The phrase represents a query on a popular online forum regarding optimal weapon skill choices for player-versus-environment (PvE) combat within the Elden Ring video game. Specifically, it poses a comparison between the “Stormcaller” weapon skill and dual-wielding attacks, often referred to as “double slash,” in terms of their effectiveness in PvE scenarios. Elden Ring players commonly seek advice on forums like Reddit to refine their builds and strategies.
Such inquiries are important because efficient character builds significantly enhance the PvE experience in Elden Ring. A strong build allows players to overcome challenging enemies and bosses more effectively, leading to a more rewarding progression through the game. Historically, online communities have played a crucial role in sharing information and strategies for complex games, thereby democratizing access to optimal playstyles. Analyzing community discussions provides insights into the prevailing meta-game and common player experiences.
The following analysis will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each option “Stormcaller” and dual-wielding attacks within the Elden Ring PvE context, considering factors such as damage output, ease of use, resource consumption, and suitability against different enemy types, aiming to clarify which approach may be preferable for various playstyles and situations.
1. Damage per second (DPS)
Damage per second (DPS) is a primary metric influencing the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussion. This calculation represents the amount of damage a player can inflict within a single second, considering attack speed, damage values, and any relevant status effects applied. The higher the DPS, the more quickly enemies can be defeated.
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Stormcaller DPS Characteristics
Stormcallers DPS is characterized by intermittent bursts of damage over a larger area. Its DPS is calculated by considering the total damage of the storm attack, divided by the time it takes to execute the skill and recover. Against groups of enemies, Stormcaller’s area-of-effect capability can result in a high effective DPS. However, against single targets, the startup and recovery animations may limit its sustained DPS compared to other options.
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Double Slash DPS Characteristics
Double Slash, as a dual-wielding attack, prioritizes rapid, sustained DPS on a single target. The calculation of its DPS factors in the attack speed of the equipped weapons, the damage values of each weapon, and any passive bonuses affecting attack power. Double Slash typically exhibits lower initial damage compared to Stormcaller, but its ability to repeatedly apply damage over time, especially when combined with status effects like bleed or frostbite, can lead to superior single-target DPS in prolonged engagements.
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Weapon Scaling and DPS
Weapon scaling plays a vital role in determining the DPS of both Stormcaller and Double Slash. Weapons with high Strength or Dexterity scaling will see significant damage increases as the player invests points in these attributes. Consequently, optimizing attribute allocation is crucial for maximizing the DPS output of either combat style. Furthermore, the specific scaling values of the weapons used will influence the comparative effectiveness of Stormcaller versus Double Slash.
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Enemy Resistance and DPS
Enemy resistances significantly affect effective DPS. If an enemy possesses high resistance to physical damage, the DPS of Double Slash may be reduced, making Stormcaller, especially if dealing elemental damage, a potentially more efficient option. Conversely, if an enemy is weak to physical damage, Double Slash’s sustained damage output may prove superior. Understanding enemy resistances and vulnerabilities is crucial for determining which combat approach yields the higher effective DPS in a given situation.
The “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” debate is centrally influenced by the DPS potential of each approach. Understanding the factors affecting DPS including skill animations, weapon scaling, enemy resistances, and area-of-effect capabilities is paramount when determining the most effective combat strategy for a given encounter in Elden Ring’s PvE environment. Community discussions on platforms like Reddit serve as a valuable resource for players seeking to optimize their DPS and refine their combat styles.
2. Stance breaking ability
Stance breaking, also known as poise breaking, is a critical mechanic in Elden Ring’s combat system, directly impacting the viability of both Stormcaller and dual-wielding attacks, a point of contention within the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discourse. The ability to break an enemy’s stance leaves them vulnerable to a critical hit, significantly increasing damage output and providing a tactical advantage. Different attacks inflict varying amounts of poise damage; thus, the choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding hinges, in part, on their respective capabilities in this area. For example, a player facing a heavily armored enemy with high poise might prioritize Stormcaller if it consistently delivers significant poise damage, leading to quicker stance breaks. Conversely, if dual-wielding attacks rapidly build up poise damage through repeated hits, that strategy might be more effective against enemies with lower poise or quicker recovery.
