In the vast world of Elden Ring, players often find themselves exploring countless weapons and strategies to dominate their enemies. But there's one weapon that has been quietly underrated in the game's ever-expanding arsenal: Ross' Axe. In this build, we're diving into the intricacies of this axe and its surprisingly potent Ash of War, Roses Summons, which can devastate opponents when used effectively. Whether you're venturing into PVP invasions, make Elden Ring Items or clearing through enemies in the DLC, this weapon could just be the key to your success.

 

What Makes Ross' Axe Special?

 

At first glance, Ross' Axe appears to be a simple weapon. It doesn't boast any extraordinary move set or unique properties that immediately stand out. However, what sets it apart is its Ash of War-Roses Summons. This Ash of War summons a group of skeletons that will converge on your enemies and deal substantial damage.

 

Although the casting time for Roses Summons is slow, there's a key trick to making it effective: timing. The best way to utilize this ability is to wait for an enemy to attack you. If you can time it just right, the enemy's attack will stun you, but in return, you can immediately activate the Ash of War and unleash the skeletons upon them. If you pull it off correctly, you can deal massive damage and even one-shot certain opponents.

 

It's not just about the Roses Summons, though-Ross' Axe shines in combination with the right talismans and stat allocation.

 

Optimal Build and Talismans for Maximum Effectiveness

To maximize the damage output of this build, Ross' Axe requires the right stat setup and talisman choices. Here's a breakdown of what you should aim for when designing your build:

 

Stats:

 

The build primarily focuses on Strength and Intelligence, making it an ideal choice for players who want to play a hybrid Strength/Intelligence build. Here's a general guideline for your stats:

 

1.Strength: Aim for at least 54 Strength to maximize your damage when two-handing the weapon. This allows you to hit harder with Ross' Axe, especially when combined with heavy attacks and Roses Summons.

 

2.Intelligence: While Strength is the primary stat, you will also want to invest in Intelligence. This stat increases the scaling on the weapon's Ash of War and helps further boost the damage output.

 

Talisman Setup:

 

Talismans play a crucial role in this build, amplifying your offensive and defensive capabilities. Here are the recommended talismans:

1.Shard of Alexander: This talisman boosts your damage output by 15% when using Roses Summons. It's an essential choice for maximizing your combo damage, especially when you manage to stun the enemy and hit them with a heavy attack while the skeletons do their work.

 

2.Two-Handed Sword Talisman: This is perfect for enhancing your two-handed heavy attacks, especially after stunning your opponents with the Ash of War. Since you'll often be trading attacks with the enemy, this talisman will ensure your damage is high and consistent.

 

3.Urch Plus 2: To increase your equip load, the Urch Plus 2 talisman is invaluable. It allows you to carry more armor and equipment without sacrificing mobility, ensuring you can keep your weight low for better rolls and faster movement.

 

4.Bulgo Talisman: Poise is key when using heavy weapons like axes. The Bulgo Talisman provides a significant boost to poise, allowing you to withstand incoming attacks while executing your own.

 

Tactics and Gameplay-Trading with Roses Summons

 

The core of this build revolves around the Roses Summons Ash of War. Its slow casting time means it's not always easy to land the attack. However, with proper timing and positioning, it can become a devastating tool that can one-shot opponents.

 

Here's how you can use Roses Summons effectively:

 

1.Wait for the Enemy to Attack: The key to this Ash of War is timing. Instead of casting it randomly, wait for your enemy to commit to an attack. This will leave you open for a brief moment, but if timed correctly, you'll be able to activate Roses Summons right as they attack, stunning them mid-animation. The skeletons will then converge and deal damage, often catching the enemy off-guard.

 

2.Heavy Attack Combo: After the enemy is stunned, you'll have an opportunity to land a heavy attack. The Roses Summons doesn't just stun-combined with your heavy attacks, it creates a combo that can deal substantial damage. I've personally hit as much as 1,900 damage when using a heavy attack immediately after stunning the opponent.

 

3.Use of Talismans: The Shard of Alexander is especially useful during this combo phase, as it boosts the damage of Roses Summons. By using the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, you can follow up with a powerful two-handed heavy attack, which will further damage the stunned opponent.4.Strategic Positioning: You don't always want to use Roses Summons in open spaces. In some scenarios, it might be better to fight in confined areas where the enemy has limited space to dodge. The Roses Summons is perfect for trading in such situations, especially when you're using the combo effectively.

 

Invasion Gameplay-Bringing the Axe to Castle Soul

 

This build truly shines in PVP invasions, where Roses Summons can be used to disrupt enemies and create opportunities for massive damage. Here's an example of how it works in the field:

 

In Castle Soul, while fighting against a team of enemies, we come across a wizard who has been causing trouble. By using the Roses Summons, we can stun the wizard mid-attack, causing the skeletons to converge on them and deal significant damage. When timed right, you can see the wizard being overwhelmed by the combined effect of the Roses Summons and your own heavy attacks.

 

One of the most memorable moments in the invasion came when a Moonveil user attempted to attack me. By using the Roses Summons right as the attack landed, I managed to stun them and follow up with a heavy attack for nearly 1,900 damage, leading to a one-shot kill. It's moments like this that show how powerful this build can be when executed correctly.

 

Enhancing the Build with Armor and Buffs

 

While this build is largely focused on maximizing damage through Roses Summons, don't forget about your armor setup and buffs. Depending on the situation, you may want to adjust your gear for optimal defense and survivability.

 

 Circle of Light: This armor piece is fantastic for boosting Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. It provides one point in each of those stats, making it a great addition for this build, as it helps increase the scaling for both your weapon and Ash of War.

 

 Buffing Up: Before going into a fight, it's crucial to buff up with items like Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength to increase your attack power. The Roses Summons Ash of War benefits significantly from buffs, allowing you to dish out even more damage during trades.

 

Conclusion-Mastering Ross' Axe for DLC Invasions

 

The Ross' Axe is a hidden gem in Elden Ring that rewards players who are willing to put in the time to master its unique playstyle. The combination of Roses Summons and heavy attacks, bolstered by the right talismans and stat distribution, can make you a formidable force in both PVP invasions and general gameplay.

 

While it may not be the most flashy weapon, it certainly packs a punch when used correctly. If you're looking to add a new weapon to your arsenal, or if you want to explore a hybrid Strength/Intelligence build, want to more Elden Ring Runes, Ross' Axe is definitely worth considering.