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This setup isn't just about big numbers on paper. It's about using the Wing Stance Ash of War to delete phantoms in one shot, weave through attacks with anime-style dodges, and punish players who underestimate how fast this colossal weapon can strike Elden Ring Items .
Core Concept - "No Armor, All Power"
At first glance, the build looks insane: no visible armor, and a colossal weapon. But this approach isn't just for aesthetics-it's essential for triggering the Blue Dancer Charm, one of the key damage boosters in the setup.
The Blue Dancer Charm increases your attack rating the lighter your equipment load is. It's a huge gain, especially since it stacks multiplicatively with other buffs and talismans.
Meanwhile, Dragon Form itself isn't as fragile as it seems. It gives +10 defense across all resistances compared to being fully naked, helping to mitigate some incoming chip damage.
Weapon Choice - The Mady and Wing Stance
The weapon at the heart of the build is the Mady, a Strength-scaling heavy armament that shines when infused with Heavy Affinity. By doing so, it becomes a pure physical weapon that can be buffed with consumables, such as:
Drawstring Grease (for fast, temporary elemental damage)
Exalted Flesh
Uplifting Aromatic
These stack beautifully, pushing the weapon's AR past 850+ in optimal conditions.
The real star, however, is the Wing Stance Ash of War. This skill not only delivers piercing thrust damage (boosted by the Spear Talisman) but also provides a brief mobility window that can dodge through enemy swings and projectiles.
When combined with the Rellana's Cameo and Shard of Alexander, the Wing Stance turns into a burst-damage nuke capable of dealing over 1,700+ damage in PvP with a single sequence.
Talisman Loadout and Buff Stack
Here's how the talisman synergy comes together:
1.Blue Dancer Charm-Core damage booster, adds up to +75 AR at low equip weight.
2.Shard of Alexander-Increases Ash of War damage by 15%.
3.Rellana's Cameo-Further enhances charged or special skill attacks.
4.Spear Talisman-Boosts counter damage for thrust-type attacks, synergizing perfectly with Wing Stance.
This flexibility lets the build flow between burst-oriented invasions and sustained dueling setups without sacrificing efficiency.
Stat Distribution
The stat spread focuses on one thing-maximizing Strength while maintaining enough stamina and HP to survive invasions:
Vigor: 60–65 (essential for tanking trades)
Endurance: 30–34 (for stamina management during invasions and prolonged fights)
Strength: 70 (to fully scale damage)
Mind/Dex/Faith/Int: Minimal investment
With 70 Strength and the Heavy infusion, every buff multiplies exponentially. The Blue Dancer Charm's bonus scales off total AR, so boosting Strength gives far more returns than splitting between hybrid stats.
Combat Style - Aggressive and Reactive
While it looks like a straightforward Strength build, Chase's setup is surprisingly dynamic. It's designed to punish aggression and capitalize on counter windows using the Wing Stance's mobility.
Key Combat Tactics:
Counter-Pierce Timing: Using Wing Stance right as the enemy's attack lands gives both avoidance and a counter-damage bonus.
Spacing Control: The stance animation moves slightly forward, letting you dodge and strike in one motion-perfect for baiting spells and heavy swings.
In PvP, this leads to incredible highlight moments-jumping through lightning strikes, punishing spellcasters mid-cast, and deleting hosts in a single thrust.Invasion Showcase - "Anime Mode Activated"
Against lightning casters, he times the stance perfectly, jumping through AoEs and punishing their recovery. Against dual-hammer tanks, he baits swings, rolls through, and slams the Wing Stance into their faces for massive poise-breaking damage.
The result?
1,700+ damage crits, consistent one-shots on phantoms, and countless moments where enemies crumble in disbelief.
Even when outnumbered, the build thrives. With the Rellana's Cameo + Alexander combo, Wing Stance can pierce multiple targets at once, making it ideal for 2v1 or 3v1 invasions.
Alternate Ash of War - Sword Dance
While Wing Stance is the flashiest option, Sword Dance is Chase's secondary Ash for when he wants to stay aggressive in close quarters. Sword Dance's quick multi-hit pattern chains well into the Mady's heavy attacks, letting you pressure shield users or panic rollers.
When using Sword Dance, he swaps the Spear Talisman for the Two-Handed Sword Talisman to maximize base weapon damage rather than counter multipliers. The result is smoother chaining, faster kill potential, and fewer punish windows.
PvP Encounters and Strategy Highlights
Throughout his invasions, Chase demonstrates how flexible this build is-even when facing teams or high-latency fights:
Versus Wizards: The build's mobility and burst punish slow spell animations. Chase often dodges a Glintstone projectile mid-air, retaliating instantly with Wing Stance for cinematic kills.
Versus Dual-Hammer Tanks: Even against Bull-Goat armor users, Wing Stance's piercing hitbox and counter damage break through poise and force trades heavily in his favor.
Versus Multi-Invader Chaos: When Blues and Hosts swarm together, Chase uses terrain to isolate targets-jumping into fights, deleting one with Wing Stance, then rolling away to reset.
He even jokingly calls it the "anime stance" build for how it looks in motion-holding the pose, waiting for an attack, and unleashing a cinematic counter-slash as the enemy lunges in.
Buff Management - The Secret to 850+ AR
1.Use Exalted Flesh (+20% physical damage)
2.Apply Uplifting Aromatic (+10% overall damage and negates 90% of one big hit)
3.Coat Mady with Drawstring Grease (short, stackable buff)
4.Activate Physic Mix for Strength and stamina bonuses
Once everything's active, the Mady's AR skyrockets, and Wing Stance gains enough power to one-shot nearly any phantom in standard PvP HP ranges.
Dragon Form Advantages
Many players overlook Dragon Form, assuming it's purely cosmetic-but in this build, it's a strategic choice. Compared to running naked for Blue Dancer optimization, Dragon Form adds:
+10 base defense to all resistances
Better resistances to elemental and status effects
Aesthetic intimidation factor-it simply looks incredible mid-Wing Stance
It's the perfect balance between style and survivability, letting Chase maintain low weight without feeling paper-thin.
Talisman and Build Adjustments
If you rely on Ash of War burst, use Rellana's Cameo + Alexander + Spear Talisman + Blue Dancer.
If you want more sustained melee, swap Rellana's Cameo for Rotten Winged Sword Insignia or Lacerating Cross-Tree for stacking attack bonuses.
If you're facing hyper-armor opponents, use Sword Dance and the Two-Handed Sword Talisman for better damage per swing.
This adaptability makes the build viable for both invasions and duels, depending on whether you want style or sustained DPS.
Performance Summary
Weapon: Mady (Heavy-infused)
Ash of War: Wing Stance / Sword Dance
Damage Type: Pure Physical (buffable)
Talisman Setup: Blue Dancer Charm, Shard of Alexander, Rellana's Cameo, Spear Talisman
Buffs: Exalted Flesh, Uplifting Aromatic, Drawstring Grease
Physic Mix: Strength Knot + Stamina/Defense Mix
Stat Focus: 70 Strength, 34 Endurance, High Vigor
Final Thoughts buy Elden Ring Runes
It's a high-risk, high-reward setup that trades armor for pure damage and rewards confident, aggressive play.
