The Dry Leaf katana in Elden Ring boasts a unique moveset focused on swift attacks and skillful evasion. Choosing the right Ash of War can significantly enhance its already potent capabilities, transforming your playstyle and maximizing its effectiveness in combat. But with so many options, finding the best Ash of War can feel overwhelming. This guide will explore the top contenders, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes an Ash of War Ideal for Dry Leaf?
Before diving into specific Ashes of War, let's consider what qualities make an Ash of War a good fit for the Dry Leaf katana. The weapon's inherent speed and agility lend themselves well to Ashes that complement these attributes. We want Ashes that either enhance its already impressive speed or provide utility that supports a mobile, aggressive playstyle. Avoid Ashes that slow you down or lock you into lengthy animations, as they negate the Dry Leaf's key strengths.
Top Ash of War Contenders for Dry Leaf
Here are some of the best Ashes of War to consider, categorized for clarity:
1. Bloodhound's Step:
This incredibly popular Ash of War provides unmatched mobility. Its short iframe (invincibility window) and quick repositioning capabilities perfectly synergize with the Dry Leaf's fast attacks, allowing you to weave through enemy attacks with ease, creating openings for devastating strikes. Bloodhound's Step's ability to drastically improve survivability makes it a top contender. It's particularly useful against bosses with sweeping attacks or fast-paced enemy encounters.
2. Lion's Claw:
For a more aggressive approach, Lion's Claw offers a powerful jump attack that deals significant damage. The upward trajectory can catch enemies off guard and set up follow-up attacks with the Dry Leaf's quick slashes. While less focused on evasiveness than Bloodhound's Step, Lion's Claw boosts your damage output and creates kill opportunities.
3. Golden Vow:
While not directly enhancing attack power or speed, Golden Vow offers a significant buff to both attack power and defense. This can be incredibly useful for players focusing on a straightforward, aggressive Dry Leaf build. Golden Vow is a solid choice if you prefer a more straightforward, high-damage approach and are less concerned with intricate dodging and repositioning.
4. Unsheathe:
Unsheathe offers a quick and powerful attack that bypasses shields. Its fast start-up makes it an effective option for interrupting enemy attacks and dealing substantial damage. While less versatile than some other options, Unsheathe's focus on raw damage and shield piercing makes it a solid option. It excels in scenarios where you need to burst down enemies rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best Ashes of War for bleed builds?
Several Ashes of War synergize well with bleed builds, particularly those that increase attack speed or add more hits to a combo. While not exclusive to bleed, Bloodhound's Step still offers significant benefits by allowing you to reposition for optimal bleed application. Ashes that add bleed effects themselves are also good choices.
Are there any Ashes of War that improve Dry Leaf's range?
The Dry Leaf katana's range is limited by its design. No Ash of War significantly increases its reach. However, Bloodhound's Step can help you close the gap on enemies more efficiently.
Which Ash of War is best for PvP with Dry Leaf?
For PvP, Bloodhound's Step and Lion's Claw remain top contenders. Bloodhound's Step provides incredible mobility and evasion, crucial for surviving aggressive opponents. Lion's Claw’s damage output and unique attack trajectory can create surprising openings. The choice often depends on your preferred playstyle.
Should I use a different weapon art altogether?
Ultimately, the "best" Ash of War depends on individual playstyles and preferences. Experimentation is key! Try out different Ashes of War to see what suits you best.
This guide provides a solid starting point for choosing the best Ash of War for your Dry Leaf build in Elden Ring. Remember that the optimal choice depends heavily on your playstyle and desired approach to combat. Experiment and discover the perfect synergy that maximizes your Dry Leaf katana's potential!