Stormcaller, depending on the weapon and associated Ash of War, may deliver a concentrated burst of poise damage. This can be advantageous against enemies with predictable attack patterns, allowing players to interrupt their actions and set up critical hits. However, Stormcaller’s effectiveness is limited by its relatively slower execution speed and higher FP cost. Dual-wielding, conversely, offers a more sustained stream of attacks, potentially leading to a faster accumulation of poise damage, especially when using weapons with innate poise-breaking properties. The effectiveness of dual-wielding hinges on maintaining consistent pressure, which may be challenging against highly aggressive or mobile enemies. The “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” debate often involves discussions about specific weapon combinations and Ashes of War that maximize poise damage output for each approach.
In conclusion, the stance breaking ability of Stormcaller and dual-wielding attacks is a crucial factor influencing their respective effectiveness in Elden Ring’s PvE environment. Choosing between these options requires careful consideration of enemy poise values, attack patterns, and the player’s preferred combat style. The ongoing discussion within the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” community reflects the complexity of this decision and the importance of optimizing weapon choices and attack strategies for maximizing poise damage and overall combat efficiency.
3. FP cost efficiency
FP (Focus Point) cost efficiency is a paramount consideration in the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussion. FP serves as the resource for weapon skills, and its efficient management directly impacts a player’s sustained combat effectiveness within Elden Ring’s PvE environment. A combat style with low FP consumption allows for extended engagements and greater flexibility in utilizing weapon skills, whereas a high FP cost necessitates frequent Flask of Cerulean Tears consumption, potentially interrupting combat flow and limiting offensive opportunities.
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Stormcaller FP Consumption
Stormcaller, as a weapon skill, typically incurs a moderate to high FP cost per use. The specific FP expenditure varies based on the weapon and associated Ash of War. While Stormcaller can offer significant damage output and crowd control, its FP cost may limit its frequency of use in prolonged encounters. Players prioritizing Stormcaller must carefully manage their FP pool, balancing offensive pressure with resource conservation. Optimizing Talismans and equipment to increase maximum FP or reduce skill costs becomes crucial.
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Double Slash FP Consumption
Dual-wielding attacks, represented by “double slash,” generally do not directly consume FP with each attack. Instead, FP consumption is tied to weapon skills that might enhance the dual-wielding moveset or enable specific follow-up attacks. The FP cost efficiency of a “double slash” build, therefore, depends on the player’s reliance on FP-consuming skills alongside their standard attacks. A build heavily reliant on weapon skills will exhibit lower FP efficiency compared to one primarily focused on standard dual-wielding attacks.
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Comparative FP Efficiency and Build Viability
The relative FP efficiency of Stormcaller versus Double Slash impacts the overall viability of each build, especially in resource-intensive PvE environments like dungeons or boss fights. A Stormcaller build, while capable of high burst damage, might struggle to maintain consistent pressure without sufficient FP regeneration or management strategies. Conversely, a Double Slash build, with its lower inherent FP consumption, may prove more sustainable in prolonged engagements, allowing for more frequent use of auxiliary weapon skills without significantly depleting FP reserves. This trade-off necessitates careful consideration during character build planning.
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Impact on Playstyle and Resource Management
The FP cost efficiency of chosen skills fundamentally shapes a player’s combat playstyle and resource management strategies. A player favoring Stormcaller may adopt a more deliberate, calculated approach, conserving FP for strategic moments and maximizing damage output per skill use. A player favoring Double Slash might engage in a more aggressive, sustained assault, relying on the low FP cost of standard attacks to maintain constant pressure. The “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” community frequently discusses these playstyle variations and shares strategies for optimizing FP management based on individual preferences and encounter types.
Ultimately, the FP cost efficiency of Stormcaller and Double Slash is a pivotal factor influencing their relative effectiveness in Elden Ring’s PvE environment. The “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussion underscores the importance of balancing damage output, resource consumption, and playstyle preferences when optimizing character builds for sustained combat performance. Understanding the FP implications of each approach is crucial for making informed decisions and achieving success in Elden Ring’s challenging PvE encounters.
4. Weapon scaling synergy
Weapon scaling synergy is a crucial component influencing player preference between Stormcaller and dual-wielding attacks, as reflected in the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussions. The efficiency of either combat style is directly tied to how well a weapon’s scaling attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane) align with a player’s character build. A weapon with excellent Strength scaling will yield significantly higher damage when wielded by a character with high Strength, conversely, if the character has high Dexterity, then the Dexterity scaling will matter more. The Stormcaller skill’s damage often scales with specific attributes, making weapon selection contingent upon maximizing this scaling synergy. Similarly, dual-wielding effectiveness hinges on the scaling attributes of both weapons used; mismatched scaling can lead to suboptimal damage output, negating the benefits of dual attacks. Discussions on Reddit frequently analyze specific weapon combinations and attribute distributions to optimize scaling synergy for either Stormcaller or dual-wielding builds.
