Today we're diving deep into an incredibly underrated Ash of War that's been flying under the radar since the DLC dropped: Storm Assault. If you're looking to fast-track this build, you can buy Elden Ring Runes to level up quickly and get the stats you need. This thing is an absolute menace in PvP once you understand how to use it properly, and I'm going to show you exactly how to build around it and dominate invasions.

Understanding Storm Assault

Storm Assault functions similarly to the classic Storm Stomp, but with some crucial differences that make it a devastating trading tool:

The Animation:

· Initial wind blast that stuns opponents

· Launch into the air with super armor (you won't get knocked out of the sky)

· Plunge attack that deals massive damage on weapon impact

· Lingering storm effect that makes punishing you difficult

· The Key Difference from Storm Stomp:

Unlike old Storm Stomp which gave instant hyper armor, Storm Assault requires you to read your opponent. You can be stunned out of the initial cast, which means you need to time it when you know they're committing to an attack. If you trade successfully? They eat massive damage while you tank through it. That's a trade you win every single time.

Build Setup

Weapon Choice: Heavy Lance

The lance is perfect for this build because:

· Incredible reach (pairs beautifully with the Ash of War)

· Excellent two-handed moveset

· Scales phenomenally with strength

· Great roll-catching potential

· Affinity: Heavy

Stat Distribution (Standard Strength Build)

Focus on a traditional strength setup since we're two-handing the lance:

· Vigor: 60 (non-negotiable for invasions)

· Endurance: Enough for your desired armor + equip load

· Strength: 80 (primary damage stat)

· Dexterity: Minimum requirements for the lance

· Mind: Comfortable FP pool for multiple Ash uses

· Faith/Int/Arc: Only if you have levels to spare

Talisman Loadout (Core Setup)

1. Must-Have:

· Shard of Alexander – 15% boost to Ash of War damage. Non-negotiable for maximizing Storm Assault.

· Primary Damage Options (Swap Based on Situation):

· Two-Handed Sword Talisman – 10% extra damage on your entire two-handed moveset. I personally prefer this over the storm-specific options because it buffs everything, not just the Ash.

· Enraged Divine Beast Talisman – Boosts storm-based attacks. Situationally strong, but I find the two-handed talisman more consistent.

2. Utility/Defense (My Staples):

· Erdtree's Favor +2 – HP, stamina, and equip load all in one

· Great-Jar's Arsenal – Essential for equip load if running heavier armor

· Green Turtle Talisman – Stamina recovery never hurts

Armor

The beauty of this build is flexibility. Run whatever fashion or poise you prefer, but consider:

Recommended Option:

· Divine Beast Helm – Provides a small boost to storm-based attacks. Free extra damage if you can fit it into your fashion.

· Everything else is up to your personal preference and equip load management.

Gameplay Strategy

Core Combat Loop

1. Read your opponent – Storm Assault is a reactive tool. Wait for them to commit to an attack, then punish.

2. Trade intentionally – The super armor in the air phase means you'll tank their hit while delivering your full damage. This is particularly devastating in 2v1 scenarios.

3. Use the lingering storm – After your plunge, the storm effect lingers briefly, making it risky for opponents to try punishing you immediately.

4. Neutral jump is your friend – I love neutral jumping in this build. It baits attacks and sets up your timing for Storm Assault punishes.

In Invasion Scenarios

Against Ganks:

Storm Assault shines in 2v1 and 3v1 situations. The initial wind blast can stun multiple opponents simultaneously, and the plunge damage can wipe out phantoms while the host can't intervene effectively.

1. Tips from my invasions:

· Use pillars and terrain to your advantage (wizards hate pillars)

· When a team has one aggressive player and one covering, predict the aggression and trade

· The lance's length lets you attack from unexpected ranges

· Don't be afraid to heal and reset positioning

2. Key Matchup Notes:

· Moonveil users – Predictable. Wait for the slash and trade through it.

· Blasphemous Blade – Smart players won't trade into your storm. Be patient.

· Bleed builds – Storm Assault can beat them in straight trades, but watch your status buildup.

· Wizards – Pillars neutralize them completely. Use cover to force approaches.

Hot Swap Tips

Keep these on your quick menu:

· Bleed infusion – For when you need status pressure

· FP flasks – This Ash consumes FP, so manage your blue juice

· Buff items – Whatever fits your playstyle

Sample Invasion Moments

1. The Perfect Trade:

When you catch an opponent mid-attack with Storm Assault, they eat the full wind stun into plunge combo. I've one-shot phantoms this way.

2. The Unexpected AoE:

The wind blast has surprising range and can hit opponents you didn't even target, stunning them and setting up your teammates.

3. The Wake-Up Option:

Storm Assault works beautifully as a wake-up pressure tool. When they're getting up, the timing can catch panic rolls perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Storm Assault is genuinely slept on in the current meta. You rarely see it in invasions, probably because players remember old Storm Stomp and dismiss this as a downgrade. But the super armor during the air phase is massive – you can tank through anything and deliver devastating counter damage. If you want to optimize this setup quickly, check out MMOEXP, where you can find Elden Ring Items for sale to gear up fast. The key is patience and reads. You can't just throw this out recklessly (you'll get stunned on cast), but once you learn to time it against aggressive opponents, it becomes a fight-ending tool.

Build Summary:

· Weapon: Heavy Lance with Storm Assault

· Stats: Standard 80 Strength build

· Talismans: Shard of Alexander + Two-Handed Sword Talisman (core) + your preferred utility

· Armor: Divine Beast Helm optional, rest up to you

· Playstyle: Reactive trading with devastating punishes

Until next time – say goodbye!