Charged heavy attacks in Elden Ring are often overlooked by many players, especially those who prefer faster weapons or magic builds. But with proper timing, build optimization, and understanding of enemy behavior, charged heavy attacks can be one of the most devastating tools in your arsenal. In this guide, I’ll share personal experience, practical tips, and some expert-level insights to help you dominate with this powerful mechanic.

Why Charged Heavy Attacks Matter

Charged heavy attacks (R2/RT hold) deal significantly more poise damage than standard attacks. This means they can break enemy stances faster, opening them up for a critical hit (riposte) even against tougher foes. They also have extended range and slightly more stagger duration, which is key in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

In my early Elden Ring playthrough, I stuck to quick weapons and spammed light attacks. It wasn’t until I experimented with colossal weapons and two-handed greatswords that I discovered how charged heavy attacks could control the pace of a fight. Suddenly, enemies I once struggled with were falling with a few well-placed strikes.

Best Weapons for Charged Heavy Attacks

Weapons with high base poise damage and a good charge animation benefit the most from this attack type. Here are some top choices:

• Greatsword (Colossal Sword): Massive poise damage and wide arc.

• Ruins Greatsword: Scales well with Strength and hits like a truck.

• Nightreign Greatblade: If you’ve used Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting, you’ll know this weapon becomes even more fearsome with upgrades.

In my build focused on Strength and Endurance, I found the Greatsword’s charged heavy attack could stagger Crucible Knights in just two hits. The key was knowing when to commit to the charge—timing is everything.

How to Use Them Effectively

1. Learn Enemy Patterns: Recognize attack windows. Many enemies have recovery frames that are perfect for charging your strike.

2. Poise Management: Stack armor or talismans like Bull-Goat’s Talisman to avoid interruption during the charge.

3. Buffing Before Striking: Use Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow before charging for a massive boost.

4. Two-Handing Your Weapon: This not only increases poise damage but also speeds up the charge time slightly.

During my fight with the Tree Sentinel in NG+, I used a fully upgraded Nightreign Greatblade. With some stamina management and well-timed heavy charges, I broke its stance repeatedly—making what used to be a nightmare boss feel trivial.

PvP Applications

Charged heavy attacks are high-risk, high-reward in PvP. Here’s how to land them:

• Use Roll-Catch Timing: Anticipate where the opponent will dodge and release the charge accordingly.

• Mix with Feints: Start a charge, cancel into a jump or weapon skill to throw off their reaction.

• Ambush Playstyle: From stealth or behind terrain, a charged heavy can finish off a low-health invader instantly.

A memorable PvP moment was at Castle Sol, where I lured an invader near a corner and landed a fully charged attack with the Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade—one hit, and they were gone.

Farming Runes for Builds

To fully explore this playstyle, you'll need high Strength, upgraded weapons, and quality gear. If farming becomes a grind, many players use cheap Elden Ring runes services to save time and focus on gameplay. Sites like U4GM offer fast and reliable rune delivery, making it easier to experiment with powerful builds.

Mastering charged heavy attacks in Elden Ring changes the way you engage with the world. From breaking elite enemies in seconds to dominating PvP duels, this underrated mechanic can elevate your gameplay. Through personal experience, it’s become my go-to approach—especially with the right weapon, poise strategy, and timing.

So whether you’re trying out Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting weapons or just seeking a fresh style, give charged heavy attacks a real shot. You might be surprised at how satisfying and effective they truly are.

Resource Guide: Elden Ring Beastman of Farum Azula Full Guide