercharges your resilience.
Resolve Effects:
Restores 10% burst strength on activation.
Reduces incoming status effect damage (like fire and flooding) by 20%.
Increases threat generation by 100% for 10 seconds-ensuring enemies focus their fire on you instead of your allies.
This combination of grit and resolve gives the Frigate its defining role in group plundering: drawing enemy aggro, bracing through damage, and giving your teammates breathing room to pour on DPS from behind.
Primary Weapons-The Nashcars
Every great ship build starts with a weapon that defines its personality. For this setup, that weapon is the Nashcars-mysterious cannons inscribed with unknowable runes that convert aggression into survival.
Each Nashcar hit repairs your ship, making them an ideal fit for the Frigate's tanking playstyle.
Nashcar Stats:
Base damage: ~4,100 per shot.
Restores 5% of damage dealt as hull health.
When a weak point is struck, the repair amount is multiplied by 700%.
Elemental rolls: Burning II and Piercing I, with bonus mods for Combustion and Siege.
With these enhancements, every volley not only tears through enemy hulls but also mends your own ship, allowing you to sustain longer fights-especially during sieges and extended plundering missions.
When firing from mid-range, Nashcars become a near-immortal sustain tool. They work perfectly with the Frigate's natural bulk and its Grit-based armor scaling.
Secondary Weapon-Roaring Meg
If Nashcars are the build's lifeblood, the Roaring Meg is its hammer of destruction.
This cannon specializes in massive explosive damage, designed specifically for demolishing forts, outposts, and enemy structures.
Roaring Meg Details:
Base damage: 21,249
Enhanced with Combustion, Amplified Explosive, and Siege modifiers.
Incredibly effective for destroying walls, gates, and stationary defenses during plundering missions.
When paired with Nashcars' sustainability, the Roaring Meg ensures your Frigate doesn't just tank-it eradicates anything in its path.
Armor-The Ouroboros
Defense is where this build truly shines. The Ouroboros Armor perfectly complements the Frigate's Grit mechanic, converting braced damage into healing potential.
Armor Perks:
Restores 100 severe damage per second.
Converts 15% of braced damage into hull repair once bracing ends.
Provides strong mitigation:
20% Explosion resistance
30% Fire resistance
30% Flooding resistance
With the Ouroboros equipped, you can brace under heavy bombardment, absorb the incoming damage, then recover a chunk of health as soon as the bracing phase ends. It's a tank's dream come true-a perfect cycle of endurance and regeneration.
Furniture and Support Modules
Furniture is what fine-tunes this build from great to unbreakable. Each piece enhances weapon performance, survivability, or utility for the Frigate's siege playstyle.
1. Worm's Breath Turner
Triggers Shell Shock on targets, increasing their reload time by 20% for 10 seconds.
Boosts secondary damage of explosive weapons by 20%.
Increases explosive weapon damage by an additional 5%.
Effect: This is your primary offensive enhancement-crippling enemies while amplifying your explosive barrages.2. Long Gun Works I
Increases secondary damage of long guns by 19%.
Perfect for extending your DPS reach and keeping pressure on enemies during fort assaults.
3. Ram Rod Workshop
Decreases reload time of broadside weapons by 7%.
Increases secondary damage of broadside weapons by 7%.
This module boosts your overall fire rate-essential for sustained sieges where every second counts.
4. Devil's Concoction
Increases secondary damage of burning weapons by 12%.
Extends the range of burning weapons by 8%.
Since this build heavily relies on Combustion, Devil's Concoction adds even more firepower and consistency to your attacks.
5. Ammo Priming Bench (a must-have)
This is the core of your siege efficiency.
+20% damage to structures with siege weapons.
+18% repair from repair weapons when more than 160m away.
+4% overall weapon damage for siege weapons.
+7% more hull repair for repair weapons.
+10% projectile speed for siege and repair weapons.
This single upgrade amplifies both your offensive and defensive aspects, cementing the Frigate's dominance in siege operations.
6. Gunpowder Bench I
+10% damage to enemy ships suffering the Ablaze effect.
Since you'll be setting everything on fire with Combustion and Siege rolls, this passive damage bonus adds a consistent boost across every engagement.