Between the Blue Dancer Charm, Wing Stance's counter mechanics, and Heavy-infused Mady's monstrous scaling, this build can shred through teams and turn every invasion into an action movie moment.
MMOexp-Diablo 4: The Birth of the Support Meta – Druids and Barbarians Take the Lead
By Chunzliu, 2025-11-03
If you've been grinding Diablo 4's PTR recently, you've probably noticed something truly exciting brewing in the new endgame system. For the first time in a long while, Sanctuary's most difficult content is demanding more than just raw damage numbers Diablo 4 Items . The game is finally leaning into strategy, synergy, and coordinated team play-something many of us have wanted since launch.
Season 11's Tower system is shaping up to be the closest Diablo 4 has ever come to Greater Rifts from Diablo III, with layered mechanics, coordinated pulls, and even strategic boss manipulation. The new meta is no longer just about who can press the hardest-hitting button the fastest. It's about how you play together.
From Mindless Damage Checks to Strategic Endgame
For months, Diablo 4's late-game loop has been dominated by solo play and raw DPS checks. The Pit, while challenging, was often a straightforward test of how much you could outscale the monsters-not how cleverly you could outplay them.
That's all starting to change. With the Tower system, players can influence boss spawns, control mob flow, and coordinate strategic positions to optimize their runs. These new mechanics demand teamwork, coordination, and situational awareness. It's a small but meaningful shift that feels closer to the spirit of Diablo II-where every class, from Paladins to Barbarians, brought something unique to a party.
And the community is responding with excitement. The new PTR has already inspired creative group setups, powerful support builds, and experimental team compositions capable of clearing Tower 125 and beyond.
The Birth of the Support Meta
One of the biggest takeaways from PTR testing is the rise of true support characters-a concept that's been largely absent in Diablo 4's endgame until now.
Support builds like the Druid and Barbarian are finally finding a place in coordinated play, providing crucial buffs, damage reduction, and crowd control to make the difference between a failed run and a record-breaking clear.
Here's a breakdown of how this meta is shaping up:
Support Druid-The Backbone of the Team
The Support Druid build is at the heart of this new group meta. It combines the power of Debilitating Roar to drastically reduce enemy damage output with Stone Burst and other crowd-control tools that lock down dangerous elites.
The Druid also offers massive critical hit buffs, damage reduction, and powerful pulls through gear combinations like The Will ring, which amplifies grouping potential. The result? Smooth, controlled monster pulls and safer boss phases.
Support Barbarian-The War Cry Commander
While not yet fully realized, the Support Barbarian is emerging as a potential powerhouse for future patches. By stacking War Cry, Steel Grasp, and Rallying Cry, Barbarians can control enemy positioning, enhance ally survivability, and amplify teamwide damage through clever rotations.
Combined with a high-performing DPS partner-such as a Hoda Barb or Cataclysm Druid-the Support Barb could soon become a staple of leaderboard-level groups.
These builds, when paired together, transform Tower runs from solo brawls into coordinated raids. Every player matters, every cooldown counts, and every decision impacts the team's rhythm.Breaking Down the Build: Hoda Barb + Support Druid
Let's take a closer look at what made their Tower 125 run so effective.
Hoda Barbarian (DPS Role)
Core Skill: Hammer of the Ancients (Hoda)-massive AoE nukes that benefit from Fury scaling.
Key Items: Harlequin Crest, Mantle of the Mountain's Fury, Melted Heart of Selig, Hooves of the Mountain Gods, Starless Sky.
Playstyle:
Generate Fury quickly with Bash and Limitless Rage.
Chain Hoda slams for huge bursts while maintaining uptime on Wrath.
Time ultimate cooldowns with support debuffs for synchronized boss melts.
Damage Output: Consistent overpower hits exceeding 150 trillion in PTR conditions.
Support Druid (Utility Role)
Core Skills: Debilitating Roar, Pulverize, Stone Burst, Cyclone Armor.
Key Gear: The Will (for enhanced pulling), Earthquake aspect combinations for crowd control, and Starless Sky for cooldown synergy.
Playstyle:
Rotate Debilitating Roar for teamwide damage reduction.
Use Stone Burst for constant CC uptime.
Group enemies strategically with pulls to optimize the Barbarian's AoE.
Maintain buffs and defensive layers during boss phases.
Together, these two builds represent the first true cooperative synergy loop Diablo 4 has seen in endgame play-a model Blizzard could expand upon in future seasons.
The Rise of Strategic Solo Play
Interestingly, the new endgame design doesn't just benefit group players. Even solo runners now have more strategic agency in their clears. The Tower introduces mechanics like progress globes, pilot interactions, and more variable boss behavior that make route planning and resource management matter again.
Players can choose how they approach different map types, preferring open zones for better kiting and pulling or avoiding tight corridors that stifle mobility. Rob even noted during gameplay, "Open maps feel way better for flow and pulling-the narrow ones just kill the momentum."
This kind of map-specific decision-making adds depth to solo pushing and gives the game's procedural generation real gameplay impact for the first time in seasons.
Balance, Feedback, and the Future of the Tower System
While excitement is high, Rob and other testers have pointed out areas that still need fine-tuning:
Pilot enemies have too much health, slowing runs unnecessarily.
Certain map types (like Frozen Woods) feel overly punishing or cluttered with visual effects.
Progress orb drops from elite packs could use adjustment to make pacing more consistent.
These aren't major flaws-they're the kind of details expected from a PTR still labeled "beta." But the important part is that the foundation feels right. Strategy, synergy, and coordination are finally being rewarded.
Why This Matters for Diablo 4's Future
Diablo 4 has always balanced between the fast-paced action of modern ARPGs and the nostalgic grit of its predecessors. The problem? Its endgame never quite captured the tension, cooperation, and identity of Diablo II or Diablo III's group metas.
Season 11's Tower changes that. It introduces the first meaningful framework for strategic multiplayer in Diablo 4's lifecycle. With the return of true support roles, tactical map flow, and variable boss positioning, we're witnessing the rebirth of team-based endgame design.
Even more exciting, these systems could evolve into dedicated group leaderboards, multi-role dungeon compositions, or even PvE "raid" style content down the line. Imagine optimized 3–4 player setups with defined tanks, buffers, and DPS-Diablo's first true cooperative endgame ecosystem.
Final Thoughts-A New Era for Sanctuary's Elite
After months of testing, grinding, and feedback, one thing is clear: Diablo 4's Season 11 PTR isn't just another patch-it's a philosophical shift cheap Diablo 4 Items .
By rewarding coordination over chaos, and strategy over spam, Blizzard is finally building an endgame that feels worthy of its legacy. The combination of Tower mechanics, emerging support roles, and challenging content is the foundation for a deeper, more replayable experience.
MMOexp–CFB 26: How to Maximize Your Halloween Rush Returns Without Wasting Coins
By Chunzliu, 2025-10-31
In this breakdown, we'll walk through the Halloween Rush content drop-the player cards, the store offers, the ticket exchange system, and the training packs-alongside a full look at the pulls, hits, and misses from a 100K training spree. If you're looking to maximize your Halloween Rush returns, this guide will help you avoid the traps and find the true value in this midseason monster of an event.
