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In the expansive and challenging world of Elden Ring, understanding the most effective damage types for tackling the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC can make a significant difference in your gameplay experience. This article will delve into the best damage types for maximizing your build’s potential, focusing on the resistances and vulnerabilities of the DLC bosses. We'll examine each of the eight damage types: Standard, Slash, Strike, Pierce, Magic, Fire, Lightning, and Holy, ranking them from least to most effective.

8. Magic Damage

Magic damage, while versatile and abundant in Elden Ring, unfortunately ranks lowest on this list when considering the DLC bosses' resistances. Although Magic has an extensive variety of spells and buffs like the Magic Shroud Cracked Tear, Magic Scorpion Charm, and Terra Magicus, the overall effectiveness against DLC bosses is limited.

Key Points:

· Strengths: High variety of spells, numerous buffs.

· Weaknesses: High resistance among most DLC bosses.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Mesmer and Redon.

Magic builds can still be effective, especially due to their flexibility and the plethora of available spells. However, considering the higher resistances of most DLC bosses, Magic damage isn't the top choice for maximizing damage output.

7. Fire Damage

Fire damage ranks slightly higher than Magic due to its effectiveness against certain bosses in the DLC. While it shares many of its strengths and weaknesses with Lightning damage, Fire has a few specific boss fights where it shines.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Effective buffs and a range of spells and weapon infusions.

· Weaknesses: Specific boss resistances can diminish its overall impact.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Divine Beast Dancing Lion, Golden Hippo, SC Tree Avatar, Commander Gas.

Fire damage can be particularly useful against specific bosses, especially those that are highly susceptible to it. However, its overall ranking is lowered due to the relatively limited number of bosses where it excels.

6. Lightning Damage

Lightning damage is tied with Fire in terms of overall effectiveness. Both damage types have specific bosses where they are extremely effective, but neither dominates across the board.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Similar buffs and weapon infusions as Fire.

· Weaknesses: Like Fire, it is highly dependent on specific boss resistances.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Rana Twin Moon Knight, Mesmer, Base Serpent Mesmer, Putrescent Knight.

Lightning damage stands out in particular fights and is interchangeable with Fire in many scenarios. Its utility in challenging boss fights makes it a solid, though not exceptional, choice.

5. Slash Damage

Slash damage ranks higher due to its effectiveness in more boss fights compared to Magic, Fire, and Lightning. It has a balanced presence across various difficult encounters.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Effective against a wide range of bosses.

· Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, performing exceptionally well in some fights and poorly in others.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Divine Beast Dancing Lion, Golden Hippo, Mesmer, Met Mother at Fingers, Ancient Dragon Cxs, Bale The Dread.

Slash damage’s versatility makes it a strong contender for players looking to tackle multiple boss fights without switching builds frequently.

4. Strike Damage

Strike damage is notable for its consistent effectiveness across many tough encounters. It doesn't always top the list but remains a reliable choice for several challenging bosses.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Consistency in damage output across a variety of bosses.

· Weaknesses: Rarely the absolute best but often near the top.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Ghost Flame Dragon, Rana Twin Moon Knight, Mesmer the Impaler, Putrescent Knight, Ancient Dragon Cxs, Bale The Dread.

Strike damage provides a steady performance, making it a dependable option for many difficult fights.

3. Holy Damage

Holy damage ranks higher due to its significant effectiveness against several challenging bosses. It can either be the best or among the top damage types in many encounters.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Extremely powerful against specific bosses.

· Weaknesses: Can be very ineffective against certain enemies.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Ghost Flame Dragons, Death Knights, Putrescent Knight, Death Right Bird, Commander Gas, Promised Consort Redon (first phase).

Holy damage's potency in specific fights makes it a strategic choice for players who plan their builds around these encounters.

2. Standard Damage

Standard damage stands out due to its consistent performance across a majority of the DLC boss fights. It may not always be the best, but it frequently ranks near the top.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Reliable and effective against a wide range of bosses.

· Weaknesses: Rarely the top damage type but consistently high.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Rolana, Mesmer, Met Mother of Fingers, Death Right Bird, Ancient Dragon Cxs, Bale, Midra, Scadu Tree Avatar.

Standard damage’s reliability makes it a top choice for players who prefer a straightforward and effective approach to boss fights.

1. Pierce Damage

Pierce damage ranks as the best damage type for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Its effectiveness against many of the hardest bosses in the game makes it the top choice for maximizing damage output.

Key Points:

· Strengths: Consistently the best or among the best damage types against the toughest bosses.

· Weaknesses: Limited to specific weapons and attack types.

· Notable Boss Weaknesses: Divine Beast Dancing Lion, Rana Twin Moon Knight, Ancient Dragon Cxs, Bale The Dread, Promised Consort Redon (second phase), Death Knight, Mesmer the Impaler.

Pierce damage excels in numerous boss fights, making it the optimal choice for players aiming to maximize their damage potential in the DLC. Predominantly found in weapons like bows, thrusting swords, and spears, Pierce damage's effectiveness is unmatched in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Conclusion

Choosing the right damage type for your build in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC can significantly enhance your performance against the challenging bosses. While Magic, Fire, and Lightning have their moments, Slash and Strike provide more consistent damage. Holy and Standard damage offer a balance of power and reliability, but Pierce damage stands out as the top choice for maximizing damage across the toughest encounters.

By understanding the resistances and vulnerabilities of the DLC bosses, you can tailor your build to achieve the highest damage output, ensuring your success in the perilous world of Elden Ring.

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