The phrase refers to online discussions, primarily on the Reddit platform, regarding the relative strengths, weaknesses, and applications of two specific weapon skills in the Elden Ring video game: the Ice Spear and the Stormblade. These skills are Ashes of War, which can be applied to armaments to grant them special abilities. The discussions typically involve comparisons of their damage output, range, speed, and effectiveness against different enemy types. For instance, players might debate whether the Ice Spear’s frost buildup is more useful than the Stormblade’s rapid damage against specific bosses.
Such discussions highlight the player-driven optimization and meta-analysis characteristic of the Elden Ring community. Sharing experiences and comparing builds allows players to improve their gameplay and discover new strategies. This collective effort enhances the game’s longevity and fosters a sense of shared knowledge and collaboration. Historically, forums and online communities have played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and mastery of complex video games, and Reddit serves as a current example of this phenomenon within the Elden Ring context.
The following will explore in more detail the factors that commonly drive these online comparisons, including the statistical attributes of each skill, the various combat scenarios where one might be preferred over the other, and the community’s evolving understanding of their optimal usage.
1. Damage
Damage is a central point of contention in discussions on “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit.” Players meticulously analyze the damage output of both skills, often posting test results against various enemy types and bosses. The perceived effectiveness of Ice Spear and Stormblade is directly tied to the damage they inflict, making it a primary factor in determining which skill is considered superior in different combat scenarios. The discussions explore raw damage numbers, damage types (e.g., physical, magic, frost), and the impact of scaling with character attributes.
For instance, a Reddit thread might showcase a comparison of Ice Spear’s frost buildup and its resulting damage over time against a high-health boss, versus Stormblade’s immediate, sustained damage output against an enemy resistant to frost. Players may also post videos demonstrating the damage difference at various character levels and with different weapon upgrade levels. Practical implications include optimizing builds for maximum damage potential and adapting strategies based on enemy vulnerabilities. The importance of understanding damage mechanics is highlighted by the meticulous testing and sharing of findings within the community.
Ultimately, the analysis of damage within “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” serves as a practical guide for players seeking to optimize their combat effectiveness. While individual preferences and playstyles certainly influence skill choice, the community’s collective efforts to quantify and compare damage output provide a valuable resource for making informed decisions. This focus on damage exemplifies the detailed, data-driven approach that characterizes the Elden Ring community’s engagement with the game’s mechanics.
2. Range
Range constitutes a significant element in the “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” discussions. The comparative reach of Ice Spear and Stormblade dictates engagement distances and affects player vulnerability during combat. Ice Spear, as a projectile attack, inherently offers superior range compared to Stormblade, which emanates a blade of wind at close to medium distances. This disparity influences tactical approaches; players equipped with Ice Spear can maintain distance, allowing for safer engagements, particularly against aggressive or high-damage enemies. Discussions on Reddit frequently analyze scenarios where the extended range of Ice Spear provides a critical advantage, such as against enemies with limited mobility or those occupying elevated positions. Conversely, the shorter range of Stormblade necessitates closer proximity, increasing risk but potentially maximizing damage output in melee-focused builds.
Practical examples illustrating the importance of range include encounters with large, slow-moving bosses. Ice Spear users may utilize its range to consistently inflict damage while remaining outside the boss’s attack range, a strategy often detailed in Reddit threads. Stormblade users, lacking this range advantage, must carefully time their attacks and dodges to avoid damage, potentially requiring a more aggressive and risk-oriented playstyle. Furthermore, the environment often plays a role. In confined spaces, Stormblade’s range limitation is less of a disadvantage, whereas in open areas, Ice Spear’s reach becomes significantly more valuable. Analysis on Reddit often incorporates environmental factors into the skill comparison.
In summation, the element of range significantly shapes the utility and strategic application of Ice Spear and Stormblade, a point extensively explored within the “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” discussions. The ability to engage enemies from a safe distance, afforded by Ice Spear’s superior range, provides a tactical advantage in many situations. Conversely, Stormblade’s shorter range necessitates a more aggressive and close-quarters approach. Understanding these range-related implications is essential for players aiming to optimize their builds and combat strategies in Elden Ring. The community’s ongoing analysis of these skills and their tactical applications contributes to a deeper understanding of the game’s combat mechanics.
3. Speed
Speed, in the context of “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit,” refers to the execution speed of each Ash of War Ice Spear and Stormblade including cast time, recovery time, and projectile velocity. This factor is critical in determining their practical application during combat and is frequently debated within the community.
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Cast Time and Animation Speed
Cast time defines the duration required to initiate the skill. Stormblade generally exhibits a faster cast time than Ice Spear. This allows for quicker reaction times and the ability to weave the skill into attack patterns more seamlessly. Discussions on Reddit often compare the animation speeds, highlighting instances where Stormblade’s faster animation permits more aggressive play. Ice Spear’s slower cast time can leave the player vulnerable to interruption, necessitating more strategic timing. The perceived speed of the animation itself, impacting player responsiveness, also contributes to user preference.
