Elden Ring DLC Claymore Strength Build Guide — ChaseTheBro’s Ultimate Setup & PvP Breakdown

The Claymore has long been a favorite for players who enjoy a straightforward yet deadly weapon. In the latest Elden Ring DLC, the Claymore continues to shine as a versatile tool for aggressive strength builds. I recently spent several invasions experimenting with different Ashes of War and talisman setups, and I wanted to share some insights that might help you get the most out of this iconic sword.

Choosing the Right Ashes of War

For a strength-focused Claymore build, selecting the right Ashes of War can make a huge difference in your invasions. Piercing Fang is exceptional for roll catching, especially against opponents who panic-roll after being stunned. Its timing is nearly flawless, allowing you to punish predictable evasive behavior. On the other hand, Impaling Thrust works best as an opener. It comes out slightly faster, which means you may not roll catch every attack, but it pairs beautifully with a charged heavy attack immediately afterward. This combo is particularly effective against aggressive players who rush in to punish, allowing you to trade damage in your favor.

Another solid option is Storm Stomp, which provides a free heavy attack and covers a wide area—perfect for small arenas. In practice, combining Storm Stomp with a strength build Claymore allows you to control space and force your opponent into difficult decisions.

Talisman and Armor Considerations

For this build, I prioritized pure strength, maximizing two-handed Claymore damage with a heavy infusion. The talisman loadout is crucial:

• Shard of Alexander enhances a variety of Ashes of War, giving you flexibility in your damage types.
• Two-Handed Sword Talisman boosts poise damage, making your heavy attacks even more punishing.
• Spear Talisman increases counterattack damage, which comes into play frequently during trades.
• Bulgo Talisman adds tankiness, allowing you to hyper armor through enemy strikes.

When it comes to armor, I opted for the Solitude Set. Its poison resistance is invaluable for trading through enemy attacks, and it keeps you resilient during extended invasions. This setup ensures that your Claymore retains its dominance in close-quarters combat without leaving you too vulnerable.

Combat Strategies and Tips

From my invasions, several practical tips emerged:

1. Heavy Attack Timing: The Claymore’s heavy attacks shine when paired with Ashes of War. Whether you’re using Piercing Fang or Impaling Thrust, try to chain these with heavy strikes for maximum roll-catch potential.
2. Positioning Matters: Even in tight spaces like Dark Light Catacombs, spacing your attacks and using hyper armor trades can turn the tide in your favor.
3. Be Adaptable: In fights involving multiple invaders or hosts with friends, don’t hesitate to switch between aggressive pokes and defensive rolls. Sometimes the environment, like narrow tunnels, can be used to control enemy movement.

A quick personal tip: if you’re looking to get more out of your invasions without grinding too much, consider resources that let you buy Elden Ring runes. It’s a convenient way to stock up without losing your hard-earned progress, especially when testing builds. Similarly, for players wanting to experiment with different equipment setups, Elden Ring runes for sale from trusted sources like U4GM can save hours of farming.

Why the Claymore Remains a Top Choice

The appeal of the Claymore is simple: it’s versatile, reliable, and incredibly satisfying to play with. Its mix-ups, roll-catching ability, and heavy attack poise make it excellent for both 1v1 duels and chaotic invasions. The interchangeable Ashes of War mean you can tailor the weapon to your preferred combat style, whether that’s aggressive trading, punishing roll spam, or controlling space in tight areas.

Even with minimal arcane investment, a pure strength Claymore build can dominate a variety of opponents. Its simplicity doesn’t diminish its effectiveness—if anything, it makes it easier to master.

Summary

In short, the Claymore remains a powerhouse in Elden Ring DLC PvP. By focusing on a strength build, choosing the right Ashes of War, equipping the proper talismans, and leveraging smart positioning, you can maximize your effectiveness in invasions. Whether you’re engaging in small catacomb skirmishes or larger arena battles, this build provides a reliable and fun experience that rewards skillful timing and strategy.