The Halloween Rush Kicks Off
The Rush program returns as part of the Halloween-themed Season 3 content, offering a set of new LTDs, elite players, and a handful of trick-or-treat-style packs. It's paired with themed objectives, event challenges, and sets built around the new Halloween Ticket currency CFB 26 Coins .
Players can earn or pull these tickets from packs, and exchange 10 tickets for a 91 Overall Rush player-a sellable one, not BND-which adds some value to the grind. Unfortunately, tickets aren't easily obtained from gameplay alone. As it stands, they're almost exclusively locked behind packs, meaning players hoping to craft 91s without spending real money or massive amounts of coins are in for a challenge.
Still, Rush content always brings a sense of spectacle, and this year's stars don't disappoint.
The Stars of the Rush Program
Cam Newton (Super Cam Returns)
Every Halloween Rush needs a headline act, and this year it's the return of Super Cam Newton. At 6'5" and 240 pounds, Newton comes in as a dual-threat quarterback capable of bulldozing defenders or dropping dimes deep downfield.
Base Rush Cam:
90 SPD / 92 THP
87 Short / 88 Medium / 90 Deep
86 Truck / 88 Carrying / 90 Change of Direction
Scheme: Multiple O (recently changed from Run & Shoot)
His Ultimate LTD version dials everything up:
91 SPD / 92 THP / 90 Medium / 92 Deep Accuracy
Same 88 Carrying and improved 90 Change of Direction
Feels smoother in pocket play, noticeably stronger on play-action rollouts.
While the base Cam is a solid starter, the LTD is a top-tier dual-threat QB who can fit into almost any offensive scheme.
Demeco Ryans (Defensive Anchor)
The defensive LTD this time is Demeco Ryans, a tackling machine with versatile stats across the board.
Base Rush Ryans:
91 SPD / 89 BSH / 92 TAK / 89 PUR / 85 ZONE
Scheme: 4–2–5
Ultimate LTD Version:
92 SPD / 90 BSH / 91 PUR / 92 TAK / 88 ZONE / 91 ACC
He's fast, balanced, and reads plays well. Though middle linebackers aren't always glamorous in CFB 26, Ryans offers strong coverage stats with elite pursuit-ideal for anchoring zone defenses.
Halloween Tickets, Objectives & Sets
The big currency this time around is Halloween Tickets, which are tradable items pulled from packs or occasionally rewarded through the Rush and Nightmares events.
Here's the key exchange:
10 Tickets → 91 OVR Rush Player (Sellable)
Repeatable twice per account.
It's a neat addition for players wanting to roll the dice on high-value pulls, but with tickets mostly coming from paid offers, it feels like a pay-gated feature more than an earned grind.
There are also Halloween Rush Objectives, though they're fairly light-things like "get three interceptions" or "win three event games." Completing them nets minor packs, BND players, or coins, but notably not tickets.
If you were hoping to earn your 91s purely through play, this event keeps things tight on the wallet side.
The Storefront: Step Offers, Bundles, and Traps
The in-game store for Halloween Rush is where most of the action happens-and where players need to tread carefully.
EA rolled out a 21-step offer path, but as the creator behind the original video wisely noted, it's a trap. Step offers can easily snowball into massive coin or point expenditures for diminishing returns. Instead, the smart play is waiting for Platinum Bundles, which often drop later in the event and offer much stronger value for your money.
The key packs available include:
Rush Kickoff Ticket Pack-Includes a ticket and a chance at 91+ players.
Conference Tour Pack-2x 86+ players, 1x 84+, 2x 79+.
Offensive Trench Pack-Focused on linemen and defensive front players; decent 91+ odds.
Premium Ticket Pack-86+ and 84+ players, plus a ticket (though the pack odds feel nerfed compared to previous programs).
For those spending coins or training instead of real cash, the Training Store offers the most consistent fun-to-value ratio.Training Packs & The "Opportunity" Gamble
Three main training packs drive the Halloween Rush grind:
1.Rush BND Pack (84+ OVR)-Costs ~4,300 Training
2.Rush Training Pack (84+ OVR, Sellable)-Around 4,000 Training
3.Rush Opportunity Pack (83 OVR or 92 LTD)-Only 3,000 Training
That last one-the Opportunity Pack-is where the real thrill lies. You can pull anything from a lowly 83 to the ultra-rare 92 Overall Rush LTD.
And this video's luck run was something special.
After cycling through 100,000 worth of training, the pulls started modestly-83s, 84s, the occasional 85. Then came the fireworks: both Super Cam Newton and Demeco Ryans LTD dropped within the first ten packs. Cam sold for over 600K coins, easily paying for the entire opening session.
From there, the results cooled off-as most Rush openings do-with several dry streaks, a handful of fresh face elites, and a big surprise late pull: a Season 3 free safety with standout 93 ZONE, 92 MAN, and 91 TACKLE stats.
Strategic Takeaways from 100K Training Spent
After running through step offers, trench packs, and training rerolls, a few lessons became clear:
Skip Step Offers. The value just isn't there compared to what's possible in training rerolls or event packs.
Wait for Platinum Bundles. Historically, they deliver the best odds-to-coin ratio and come with guaranteed elites.
Rush Opportunity Packs are surprisingly efficient. At 3,000 training, their cost-to-upside ratio is low-risk/high-reward-especially early in the event when LTDs are fresh and prices are inflated.
Sell Early. As the creator noted, Cam sold for 630K early, and by the time you're reading this, prices are likely to dip below 500K. Always sell early in week-one promos.
BND Rush Packs are better than expected. They're cheaper and offer consistent training value for team upgrades, particularly if you're avoiding the market grind.
Community & Progression Goals
Beyond the packs, the community around CFB 26 continues to thrive. With over 600 members in Discord chatting about coin-making, team builds, and gameplay tips, the event has become a rallying point for players to share Rush pulls and nightmare loadouts.
The creator behind this Halloween Rush showcase is pushing toward 5,000 subscribers, streaming on both YouTube and Twitch, and offering a tight-knit community for CFB fans.
It's also worth noting their partnership with Blacklight Gaming Gear-where players can snag discounts on gaming chairs and desks using code OUTIII for 15% off. It's a small plug, but one that helps creators continue producing in-depth CFB 26 content for free.
Final Thoughts: Trick or Treat cheap CFB 26 Coins ?
Halloween Rush in CFB 26 feels like a mix of treat and trick. The treats are obvious-Cam Newton's return, the sharp design of LTD cards, and the thrill of pulling high-end Rush players from training rerolls. The tricks come in the form of step offers, hard-to-earn tickets, and underwhelming pack odds in some of the premium bundles.
Still, as far as seasonal promos go, this one hits the fun factor hard. The animations are electric, the training packs are accessible, and the community energy around big pulls-especially early LTDs-brings that classic Madden/CFB pack-opening magic back.
If you're smart with your spending, skip the traps, and grind training efficiently, Halloween Rush can be one of the most rewarding promos of the year.
MMOexp-Elden Ring: The Perfect Counter Warrior Build – Poise, Patience, and Punishment
By Chunzliu, 2025-10-29
When it comes to colossal weapons in Elden Ring, few strike the perfect balance between speed, power, and counterattack potential like the Zweihander (often pronounced "Spyhander"). In the latest Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Elden Ring Items , this timeless weapon has found new life as one of the most efficient and satisfying strength-based builds you can run-especially when focused entirely around counterattacks and smart trades.
