In Elden Ring, facing down towering bosses with unpredictable attack patterns and devastating power is part of what makes the game so enthralling. Every battle is a test of skill, strategy, and preparation. As someone who’s spent well over 300 hours exploring the Lands Between, I’ve found that victory often hinges on choosing the right tool for the job—whether that’s a powerful Weapon Art or a carefully selected Elden Ring item.
In this article, I’ll share five personal strategies where I’ve compared Weapon Arts to Item Use in some of the game’s toughest encounters. Whether you're looking to master Ashes of War or optimize your Elden Ring inventory items buy decisions, these insights are meant to help you fight smarter and survive longer.
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Radagon of the Golden Order – Weapon Art: Flaming Strike vs. Item: Fire Grease
Radagon is notoriously resistant to magic, which forced me to switch to fire-based tactics. I tried both Flaming Strike, a fire-imbued Weapon Art, and Fire Grease, a consumable item that temporarily adds fire damage to a weapon. Flaming Strike came out on top in terms of consistency and damage output, especially since it can be reapplied quickly and costs only FP instead of a limited item. However, in situations where FP was low, Fire Grease served as a useful backup—highlighting how important it is to have both options ready in your Elden Ring inventory. -
Malenia, Blade of Miquella – Weapon Art: Bloodhound’s Finesse vs. Item: Preserving Boluses
Malenia is one of the most punishing bosses due to her lifesteal mechanic and Scarlet Rot abilities. While Bloodhound’s Finesse helped me stay agile and land quick hits, surviving the fight often came down to my use of Preserving Boluses. These Elden Ring items were essential for resisting Scarlet Rot during her second phase. I learned the hard way that sometimes the right item can be more valuable than any flashy Weapon Art—especially when managing status effects. -
Morgott, the Omen King – Weapon Art: Lion’s Claw vs. Item: Wondrous Physick Mix
When fighting Morgott, I experimented with Lion’s Claw to break his posture quickly. It worked, but the real game-changer was using a customized Wondrous Physick mix that gave me temporary immunity to stagger and boosted my poise. This allowed me to trade hits more effectively and stand my ground. It’s a great example of how combining a good Weapon Art with a smart item choice creates a synergistic strategy. -
Godfrey, First Elden Lord – Weapon Art: Cragblade vs. Item: Defense-Boosting Talismans
Godfrey's aggressive style made it difficult to use some slower Weapon Arts, but Cragblade, which increases poise damage, worked wonders in staggering him. Yet, during his second phase as Hoarah Loux, I needed more defense. That’s where talismans like the Dragoncrest Greatshield came into play. While not a consumable item, managing your Elden Ring inventory items buy decisions to include such talismans before the fight was crucial for success. -
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy – Weapon Art: Serpent-Hunter Spear (Unique) vs. Item: HP Recovery
The game gives you the Serpent-Hunter spear for this fight, and its built-in Weapon Art is tailor-made for dealing with Rykard’s massive health pool. However, what saved me during his second phase was good timing on HP-restoring items like the Blessed Dew Talisman and Crimson Flask upgrades. In long fights, having reliable recovery from your inventory can mean the difference between victory and a frustrating defeat.
From my experience, the most effective strategy in Elden Ring bosses is balancing powerful Weapon Arts with situational item use. While many players are drawn to the visual flair and damage potential of Weapon Arts, don’t underestimate the value of a well-prepared inventory. Knowing when to use Elden Ring items can often tip the scales in your favor.
If you're struggling with a particular boss, take a closer look at your loadout. Consider exploring the various Elden Ring inventory items buy options available from vendors or online marketplaces like U4GM. Whether it’s a stat-boosting consumable or an immunity talisman, the right item can complement your Weapon Art and complete your build.
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