Siege Combat and Plundering Strategy
Once your Frigate is fully outfitted, it's time to put it to work-and there's no better test than plundering a Grand Fort.
Here's how to make the most of the build:
1.Initiate with Bracing:
Absorb initial volleys to quickly stack Grit. You'll reach full stacks faster under concentrated enemy fire.
2.Activate Resolve:
Once you're at 10 stacks, trigger Resolve to pull aggro and protect allied ships within range.
3.Focus Fire on Weak Points:
Use Nashcars to hit enemy weak points. The 700% repair multiplier ensures you stay alive even under siege-level damage.
4.Unload Roaring Meg on Structures:
Once the defenses are softened, switch to Roaring Meg to annihilate fortifications and key targets.
5.Keep Moving:
Even as a tank, avoid becoming stationary. Use your ship's momentum to maintain optimal firing angles and reduce exposure to flanking fire.
Performance in Action
When you take this build into a siege, the results speak for themselves. Nashcars rip through enemy hulls while keeping you repaired; the Roaring Meg pulverizes fort walls; and the Ouroboros ensures you shrug off most incoming damage.
In large-scale plundering operations, this Frigate acts as both a shield and a sledgehammer. Allies will appreciate your defensive aura, while enemies will quickly learn that trying to burn down a Frigate with Nashcars is a losing battle.
Final Thoughts
The Frigate Siege Build stands out as one of the most well-rounded and devastating setups in Skull and Bones. It offers unparalleled defense, self-repair, and siege efficiency-making it the go-to choice for captains who love to dive headfirst into chaos and come out unscathed.
Build Summary:
Ship: Frigate (Tank)
Weapons: Nashcars + Roaring Meg skull and bones boosting
Armor: Ouroboros
Furniture: Worm's Breath Turner, Long Gun Works I, Ram Rod Workshop, Devil's Concoction, Ammo Priming Bench, Gunpowder Bench I
Playstyle: Frontline tank and siege breaker
Whether you're leading a fleet against fortified outposts or holding the line during chaotic PvP battles, this build transforms your ship into an unstoppable war machine.
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Today we're diving into one of the most explosive and underrated setups in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree-the Redmane Ashes of War build. It's a fiery, high-strength setup that blends brute force, timing, and aggression to absolutely demolish both bosses and PvP opponents alike Elden Ring Items.
Let's break down how it works, what makes it so satisfying, and how you can tweak it for your own style.
The Concept-Power Through Fire and Fury
At its core, this is a strength-based build enhanced by fire-infused weapons and Redmane-style Ashes of War. These Ashes are all about offense-wide swings, high stagger potential, and raw aggression. Yet despite their versatility, they've been massively underrated by most players.
Here's why decided to center an entire build around them:
Flame of the Redmane: An AoE (area of effect) powerhouse that travels far and hits like a truck. Perfect for crowd control, invasions, or breaking through defensive opponents chasing you down.
Lion's Claw: The OG Redmane skill. Fast, ferocious, and perfect for trading. You flip forward and pancake your opponent-easily one of the most rewarding Ashes for aggressive players.
Savage Lionclaw: A deceptive variation that catches even experienced opponents off guard. You can delay the second flip to mess with timing, baiting dodges and punishing rolls.
Roaring Bash (Golden Lion Shield): A defensive but deadly option that blasts through shields and trades safely if timed right. Ideal against turtle players or anyone who relies too heavily on blocking.
All of these skills deal fire damage, synergizing perfectly with buffs and tears that amplify flame output. The result? A molten onslaught of damage that looks flashy and hits harder than most colossal weapons.
The Weapon Setup-Freya's Greatsword for Maximum Firepower
The key to pushing this build to its full potential lies in one often-overlooked weapon: Freya's Greatsword.
Why is it so good? Because it gives a 10% bonus to Ash of War damage just by being equipped-even if you're not actively wielding it. You can keep it in your off-hand slot, and your Ashes will still get the boost. Sadly, having two Freya's Greatswords doesn't double the effect (yes, that's been tested), but that one passive buff alone is worth it.
Pair this with any of the following main-hand weapons, depending on your playstyle:
Colossal Sword for heavy trading and high stagger potential.