We'll break down everything you need to know about the Zweihander strength build: stats, talismans, buffs, combat tactics, and why it's quickly becoming a fan-favorite in both PvP and PvE.
Why the Zweihander Dominates
The Zweihander has always been a beloved weapon in FromSoftware history-dating all the way back to Dark Souls 1. But in Elden Ring, it earns a new reputation as one of the most versatile colossal weapons available.
It's lighter than most colossal greatswords, which means you can still maintain a decent roll speed and poise balance while dishing out massive blows. However, that lower weight does come with a trade-off-you'll deal slightly less raw damage than the iconic Greatsword, but you'll make up for it with faster swings and piercing counterattack potential.
The Zweihander's heavy attack is what truly sets it apart. It delivers pierce-type damage, which allows it to benefit from the Spear Talisman-an incredible synergy that enhances your counterattack damage by 15%. Combined with other talismans and buffs, this setup can melt even the tankiest opponents in just a few trades.
The Core Build Setup
Stats
To get the most out of your Zweihander, focus on these priorities:
Strength: 60 (for pure damage scaling)
Vigor: 55-60 (you'll need to tank hits in trades)
Endurance: 35+ (for stamina and equip load)
Dexterity: 18 (minimum for weapon requirements)
Faith/Int/Arcane: Base level unless you plan to infuse elemental ashes
This is a pure Strength build, designed for massive counterattack damage and solid poise trading.
The Talisman Setup
The talismans make or break this build. Each one adds multiplicative bonuses to your damage potential during trades or counter windows.
1.Spear Talisman-Increases counterattack damage by 15% when using thrust attacks. Essential for your Zweihander's heavy pokes.
2.Retaliatory Cross Tree Talisman-Enhances your crouch and rolling attacks, letting you punish whiffs or trades effectively.
3.Two-Handed Sword Talisman-Boosts all damage while two-handing a weapon by 10%. Perfect for a colossal weapon setup.
4.Bull-Goat's Talisman (or Shard of Alexander)-For PvP, Bull-Goat's helps maintain poise during trades; for PvE, swap it for Alexander's to boost Ash of War damage.
Tip:
If you're using Storm Stomp as your Ash of War (a simple but effective finisher), swap Bull-Goat's for the Shard of Alexander to squeeze out even more burst potential.
Buffs and Consumables
To maximize your physical damage output:
Exalted Flesh: Boosts your physical attack power by 20%.
Uplifting Aromatic: Provides a flat attack boost and damage negation-ideal for close trades.
Weapon Greases (like Fire or Lightning Grease): Pushes your AR past 1,000 with all buffs active.
When fully buffed, the Zweihander can hit for over 1,000 attack rating, allowing crouch pokes and heavy counters to delete enemies in one or two trades.
Armor and Poise Setup
You don't need to go full "onion knight" mode for this build to work, but having high poise is non-negotiable. Aim for 80+ poise so you can tank through at least one medium weapon hit.
Recommends a balanced setup using:
Scaled or Vagabond Armor Set (depending on your equip load)
Bull-Goat Talisman for extra poise if you prefer trading blows head-on
Tip:
Avoid going into "fat roll" territory. The Zweihander's advantage lies in its ability to roll quickly for a colossal weapon user-don't lose that edge.
Playstyle: Counterattack and Control
The Zweihander's secret strength lies in its counterattack game. It rewards patience, precision, and timing rather than blind aggression.
- Crouch Attacks
The crouch poke is your bread and butter-it comes out fast, hits hard, and roll-catches beautifully. Use it to punish greedy rolls or panic reactions.
- Heavy Thrust Counters
The Zweihander's heavy attack is a piercing strike, meaning it triggers both the Spear Talisman and Counter Frames simultaneously when trading hits. If you time it right against an incoming attack, you'll deal devastating retaliatory damage.
- Trading Smart
Thanks to your poise and talismans, you want enemies to swing first. Let them hit into your active frames and deliver a crushing counter. You'll take minor chip damage, but your counter blow will often deal triple what they inflicted.4. Ash of War Finisher
Uses Storm Stomp, a simple but effective Ash of War that stuns enemies for a free heavy follow-up. It doesn't consume much FP and perfectly fits the "counterattack" theme.
PvP Showcase: Invasions and Highlights
Here are a few standout scenarios that show the build's versatility:
The Black Knife Catacombs Battle: Trading into multiple cooperators using crouch attacks for 1,000+ damage hits. The spear and two-handed sword talismans stacked perfectly to one-shot light-armor phantoms.
Crumbling Farum Azula Showdown: Out-trading dual Blasphemous Blade users with pure counter timing. Even with healing waves flying around, the Zweihander's trades were unanswerable.
Raya Lucaria and Haligtree Invasions: Using terrain control and quick crouch pokes to punish light roll and spell spam builds. The weapon's range and speed made it a perfect answer to "dishonest wizardry."
PvE Applications: Boss Trades and Burst
In PvE, the Zweihander strength build thrives against bosses with telegraphed attacks. Its massive counter potential lets you punish bosses who strike aggressively.
Against DLC enemies that love extended combos or delayed hits (like those in Shadow of the Erdtree), the Zweihander's piercing counters hit for absurd numbers-often staggering bosses in 2-3 well-timed heavy thrusts.
Recommended buffs for boss fights:
Exalted Flesh + Physick Flask (Strength Knot)
Royal Knight's Resolve (if you want to one-shot bosses' stagger windows)
Two-hand weapon always for that sweet 10% damage bonus
Build Variations and Flex Options
While the pure strength version is the star, you can easily adapt this build into a few variants:
1.Quality Hybrid (40 STR / 40 DEX)-Slightly lower AR, but faster recovery and roll options for PvP.
2.Faith Infused Zweihander-Apply Flame Art or Sacred infusion to benefit from buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength.
3.Status Zweihander (Blood or Frost)-Viable in PvP for pressure, though it sacrifices some counter damage.
Tip:
Always two-hand the weapon. The bonus from the Two-Handed Sword Talisman and base strength scaling together give you the best possible return on investment.
Closing Thoughts: The Return of True Strength
The Zweihander has always symbolized power and precision-an elegant weapon for players who prefer strategy over spam. In Shadow of the Erdtree, it stands out once again as one of the best colossal weapons for both PvE dominance and PvP dueling.
By combining three key talismans, high poise, and precision counter-timing, you unlock a build capable of deleting opponents in one trade while shrugging off their aggression.
So whether you're fighting bosses, invading catacombs, or dueling at the colosseum, remember:
Wait for the swing.
Trade with confidence.
Let the counterattack do the talking.
The desert may reward patience in Dune: Awakening, but in Elden Ring, it's the swing that wins the war.
Final Verdict:
The Zweihander Counter Strength Build is easily one of the most satisfying playstyles in the DLC-powerful, reactive, and stylish best place to buy elden ring items . It brings back that old-school Souls feel of risk-versus-reward combat, where timing is everything.
