Awaken the Fury: A Comprehensive Guide to the Swords Dance Ash of War

Overview

The Swords Dance Ash of War is a powerful melee skill in Elden Ring that has received immense popularity among players seeking an advantage in combat. It grants a temporary but significant boost to attack power, making it ideal for swift, decisive strikes that can turn the tide of battle. This guide will delve into all aspects of the Swords Dance Ash of War, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to utilize it effectively.

How to Acquire Swords Dance

The Swords Dance Ash of War can be obtained by defeating the Nightmaiden and Swordstress Puppets mini-boss duo in the Lurnia of the Lakes region. Once defeated, interact with the nearby Statue of Marika to receive the ash.

Effects and Mechanics

When used, Swords Dance triggers a series of rapid sword strikes that deal consecutive damage to enemies. The ash has the following effects:

• Attack Power Boost: Grants a 50% increase in attack power for a duration of 10 seconds.
• Consecutive Strikes: Performs a series of 5 quick strikes in close succession.
• Increased Poise Damage: The strikes also deal increased poise damage, making it effective against enemies with high poise.
• Limited Duration: The attack power boost only lasts for 10 seconds, making timing crucial.

Strategies for Effective Use

To maximize the potential of Swords Dance, consider the following strategies:

• Target Vulnerable Enemies: Use Swords Dance against enemies with low poise or those who are open to heavy damage, such as those knocked down or stunned.
• Utilize Jump Attacks: Combine Swords Dance with jump attacks to increase the momentum and damage output.
• Pair with Buffs: Enhance the effectiveness of Swords Dance by stacking other attack-boosting buffs, such as Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength.
• Chain Attacks: Follow up Swords Dance with quick follow-up attacks to capitalize on the attack power boost.
• Use Against Bosses: Swords Dance can be a devastating tool against bosses with high health or poise, providing a burst of damage potential.

Tips and Tricks

• Time the Attack: Use Swords Dance strategically to gain an advantage in combat by predicting enemy movements and openings.
• Avoid Overextending: Be mindful of the limited duration of Swords Dance and avoid using it when the enemy is far away or poised to counterattack.
• Consider Co-op: In multiplayer, coordinate with allies to use Swords Dance simultaneously for a devastating combined attack.

Why Swords Dance Matters

Swords Dance is not just a powerful skill but also a game-changer in many situations. Its benefits include:

• Dominating Early Game: With its high damage output, Swords Dance can quickly dispatch weaker enemies and help players progress through the early game more efficiently.
• Overcoming Challenges: Swords Dance can provide the extra damage needed to overcome tough enemies and bosses, especially in late-game encounters.
• PvP Advantage: In multiplayer duels, Swords Dance can disrupt opponents' strategies and become a major threat.
• Versatility: The ash can be used with a variety of weapon types, including swords, daggers, and axes, making it widely applicable.

New Field of Application: Swords Dance Archery

The versatility of Swords Dance extends beyond melee combat. Some players have discovered the potential for "Swords Dance Archery," a technique that combines the ash with archery to create a unique and effective ranged option. By utilizing the attack power boost from Swords Dance, arrows gain increased damage and can potentially one-shot enemies.

How to Perform Swords Dance Archery

To perform Swords Dance Archery, follow these steps:

1. Equip a bow and as many arrows as possible.
2. Activate Swords Dance.
3. Immediately switch to the bow and fire arrows.

The attack power boost from Swords Dance will apply to the arrows, significantly increasing their damage.

Feasibility and Potential

While Swords Dance Archery is a relatively new field of application, it shows promise as a viable strategy. Preliminary tests have shown that arrows imbued with Swords Dance can inflict significant damage, especially against opponents with low poise. However, further research and experimentation are necessary to determine its full potential.

Conclusion

The Swords Dance Ash of War is an essential tool for any melee combatant in Elden Ring. Its versatile and powerful effects can turn the tide of battles in your favor, from dispatching early game enemies to challenging formidable bosses. By understanding its mechanics, mastering its strategies, and exploring its new field of application, you can unlock its full potential and become a force to be reckoned with.

Tables

Table 1: Swords Dance Stats

Table 2: Swords Dance Synergies

Table 3: Swords Dance Archetypes