Ruins Greatsword Elden Ring: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

The Ruins Greatsword is a colossal weapon in Elden Ring, boasting immense power and versatility. Its unique capabilities make it a coveted item among players seeking to conquer the Lands Between. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Ruins Greatsword, providing insights into its acquisition, usage, and strategies to maximize its potential.

Acquisition and Location

The Ruins Greatsword can be obtained from the following locations:

• Red Wolf of Radagon boss in Raya Lucaria Academy
• Abandoned Cave in Dragonbarrow, Limgrave

The Red Wolf of Radagon is a mini-boss encountered in the early stages of the game, making it a relatively accessible acquisition method. On the other hand, the Abandoned Cave requires players to navigate through the treacherous Dragonbarrow, facing formidable foes on the way.

Note: The Ruins Greatsword cannot be crafted or purchased from vendors.

Stats and Scaling

The Ruins Greatsword possesses exceptional base stats:

The sword's scaling is relatively low, suggesting that it is best suited for builds with high Strength. However, its colossal size provides a natural boost to its attack power, making it viable even for characters with lower Strength.

Weapon Art: Lion's Claw

The Ruins Greatsword wields the Lion's Claw weapon art, which unleashes a powerful thrusting attack. When activated, the sword glows golden and swiftly pierces enemies. The attack deals significant damage and staggers most foes, making it an effective tool for crowd control.

Mana Cost: 12 FP
Type: Thrust
Damage: Physical
Range: Close

Strategies for Effective Use

To maximize the effectiveness of the Ruins Greatsword, consider the following strategies:

• Focus on Strength: As the sword scales primarily with Strength, it is crucial to invest heavily in this attribute to enhance its attack power.
• Enhance with Ashes of War: The Ruins Greatsword can be enhanced with various Ashes of War to add additional effects, such as elemental damage or special abilities. Experiment with different Ashes to find the best combination that suits your playstyle.
• Utilize Lion's Claw: The Lion's Claw weapon art can be particularly devastating against large enemies. Time the attack precisely to stagger and break the guard of formidable foes.
• Prepare for High Endurance Cost: The Ruins Greatsword consumes a significant amount of stamina with each swing. Ensure you have sufficient Endurance to sustain prolonged combat without exhausting yourself.
• Pair with Buffs: Enhance the sword's damage output by using buffs, such as Golden Vow or Scholar's Armament, which provide temporary boosts to Strength or attack power.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid common pitfalls when using the Ruins Greatsword:

• Don't Neglect Agility: Despite its immense power, the Ruins Greatsword is a heavy weapon. Avoid becoming too reliant on its raw damage and prioritize agility to dodge and evade enemy attacks.
• Avoid Overcommitting: The Lion's Claw weapon art can be powerful but is also slow. Be mindful of your mana consumption and avoid using the attack recklessly, as it leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks.
• Don't Overwhelm Endurance: The sword's high stamina cost can be a significant limitation. Plan your attacks wisely and avoid swinging haphazardly to conserve Endurance.
• Don't Underestimate Scaling: While the Ruins Greatsword's scaling may appear underwhelming, its high base damage makes it viable even for characters with moderate Strength.
• Don't Forget Ash Selection: The choice of Ashes of War can greatly impact the sword's performance. Experiment with different Ashes to find the best fit for your playstyle and build.

Step-by-Step Approach to Optimizing Use

Follow these steps to optimize your use of the Ruins Greatsword:

1. Establish a High-Strength Build: Prioritize investment in the Strength attribute to maximize the sword's damage potential.
2. Acquire and Enhance the Greatsword: Obtain the Ruins Greatsword from the Red Wolf of Radagon or Abandoned Cave. Consider enhancing it with Ashes of War for added functionality.
3. Master Lion's Claw: Practice using the Lion's Claw weapon art to time it effectively and maximize its damage output.
4. Allocate Sufficient Endurance: Ensure you have adequate Endurance to sustain prolonged combat with the Ruins Greatsword's high stamina consumption.
5. Incorporate Buffs: Use buffs, such as Golden Vow or Scholar's Armament, to enhance the sword's damage output and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best Ash of War for the Ruins Greatsword?
A: The optimal Ash of War depends on personal preference. However, Ashes of War that provide additional damage or special abilities, such as Giant Hunt or Stormcaller, can complement the sword well.

Q2: Is the Ruins Greatsword worth using in late-game?
A: Yes, the Ruins Greatsword remains a viable weapon throughout the game. Its immense power and versatility make it suitable even for high-level challenges.

Q3: How do I counter the Ruins Greatsword in PvP?
A: Utilize agile weapons, such as daggers or rapiers, to evade the sword's heavy swings. Consider using a shield or parrying to mitigate the impact of the Lion's Claw weapon art.

Q4: Is the Ruins Greatsword available in New Game Plus (NG+?
A: Yes, the Ruins Greatsword is available in NG+, allowing you to continue using it in subsequent playthroughs.

Conclusion

The Ruins Greatsword in Elden Ring is a formidable weapon that combines immense power and versatility. By understanding its unique capabilities, optimizing its usage, and avoiding common pitfalls, players can unlock its full potential and conquer the Lands Between with unmatched might. Embrace the colossal presence of the Ruins Greatsword and become a formidable force in the world of Elden Ring.