MMOexp-POE: Async Trading and Gold Refunds Confirm GGG’s Plan to Merge POE1 and POE2 Systems
By Chunzliu, 2025-10-25
Hey Exiles, strap in-teaser season for Path of Exile's next league is here, and GGG has quietly dropped a handful of previews that could reshape the economy, the Atlas, and even the way we trade forever. Between a complete rework of Breach POE currency , the introduction of asynchronous trading, and major quality-of-life (QoL) updates, this could be one of the most transformative POE1 patches in years.
Let's unpack what's coming-and who the real winners and losers might be in the next era of Wraeclast.
Breach 2.0: Keepers of the Flame?
The first teaser is short, cryptic, and oozing purple chaos. A mysterious orb pulses with tentacles and inner corruption before a clawed hand bursts through the screen. The community instantly connected the imagery to Breach-but this doesn't look like a simple repeat of 2016's content. Instead, it feels like a reimagined Breach, one that could serve as the lore bridge between POE1's Atlas and POE2's corruption systems.
The rumored title, "Keepers of the Flame," fits the theme perfectly-ancient forces, corrupted energy, and power sealed within something that should never be touched. The teaser's narrator hints at "the hive" and "flamekeepers," which doesn't sound very Breach-like at first. But the purple fire, disembodied hands, and overall design are unmistakable.
If this is Breach 2.0, it's not just a visual update. It could represent an evolution-possibly blending Beyond-style corruption mechanics from POE2 into POE1's endgame. With Beyond nodes moving and Breach disappearing from the Atlas tree, it's likely that this is the connective tissue tying the two games' lore and systems together.
Heist QoL Overhaul-Max-Level Rogues and Easier Contracts
GGG's second teaser revealed something players have wanted for years: Heist rogues will now start fully leveled. That means no more endless contract grinding just to make your crew usable. Whether you're cracking chests, farming blueprints, or running Grand Heists, this change dramatically lowers the barrier to entry.
Here's what this means in practical terms:
Every rogue has maxed skills from the moment you unlock them.
You'll only need to run a few introductory Heists rather than dozens.
Heist contracts and blueprints instantly become valuable passive income sources.
Even if you don't run Heists yourself, mapping with Heist nodes on your Atlas now has new value-other players will want your contracts. You can sell them asynchronously (more on that in a moment) and rake in easy profits.
There's also speculation around a "lock" symbol on the rogue leveling icon. Some players think this might connect to a new automated gem leveling system, removing the need for constant clicking. If that turns out to be true, it's a small but powerful QoL update for long play sessions.
Full Passive Tree Refunds and Atlas Respecs with Gold
The third teaser showed something equally game-changing: full passive tree respecs for both your character and Atlas-using gold instead of orbs.
In the footage, refunding Atlas points cost around 2,000 gold per point, a surprisingly fair rate that should help keep Orbs of Unmaking cheap throughout the league. For anyone who constantly experiments with different farming setups, this change makes it far easier to pivot strategies mid-league without emptying your wallet.
The video also teased some subtle but significant Atlas tree updates:
Breach nodes are gone entirely.
Beyond wheels have been moved and expanded into Breach's former spots.
Abyss, Legion, Harvest, and Delirium wheels shifted upward to maintain balance.
In short, GGG didn't just delete Breach-they rebuilt the tree's entire structure to fit a new meta. The positioning now creates new synergies like Beyond + Legion or Beyond + Abyss, while removing the old Alva + Beyond overlap.
This reshuffling hints strongly that Beyond will act as a "core corruption layer" going forward, possibly functioning like Breach once did-as a mappable, blockable mechanic with its own spawn chance.
Asynchronous Trading-The Biggest Economic Revolution Yet
And now, the massive one: asynchronous trading is coming to POE1.
Eagle-eyed players noticed a "Manage Shop" button in the passive respec teaser-the exact phrase used in POE2's async trading interface. This confirms what many suspected when GGG began transferring premium trade tabs between POE1 and POE2: the backend is being unified.
What does this mean for players?
You'll be able to list and sell items while offline.
No more needing to pause mapping, portal out, or chase trade whispers mid-run.
Selling bulk items like contracts, beasts, or blighted maps becomes effortless.This update has enormous ripple effects across the entire economy:
Gear quality across the board will improve, since players can more easily buy upgrades.
Ground loot will drop in value, as better gear becomes more accessible.
Currency flow will rise sharply, favoring players who trade frequently.
In short, trading becomes frictionless-and that means POE's economy is about to accelerate faster than ever before.
Winners and Losers in the New Meta
Larald broke down which league mechanics stand to gain (or lose) the most from these sweeping changes. Here's the rundown:
Winners (+1 and Up)
Heist: Massive buff. Easier to start, faster to profit, and perfect for passive income.
Beastiary: No more bulk-trading nightmares. Selling individual beasts becomes practical.
Expedition: Easier to offload logbooks, giving steady profits without constant bartering.
Abyss & Legion: Both gain synergy with Beyond. Expect new combo farming strategies.
Blight: Blighted and Blight-Ravaged maps become liquid assets thanks to async trade.
Maven/Conqueror Farming: Selling Shaper and Elder maps in bulk is now painless.
Labyrinth: The biggest winner by far. You can't zone out during lab runs, so async trade means you can now profit continuously without stopping. Farming Transfigured Gems just got way more appealing.
Losers (-1 and Below)
Rog (Expedition NPC): Crafting items will be easier to sell, but prices will drop due to higher gear availability.
Harvest: Loses some early-league demand as basic crafting becomes less essential. Still powerful later.
Delirium: Takes a small hit due to the removal of easy Beyond synergy routes.
Overall, the buffs far outweigh the nerfs. Many previously niche mechanics now shine under asynchronous trade-especially those that rely on volume and patience.
Quality of Life Updates Continue to Impress
GGG also teased smaller QoL changes, like the long-requested stacked deck improvement. Players can now Ctrl+Right Click to instantly move stacked decks into their inventory, or Shift+Ctrl+Right Click to drop them all at once.
This is a small change on paper, but it eliminates hours of repetitive clicking-and keeps wrists intact during massive div card openings.
There's also an intriguing mystery: a two-handed slam build was shown using a strange purple skill icon on the middle mouse button. Nobody knows what it is yet, but speculation ranges from a new chaos-infused slam to an early peek at a POE2 skill crossover.
Economic and Gameplay Impact: The Bigger Picture
These updates point toward a massive convergence between POE1 and POE2 systems. Beyond is now a core part of the Atlas. Gold is gaining more practical use. Trading is going async-a foundational POE2 system.
The writing's on the wall: GGG is methodically future-proofing POE1 so that its systems remain compatible with POE2's eventual live-service ecosystem. Players moving between both titles will share similar economic and interface structures, making the transition seamless.
This also sets the stage for an even more connected economy-perhaps even cross-game trading or shared account systems once both titles are fully active.
Final Thoughts-The Dawn of a New Era for POE1
The teasers might be short, but their implications are enormous. Breach 2.0 (or "Keepers of the Flame") looks like a story-driven bridge between games. The Atlas tree is evolving into a more interconnected design. Heist, Blight, and Labyrinth are all about to become far more profitable. And asynchronous trading? That's the kind of change that redefines how players engage with the economy itself.
It's the calm before a massive storm of change-and for once, that storm looks exciting rather than terrifying.
