For players diving into the latest Elden Ring DLC, the pure strength Warped Axe build is an absolute powerhouse. Its combination of raw damage, fast follow-up attacks, and synergy with certain Ashes of War makes it a favorite for aggressive PvP invasions and solo dueling alike. In this guide, I’ll break down why this build works so well, the optimal stats, and practical strategies for maximizing your performance.
Why the Warped Axe Stands Out
Compared to other heavy axes like the Mesmer’s Heavy Axe, the Warped Axe boasts around 68 more AR when fully buffed. When you combine it with physical damage buffs like Exalted Flesh and Uplifting Aromatic, your damage output can reach a staggering 973 AR—almost 100 points higher than the heavy axe’s 884 AR. This extra power makes abilities like Barbaric Roar or Endure far deadlier, allowing you to one-shot phantoms or tank aggressive opponents with ease.
The light attack chain is deceptively quick, catching opponents off-guard. Even when enemies try to trade hits, your follow-ups often come out fast enough to secure the upper hand. Pair this with a fully charged heavy attack, and you’re looking at absurd damage that can instantly change the tide of a duel.
Optimal Stats and Gear
The Warped Axe build is simple in terms of stats: pour almost everything into strength. Dexterity is optional, and the 18 dex in this guide is mainly for weapon variety or a quick defensive swap with a Zammer Curved Sword.
For armor, high poise and solid defenses are key. The Solitude Set works well because the Warped Axe isn’t overly heavy, allowing you to maintain mobility without sacrificing protection.
Recommended Talismans:
- Roar Midine & Highland Axe: Essential for roar-based attacks, boosting damage potential.
- Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Further increases strength damage.
- Great Jar’s Arsenal: Necessary for higher equip load and extra poise.
- Vulgo Talisman: Adds additional poise for tanking trades.
If you want to experiment with other Ashes of War, Sword Dance is also strong for mix-ups, but Q4 remains the preferred choice for consistent damage.
Combat Strategies
- Buff First, Engage Aggressively: Always start with Exalted Flesh or Uplifting Aromatic to maximize your AR. Don’t hesitate to activate Barbaric Roar or Endure when facing multiple opponents.
- Light Attack Chains Are Key: Opponents often underestimate the follow-up speed of the Warped Axe. Use this to your advantage to punish trades.
- Heavy Attack for One-Shots: Fully charged heavy attacks paired with Barbaric Roar can instantly eliminate phantoms, especially in invasions.
- Positioning Matters: Fighting on even ground gives better control over the swing arcs. Avoid low ground against weapons with unpredictable patterns.
- Adapt to Enemy Builds: Wizards and ranged attackers need different handling. Use buffs and rolling to mitigate damage, and keep the Highland Axe ready for Endura-based counters.
Additional Tips
For players looking to optimize progression and in-game resources, some may choose to buy elden ring runes to accelerate their stat upgrades. If you prefer convenient payment methods, you can buy elden ring runes with PayPal, giving you quick access to enhance your builds and experiment with high-damage setups like the Warped Axe build.
The Warped Axe strength build in Elden Ring DLC is both simple and brutally effective. Its high damage, fast follow-ups, and synergy with buffs make it a top choice for invasions and duels. Focus on strength, equip high-poise armor, and strategically use Ashes of War to dominate fights. Whether tanking aggressive teams with Endure or one-shotting phantoms with Barbaric Roar, this build rewards precise timing and aggressive play.