Possible article:
Master the Game: Breaking Down Death’s Poker Build in Elden Ring
There are few things as satisfying in video games as mastering a challenging build that combines offense and defense, versatility and focus, creativity and efficiency. In Elden Ring, the upcoming action role-playing game from FromSoftware, fans of games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne will have plenty of opportunities to test their skills against epic bosses and explore a vast and mysterious world. One of the most intriguing builds revealed so far is the Death’s Poker build, which uses techniques and items related to poise, counter attacks, and critical hits to overcome enemies with a mix of finesse and brutality. In this article, we’ll go through the main elements of the Death’s Poker build and provide tips on how to use them effectively.
Introduction: The allure of mastering a challenging game build.
Heading 1: What is the Death’s Poker build?
The Death’s Poker build is a hybrid build that focuses on poise, counter attacks, and critical hits. It combines elements of several other builds from previous FromSoftware games, such as the poise tank (a character who can withstand heavy blows without staggering), the parry master (a character who can use shields or weapons to deflect and riposte enemy attacks), and the crit build (a character who can deal massive damage by hitting vulnerable spots or triggering special effects). However, the Death’s Poker build also introduces some new mechanics and items that enhance its potential for both offense and defense.
Subheading 1.1: Poise and Hyper Armor
Poise is a stat that determines how much damage a character can take before being staggered or knocked down. In Elden Ring, poise also affects the amount of hyper armor a character has, which is the ability to resist interruption or stagger during certain moves, such as heavy attacks or rolling. The Death’s Poker build relies on having high poise and hyper armor to withstand attacks and maintain pressure on enemies. Some of the ways to increase poise and hyper armor in the build include:
– Wearing heavy armor sets that provide high poise and hyper armor, such as the Wraith or Exile sets, or mixing lighter armor sets that boost specific poise or hyper armor stats.
– Using certain weapons that have innate poise or hyper armor properties, such as hammers, greatswords, or ultra greatswords, or infusing weapons with poise or hyper armor boosting gems.
– Using certain rings that increase poise or hyper armor, such as the Ring of Giants or the Ring of Steel Protection, or combining them with other rings that enhance critical hits or counter attacks, such as the Hornet Ring or the Leo Ring.
Subheading 1.2: Counter attacks and Ripostes
Counter attacks and ripostes are when a player deals extra damage to an enemy by hitting them during a specific animation or window of vulnerability. In Elden Ring, counter attacks and ripostes are based on critical hits, which are triggered by hitting an enemy’s head, back, or other exposed weak spot, or by using a specific weapon technique or infusion. The Death’s Poker build is designed to maximize the potential for critical hits by combining poise and hyper armor with quick and precise attacks that catch enemies off guard. Some of the ways to set up and execute counter attacks and ripostes in the build include:
– Using weapons with high critical hit damage, such as daggers or rapiers, or infusing weapons with critical hit boosting gems.
– Using weapons or shields with special parry animations that allow a player to deflect an enemy attack and riposte them with a critical hit, such as the Buckler or the Target Shield.
– Using certain consumable items or techniques that enhance critical hit damage or stagger, such as Pine Resins, Carthus Rouge, or the Karmic Justice Miracle.
– Using certain spells or miracles that enhance critical hit potential or decrease enemy defenses, such as Soul Greatsword or Profaned Flame.
Heading 2: How to play the Death’s Poker build?
Playing the Death’s Poker build requires a combination of skill, strategy, and adaptability. While the build can be quite powerful in certain situations, it also has some weaknesses and limitations that need to be taken into account. Here are some tips on how to play the Death’s Poker build effectively:
Subheading 2.1: Choose your weapons and armor carefully
The Death’s Poker build can be quite versatile, depending on the weapons and armor sets you choose. If you prefer a more defensive approach, you can go for heavier armor sets that provide high poise and hyper armor, such as the Exile or Cathedral sets, and use a hammer or greatsword that can stagger enemies or break their guard. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, you can go for lighter armor sets that provide some poise and hyper armor, such as the Herald or Chain sets, and use a rapier or dagger that can deal quick and direct critical hits. You can also mix and match different pieces of armor and weapons according to your playstyle and the situation. Just be aware that carrying too much weight can impair your mobility and stamina, so consider your equipment load and endurance stats.
Subheading 2.2: Study your enemies and their moves
The Death’s Poker build relies on timing and positioning to execute counter attacks and ripostes. To do this effectively, you need to observe your enemies and predict their movements. It’s a good idea to use a shield or a bow to get a better view of the enemies from a distance, or to lock on to them and circle around them to bait their attacks. You can also test your weapons and try different moves to see which ones work best against which enemies. Some enemies may have high poise or hyper armor themselves, so be careful not to get too greedy and staggered by their attacks. Conversely, some enemies may have low defenses, so it’s worth trying different types of damage, such as bleed or fire. It’s also worth noting that some enemies may have immunity or resistance to critical hits or specific types of weapons, so plan accordingly.
Subheading 2.3: Manage your stamina and health
The Death’s Poker build requires a fair amount of stamina to execute its moves and avoid getting hit. Make sure you have enough endurance to perform a series of attacks or dodge rolls without getting exhausted. You can also use the poise and hyper armor advantages of the build to counter enemies’ attacks and recover some stamina in the process. However, be careful not to get caught in a prolonged battle that drains your resources. Use the environment to your advantage, such as finding cover or high ground, or luring enemies into traps or hazards. You can also use healing items or miracles to restore your health or remove negative statuses, but be aware that some enemies may have ways to interrupt your healing or punish your mistakes.
Conclusion: Mastering the Death’s Poker build requires a combination of patience, skill, and creativity, as well as a deep understanding of the game mechanics and enemies’ behaviors. By choosing the right weapons and armor, studying your enemies and their moves, and managing your stamina and health, you can overcome even the deadliest foes and explore the vast world of Elden Ring with confidence and style.
FAQs:
1. Is the Death’s Poker build viable for PvE and PvP gameplay?
Yes, the Death’s Poker build can be effective in both player versus environment and player versus player modes, depending on your skill level and luck. However, be aware that PvP gameplay may require more adaptation and flexibility in terms of tactics and equipment, as well as dealing with lag and latency issues.
2. What are some alternatives or variations to the Death’s Poker build?
Some alternatives or variations to the Death’s Poker build include: a pure poise tank build that focuses on durability and crowd control; a pure parry master build that focuses on deflecting and riposting enemy attacks; a pure crit build that focuses on exploiting enemy weaknesses and triggering special effects; or a hybrid build that combines elements of all three. You can also experiment with different weapons, spells, or miracles that complement your playstyle and preferences.
3. Can the Death’s Poker build be used in co-op or with companions?
Yes, the Death’s Poker build can be used in co-op or with companions, but be aware that the dynamics of combat may change depending on the number and type of allies or enemies involved. You may need to adjust your tactics and communication accordingly, and be aware of friendly fire or aggro control issues.
4. What are some caveats or drawbacks to the Death’s Poker build?
Some caveats or drawbacks to the Death’s Poker build include: its reliance on stamina management and timing, which can be challenging for players with low endurance or coordination; its susceptibility to certain enemies or situations that require more brute force or evasiveness; and its potential for overreliance on critical hits, which can lead to frustration or complacency in facing different enemies or bosses. It’s also worth noting that the Death’s Poker build may not be the most optimal or efficient choice for speedruns, challenge runs, or high-level gameplay, where other builds or strategies may be more effective or fun.