Patch 3.28 may not be the largest in terms of raw content, but it's arguably one of the most important updates in Path of Exile's long history. It modernizes the game's systems, flattens old pain points, and nudges everything closer to POE2's standard of polish.
As Larald put it: "It's not a huge amount of info yet, but what we've seen has been delicious. GGG-we're starving. Feed us more teasers POE orbs site ."
Until then, polish those Beyond orbs, prep your Atlas trees, and maybe-just maybe-start stockpiling Heist contracts before prices go wild.
Let's break down the best performers of Season 10's speed meta-from the Death Trap Rogue dominating the charts to the Raven Druid's one-button glory, and the surprisingly stylish Bone Splinter Necromancer Diablo 4 Items .
#1-Death Trap Rogue (Hit and Run Chaos Perk)
The Rogue is back on top, and it's not even close. Thanks to a major buff to the Hit and Run chaotic perk introduced in Tuesday's patch, the Death Trap Rogue is shredding Pit 100 runs in under 45 seconds.
If you remember the iconic Death Trap Rogue from Season 8, it's back and nastier than ever. This build rewards constant movement-the faster you move, the harder you hit. Every dash, evade, and trap placement stacks the Hit and Run buff, ramping damage by up to 40x stronger than before.
The core gameplay loop is fluid and lethal:
Lay traps, dash through packs, and keep moving to build stacks.
Use Death Trap to pull mobs together and detonate everything instantly.
Stack up nine Hit and Run buffs for ridiculous burst potential.
The build isn't just fast; it's also shockingly tanky. With proper gear rolls and chaos perks, Rogues maintain constant mobility while shrugging off damage. It's the perfect blend of speed, safety, and spectacle, making it the undisputed king of Season 10's speed leaderboard.
#2-Raven Companion Druid (One-Button Controller Build)
If you're the kind of player who loves simplicity and comfort, look no further than the Raven Druid.
The entire gameplay revolves around spamming Ravens, which now auto-target enemies and deliver massive bursts of elemental damage. With a controller, you can literally walk while auto-casting, turning the build into a chill, auto-aiming monster perfect for farming Pit 100s or Hell Tides.
Key strengths of the build include:
Auto-Aim Functionality: Walk and cast simultaneously-no aiming needed.
Insane Damage: Ravens obliterate enemies in seconds.
Low Effort: Works with one button, though some players use four for setup.
Controller Synergy: Ideal for console or PC players using a controller.
The core piece of gear is Kilned of the Blackwing, which turns the Ravens into machine guns of destruction. Even with minimal effort, the build can clear Pit 100 in under a minute while staying safe and mobile.
It's easily the #1 controller-friendly build in the entire game and arguably the most "comfy" setup Diablo 4 has ever seen.
#3-Rake Spiritborn Druid (Jaguar Form Powerhouse)
If you prefer a more active playstyle without giving up speed, the Rake Spiritborn Druid delivers pure satisfaction. This chaotic powerhouse has been clearing Pit 120 in around 2.5 minutes and Pit 100s in under a minute and a half, making it one of the strongest all-around builds of the season.
Here's why it's dominating:
Massive AoE Damage: The Rake ability covers wide areas and hits like a truck.
Cooldown Reset Synergy: Evading resets Rake's cooldown, letting you chain attacks endlessly.
Guaranteed Overpowers: Every Rake crits and overpowers, scaling exponentially.
Ease of Play: Straightforward mechanics make it great for casual players.
The build's biggest selling point is accessibility-it doesn't demand high APM or perfect timing. You simply dash, rake, and watch entire packs disintegrate. Bosses rarely survive more than two or three hits.
If you're after a balance between speed, strength, and simplicity, the Rake Spiritborn Druid is the perfect pick.#4-Bone Splinter Necromancer (Shatter Spirit Aspect)
The surprise breakout star of Season 10 is the Bone Splinter Necromancer, a build that's as flashy as it is deadly.
This setup uses the Shatter Spirit Aspect to transform Bone Spirit into an AOE storm of Bone Splinters, firing in every direction and vaporizing mobs instantly.
Core mechanics include:
Bone Spirit as the primary damage source.
Shatter Spirit Aspect-Each cast releases bone shards in a 360° AOE.
Jarun Rune Synergy-Grants teleport-like mobility.
High AoE and Single Target Burst-Great for both trash and bosses.
Unlike traditional slow-moving Necro builds, this one moves fast, teleports frequently, and obliterates rooms in seconds. It's the most fun and visually intense Necromancer setup this season-perfect for players who love destruction with style.
#5-Barbarian (Lunging Strike + Hota Variant)
Sadly, our beloved Barbarian continues to struggle in Season 10. Even with Holder Aspect and Jarun rune teleport tech, it just can't keep pace with faster classes.
This Lunging Strike and Hota hybrid manages a ~2-minute Pit 100 clear, which is respectable-but nowhere near the sub-60-second clears other classes achieve. The main issue is simple: the Barbarian can't deal damage while moving.
Key drawbacks:
Stationary Damage: Must stop to attack, limiting speed.
Weak Boss Damage: Bosses in high pits take far too long to kill.
Fewer Chaos Perk Synergies: Limited benefits from Season 10's movement-based perks.
Still, for dedicated Barb mains, this setup offers a reliable, traditional melee experience. But in the world of ultra-fast glyph farming, Barbarians are trailing by 20 tiers-roughly 100x weaker overall compared to top performers.
Honorable Mention-Dance of Knives Rogue (Spin-to-Win Poison Build)
Here's a surprise twist: the Rogue even has a better spin-to-win build than the Barbarian this season.
The Dance of Knives Rogue combines Poison Traps with a constant spinning attack animation, creating a stylish and effective whirlwind of death. The build triggers Dance of Knives to automatically activate traps, melting enemies in a swirling poison cloud.
It's not meta, but it's cool, unique, and fast-everything a fun off-meta build should be.
If you've been waiting for a true "Whirlwind" playstyle that actually works, delete your Barbarian and roll a Rogue.
#6-Sorcerer (Ball Lightning "Bowling Ball" Build)
At the bottom of the speed leaderboard is the Sorcerer, despite still being fun to play. The Super Ball Lightning build remains the fastest setup for low-tier content, but once you hit Pit 100, it starts to struggle.
Even with teleport spam and infinite mana sustain, Sorcerers lack the burst damage to keep up. Packs often require two to three hits to die-a death sentence in a meta dominated by instant clears.
Still, for players focused on Torment farming, Nightmare Dungeons, or lower Pits, the build is very enjoyable. It's fast, flashy, and one of the best teleport-based experiences in the game.
But in terms of efficiency, the Sorcerer sits firmly in last place on the current speed charts.
Final Thoughts-Season 10's Speed Meta Is Peak Fun
Season 10 has redefined what "fast" means in Diablo 4. The Death Trap Rogue reigns supreme with absurdly short clears, while Druids dominate the casual-friendly category with auto-aiming Ravens and powerful Rake combos.
The Necromancer finally feels fun again, the Barbarian needs some love, and the Sorcerer-well, it's hanging on for now cheap D4 materials .
But most importantly, the meta is diverse, chaotic, and entertaining. Whether you're speed farming, experimenting with chaos perks, or just blasting through Hell Tides, Season 10 offers the most exciting mix of builds yet.