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Recovery Time
Recovery time is the interval after the skill is executed before the character can perform another action. A shorter recovery time allows for greater fluidity in combat and facilitates chaining attacks or dodging. Stormblade’s rapid execution often translates to a quicker recovery, enabling players to react defensively or continue their offensive pressure. Ice Spear’s more protracted recovery can penalize players who miss their target or overcommit to an attack. Analysis on Reddit often details strategies for mitigating the recovery disadvantages of Ice Spear, such as spacing and timing. The interplay between cast time and recovery time profoundly affects the overall combat effectiveness of each skill.
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Projectile Speed (Ice Spear)
Specifically relevant to Ice Spear, projectile speed determines how quickly the spear travels toward its target. A faster projectile is more likely to hit moving targets and reduces the window for enemies to dodge. While Ice Spear possesses respectable range, its projectile speed is a crucial factor in its efficacy. Reddit discussions commonly explore situations where Ice Spear’s projectile is too slow to reliably hit agile enemies at longer distances. Factors such as enemy movement patterns and terrain influence the practicality of Ice Spear’s projectile speed. Increasing Dexterity can impact casting speed which indirectly improves its usability in certain player builds. Projectile speed, therefore, is a limitation that players actively consider and attempt to overcome.
Ultimately, the nuances of speed encompassing cast time, recovery, and projectile velocity significantly influence the player’s perception and practical usage of Ice Spear and Stormblade. Discussions on “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” extensively dissect these elements, reflecting the community’s deep engagement with the game’s combat mechanics and its quest for optimal strategies. The relative speed advantages and disadvantages of each skill heavily contribute to their suitability for different playstyles and combat encounters.
4. Frostbite (Ice Spear)
Frostbite, induced by the Ice Spear Ash of War, represents a key element in the “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” discourse. The Ice Spear skill inflicts frost buildup on enemies, and when the buildup threshold is met, the Frostbite status effect is applied. Frostbite deals a burst of damage and reduces the target’s damage absorption for a period. This effect creates a strategic advantage. Its efficacy, however, is highly dependent on the enemy’s resistance to frost and the player’s ability to consistently apply the Ice Spear. Reddit threads often dissect scenarios where Frostbite excels, such as against heavily armored enemies or slow-moving bosses vulnerable to status effects. Conversely, discussions also address encounters where Frostbite is less effective, particularly against enemies with high frost resistance or fast-paced combat scenarios where consistent application is challenging. The frequency and depth of these discussions underscore Frostbite’s significant role in determining the perceived value of Ice Spear.
A practical application of this analysis involves optimizing builds to capitalize on Frostbite’s potential. Players might explore combinations of equipment and talismans that enhance frost buildup or mitigate the cast time of Ice Spear, allowing for more frequent application of the status effect. Examples frequently cited on Reddit include using the Albinauric Pot to apply Frostbite quickly. However, the scaling of Frostbite with character stats is also a topic of debate. Players share their findings on how Intelligence or Dexterity impacts the frost buildup rate and the damage dealt by the Frostbite status effect. These discussions extend to comparisons with other status effects, such as Bleed or Poison, to determine the optimal status effect for specific encounters. The analysis of Frostbite extends beyond the Ice Spear itself, encompassing broader build optimization strategies. The impact of status effects also often changes when considering Player vs Player (PvP) combat.
In summary, Frostbite’s unique properties and its interaction with enemy resistances make it a central consideration in “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” discussions. Understanding the mechanics of Frostbite, its strengths, and its limitations is crucial for players aiming to optimize their Ice Spear-based builds. Challenges include assessing enemy vulnerabilities and adapting strategies to maximize Frostbite application. The community’s ongoing analysis contributes to a deeper comprehension of this status effect, informing player choices and shaping the meta-game surrounding the Ice Spear Ash of War and, by extension, builds to counter Ice Spear as well.
5. Scaling
Scaling, in the context of “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit,” refers to how the damage output and effectiveness of the Ice Spear and Stormblade weapon skills increase in relation to specific character attributes. Understanding scaling is crucial for optimizing character builds and maximizing the potential of these skills. Discussions within the Reddit community frequently revolve around identifying which attributes contribute most significantly to the damage of each skill and how to allocate attribute points for optimal results. These discussions are vital because inefficient attribute allocation can severely limit the skill’s effectiveness in later stages of the game.