Great Hammer for wide AoE and massive poise damage.
Fire Knight's Sword for a balanced, faster-paced approach.
All of these can be fire-infused, scaling beautifully with Flame Grant Me Strength and other buffs.
Stats and Build Breakdown
This setup is primarily a Strength build, with just enough Faith (15 points) to cast key incantations.
Stat Priorities:
Vigor: 55+-you'll be trading hits often, so you need to tank.
Strength: 60+-the core of your damage scaling.
Endurance: 30–35-Redmane weapons are heavy, and stamina is vital for chaining attacks.
Faith: 15-just enough for Flame Grant Me Strength.
Buffs, Tears, and Talisman Choices
To crank up your damage output to absolute maximum, here's what you'll want to run:
Flask of Wondrous Physick
Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts all fire damage by a huge margin.
Strength-Knot Crystal Tear: Adds even more raw physical power.
Key Buffs
Flame Grant Me Strength: Boosts both physical and fire attack power-essential.
Golden Vow (optional): Extra defense and attack for tough fights.
Talisman Loadout
1.Shard of Alexander-Boosts skill damage, vital for all Ashes of War users.
2.Two-Handed Sword Talisman-Increases heavy melee damage when two-handing weapons.
3.Great-Jar's Arsenal-Expands equip load for those monstrous Redmane weapons.
4.Erdtree's Favor +2-A staple for boosting HP, stamina, and equip load.
If you prefer heavier fashion or an extra weapon on your back (like Freya's Greatsword), you'll need the Great-Jar's Arsenal to stay below the fat-roll threshold.As for the rest, prioritize Poise and Fire Defense without sacrificing too much mobility. Heavy sets like Bull-Goat or Veteran's Armor are solid options if you want to fully embrace the Redmane warrior aesthetic.
PvP Highlights-Invasions, Chaos, and Fire Everywhere
One of the best parts of this build is how fun it is in invasions. Whether you're at Hero's Grave dodging chariots, battling in Volcano Manor rooftops, or clashing at the Mountaintop of the Giants, the Redmane build thrives in chaos.
Hero's Grave Madness: Invading while dodging chariots mid-fight, using Flame of the Redmane to control choke points. Even chaos becomes strategic with AoE fire zoning.
Volcano Manor Mayhem: Group fights where pre-aiming Flame of the Redmane into corridors resulted in double kills. The range often surprises players who think they're safe behind pillars.
Academy Duels: Savage Lionclaw's delayed flip catching rolling mages mid-cast-the perfect example of how timing and unpredictability make this build deadly.
Mountaintop Frost Fights: Even in rain or frost zones that weaken fire, this build can still dominate through sheer strength and poise-breaking potential.
And when things get personal? The Golden Lion Shield's Roaring Bash shines. It breaks through shields and delivers safe trades that can combo directly into a Flame of the Redmane or heavy attack finisher.
PvE Viability-Melting Bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree
In PvE, this build is a monster. The wide AoE fire skills can clear mobs efficiently, and bosses are often staggered by Lion's Claw or Flame of the Redmane after just a few hits.
Pairing Freya's Greatsword with a Fire Colossal Weapon lets you burst down enemies in record time, especially after activating all buffs. The build's versatility also means you can handle everything from dragons to humanoid bosses without changing gear.
Just remember: the Flame of the Redmane deals massive posture damage, making it perfect for setups that exploit critical hit windows.
Why the Redmane Build Works So Well
There's something uniquely satisfying about this setup-it's not just powerful, it's visually awesome. You're flipping through the air, roaring through shields, and unleashing explosions of fire with every swing.
Here's why it's so strong:
Multi-scenario utility: Every Ash has a niche-AoE, trading, shield breaking, or baiting.
Buff synergy: All fire-infused skills stack with Flame Grant Me Strength and the Flame-Shrouding Tear.
Accessibility: Works well even without min-maxed gear.
Style: It's easily one of the most cinematic builds in the game.
Final Thoughts-A Forgotten Classic Reignited
By combining the game's flashiest Ashes of War with raw Strength scaling and fire synergy, you get a setup that's deadly, creative, and just plain enjoyable buy Elden Ring Items.
