Today, we’re talking about a setup that does not get enough love: the Lightning Slash Ash of War. Most people just use this as a weapon buff—and yeah, that’s solid—but they’re missing the real power. The full combo is devastating, especially for players looking to optimize their builds or even buy Elden Ring Runes to experiment with different weapon setups. Here’s the magic: Initial thrust → Lightning strike → True combo into a Colossal Sword heavy attack. The stun is long enough that they cannot roll out. The only real weakness? The startup on the initial slash is slow. Easy to avoid if you're obvious. So how do we land it? Bait them into being aggressive. Use Endure, tank through their attacks, then turn and burn. Aim at one phantom specifically and try to delete them.

The Build (Level 150-ish)

Stats (Primary: Dexterity)

· Vigor: 60 – Non-negotiable. You’ll be tanking entire teams with Endure.

· Dexterity: As high as possible – This is a DEX-first build.

· Endurance: Minimum needed to avoid heavy roll (exact number depends on your armor).

· Faith/Arcane: Only what’s needed for your chosen buffs (if any).

Talismans (Crucial)

Weapon

· Any weapon with Lightning Slash (the script uses a Colossal Sword for the post-combo heavy).

· Two-hand it at all times to benefit from the Two-Handed Sword Talisman.

Consumables (For max damage)

· Exalted Flesh

· Uplifting Aromatic

· Even though the weapon isn't pure physical, both buffs still help because Lightning Slash deals split damage.

Armor

· Your choice, but the script mentions loving the Bastion helmet and Circle of Light (gives +1 Faith and +1 Arcane).

The Game Plan (Invasions)

1. Read the room

· If the team is aggressive? Great. That’s what you want.

· If they’re passive? Stand still. Stare at them. They’ll get nervous and eventually walk into range.

2. Buff up

· Apply Lightning Slash as a buff first. Let them think that’s all you’re doing.

· Pop your Uplifting Aromatic and Exalted Flesh if you’re going for a deletion.

3. The Bait & Delete

· Wait for them to commit.

· Pop Endure.

· Walk into their attack.

· Lightning Slash → the initial thrust must land. If the footstep hits them instead of the blade? The combo breaks. Spacing is key.

· Follow up with the free Colossal Sword heavy attack.

· Watch them vanish.

4. If they dodge the initial thrust

· Don’t panic. Reset.

· Use the environment (tight hallways, staircases, elevators).

· Sometimes just stand there. Most players won’t walk into the danger zone.

Advanced Tech & Notes

· Standing in water lowers your lightning defense. Be careful—it works both ways.

· The range on the slash is surprising. You’ll clip people with the very tip.

· Desync is real. What looks like a miss on your screen might be a hit on theirs. Trust the combo.

· If someone parries a lot? Jump attacks are your friend. They can’t parry those.

· Use environment enemies (Banish Knights, slugs, etc.) to split aggro or block escape routes.

Matchup Examples (From the Script)

· Castle Sol (water floor): Your lightning defense is lower, but so is theirs. One combo deletes.

· Volcano Manor staircases: Tight quarters = free real estate for Lightning Slash.

· Eternal City (staircase teams): Buff openly. Make them think it’s just a weapon buff. Then combo.

· Subterranean Shunning Grounds: Use the slugs as cover. Endure through the chaos.

· Ladder escapes? No. Just no. Bonk them off.

Final Checklist Before Invading

· 60 Vigor

· 50+ Dexterity

· Elden Ring Shard of Alexander + Two-Handed Sword Talisman + Erdtree's Favor + Bull-Goat's Talisman

· Lightning Slash Ash of War equipped

· Colossal Sword in two hands

· Endure on something (or on your main weapon if you can slot both)

· Exalted Flesh + Uplifting Aromatic

· Lightning Pots (for pressure)

· No heavy roll

To get the most out of this setup, having the right gear and consumables is essential. If you're looking to complete your build quickly, many players search for elden ring items buy options to save time and jump straight into the action. Platforms like MMOEXP offer a convenient way to acquire runes, weapons, armor, and crafting materials, helping you finish your build faster and spend more time dominating invasions and PvP encounters.