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Elden Ringis a complete game that haseverything an RPG lover could ever want. An exhaustive weapon list, a good leveling system, a breathtaking world, and an in-depth combat system that has a low skill floor and high skill ceiling. One combat mechanic that is often improperly used by new players is buffing and buff stacking.
Like other games in the genre,Elden Ringlets players stack different kinds of buffs. However, it doesn’t explain that not all buffs stack with one another. Some overwrite others, while some can synergize fantastically well. Knowing which buffs to use, how long they last, and how they synergize with one another is a key part of any good strategy.
What Is Buff Stacking In Elden Ring?
Make Your Game Easier Without Any Cheats Or Gaining Levels
There are a multitude of buffs inElden Ring. These range from the effects players get from Crystal Tears and Talismans, to consumables andspells that increase certain aspectsof their character. Buff stacking is the practice of using multiple buffs at the same time to maximize your potential, primarilybefore a tough boss fight.
Not all buffs are stackable in this game, though. There are different kinds of buffs that affect different parts of the player’s experience. The general guideline is that you can only haveone buff from each categoryactive at a time, other than unique buffs. There are four buff categories (plus unique buffs that don’t really fit into any of them):
you may have one aura buff, one body buff, one weapon buff, and one regeneration buff at any given time. However, the game also featuresunique buffsthat don’t fall into any of the above categories. These include great runes, Talismans,passive effects from armorpieces/weapons, certain spells and weapon skills, and some items. All unique buffs can be stacked indefinitely with each other as long as the conditions are met.
There are some items in the game that give a passive effect. All these buffs fall under the unique buff category, meaning they won’t interfere with any other buff you apply. These are only applied when the armor piece or weapon is equipped, meaning you’re able to only have a maximum of six active at a time.
How Do Debuffs Work In Elden Ring
Loosely, there are three types of debuffs in the game. These don’t interfere with any of the buffs and act as separate categories for the purpose of stacking.
Aura Buffs
Golden Vow
Increases attack by 15% and increases all damage negation by 10% for 80 seconds.
Uplifting Aromatic
Increases Physical Damage by 10% and gives 90% negation for one hit for 40 seconds.
Rallying Standard Skill
Increases damage by 20% and increases damage negation by 20% for 30 seconds.
Body Buffs
Howl of Shabriri
Buffs attacks by 25% and increases damage taken by 30% for 40 seconds.
Bloodboil Aromatic
Increases physical damage by 30%, max stamina by 20%, and reduces damage negation by 25% for 60 seconds.
Weapon Buff
Bloodflame Blade
Adds fire damage and causes blood loss build up for 60 seconds.
Ash of War: Royal Knight’s Resolve
Increases the next hit’s damage by 80% and its stamina damage by 300%. Lasts for 10 seconds.
Moonlight Greatsword Skill
Adds 65 Magic damage, 15 Frostbite buildup to theDark Moon Greatsword. Heavy attacks shoot out magic projectiles. The effect lasts 60 seconds.
Regeneration Buff
Blessing of the Erdtree
Heals self and allies at the rate of 12 HP per second. Lasts for 90 seconds.
Unique Buff
Terra Magica
A sorcery that increases magic damage in the designated area by 35% and lasts 30 seconds.
Oath of Vengeance Skill
Increases all attributes by 5, prevents stagger, and increases damage negation by 45%. The stat increase lasts for 60 seconds but the rest of the effect only lasts for 5 seconds.
Contagious Fury Skill
Increases damage by 20% when skill is used on the jellyfish shield. This buff is lost if the shield is swapped and lasts for 30 seconds.
How To Stack Buffs In Elden Ring
Make A Routine And Stick To It
There aremany different playstyles inElden Ring, and the buffs you’re able to use will depend on your build and the way you play the game. However, no matter how you play the game, buffs can play a great role in enhancing your experience. You don’t have to spend five minutes beforeevery boss fightapplying buffs on yourself — though that is a valid playstyle. Spending just a few extra seconds cycling through some key buffs can vastly improve your damage.
First,choose one buff from each categorythat you can cast without too much trouble. There are some choices that are better than others, and you can optimize your buffing routine as much as you want. However, doing a simple routine is better than not doing one at all. The specific buffs depend on what kind of build you’re running and what you can actually cast.
Then,sort the buffs from longest to shortestand create a routine where you apply the longest lasting buff first. Typically, this will involve drinking the Flask of Wondrous Physick, butsome Crystal Tears don’t last very long, so you’ll have to use your discretion for the exact timing. Once you’ve applied your buffs, enter the boss arena and use any debuffs if you want.
After that, engage the enemy and watch their health bar deplete at a shocking rate. You can increase or reduce the number of buffs you apply to suit your specific needs. More buffs equals better defense and offense, but it also means more time spent on the set-up. An example routine is as follows:
Equipment Swapping & Temporary Buffs
If you’re deep into the buffing meta inElden Ring, you’ll come across a method of increasing the number of total buffs you can get, i.e., swapping certain equipment pieces with others at the right time. This is an advanced technique, and it doesn’t work with everything. Some Talismans, such asLord of Blood’s ExultationandKindred of Rot’s Exultation, give the player a buff when the associated status is inflicted in the player’s vicinity.
Since this applies to anything applied to the player as well, they can use this to their advantage and make the effect go off on their own body, giving them a temporary buff that lasts 30 seconds. As soon as the status effect is triggered, swap it out fora Talisman that buffs some other aspectof your gameplay.