So if you're tired of Rivers of Blood spam or boring poke duels-grab your Freya's Greatsword, channel your inner lion, and bring the heat.
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Today, we're diving into three of the most fascinating and underrated builds recently showcased by the community: the Frigid Executioner, the Dragon Acolyte, and the Beastial Assassin. Each of these builds redefines what it means to play Elden Ring-combining bold mechanics, creative equipment choices, and that perfect mix of risk and reward that makes the game's combat so endlessly replayable. Elden Ring Items
The Frigid Executioner-"You Become the Boomerang"
The Frigid Executioner is all about embracing the chaos of combat with the Mutressence Cleaver, a weapon that many dismissed because it doesn't behave like its boss version-no boomerang throws here. But as the creator cheekily puts it, "You become the boomerang." And honestly? That's even better.
This build revolves around the Cleaver's weapon art, which launches you into the air for a devastating overhead attack.
From there, players can either extend the combo with repeated spins or finish with a powerful heavy strike. Each follow-up costs a tiny amount of FP (just 7 per swing) and stamina, making it possible to chain attacks far longer than most weapons allow. The mastery lies in knowing when to stop-ending a combo too late leaves you vulnerable, while cutting it short can cost you a chance to land a stance break or riposte.
Because of its relentless aggression, this setup pairs beautifully with Malenia's Great Rune, which restores health on successive hits. The combination of high poise, constant motion, and lifesteal through aggression means you can go toe-to-toe with bosses without fear. You're not dodging-you're bulldozing through attacks, recovering HP faster than enemies can take it away.
For defense, the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman provides a solid backbone, while the Shard of Alexander and multi-hit talismans like the Winged Sword Insignia stack multiplicative bonuses to turn each combo into a fiery blur of damage. Add the Opaline Hardtear and Thorny Cracked Tear to your Flask of Wondrous Physick, and you've got a perfect blend of survivability and sustained power.
The true charm of the Frigid Executioner lies in how cinematic it feels. Every leap and spin dodges attacks by inches-sometimes soaring over projectiles, sometimes ducking beneath greatsword swings-thanks to Elden Ring's razor-sharp hitboxes. It's fast, brutal, and shockingly elegant, turning boss fights into choreographed duels of timing and precision.
The Dragon Acolyte-Reviving the Grafted Dragon
Next up is one of Elden Ring's least-used and most misunderstood weapons: the Grafted Dragon. At first glance, it seems like a gimmick-a fist weapon that can't be paired, can't be two-handed, and has a laughably weak flamethrower-style weapon art. But with some creativity and a faith-based build, the Dragon Acolyte transforms this neglected weapon into something genuinely fun-and surprisingly powerful.
The trick is understanding how its weapon art actually works. The fire breath looks weak, but the initial explosion deals significant fire damage-a strange yet intentional design quirk that still functions the same way four years after release. With high Faith investment, that explosion can hit like a truck.
Pairing it with the Erdtree Seal allows for top-tier Faith scaling and access to essential buffs like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength, both of which amplify the Grafted Dragon's raw power. Because its weapon art deals pure fire damage, these buffs multiply its output even further, and increasing Faith makes its split damage lean more toward fire-giving you consistent, scaling growth as you level.
For talismans, the Shard of Alexander is a must to enhance weapon art potency, while the Fire Scorpion Charm adds another layer of fire damage at the cost of some physical resistance (a trade most players will happily take). Rounding things out are Rotten Winged Sword Insignia for consecutive attack buffs and Blade of Mercy for improving post-crit combat flow.Aesthetically, the Dragon Acolyte build goes all-in on its fiery theme with a striking fashion setup-Depraved Perfumer Robe (Altered), Aristocrat Headband, and Warrior Greaves-balancing elegance and brutality. The result is a pyromaniacal brawler that looks as fierce as it plays.
It's not the most optimal setup in the game, but that's the point-it's about rediscovering fun in weapons most of us ignored after one use. With smart Faith scaling and proper buffs, the Grafted Dragon becomes a flaming fist of destruction that makes boss fights feel like gladiatorial duels.