Practical application of this understanding involves analyzing weapon stats to determine the scaling grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) for relevant attributes. A player considering Stormcaller with the Bloodhound’s Fang, which scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity, would need to invest in both attributes to maximize its skill damage. Alternatively, a dual-wielding setup might prioritize weapons with identical primary scaling attributes, such as two Scavenger’s Curved Swords with Dexterity scaling, to ensure consistent damage output from both weapons. Furthermore, certain Ashes of War, which impart the Stormcaller skill, may have unique scaling properties that must be considered when choosing a weapon. The effectiveness of status effects, such as bleed or frostbite, often synergizes with scaling, as higher Arcane or Faith may increase the rate at which these effects are applied, impacting the choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding builds aimed at exploiting these vulnerabilities.
In summary, weapon scaling synergy significantly impacts the performance of both Stormcaller and dual-wielding combat styles, directly influencing the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” dialogue. The optimal choice hinges on carefully aligning weapon attributes with character stats to maximize damage output and exploit enemy weaknesses. While optimizing scaling may present initial challenges, the resulting increase in combat effectiveness makes it a critical consideration for Elden Ring players seeking to master either Stormcaller or dual-wielding techniques. The broader theme emphasizes the importance of understanding core game mechanics to make informed build decisions and achieve optimal combat performance.
5. Enemy type vulnerability
The query “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” gains crucial context when considering enemy type vulnerability. The effectiveness of both Stormcaller and dual-wielding (“double slash”) approaches varies significantly depending on the target. Certain enemy types are more susceptible to the area-of-effect damage and stagger potential of Stormcaller, while others are more vulnerable to the sustained, single-target damage of dual-wielding attacks. This disparity stems from differences in armor, poise, elemental resistances, and mobility among enemy classes. For example, large, slow-moving enemies may be easily staggered by Stormcaller, creating openings for critical hits, whereas smaller, more agile enemies may be better engaged with the rapid attacks of dual-wielding.
The “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussions often revolve around optimizing builds for specific encounter types. For instance, players facing groups of weaker enemies might prioritize Stormcaller for its crowd control capabilities. Conversely, facing a heavily armored boss with high resistance to stagger, a dual-wielding build focused on bleed or frostbite buildup may prove more effective. Examples cited on Reddit might include Stormcaller builds excelling against the numerous enemies in the Consecrated Snowfield, while dual-wielding setups fare better against bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, due to her vulnerability to bleed. Understanding enemy weaknesses necessitates analyzing their attack patterns, resistances, and poise values, subsequently informing the choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding.
Ultimately, the interplay between enemy type vulnerability and the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” debate highlights the importance of adaptable build strategies. A single approach may not be universally optimal; instead, players must tailor their weapon selection, skill usage, and attribute allocation to exploit specific enemy weaknesses. This adaptive approach ensures maximum combat efficiency and successful navigation of Elden Ring’s diverse PvE challenges. Challenges include the need for respecs, and remembering enemy vulnerabilities across a wide game world.
6. Ease of application
The concept of “ease of application” significantly influences the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” discussion. This factor assesses how readily a player can integrate and effectively utilize a specific combat style either Stormcaller or dual-wielding attacks within the dynamic and challenging PvE environment of Elden Ring. A combat style that is easily applied allows for more fluid gameplay, quicker adaptation to different enemy encounters, and reduced reliance on precise timing or complex maneuvers.
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Execution Complexity
Execution complexity refers to the technical skill required to effectively implement a combat style. Stormcaller, as a weapon skill, typically involves a single button press, but optimal usage may demand precise timing to maximize damage output or stagger potential. Dual-wielding attacks, while seemingly straightforward, require managing stamina consumption, attack chains, and positioning to maintain sustained damage. A combat style with lower execution complexity allows players of varying skill levels to achieve a baseline level of effectiveness, fostering wider adoption and positive feedback within the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” community. For example, a new player may find the simplicity of spamming Stormcaller more appealing, while a veteran player will appreciate the advanced techniques of dual-wielding.