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Attribute Dependence
Attribute dependence refers to the specific character statistics (e.g., Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane) that influence the damage and effectiveness of a weapon skill. Ice Spear typically scales primarily with Intelligence, meaning that increasing a character’s Intelligence stat will directly increase the damage dealt by the Ice Spear skill. Stormblade, on the other hand, generally scales with Strength and Dexterity. A Reddit thread might explore how a build focused on high Intelligence maximizes the Ice Spear’s potential, while a Strength/Dexterity build makes Stormblade the more potent option. Improper investment of attribute points will diminish the power of the skill.
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Scaling Ranks
Elden Ring utilizes a scaling rank system (e.g., S, A, B, C, D, E) to indicate how well a weapon or skill scales with a particular attribute. An “S” rank signifies excellent scaling, meaning that damage increases significantly with each point invested in the relevant attribute. Conversely, an “E” rank indicates poor scaling, with minimal damage increase. Reddit discussions often dissect the scaling ranks of Ice Spear and Stormblade on different weapons, revealing which weapons are most suitable for each skill. For instance, a weapon with an “A” scaling in Intelligence for Ice Spear will generally outperform a weapon with “C” scaling, even if the latter has higher base damage. Effective use of this knowledge is crucial to proper build construction.
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Weapon Upgrade Level
Weapon upgrade level also impacts scaling. As a weapon is upgraded using smithing stones, its scaling grades generally improve. This means that investing in weapon upgrades not only increases the base damage of the weapon but also enhances the effectiveness of scaling with relevant attributes. A weapon with initially mediocre scaling may become significantly more powerful as it is upgraded, leading to a substantial increase in the damage output of Ice Spear or Stormblade. Reddit posts often demonstrate the damage increase obtained by upgrading weapons and analyzing the corresponding improvement in scaling. Such upgrade knowledge plays a vital role in the perceived value of each Ash of War.
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Soft Caps and Hard Caps
Attributes in Elden Ring are subject to diminishing returns, known as soft caps and hard caps. After reaching a soft cap, each additional point invested in an attribute yields progressively smaller damage increases. After reaching a hard cap, the damage increase becomes negligible. Reddit discussions frequently address the optimal attribute levels for Ice Spear and Stormblade, taking these soft caps into account. Players share data and calculations to determine the most efficient allocation of attribute points, maximizing damage output without over-investing in attributes beyond their point of diminishing returns. Knowledge of these caps is essential for optimized character builds.
In conclusion, the concept of scaling is integral to understanding the comparative effectiveness of Ice Spear and Stormblade, as revealed in the discussions on “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit.” The interplay between attribute dependence, scaling ranks, weapon upgrade level, and soft/hard caps dictates the optimal character builds and weapon choices for maximizing the potential of these weapon skills. The community’s meticulous analysis of scaling mechanics provides invaluable insights for players seeking to optimize their performance in Elden Ring, further fostering the game’s depth and complexity.
6. Weapon Compatibility
Weapon compatibility is a core component driving discourse related to “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit.” The effectiveness of Ice Spear and Stormblade is significantly determined by the weapons to which they can be applied, impacting their damage scaling, speed, and overall utility. The Ash of War system allows for the application of these skills to a variety of weapon types, but not all weapons are equally suited. This variance in compatibility fuels extensive analysis on Reddit, where players meticulously compare the performance of each skill across different armaments.
For instance, Ice Spear may exhibit exceptional performance on weapons with inherent Intelligence scaling, such as the Clayman’s Harpoon, while Stormblade might shine on weapons with high Strength scaling and fast attack speed, like the Bloodhound’s Fang. Real-life examples within Reddit threads include detailed comparisons of damage numbers, attack animations, and overall ease of use when Ice Spear and Stormblade are applied to various weapons. The community actively tests and shares their findings, creating a resource of information that guides players in selecting optimal weapon pairings for each skill. Discussions often revolve around the unique movesets, attack speeds, and scaling properties of different weapons, and how these factors synergize with Ice Spear and Stormblade. The practical significance lies in the ability to optimize character builds for specific playstyles and combat encounters.
Ultimately, the weapon compatibility aspect of “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” highlights the importance of experimental gameplay and community collaboration within Elden Ring. The vast array of weapon options and scaling possibilities necessitates a collective effort to uncover the most effective combinations. While personal preference certainly plays a role, the data-driven analysis and shared experiences on Reddit provide valuable insights for players seeking to maximize the potential of Ice Spear and Stormblade. This continuous exploration and refinement of weapon pairings contribute to the depth and longevity of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common questions arising from discussions concerning the Ice Spear and Stormblade Ashes of War within the Elden Ring community, particularly on Reddit. The answers provided are intended to offer a clear and concise understanding of the nuances of each skill.
Question 1: Which Ash of War is objectively superior, Ice Spear or Stormblade?
Neither skill is objectively superior. Their effectiveness is highly situational and dependent on factors such as enemy type, player build, and playstyle. Ice Spear excels against slow-moving, frost-vulnerable enemies, while Stormblade offers rapid damage against more mobile targets.
