Unleashing the Dead: Mastering Death’s Poker Build in Elden Ring
Elden Ring, the upcoming action role-playing game, has garnered much attention since its unveiling by FromSoftware. The game promises to offer a thrilling experience, combining the dark fantasy setting with exhilarating combat mechanics, and intricate character builds. One such build, that has caught the attention of many players, is the Death’s Poker Build. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the build, its strengths, and weaknesses, and how to best use it to dominate the game.
What is the Death’s Poker Build?
The Death’s Poker Build is a build that utilizes the Necromancer Magic, allowing the player to summon various undead creatures to aid them in combat. The build relies heavily on the Dark and Fire damage types, with the goal of overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers while dealing consistent damage over time. This build is particularly effective in PvE, as the undead minions can draw enemy aggro and distract them while the player unleashes their offensive capabilities.
Key Stats and Required Equipment
To maximize the potential of the Death’s Poker Build, players should focus on leveling up their Intelligence and Faith stats, as these directly impact the strength and number of undead summoned. Additionally, Strength and Dexterity should be allocated as needed to wield the required equipment and increase physical damage output, respectively. The Acolyte’s Staff is an essential equipment choice as it provides a significant bonus to Necromancer Magic and allows for faster casting of spells. The Immolation Tinder, a halberd that doubles as a catalyst for fire spells, is another excellent weapon choice that complements the build’s playstyle.
Key Spells and Abilities
The Death’s Poker Build relies primarily on spells such as Soul Spear, Great Chaos Fireball, and Power Within to deal consistent damage over time. Necromancer spells such as Summon Undead and Gravelord Sword Dance are also essential for the build’s effectiveness, allowing the player to summon different types of undead creatures and deal AoE (Area of Effect) damage. The Unfaltering Prayer ability, available to certain weapons such as the Immolation Tinder, is a unique ability that grants temporary poise during spellcasting and is particularly useful when outnumbered.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Death’s Poker Build’s main strength is its ability to overwhelm enemies with sheer numbers, making it an effective strategy in PvE situations. The undead minions can draw enemy aggro, allowing the player to safely cast spells or engage in melee combat. The build also has a high damage output, particularly against enemies weak to Fire and Dark damage types. However, the build’s weaknesses lie in its reliance on spellcasting, making it vulnerable to interruption and backstab attempts. Additionally, the build’s effectiveness against heavily armored enemies may be limited, as physical damage output is reduced.
Tips for Mastery
To truly master the Death’s Poker Build, players should focus on positioning themselves strategically to avoid being overwhelmed while still maintaining a steady stream of undead minions. The player should also experiment with different undead summons to find the most effective for each situation. Grenades and other consumables, particularly those with AoE damage, can also be useful for dealing with groups of enemies or when facing particularly challenging foes. Finally, players should practice effective spellcasting techniques, such as quick switching between catalyst and weapon, to minimize the risk of interruption.
Conclusion
The Death’s Poker Build is a unique and effective strategy in Elden Ring, offering an exciting playstyle that focuses on summoning undead minions to overwhelm enemies while dealing consistent Fire and Dark damage. The build’s effectiveness in PvE situations makes it a popular choice among players. However, the reliance on spellcasting and vulnerability to interruption may present challenges for less experienced players. By mastering positioning, experimenting with different undead summons, and effective spellcasting techniques, players can truly unleash the potential of the Death’s Poker Build in Elden Ring.
FAQs
1. Can the Death’s Poker Build be effective in PvP?
The build may be less effective in PvP situations due to the likelihood of interruption and ability for players to dodge spells. However, with effective positioning and spell usage, the build can still be viable in PvP.
2. How does the Death’s Poker Build compare to other Necromancer builds?
The Death’s Poker Build’s focus on Fire and Dark damage types sets it apart from traditional Necromancer builds, offering a unique playstyle and focus on consistent damage over time.
3. What is the best way to level up Intelligence and Faith stats?
Players can level up these stats by investing in specific items such as Soul Items or by defeating enemies that grant significant amounts of souls.
4. What is the best way to deal with heavily armored enemies as a Death’s Poker Build?
Physical damage output may be reduced, but some undead minions excel at staggering and breaking enemy defenses, allowing for the player to deal increased damage.
5. Can the build be effective in solo play?
Yes, the build can be effective in solo play, particularly in PvE situations where the undead minions can distract enemies and allow the player to focus on dealing damage.