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Resource Management Demands
Resource management demands encompass the cognitive load and in-game actions required to sustain a combat style. Stormcaller, with its reliance on FP, necessitates careful monitoring and replenishment of the FP bar, potentially diverting attention from enemy attack patterns. Dual-wielding, while less FP-intensive, demands vigilant stamina management to avoid being vulnerable during attacks. A combat style with lower resource management demands is often considered easier to apply, as it allows players to focus primarily on combat tactics rather than inventory manipulation or resource conservation. This consideration is critical in the heat of battle. A player with a strong Stormcaller may find themself depleted of FP, whereas a dual-wielder may find themself over-encumbered and slow-rolling because of poor stamina management.
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Adaptability to Enemy Types
Adaptability to enemy types measures the versatility of a combat style against diverse enemies. Stormcaller may excel against groups of weaker enemies but struggle against single, highly resistant bosses. Dual-wielding, conversely, may be less effective against crowds but superior against individual targets. A combat style with greater adaptability is easier to apply across various encounters, reducing the need for frequent weapon switching or respecs. In the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” context, players often share experiences of specific builds excelling in certain areas but faltering in others, highlighting the importance of versatility.
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Equipment Dependency
Equipment dependency assesses the degree to which a combat style relies on specific weapons, armor, or talismans to function effectively. A Stormcaller build may require a specific weapon with high Strength scaling and an Ash of War that enhances its damage output. A dual-wielding build may necessitate specific weapon combinations to maximize bleed or frostbite buildup. A combat style with lower equipment dependency is generally easier to apply, as it allows players to adapt to available resources and reduces the pressure to acquire specific items. Players frequently debate the relative equipment dependency of Stormcaller and dual-wielding builds, comparing the accessibility and effectiveness of various gear setups.
These facets of “ease of application” collectively inform player choices within the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” community. The preferred combat style often hinges on individual skill levels, resource management preferences, adaptability needs, and equipment availability. Understanding these factors promotes informed build decisions and enhances overall combat effectiveness in Elden Ring’s PvE landscape.
7. Poise damage output
Poise damage output is a critical factor in evaluating the effectiveness of Stormcaller versus dual-wielding (“double slash”) strategies, frequently discussed within the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” community. Poise, in Elden Ring, determines an enemy’s ability to resist being staggered or interrupted during attacks. High poise damage output leads to stance breaks, rendering enemies vulnerable to critical hits and significantly increasing damage potential. The comparison between Stormcaller and dual-wielding hinges, in part, on their respective abilities to inflict poise damage and trigger these critical openings. Consequently, a player seeking to optimize their PvE build must carefully consider the poise damage characteristics of each approach in relation to specific enemy types. For example, Stormcaller, with its concentrated burst of damage, may be more effective against enemies with lower poise or predictable attack patterns, facilitating quicker stance breaks.
Conversely, dual-wielding, characterized by rapid, sustained attacks, can steadily accumulate poise damage, potentially surpassing Stormcaller’s total output against enemies with higher poise values or faster recovery times. Discussions on Reddit often feature comparisons of specific weapon combinations and Ashes of War in terms of their poise damage potential. Weapons with innate poise-breaking properties, when combined with the rapid attacks of dual-wielding, can prove highly effective against heavily armored opponents. Similarly, certain Stormcaller variations may possess enhanced poise damage multipliers, making them ideal for staggering specific boss encounters. The overall efficacy of either approach is contingent upon the weapon’s base poise damage, scaling attributes, and any supplementary effects that augment its ability to interrupt enemy actions. Experimentation and sharing of empirical data within the online community are crucial for refining these strategies.
In summary, poise damage output serves as a key determinant in the “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” debate. The choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding necessitates a thorough understanding of each approach’s poise damage characteristics, coupled with consideration of enemy poise values and attack patterns. While challenges persist in accurately quantifying poise damage and accounting for variable enemy resistances, the practical significance of this understanding lies in optimizing build strategies for maximizing critical hit opportunities and overall combat efficiency within Elden Ring’s demanding PvE environment. The community’s ongoing efforts to analyze and compare poise damage output contribute significantly to the refinement of effective PvE tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries surrounding the effectiveness of Stormcaller and dual-wielding attack strategies in Elden Ring’s player-versus-environment (PvE) content.
Question 1: Which approach generally offers higher damage output in prolonged boss fights?
Dual-wielding, particularly with weapons inflicting status effects like bleed or frostbite, often provides superior sustained damage output in extended boss encounters. Stormcaller, while delivering significant initial damage, may be limited by FP consumption and recovery time.