MMOexp-Skull and Bones: How to Build the Perfect Frigate Tank for Plundering and Fort Assaults
By Chunzliu, 2025-10-20
In Skull and Bones, strength on the seas isn't just about having the biggest ship-it's about mastering synergy between weapons, armor Skull and Bones Items , and furniture to dominate every naval encounter. Today's focus is on one of the most resilient and punishing builds in the game: the Frigate Siege Build.
Designed for players who want to tank incoming damage, lead the charge in plundering operations, and annihilate forts and enemy ships alike, this setup transforms the Frigate into a floating fortress of fire and iron.
The Frigate-Foundation of the Siege Build
The Frigate is a heavy-class ship built to endure relentless enemy fire. It's not the fastest vessel on the ocean, but what it lacks in mobility, it more than compensates for with its sheer survivability and defensive mechanics.
At the core of the Frigate's identity lies Grit, a stacking defensive mechanic that rewards players for holding the line under pressure.
Grit Mechanics:
Gain a stack of Grit every time you take damage.
Each stack grants +40 armor, up to a maximum of 10 stacks.
Each stack lasts for 15 seconds, encouraging sustained engagement.
Nearby allied ships within 200 meters gain 10% reduced incoming damage.
At full stacks (10 Grit), that protection rises to 20% for your allies.
This makes the Frigate not just a tank, but a true frontline support ship. It's the backbone of any coordinated plundering fleet, able to soak up fire while reducing the punishment allies take in battle.
Resolve-The Heart of the Frigate's Defense
Once your Grit reaches 10 stacks, your ship activates Resolve-a temporary buff that supercharges your resilience.
Resolve Effects:
Restores 10% burst strength on activation.
Reduces incoming status effect damage (like fire and flooding) by 20%.
Increases threat generation by 100% for 10 seconds-ensuring enemies focus their fire on you instead of your allies.
This combination of grit and resolve gives the Frigate its defining role in group plundering: drawing enemy aggro, bracing through damage, and giving your teammates breathing room to pour on DPS from behind.
Primary Weapons-The Nashcars
Every great ship build starts with a weapon that defines its personality. For this setup, that weapon is the Nashcars-mysterious cannons inscribed with unknowable runes that convert aggression into survival.
Each Nashcar hit repairs your ship, making them an ideal fit for the Frigate's tanking playstyle.
Nashcar Stats:
Base damage: ~4,100 per shot.
Restores 5% of damage dealt as hull health.
When a weak point is struck, the repair amount is multiplied by 700%.
Elemental rolls: Burning II and Piercing I, with bonus mods for Combustion and Siege.
With these enhancements, every volley not only tears through enemy hulls but also mends your own ship, allowing you to sustain longer fights-especially during sieges and extended plundering missions.
When firing from mid-range, Nashcars become a near-immortal sustain tool. They work perfectly with the Frigate's natural bulk and its Grit-based armor scaling.
Secondary Weapon-Roaring Meg
If Nashcars are the build's lifeblood, the Roaring Meg is its hammer of destruction.
This cannon specializes in massive explosive damage, designed specifically for demolishing forts, outposts, and enemy structures.
Roaring Meg Details:
Base damage: 21,249
Enhanced with Combustion, Amplified Explosive, and Siege modifiers.
Incredibly effective for destroying walls, gates, and stationary defenses during plundering missions.
When paired with Nashcars' sustainability, the Roaring Meg ensures your Frigate doesn't just tank-it eradicates anything in its path.
Armor-The Ouroboros
Defense is where this build truly shines. The Ouroboros Armor perfectly complements the Frigate's Grit mechanic, converting braced damage into healing potential.
Armor Perks:
Restores 100 severe damage per second.
Converts 15% of braced damage into hull repair once bracing ends.
Provides strong mitigation:
20% Explosion resistance
30% Fire resistance
30% Flooding resistance
With the Ouroboros equipped, you can brace under heavy bombardment, absorb the incoming damage, then recover a chunk of health as soon as the bracing phase ends. It's a tank's dream come true-a perfect cycle of endurance and regeneration.
Furniture and Support Modules
Furniture is what fine-tunes this build from great to unbreakable. Each piece enhances weapon performance, survivability, or utility for the Frigate's siege playstyle.
- Worm's Breath Turner
Triggers Shell Shock on targets, increasing their reload time by 20% for 10 seconds.
Boosts secondary damage of explosive weapons by 20%.
Increases explosive weapon damage by an additional 5%.
Effect: This is your primary offensive enhancement-crippling enemies while amplifying your explosive barrages.2. Long Gun Works I
Increases secondary damage of long guns by 19%.
Perfect for extending your DPS reach and keeping pressure on enemies during fort assaults.
- Ram Rod Workshop
Decreases reload time of broadside weapons by 7%.
Increases secondary damage of broadside weapons by 7%.
This module boosts your overall fire rate-essential for sustained sieges where every second counts.
- Devil's Concoction
Increases secondary damage of burning weapons by 12%.
Extends the range of burning weapons by 8%.
Since this build heavily relies on Combustion, Devil's Concoction adds even more firepower and consistency to your attacks.
- Ammo Priming Bench (a must-have)
This is the core of your siege efficiency.
+20% damage to structures with siege weapons.
+18% repair from repair weapons when more than 160m away.
+4% overall weapon damage for siege weapons.
+7% more hull repair for repair weapons.
+10% projectile speed for siege and repair weapons.
This single upgrade amplifies both your offensive and defensive aspects, cementing the Frigate's dominance in siege operations.
- Gunpowder Bench I
+10% damage to enemy ships suffering the Ablaze effect.
Since you'll be setting everything on fire with Combustion and Siege rolls, this passive damage bonus adds a consistent boost across every engagement.
Siege Combat and Plundering Strategy
Once your Frigate is fully outfitted, it's time to put it to work-and there's no better test than plundering a Grand Fort.
Here's how to make the most of the build:
1.Initiate with Bracing:
Absorb initial volleys to quickly stack Grit. You'll reach full stacks faster under concentrated enemy fire.
2.Activate Resolve:
Once you're at 10 stacks, trigger Resolve to pull aggro and protect allied ships within range.
3.Focus Fire on Weak Points:
Use Nashcars to hit enemy weak points. The 700% repair multiplier ensures you stay alive even under siege-level damage.
4.Unload Roaring Meg on Structures:
Once the defenses are softened, switch to Roaring Meg to annihilate fortifications and key targets.
5.Keep Moving:
Even as a tank, avoid becoming stationary. Use your ship's momentum to maintain optimal firing angles and reduce exposure to flanking fire.
Performance in Action
When you take this build into a siege, the results speak for themselves. Nashcars rip through enemy hulls while keeping you repaired; the Roaring Meg pulverizes fort walls; and the Ouroboros ensures you shrug off most incoming damage.
In large-scale plundering operations, this Frigate acts as both a shield and a sledgehammer. Allies will appreciate your defensive aura, while enemies will quickly learn that trying to burn down a Frigate with Nashcars is a losing battle.
Final Thoughts
The Frigate Siege Build stands out as one of the most well-rounded and devastating setups in Skull and Bones. It offers unparalleled defense, self-repair, and siege efficiency-making it the go-to choice for captains who love to dive headfirst into chaos and come out unscathed.
