As a veteran Elden Ring player, I’ve been spending some serious time testing Power Stance Great Spears (PSGs) following the patch 1.12 update in the DLC. The changes to damage and tracking have noticeably shifted how this weapon setup functions, and understanding these nuances is crucial if you want to stay competitive in both PvP and PvE encounters.
Tracking Nerf and Gameplay Implications
One of the most significant updates is the tracking nerf. Previously, PSGs could reliably hit enemies mid-air or during quick directional changes, but now vertical tracking feels inconsistent. The inability to execute a 180-degree turn while locked-on forces players to play unlocked more often, which impacts precision. For those accustomed to spacing opponents effectively, this patch can feel clunky and less rewarding.
In PvP, I noticed repeated instances where attacks didn’t connect as expected. Jumping R2s that once shattered hyper armor now sometimes fail against enemies with strong poise. While PSGs are still capable of out-trading certain opponents, positioning and timing have become even more critical.
Strategic Adjustments for PSG Users
Given the new limitations, there are several tactical adjustments worth considering:
Unlock More Often: Playing unlocked allows you to compensate for reduced tracking and perform larger directional swings, crucial for maintaining offensive pressure.
Focus on Poise and Hyper Armor Counters: With jump attacks less reliable against heavily armored foes, investing in gear and buffs that increase poise can make or break a duel.
Utilize Ranged Disruption: Combining PSGs with ranged options, like flame strike or other Ashes of War, helps control engagements, especially against multiple opponents.
Rune Farming and Resource Management
Another aspect often overlooked in high-level play is rune management. Many players underestimate the value of efficient rune farming, which can directly impact your ability to upgrade weapons and survive tough encounters. If you’re looking to level up quickly, there are reliable ways to buy Elden Ring runes without resorting to tedious grinding. Opting for affordable Elden Ring runes can save you time and allow you to invest in essential upgrades, including enhancing your PSG setup to offset the patch nerfs.
Observations from Recent PvP Sessions
During extended PvP testing, the variability in latency and hyper armor interactions became apparent. Opponents with high latency often bypassed PSG setups entirely, making encounters unpredictable. This highlights the importance of adaptive playstyles—switching weapons mid-fight, employing buffs, or leveraging environmental advantages can turn the tide in your favor.
Despite the challenges introduced by patch 1.12, PSGs remain a viable and rewarding weapon choice, especially for players who value timing, positioning, and precision. The key takeaway is that while direct damage output might be reduced, strategic mastery can still make PSGs a formidable force.
Patch 1.12 has certainly altered the landscape for Power Stance Great Spears, emphasizing adaptability over raw power. To stay effective, players must adjust their positioning, consider poise-focused builds, and leverage both melee and ranged tactics. Efficient rune management, including options to buy Elden Ring runes or seek affordable Elden Ring runes, can further enhance your build and sustain high-level play. Mastery now depends not just on mechanics but on smart resource use and strategic thinking.