The Beastial Assassin-Strength Meets Faith
The third build, the Beastial Assassin, completely flips the traditional assassin archetype on its head. Instead of a nimble rogue in light armor, this is a hulking faith-based monster-more Letho from The Witcher 2 than the typical backstabber. Originally intended to use the Cinquedea dagger and Clawmark Seal, the concept ran into serious roadblocks. The dagger lacks critical multipliers, can't be infused, and offers poor scaling. The seal, meanwhile, splits scaling between Strength and Faith but doesn't excel in either.
For a long time, this combo seemed dead on arrival-until the creator had a breakthrough. The solution? Ditch both and reforge the build around the Erdsteel Dagger, infused with Holy damage, and paired with the Erdtree Seal. Suddenly, everything clicks.
This dagger's faster moveset and superior scaling allow the build to synergize perfectly with Faith-based buffs and incantations. With high poise (51, to be exact) and access to fast multi-hit chains, it becomes a powerhouse for stacking consecutive attack buffs. Even better, those rapid hits fuel Malenia's Great Rune, keeping you topped off during prolonged engagements.
The weapon art of choice, Sacred Order, adds another 10% to all damage-affecting both melee and incantations. That's a full-scope boost that the old dagger never provided. Spells like Golden Vow and Black Flame Protection enhance both offense and defense, while Blessing of the Erdtree gives steady regeneration throughout fights.
For offensive incantations, the toolkit is deceptively deep:
Bestial Sling for quick, ranged pressure
Stone of Gurranq for single-target power
Beast Claw for AoE sweeping attacks
Each spell complements the dagger's melee rhythm, ensuring no downtime in combat-you're always attacking, always pressuring, always in control.
Talisman setup is flexible but deadly. Dragoncrest Greatshield provides durability, while Twinblade and Rotten Winged Sword Insignias maximize multi-hit damage potential. Players can opt for Godfrey Icon or Dagger Talisman depending on whether they prefer stronger incantations or devastating critical hits.
For fashion? A brutal mix of Zamor Armor, Scaled Gauntlets, and Zamor Mask, striking a perfect balance between assassin sleekness and brute force.
This build embodies the best of both worlds-an assassin who doesn't hide in the shadows but dominates the battlefield, chaining holy-infused strikes with monstrous poise and divine aggression.
Final Thoughts-Creativity Keeps the Flame Alive
Each of these setups-the frostbitten might of the Frigid Executioner, the flaming faith of the Dragon Acolyte, and the divine brutality of the Beastial Assassin-proves that Elden Ring still has room for discovery, even years after launch buy Elden Ring Runes.
It's easy to fall into the trap of only running meta weapons or min-maxed setups, but the real beauty of Elden Ring lies in experimentation. Sometimes the best builds are the ones that shouldn't work-until they do. They remind us that FromSoftware's world isn't just about stats and numbers; it's about creativity, style, and the thrill of mastering something unconventional.
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One build that's been generating a lot of buzz lately is the Intelligence-Strength hybrid colossal sword build Elden Ring Items. Combining raw physical power with devastating magical scaling, this setup turns some of the heaviest weapons in the game into spell-infused instruments of destruction.
In this guide, we'll break down the weapons, stats, talismans, and strategies that make this build so effective. We'll also cover how it performs in invasions, highlight key combos, and explain why colossal swords-especially with magic infusions.
Why Colossal Swords?
Colossal swords have always been a fan favorite in Elden Ring. They're iconic, anime-inspired, and carry some of the most satisfying animations in the game. But they're not just about style-the class has a fantastic mix of hyper armor, stagger potential, and surprising versatility.
Hyper Armor: Allows you to trade into enemy hits and come out on top.
Crouch Poke: One of the fastest options for catching rolls and punishing whiffs.
Strong Ashes of War: From explosive AoE blasts to massive gap-closers, colossal swords bring unique tools to PvP encounters.
Improved Move Set: Recent patches have smoothed out their heavies and rolling attacks, making them less clunky and more dangerous.
When infused with magic, these weapons not only deal huge Strength damage but also scale with Intelligence, creating a dual-stat powerhouse.