Build Summary:
Ship: Frigate (Tank)
Weapons: Nashcars + Roaring Meg
Armor: Ouroboros cheap Skull and Bones Items
Furniture: Worm's Breath Turner, Long Gun Works I, Ram Rod Workshop, Devil's Concoction, Ammo Priming Bench, Gunpowder Bench I
Playstyle: Frontline tank and siege breaker
Whether you're leading a fleet against fortified outposts or holding the line during chaotic PvP battles, this build transforms your ship into an unstoppable war machine.
If you've ever dreamed of spamming Stars of Ruin without running dry, unleashing Ranni's Dark Moon on entire teams, or comboing gravity and slicing sorceries into one seamless PvP symphony, then this build is for you. Let's break down how it works, why it's so strong, and what makes it one of the most entertaining builds Elden Ring Items .
The Core Concept: 99 Mind, Infinite Magic
Most players split their points between Intelligence and Mind, balancing damage with sustain. Not here. The Mega Wizard says, "Forget efficiency-give me all the FP in the world."
With 99 Mind, you essentially have an FP bar that never ends. You can cast Stars of Ruin, Comet, Carian Slicer, Ranni's Moon, and even Blades of Stone for entire fights without ever worrying about running dry. Combine that with the Saint Trina's Blossom armor piece, which adds even more FP regeneration, and you become a walking, talking mana battery.
At level 222, this build fits neatly into the popular PvP bracket around 200-225, letting you invade and duel within the most active community range. And the best part? You still have enough points to maintain high Intelligence for solid spell damage and respectable health for survivability.
The Tools of the Trade: Staffs, Spells, and Talismans
Let's talk about what makes the Mega Wizard tick.
Primary Staff: Lusat's Glintstone Staff
It's the heaviest FP-draining staff in the game-but that doesn't matter here. Lusat's Staff boosts sorcery damage by 10%, and since you're sitting on a swimming pool of mana, the drawback is irrelevant. Every Comet and Stars of Ruin hits like a magical truck.
Offhand Staff Options
Depending on what school of sorcery you favor, you'll swap between:
Carian Regal Scepter: For boosting moon sorceries like Ranni's Moon or Adula's Moonblade.
Azur's Glintstone Staff: For maximum casting speed when you want to machine-gun Comet.
Carian Glintblade Staff: For sword-sorcery enhancement, if you prefer Carian Slicer and Piercer combos.
You can rotate between these to fine-tune your combat style mid-battle, depending on whether you're dealing with gankers, aggressive duelists, or distant snipers.
The Sorcery Arsenal
This build isn't about subtlety-it's about dominance. Here's the spell lineup that makes it shine:
- Stars of Ruin
The ultimate FP spam spell. It tracks evasive enemies, punishes panic rollers, and forces players into defensive positions. Even when opponents sprint, Stars of Ruin clips them with chip damage, setting up your follow-up attacks.
- Comet (and Comet Azur)
Your long-range execution tool. When your opponent is low, a well-timed Comet ends fights instantly. For style points, unleash Comet Azur with your endless FP bar and melt entire teams.
- Carian Slicer + Piercer Combo
Your close-range counter. Slicer cuts through roll-spammers and Piercer roll-catches beautifully after the first swing. It gives the Mega Wizard melee teeth.
- Gravitational Missile → Blades of Stone Combo
A devastating one-two punch. Knock foes down with Gravitational Missile, then charge up Blades of Stone as they stand. If they panic roll, they eat the full hit. Perfect for catching aggressive PvP players off guard.
- Ranni's Dark Moon (or Twin Moons)
Your ace for aggressive teams or bosses. The Twin Moons variant wipes out grouped invaders, while Dark Moon drops a nuke-level AoE that leaves even tanky players reeling. It's cinematic, powerful, and thematically perfect for this "Mega Mind" playstyle.
Armor Choices and Aesthetic
The armor setup is surprisingly flexible. You can go light for fast rolls or heavy for tankiness.
If you want style points, you can wear the St. Trina's Blossom, which enhances FP recovery while keeping weight low. Or, if you really want to embrace the meme, wear a Megalomaniac headpiece like the Haima Glintstone Crown for extra sorcery damage and that full "Mega Mind" aesthetic.
Just remember-some crowns increase FP cost, which slightly reduces your spam potential, but in this build, you can afford the luxury.Talisman Setup
The talisman lineup is classic for high-level sorcerers but optimized for maximum scaling:
Graven-School Talisman-Boosts sorcery damage.
Graven-Mass Talisman-Further enhances sorcery power; the two stack for excellent returns.
Godfrey Icon-Boosts charged spells like Blades of Stone or Comet.
Radagon Icon-Shortens cast time, essential for duels and tight PvP moments.
This combination pushes both your damage ceiling and consistency, ensuring even your smaller spells hit hard and fast.
Typical Scenario: The Gank Squad
You spawn into a 3v1, and they immediately charge. You start with Stars of Ruin to stagger their formation, then drop Twin Moons as they group. The aggressive ones get punished, the cautious ones get chipped, and by the time the animation ends-half the field is glowing blue.
Close-Range Duels
When an opponent rushes you, swap to Carian Slicer and Piercer to punish roll-happy melee builds. Most players underestimate how quick and damaging those sorceries can be up close.
Team Wipes and Dirty Tricks
The Gravitational Missile → Blades of Stone combo can catch entire teams. If they panic roll, they eat a fully charged rock blast to the face. And when you really want to make a statement, use Ranni's Moon mid-fight-there's nothing quite like seeing three players vanish under a single lunar explosion.
PvE Powerhouse: Melting the DLC
While it's a PvP monster, the 99 Mind Wizard dominates PvE as well. You can spam Comet Azur without FP issues, turning boss fights into short showcases of particle effects and regret.
Gravity and moon spells handle groups of enemies efficiently, while Carian Slicer gives you melee coverage against quick bosses. And since you have massive FP reserves, you can slot multiple utility spells like Terra Magica or Magic Downpour without worrying about sustain.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Virtually infinite FP; spam anything without hesitation.
Massive damage scaling with Lusat's Staff and Graven talismans.
Extremely flexible-works for duels, invasions, and PvE.
Light roll mobility allows strong defensive play.
Insane crowd control with area spells and tracking projectiles.
Weaknesses:
Can be punished if caught mid-cast by high-poise strength builds.
Relies on proper spacing; melee rushers can overwhelm if you misposition.
Some crown choices increase FP cost, slightly reducing long-term sustain.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Meme Turned Monster
It's the ultimate expression of "if some is good, more is better." With near-endless FP, you can spam the game's most powerful spells freely, chaining combinations that would bankrupt normal mages after two casts.
In Shadow of the Erdtree, where enemies hit harder and fights are longer, having that much magical endurance turns encounters into playgrounds for destruction. Whether you're styling on duelists, wiping out gankers, or simply basking in the glory of infinite blue bars, the Mega Wizard delivers on all fronts.
So go ahead-dump your points into Mind Elden Ring Runes for sale , grab your Lusat Staff, and embrace the chaos. Because in this world, magic isn't about moderation. It's about domination.