What Makes a Weapon Good for Stance Breaking?
You might be wondering, “Isn’t any strong weapon enough?” Not exactly. Stance-breaking depends on two things: high poise damage and moves that hit multiple times or hard enough to stagger enemies. Weapons with heavy attacks, polearms, and great hammers often perform best, especially when paired with Ashes of War that enhance their impact.
Personally, I find that timing your stance-breaking attack right after dodging an enemy’s heavy hit can make them almost helpless. It’s all about patience and reading enemy patterns rather than spamming attacks.
Which Great Hammers Are Worth Using?
Great hammers are the classic choice for staggering foes. Weapons like the Dragon Slayer Hammer or the Morning Star deliver huge poise damage and are fantastic against armored enemies. Sure, their swings are slower, but the payoff is massive when you land a hit that completely knocks down a boss.
A quick tip: if you’re low on Runes and want to maximize efficiency before a fight, it can be worth it to
buy Elden Ring Runes from merchants or farming spots. That way, you can upgrade your hammer to really crush through defenses.
Are Polearms Effective for Stance Breaks?
Absolutely. Polearms like the Glaive or Halberd offer a nice balance of reach and poise damage. You can safely hit enemies while staying just out of their attack range. One trick I like is using sweeping heavy attacks on groups—they’ll stagger multiple enemies at once, giving you a chance to reposition or heal.
I also discovered that certain Ashes of War on polearms can further enhance stance-breaking capabilities. Experimenting with different combinations really changes the way you approach encounters, making fights feel fresh every time.
What About Ultra-Greatswords?
Ultra-greatswords, such as the Colossal Greatsword, hit like a freight train. These are perfect for staggering bosses, but they require precise timing and stamina management. It can be tempting to swing wildly, but one missed hit leaves you open to punishment. My personal rule: strike, step back, and assess before committing to another heavy blow.
And if you’re looking for reliable in-game resources, some players use U4GM to quickly stock up on materials or gear before testing ultra-greatswords in challenging areas. It’s especially handy when you want to practice stance-breaking without grinding endlessly.
Are There Any Versatile Medium Options?
Yes! Not every weapon needs to be slow to stagger. Certain medium swords and axes, when upgraded and paired with the right Ashes of War, can also deliver effective stance breaks. They allow faster combos and more mobility, which is perfect if you prefer a hit-and-run style.
I personally like having one medium weapon in my arsenal for flexible playstyles—sometimes bosses aren’t just about brute force; speed and adaptability count too.
How Do You Choose Between Weapons?
Here’s my simple advice: consider the enemy, your playstyle, and your comfort with timing heavy attacks. Great hammers and ultra-greatswords for sheer staggering power, polearms for range and control, and medium weapons for flexible combos. Always upgrade weapons when possible and experiment with Ashes of War to find the best fit.
Breaking stance isn’t just about raw damage—it’s about controlling the fight and creating openings. When you master it, even the most intimidating bosses become manageable.
If you want to get the most out of stance-breaking weapons, focus on upgrades, timing, and understanding enemy patterns. Incorporate heavy hits strategically and don’t be afraid to mix weapon types. With the right choices, you’ll feel unstoppable in Elden Ring.
Remember, whether you’re farming Runes, upgrading your gear, or just experimenting with weapons, it’s all about finding what feels right for you. The best weapon is the one that matches your style and lets you break enemy defenses consistently.
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