Weapons of Choice
This build shines with multiple colossal sword options, but two stand out:
Royal Greatsword
Ash of War: Wolf's Assault
This skill is equal parts stylish and lethal. The first leap lets you trade into groups of enemies, while the follow-up AoE blast catches panicked players trying to punish you. It's flashy, anime-like, and devastating when timed right.
Move Set Advantages
Aside from the crouch poke, the horizontal heavy slash is surprisingly quick and great for catching opponents circling you. It also makes the weapon a top-tier invasion choice.
Star Scourge Greatsword
Ash of War: Starcaller Cry
A gravity-themed skill that pulls enemies toward you, setting up devastating follow-ups. Even though it scales better with Strength, it's still a strong utility tool on this hybrid build.
Usage
Best slotted as a secondary weapon, brought out when you want to control positioning or threaten multiple players at once.
Together, these two swords form the backbone of the build, letting you switch between burst AoE and crowd-control utility as the situation demands.
Ashes of War That Shine
While colossal swords come with powerful innate skills, the real spice comes from choosing complementary Ashes of War:
Waves of Darkness - Still one of the most damaging and effective AoE tools in the game when paired with high Intelligence. Perfect for punishing aggression or clearing groups.
Wolf's Assault - As mentioned, this remains one of the flashiest yet practical gap-closers, especially against multiple opponents.
Stat Spread
This build is an Intelligence-first, Strength-second setup. Here's the general stat priority:
Intelligence: Primary damage source once weapons are infused with magic. Boosts the damage of key Ashes of War like Waves of Darkness.
Strength: Needed to meet weapon requirements and provide the colossal sword base damage.
Vigor: Essential for invasions-you'll be trading hits often, so don't skimp on health.
Endurance: Helps with equip load (since colossal swords are heavy) and stamina for repeated swings.
Mind: A modest investment ensures you can use your Ashes of War without constantly running out of FP.
Talismans
A strong talisman setup is what pushes this build over the top:
1.Shard of Alexander - Boosts Ash of War damage, amplifying your biggest burst tools.
2.Two-Handed Sword Talisman - Grants an additional 10% damage when two-handing colossal swords, which you'll almost always be doing.
3.Great-Jar's Arsenal (or similar equip load boost) - Keeps you under heavy load despite using colossal swords and heavy armor.
4.Bull-Goat's Talisman - Maximizes poise, letting you swing through enemy attacks and secure trades.
These four choices cover offense, survivability, and the stamina/weight concerns of the build.Invasion Gameplay
Where this build really shines is in PvP invasions. Here's how it plays out:
Trading Hits
Thanks to hyper armor and poise, you can confidently swing into smaller weapons. Many players underestimate just how hard a magic-infused colossal sword hits, leading to quick punishes.
AoE Pressure
With Waves of Darkness or Wolf's Assault, you can punish groups trying to swarm you. The AoE explosions often catch not just one but multiple opponents, instantly flipping a fight.
Crouch Poke Combos
Quick crouch pokes are perfect for catching rolls or securing a kill on a retreating enemy. Pairing them with talisman boosts makes even these "light" attacks deadly.
Environmental Chaos
Many invasions take place in tight corridors or dangerous terrain. Starcaller Cry can pull opponents into hazards, while well-timed Waves of Darkness can catch people stuck on geometry.
The build isn't just strong-it's fun. You'll find yourself laughing as groups of enemies try to punish your "slow" swings, only to be caught in massive explosions they never saw coming.
Memorable Invasion Moments
Some standout highlights with this build include:
Double Bonks in the Trees - Catching two players with colossal heavies in an elevated forest fight, turning the tide instantly.
Pot Play - Using thrown pots to chip and pressure before closing in with colossal swings. One poor Rivers of Blood user seemed incapable of dodging them, eating every single throw.
Gravity Shenanigans - Nearly pulling enemies off cliffs with Starcaller Cry, creating hilarious close calls.
Anime Moments - Trading blows in dramatic slow-walk duels where both players commit to their Ashes of War, creating "true Elden Ring" cinematic fights.
These chaotic encounters show off just how versatile and entertaining the build can be.
Weaknesses
Of course, no build is without its downsides:
Speed: Smaller, faster weapons can punish your recovery frames if you whiff.