Question 2: Does Intelligence exclusively determine the damage output of Ice Spear?
While Intelligence is the primary scaling attribute for Ice Spear, weapon upgrade level and the weapon’s inherent scaling properties also play a significant role. Simply maximizing Intelligence will not guarantee optimal damage if other factors are neglected.
Question 3: Is Stormblade only viable in melee-focused builds?
While Stormblade’s limited range makes it well-suited for melee builds, it can also be incorporated into hybrid builds that utilize a mix of melee and ranged attacks. Its quick execution speed allows for weaving it into attack patterns, providing burst damage when opportunities arise.
Question 4: How does Frostbite inflicted by Ice Spear impact enemy damage resistance?
Upon triggering, Frostbite deals a burst of damage and reduces the target’s damage absorption by approximately 20% for a short duration. This debuff can significantly increase subsequent damage dealt to the affected enemy.
Question 5: Do weapon buffs, such as greases or spells, affect the damage of Ice Spear and Stormblade?
Yes, weapon buffs can influence the damage output of both Ice Spear and Stormblade. Buffs that increase attack power or add elemental damage can enhance the overall effectiveness of these skills.
Question 6: Are there specific weapons that are considered optimal for either Ice Spear or Stormblade?
Certain weapons exhibit superior compatibility with Ice Spear and Stormblade due to their scaling properties and movesets. For Ice Spear, weapons with inherent Intelligence scaling, such as the Clayman’s Harpoon, are often preferred. For Stormblade, weapons with fast attack speeds and good Strength/Dexterity scaling, such as the Bloodhound’s Fang, are generally considered optimal.
In summary, the choice between Ice Spear and Stormblade hinges on a careful assessment of individual playstyle, character build, and the specific challenges presented by each combat encounter. There is no universally superior option, and experimentation is encouraged to determine the most effective choice for a given situation.
The next section will delve into the practical applications of each skill within specific boss encounters.
Elden Ring Combat Pointers
This section consolidates key combat tips derived from community discussions regarding the relative strengths of Ice Spear and Stormblade. It assumes a working knowledge of core game mechanics and aims to provide actionable insights for experienced players.
Tip 1: Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Prioritize skill selection based on enemy vulnerabilities. Ice Spears Frostbite is highly effective against heavily armored or slow-moving enemies. Stormblade proves more valuable against fast, lightly armored opponents.
Tip 2: Optimize Weapon Scaling: Choose weapons that complement the scaling attributes of your chosen skill. Weapons with inherent Intelligence scaling maximize Ice Spears damage, while Strength/Dexterity weapons enhance Stormblades performance.
Tip 3: Manage Stamina Effectively: Be mindful of stamina consumption when using either skill. Stormblades rapid attacks can quickly deplete stamina, while Ice Spears slower cast time necessitates strategic positioning to avoid interruptions.
Tip 4: Understand Enemy Attack Patterns: Analyze enemy attack patterns to identify openings for skill usage. Stormblade’s speed allows for quick counterattacks, while Ice Spear’s range provides a safer approach against aggressive enemies.
Tip 5: Experiment with Weapon Arts: Explore the unique weapon arts available on different armaments. Combining weapon arts with Ice Spear or Stormblade can create synergistic combat strategies.
Tip 6: Adjust Build for Specific Bosses: Adapt your character build and skill selection based on the specific challenges presented by each boss encounter. If a boss is highly resistant to Frostbite, Stormblade may offer a more viable damage option.
Tip 7: Consider Poise and Stagger: Understand how poise and stagger mechanics affect combat flow. Stormblade’s rapid hits can stagger weaker enemies, while Ice Spear’s impact may be insufficient to stagger larger foes.
Successfully navigating Elden Ring combat depends heavily on understanding the benefits and shortcomings of each skill, as well as enemy resistances, in order to decide what skill is best for the encounter.
These strategies represent a selection of actionable insights derived from community discussions, offering a foundation for informed decision-making and optimized gameplay. The following section serves to draw our discssion to a close.
Conclusion
Discussions surrounding “elden ring ice spear or stormblade reddit” reflect a dedicated effort within the Elden Ring community to dissect and optimize gameplay mechanics. The preceding analysis has examined key elements influencing these discussions, including damage output, range, speed, Frostbite application, scaling, and weapon compatibility. The community’s rigorous testing and shared findings provide valuable insights for players seeking to enhance their combat effectiveness. The resulting discourse creates a comprehensive resource available to any player seeking to improve.
The ongoing dialogue on platforms like Reddit ensures that the understanding of these skills continues to evolve as the meta-game shifts and new strategies are discovered. Independent verification of claims and continued participation within the community contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of combat dynamics. The insights derived from these discussions will continue to assist the broader Elden Ring community. Through open discussions the community enhances the collective comprehension of Elden Ring’s intricate combat system.
