Mastering the 10 Best Skills in Elden Ring
An Expert‘s Guide with In-Depth Analysis
As a gaming content creator with over 400 hours played in Elden Ring, I‘ve tested every skill and built multiple characters around the most potent ones. In this guide, I‘ll be drilling down on the 10 best skills that provide game-changing advantages in combat.
Below is a quick overview table comparing the key attributes of each skill, followed by my in-depth walkthrough for fully utilizing them on your adventure.
Elden Ring‘s Top 10 Skills Comparison
#1 Barricade Shield – The Perfect Block
FP Cost: 8
Charge Time: None
Weapons: Small Shields, Standard Shields
Out of all the defensive skills, Barricade Shield stands at the peak…
My Expert Recommendation
For best results, pair Barricade Shield with the Erdtree Greatshield found in Leyndell. Together they can block even Malenia‘s dangerous Waterfowl Dance!
#2 Shield Bash – A Greatshield‘s Power
FP Cost: 10
Charge Time: None
Weapons: Small, Medium, Greatshields
By harnessing the weight of an ultra Greatshield, the Shield Bash skill smashes through enemy guard…
Use Shield Bash To:
- Break the stance of Crucible Knights
- Stagger Stone Trolls instantly
- Drain stamina against aggressive foes
#3 Charge Forth – Piercing Joust
FP Cost: 13
Charge Time: None
Weapons: Thrusting Weapons, Twinblades
An iconic skill of honorable knights, Charge Forth turns your weapon into a charging lance…
I recommend the Glaive or Great Épée when using Charge Forth for their extended range. Time it well in PvP to one-shot unaware hosts!
#4 Carian Greatsword – Enchanted Giantblade
FP Cost: 14
Charge Time: Yes
Weapons: Swords, Colossal Swords
This mysterious glintstone skill transforms your ordinary sword into an enchanted colossus of starlight…
Alongside the Carian Knight‘s Sword, Carian Greatsword becomes an S-tier threat in the right hands. Charge it fully to catch overconfident foes off guard and demolish bosses!
#5 Oath of Vengeance – Vow of Power
FP Cost: 20
Charge Time: No
Weapons: Grafted Blade Greatsword
The vessel of raging General Radahn lends its wielder terrifying strength through the Oath of Vengeance…
Expert Tip: Many underestimate this skill‘s temporary boost. Use Oath to decisively turn the tables and finish off invaders before they realize your power level!
#6 Prelate‘s Charge – Flaming Fury
FP Cost: 20
Charge Time: Yes
Weapons: Colossal Hammers, Axes
With righteous flames blazing around their weapon, the Prelates of the Erdtree charge forth to crush all sin…
For even greater destruction, utilize the Golden Land ash of war alongside Prelate‘s Charge. Together they can devastate groups in PvE and roll catch swiftly in PvP!
#7 Spinning Weapon – Whirlwind of Steel
FP Cost: 12
Charge Time: No
Weapons: Various
An elegant skill passed down through the Carian nobles, Spinning Weapon wreaths your armament in a lethal dance of death…
Dual-wielding Spinning Weapons like the Carian Knight‘s Swords will enable devastating combos against formidable foes. Use the temporary hyperarmor to resist enemy strikes between spins!
#8 Glintblade Phalanx – Magical Conduit
FP Cost: 10
Charge Time: No
Weapons: Swords, Polearms
The enchanted knights of Caria channel their arrows through infused blades with the Glintblade Phalanx sorcery…
Despite being ranged, Glintblade Phalanx still scales with your weapon‘s stats. Empower it further by adding magic or cold affinity for frostbite buildup!
#9 Thunderbolt – Lightning Storm
FP Cost: 10
Charge Time: No
Weapons: All Melee Weapons
A skill harnessed from storm-worshipping ancient dragons, Thunderbolt calls down lightning mayhem…
Thunderbolt‘s high poise damage can interrupt tough enemies mid-attack. Against distant mages and archers it serves as an unexpected ranged blast – their tears are delicious!
#10 Seppuku – Forbidden Bloodletting
FP Cost: 4
Charge Time: No
Weapons: Swords, Spears
Considered taboo across the realms, Seppuku coats your weapons through sacrificing blood…
Seppuku‘s blood loss stacks quickly with twinblades or polearms that strike rapidly. Even better, self-inflicted blood loss empowers successive attacks for overpowered trades!
And there you have it – dominion over the 10 most boss-shredding skills within the Elden Ring arsenal. By integrating these game-changers into your own repertoire, you‘ll gain an immense edge over the competition. New adventures await, my friend!
Let me know which skills become your new favorites. And if you enjoyed this guide, stay tuned for my upcoming videos demonstrating them in action. Together we will overcome this harrowing realm!
