In the world of Elden Ring—especially within the brutal challenges of the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC—players constantly search for builds that combine devastating damage with reliable PvP pressure. One standout setup uses the Black Steel Greathammer alongside powerful incantation buffs to create a hybrid Strength/Faith powerhouse capable of deleting enemies in only a few hits. For players looking to level quickly or test powerful builds sooner, many choose to buy Elden Ring Runes to speed up progression and reach the stat requirements needed for setups like this. This guide explains how the build works, the ideal stats, gear, and why it’s so effective in invasions and duels.

Why the Black Steel Greathammer Works So Well

The Black Steel Greathammer shines because it naturally supports both Strength scaling and Faith investment. When Heavy infused, the weapon gains exceptional Strength scaling while still retaining Faith scaling for Holy damage.

This synergy means:

· Your Faith investment buffs the weapon directly 

· Strength scaling increases your physical damage output 

· Incantation buffs dramatically increase total AR

In practice, this leads to extremely high attack ratings without sacrificing flexibility.

Example Damage Numbers

· Base AR: ~874

· With buffs (Order’s Blade): ~1140+

Compared to many colossal weapons, this is only slightly lower in raw AR—but the greathammer has a major advantage: Ash of War flexibility.

The Secret Weapon: Stormcaller

The key to this build’s power is the Stormcaller Ash of War.

Stormcaller creates a spinning wind attack that hits multiple times, which offers several advantages:

· Massive burst damage when all hits connect

· Multi-hit synergy with talismans

· True combo potential when followed with heavy attacks

· Strong roll-catching ability in PvP

A typical combo looks like this:

Stormcaller → Heavy Attack Roll Catch

If the opponent panic-rolls after the storm hits, the heavy attack often catches them for devastating damage.

Landing three hits from Stormcaller with a 1000+ AR weapon can instantly swing a fight.

Recommended Stats

This build focuses on maximizing both Strength scaling and incantation damage.

Level 200 Example Build

Why 54 Strength?

Two-handing a weapon increases Strength scaling efficiency. At 54 Strength, you effectively hit the soft cap when two-handing.

Key Incantation Buff

Order’s Blade

Order’s Blade adds Holy damage scaling with Faith, making it the perfect buff for this setup.

Benefits include:

· Significant AR boost

· Extra Holy damage scaling

· Strong synergy with Faith investment

When combined with the Black Steel Greathammer, the damage jump is enormous.

Best Talismans

A strong talisman setup dramatically boosts the build’s damage potential.

Recommended combination:

· Shard of Alexander – Boosts Ash of War damage

· Two-Handed Sword Talisman – Increases two-handed attack damage

· Erdtree's Favor +2 – HP, stamina, and equip load boost

· Bull-Goat's Talisman – Extra poise

Optional Damage Swap

For maximum burst damage:

· Rotten Winged Sword Insignia

Because Stormcaller hits multiple times, this talisman can greatly increase damage during combos.

Armor Choice

Armor is flexible, but a balanced setup provides poise without sacrificing mobility.

Example armor configuration:

· Circlet of Light

· Beast Champion Armor

· Fire Prelate Gauntlets 

· Bull-Goat Greaves

The Circlet of Light is particularly useful because it helps meet Faith and Intelligence requirements for buffs.

PvP Strategy

This build excels in invasions due to its high burst damage and pressure tools.

Core Playstyle

1. Apply Order’s Blade 

2. Two-hand the greathammer

3. Bait opponents into aggression

4. Use Stormcaller to catch them in the spin

5. Follow with a heavy attack roll catch

Strengths

· Huge burst damage

· Strong roll-catching tools

· Multi-hit pressure

· High poise trades

Weaknesses

· Vulnerable during Stormcaller animation

· Colossal weapon users can interrupt you

· Requires good stamina management

Fighting Different Opponent Types

Against Wizards

· Close the gap quickly.

· Spellcasters typically rely on distance, and once caught by Stormcaller they often lack the defenses to survive the combo.

Against Shield Players

· Great hammers deal strong stamina damage, making shield users easier to break.

· Repeated pressure forces them into panic rolls, which are perfect roll-catch opportunities.

Against Colossal Weapons

Be careful using Stormcaller recklessly. Colossal weapons can stagger you out of the animation.

Instead:

· Bait attacks

· Punish recovery frames

Why This Build Is So Strong

The Black Steel Greathammer setup works because it combines:

· Strength weapon scaling

· Faith-based buffs

· Multi-hit Ash of War pressure

· High poise trading

Few builds in Elden Ring can match its ability to delete players in one combo while still remaining flexible and aggressive. Players who want to complete their build faster often look for reliable marketplaces to buy cheap Elden Ring Items, allowing them to obtain the gear needed to experiment with powerful setups like this one. Many players choose MMOEXP for its fast delivery and wide selection of in-game items that help streamline character progression.

Best For

· PvP invasions

· Strength/Faith hybrid players

· Aggressive melee combat

Difficulty

Intermediate – requires good timing for Stormcaller combos.