FP Management: Spamming Ashes of War will drain your FP quickly, especially in extended invasions.
Multiple Casters: Fighting groups with heavy sorcery or dragon incantations requires patience and dodge discipline.
Gravity Deaths: Ironically, with so many invasions taking place near ledges, colossal sword users are just as vulnerable to terrain mishaps.
Knowing when to disengage and reset is critical to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Closing Thoughts
The Intelligence-Strength colossal sword build is a perfect example of why Elden Ring remains so beloved: it's stylish, it's versatile, and it's ridiculously fun to play. Whether you're trading blows in dramatic duels or exploding groups of gank squads with Waves of Darkness, this setup captures the spirit of high-risk, high-reward PvP.
For players who love anime-style showdowns, the Royal Greatsword's Wolf's Assault delivers cinematic moments.
For those who want crowd control chaos, the Starcaller Cry adds gravity-based hilarity.
And for anyone who just enjoys bonking people into the ground with colossal damage, this build delivers in spades.
If you're looking for a new way to approach Elden Ring PvP, give this build a try. Equip your colossal swords, infuse them with magic Elden Ring Runes, and step into invasions ready to trade hits, drop explosions, and laugh your way through chaotic encounters.
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Elden Ring has inspired players to revisit weapon classes that often go overlooked, and one of the most stylish yet underutilized families of weapons is the scythe class. These curved reaper tools don't just look menacing-they also offer unique mechanics that make them powerful in both PvE and PvP scenarios Elden Ring Items.
This article breaks down how scythes work, the best weapon choices, stat distribution, gear, and talisman setups, as well as practical invasion strategies drawn from live battles. By the end, you'll see why this weapon class is much more than just a fashion pick-it's a versatile toolkit for players who want to punish shields, control duels, and keep their enemies guessing.
Why Choose a Scythe Build?
On the surface, scythes don't look as strong as colossal swords or as reliable as katanas. But dig deeper, and you'll find they offer several unique advantages:
Shield Chip Damage: Scythes bypass a portion of block defense, making them excellent against greatshield users. In PvP, where turtle builds can stall fights, this is invaluable.
Fast Light Attacks: Despite their size, scythes have quick, sweeping light attacks. They can catch opponents off guard, especially after rolls.
Unique Combos: The standard Scythe's charged heavy can combo into Loretta's Slash, creating burst damage opportunities. Additionally, jump heavy attacks can link into light attacks for surprising chains.
Style and Reach: Few weapons can match the aesthetic appeal of scythes. Their reach and animations also feel distinct from the usual PvP meta.
In short: scythes are sleeper-strong for invasions. If you're tired of seeing the same Rivers of Blood and Moonveil builds, scythes provide refreshing gameplay with serious potential.
Scythe Weapon Options
The beauty of this class lies in its variety. Each scythe has a different niche, meaning you can mix and match depending on your preferred playstyle.
1. Standard Scythe
Strengths: Flexible, customizable Ash of War, and a deadly heavy attack combo with Loretta's Slash.
Best For: Players who want a balance of reliability and creativity.
Notes: A favorite for Chase because of its adaptability.
2. Grave Scythe
Strengths: Highest raw damage potential in the class.
Best For: Pure dexterity builds or those who want to maximize physical damage.
Notes: Works well with Bloodflame Blade for bleed pressure.
3. Winged Scythe
Strengths: Comes with the Angel's Wings Ash of War, which prevents healing on hit.
Best For: PvP invasions where denying flasks can swing fights.
Notes: Requires Faith investment, but the payoff is massive.
4. Halo Scythe
Strengths: Fires Miquella's Ring of Light, offering ranged harassment.
Best For: Zoning, pestering, or forcing opponents to roll predictably.
Notes: This one gets spammed often in invasions-if you've been annoyed by golden discs, this is the culprit.
5. Obsidian Lamina
Strengths: Reverse quickstep Ash of War enables sneaky backstabs and evasive maneuvers.
Best For: Trickster playstyles and high-mobility PvP.
Notes: While not the strongest damage dealer, its moveset is flashy and versatile.
6. Dynastic Sickle
Strengths: Unique follow-ups and stylish combos.