Question 2: Is Stormcaller more effective against groups of enemies?
Yes, Stormcaller’s area-of-effect damage makes it highly effective against groups of weaker enemies. Its ability to stagger multiple targets simultaneously provides a tactical advantage in crowd control scenarios.
Question 3: How does weapon scaling impact the choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding?
Weapon scaling is crucial. Optimize weapon selection based on character attributes. Stormcaller damage is influenced by the scaling of the weapon and Ash of War used. Dual-wielding benefits from weapons with similar scaling attributes for consistent damage output.
Question 4: Does FP consumption significantly favor one approach over the other?
Yes, FP consumption is a key differentiator. Stormcaller typically consumes more FP per attack than standard dual-wielding attacks. Efficient FP management is crucial for Stormcaller builds, while dual-wielding offers greater sustainability in longer encounters.
Question 5: Are certain enemy types particularly vulnerable to Stormcaller or dual-wielding?
Large, slow-moving enemies are often susceptible to Stormcaller’s stagger potential. Smaller, more agile enemies may be better engaged with the rapid attacks of dual-wielding. Adapt the combat style to exploit enemy weaknesses.
Question 6: How does poise damage output factor into this decision?
Poise damage output is critical for triggering stance breaks. Stormcaller can deliver concentrated poise damage, while dual-wielding relies on rapid attacks to accumulate poise damage. Consider enemy poise values when choosing a combat approach.
In summary, the optimal choice between Stormcaller and dual-wielding in Elden Ring PvE depends on factors such as damage output, enemy type, FP consumption, weapon scaling, and poise damage. Adaptability and strategic decision-making are paramount for success.
The following section will provide resources for further exploration of these combat strategies.
Elden Ring PvE Combat
The following are strategic considerations for optimizing combat approaches in Elden Ring’s PvE environment. These tips are derived from analysis of player experiences and community discussions.
Tip 1: Evaluate enemy vulnerabilities before committing to a specific combat style. Analyze enemy resistances, poise values, and attack patterns to determine whether Stormcaller’s burst damage or dual-wielding’s sustained output is more advantageous. This preliminary assessment will improve combat efficiency.
Tip 2: Optimize weapon scaling. Ensure that weapon scaling attributes align with the character’s attribute distribution. Maximize Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane scaling to amplify damage output for both Stormcaller and dual-wielding attacks. Failure to optimize scaling diminishes combat potential.
Tip 3: Manage FP consumption. Stormcaller’s reliance on FP necessitates efficient resource management. Allocate points to Mind, equip FP-restoring talismans, and strategically utilize Cerulean Tears to sustain Stormcaller usage. Neglecting FP management limits combat effectiveness.
Tip 4: Prioritize poise damage output. Stance breaking enemies creates opportunities for critical hits. Choose weapons and Ashes of War that inflict substantial poise damage. Experiment with different attack combinations to identify the most effective poise-breaking strategies. A focus on poise damage significantly enhances combat efficiency.
Tip 5: Adapt combat style to the encounter. A single combat style may not be universally optimal. Maintain a versatile arsenal and switch between Stormcaller and dual-wielding as needed. Adaptability ensures success in diverse PvE scenarios.
Tip 6: Test various ashes of war. Many Ashes of War provide the Stormcaller skill, each with varying FP costs, poise damage output, and ranges. Some may be more suitable for certain situations than others.
Implementing these strategic considerations enhances PvE combat effectiveness in Elden Ring. Careful planning and adaptation are essential for overcoming the game’s challenges.
The subsequent section will offer concluding remarks on this analysis.
Conclusion
The examination of “stormcaller or double slash elden ring pve reddit” has revealed a multifaceted decision-making process for players optimizing their PvE builds. Key considerations include damage output, stance breaking ability, FP cost efficiency, weapon scaling synergy, enemy type vulnerability, ease of application, and poise damage output. There is no universally superior approach; the optimal choice depends on a nuanced understanding of these factors and their interplay within specific combat scenarios.
Continued experimentation and community knowledge sharing will undoubtedly refine Elden Ring combat strategies. The principles discussed herein provide a framework for informed decision-making and build optimization, promoting efficient and engaging PvE gameplay. Ultimately, players are encouraged to explore the game’s mechanics and weapon combinations to discover personalized and effective combat solutions. The dynamic nature of online discussions ensures an evolving understanding of optimal PvE tactics.
