U4GM - 7 Advanced Combat Techniques Every Elden Ring Player Should Learn
Elden Ring is a masterpiece of action RPG design—challenging, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding. After hundreds of hours in the Lands Between, I’ve learned that mastering the basics is just the beginning. True progression comes when you embrace the more advanced mechanics that separate the Tarnished from the legends. Whether you're chasing victory in PvP or taking down endgame bosses, these seven advanced combat techniques will elevate your gameplay—and make every encounter more strategic and thrilling.
As someone who’s played Elden Ring Runes extensively and experimented with countless builds, these are the combat methods I believe every serious player should learn.
1. Perfect Dodging and Invincibility Frames (i-Frames)
Timing is everything. Dodging isn’t just about getting away—it’s about exploiting i-frames. Learn the exact moment your roll gives you invincibility, and use it to dodge through attacks, not away from them. Bosses like Malenia demand this level of precision, and once you master it, you’ll notice your survivability skyrocket.
Pro Tip: Use light or medium equip loads to maximize your roll speed and i-frame windows.
2. Guard Counters and Poise Breaking
A lesser-known gem in the combat system is the guard counter. After blocking an enemy’s attack with your shield, immediately follow up with a heavy attack to deliver a crushing blow that can stagger enemies—even some mini-bosses. Combine this with weapons that deal high poise damage and you’ll dominate in melee exchanges.
3. Stance Breaks with Jump Attacks
Jump attacks are not only powerful, but they also contribute significantly to breaking enemy stances. This is vital against shielded foes or heavily armored bosses. With the right talismans like Claw Talisman, jump attacks become a core part of aggressive playstyles.
4. Quick Item Usage & Build Preparation
In the middle of a fight, speed and efficiency matter. Memorize the placement of your most-used items—whether that’s Flask of Crimson Tears, buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength, or even rune items. Prepping your pouch and radial menus will save precious seconds and often your life.
And speaking of builds—don’t forget that crafting or adjusting your stats requires resources. Many players choose to buy Elden Ring runes to quickly set up new builds or level up without tedious farming.
5. Utilizing Ashes of War to Control the Fight
Ashes of War are a game-changer. They offer everything from crowd control to damage buffs to mobility. Using the right Ash in the right situation turns an average build into a powerhouse. My go-to for aggressive PvE content is Bloodhound’s Step for movement and Flame of the Redmanes for stance-breaking.
If you're investing heavily in upgrading weapons and experimenting with Ashes, make sure to acquire Elden Ring runes fast & safe from trusted sources, especially when time is limited and grinding just isn’t an option.
6. Animation Cancelling with Consumables
A subtle but advanced technique is cancelling animations to act faster. For example, consuming a flask right after a light roll or using a quick emote can sometimes shorten recovery frames. It’s not officially documented, but in my own testing, these small tweaks can make a difference during high-pressure moments.
7. PvP Mind Games and Reaction Conditioning
Combat against other players is more psychological than you’d expect. I learned to bait my opponent into rolling early by feinting attacks or using delayed spells like Carian Slicer. Once you read their habits, you can predict and punish accordingly. Think like a duelist—timing, rhythm, and deception are your best weapons.
Mastering these advanced combat techniques not only increases your effectiveness but also deepens your appreciation for Elden Ring’s rich mechanics. As someone who’s experimented with hundreds of builds and fought through NG+5, I can say that knowledge is just as powerful as any weapon.
If you're short on time or want to try new strategies, don't hesitate to buy Elden Ring runes from trusted platforms like U4GM. They offer Elden Ring runes fast & safe, so you can focus on what matters—exploring, fighting, and becoming the Elden Lord you were meant to be.
Step-by-Step Guide:How Elden Ring Runes Affect Your Weapon Upgrades