Best For: Fashion builds and creative players.
Notes: Less common, but fun to master.
Stats and Scaling
Scythes primarily scale with Dexterity, but some demand Faith and Arcane to unlock their true potential. A balanced distribution allows you to swap between multiple scythes in a single build.
Dexterity (Main Stat): Push this high for damage across all scythes.
Faith: Needed for Winged Scythe and Halo Scythe. Also boosts incantations.
Arcane: Useful for the Obsidian Lamina and bleed infusions.
Vigor & Endurance: Never neglect survivability in invasions.
Armor and Fashion
Unlike colossal builds that demand poise-stacked armor, scythe builds thrive on mobility and spacing. Armor choice is largely fashion-oriented, but mixing resilience with style is ideal.
Featured Look: Solitude set with Knight's Cavalry chest piece.
Why it Works: Slim, reaper-like aesthetic that complements the weapon class while still offering decent defenses.Best Talismans for a Scythe Build
Talisman slots can make or break your build. Here's a standard, effective setup:
1.Shard of Alexander-Boosts Ash of War damage, perfect for Loretta's Slash or Angel's Wings.
2.Two-Handed Sword Talisman-Increases two-handing damage, which scythe users frequently do.
3.Erdtree's Favor +2-Improves HP, stamina, and equip load.
4.Bull-Goat's Talisman-Provides poise to trade safely, crucial when using charged heavies.
Invasion Gameplay and Strategies
The heart of this build lies in invasions.
1. Shield Breaker
In Crumbling Farum Azula, scythes shredded through greatshields with ease. Opponents who relied on blocking quickly realized their defense was no match. This gave scythes a unique edge compared to other dexterity weapons.
2. Burst Combos
The heavy attack into Loretta's Slash created devastating burst moments. Timing is everything-bait aggression, endure the trade, then unleash the combo for massive damage.
3. Healing Denial
Winged Scythe's Angel's Wings repeatedly shut down flask usage. Hosts often panicked when their go-to sustain option was suddenly removed, handing momentum to the invader.
4. Mobility Tricks
The Obsidian Lamina's reverse quickstep allowed cheeky backstabs and escapes. Combined with terrain manipulation (like baiting players off staircases), mobility turned battles into psychological duels.
5. Team Fights
Against groups with phantoms and blues, Chase used scythes' wide swings to control space. In one fight, he even turned enemy aggression into opportunities for NPC allies to land finishing blows.
6. Humor and Style
From accidental "booty" combos to hilarious NPC dragon interference, the invasions highlighted how unpredictable and entertaining scythe gameplay can be. Style matters, and scythes deliver.
PvE Applications
While the focus here is PvP, scythes are no slouch in PvE. Their range and vertical sweeps make them ideal for handling mobs, while Winged Scythe's heal-block is perfect against bosses with regen mechanics. The Grave Scythe, with bleed infusion, can chunk even the toughest bosses.
Build Weaknesses
No build is perfect, and scythes have their drawbacks:
Lower Poise Damage: They don't stagger like colossal weapons.
Reliance on Combos: Burst damage requires setup-miss a heavy into Ash of War and you're vulnerable.
Split Scaling Needs: To unlock full variety, you must invest in multiple stats, which can delay power spikes.
Learning Curve: Timing and spacing are more demanding than meta weapons.
That said, in the hands of a skilled invader, these weaknesses become opportunities for creativity.
Final Thoughts
The scythe weapon class in Elden Ring deserves far more attention than it gets. From shield-chipping light attacks to devastating burst combos and unique utility like heal denial, scythes bring both flair and effectiveness to PvP invasions.
Whether you favor the raw power of the Grave Scythe, the healing denial of the Winged Scythe, or the trickster flair of the Obsidian Lamina, there's a scythe for every playstyle.
Most importantly, scythe builds are just plain fun. They bring back the thrill of experimentation in Elden Ring-reminding us that not every fight has to be about chasing the strongest meta weapon. Sometimes, wielding death's tool itself is the most rewarding way to play.
So next time you invade or set foot in the Lands Between elden ring items buy online, consider equipping a scythe. You might just carve yourself a new favorite build.
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