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An In-Depth Analysis of Flails in Elden Ring: Ranking from Worst to Best

Introduction

In Elden Ring, weapon choice can significantly affect gameplay, allowing players to craft unique builds that cater to their playstyle. Among the diverse array of weapon classes, flails stand out as a particularly polarizing choice. While they possess unique characteristics, flails often struggle to find their niche compared to other weapon classes like hammers and axes. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the performance and utility of flails, ranking all six types from worst to best based on their effectiveness in Elden Ring Runes Player vs. Environment (PvE) scenarios.


The Downside of Flails

Flails are a weapon class that, despite their distinctive design, often fall short when it comes to performance. The primary issue lies in their damage output and utility compared to other heavy weapon classes. Hammers and axes generally outperform flails in terms of damage, weapon skills, and special attributes. For instance, axes excel in damage output, while hammers deliver rapid heavy attacks and superior stance-breaking capabilities. Flails, by contrast, lack unique strengths that would justify their use over these other weapons.

While flails can deal decent damage, they typically deliver less than hammers and axes, making them less appealing options. Their heavy attacks are notably slow, and in some cases, flails' charged heavy attacks are even slower than those of colossal weapons. This sluggishness detracts from their viability in fast-paced combat scenarios, particularly against agile enemies.

Although flails boast good guard counters, they still fall short compared to hammers, which provide better damage output in similar scenarios. The only advantage that flails possess is their tendency to cause bleed damage, which is desirable in many builds. However, since there are bleed-inflicting axes and hammers available, players may find it more beneficial to use those weapons instead.


Ranking the Flails from Worst to Best

With the above context in mind, let’s rank the flails in Elden Ring, considering their performance and utility in PvE.

6. Night Rider's Flail

The Night Rider's Flail is the highest damaging dexterity-infusable flail in the game. However, its high dexterity requirement of 24 makes it less accessible, particularly early in the game. Although it can outclass the regular flail in terms of damage, acquiring this weapon requires defeating a boss, which may not be worth the effort. In contrast, the regular flail can be found at the start of the game and has lower requirements, making it a viable early-game option for bleed procs.

Unfortunately, the Night Rider's Flail lacks any unique attributes that would elevate its status among other flails. It shares the same move set as other flails but lacks special effects that make it stand out. Additionally, it doesn’t offer any bonus damage when used on horseback, which is a missed opportunity, especially since other weapons have that capability.

5. Regular Flail

The regular flail is a more accessible option, allowing players to obtain it right at the beginning of the game. Although it has lower damage potential compared to the Night Rider's Flail, its ease of access makes it a valuable tool for early-game exploration. The spinning chain weapon skill, while not an Ash of War, provides decent passive bleed, making it a decent early-game weapon.

However, just like the Night Rider's Flail, the regular flail suffers from a lack of uniqueness. Other weapons can provide better options for bleed effects without the high dexterity requirement. The lack of an infusion option limits its versatility, especially considering there are better bleed weapons readily available.

4. Chain Link Flail

The Chain Link Flail stands out as the best of the infusible flails. With improved damage output compared to the other flails, it is a more competitive option for strength builds or when using occult infusions. However, it still cannot hold a candle to bleed-based hammers or axes in terms of damage or stance-breaking capabilities.

What makes the Chain Link Flail somewhat appealing is its versatility in terms of infusions and weapon skills. It retains the spinning chain skill, which, while not groundbreaking, can still be useful in specific scenarios. However, it still suffers from the same move set issues as the other flails, leaving players wanting more.

3. Family Heads

The Family Heads flail introduces a split magic damage type that allows for some unique gameplay strategies. Its best scaling comes from dexterity, making it an interesting choice for hybrid builds. The weapon skill, Familial Rankle, unleashes a damaging projectile that tracks enemies effectively, making it a decent option for ranged attacks.

However, its reliance on intelligence for scaling hampers its overall performance. Players may find themselves forced to invest in multiple stats, which can dilute build effectiveness. Additionally, while the projectile skill can be powerful, it requires careful positioning to ensure maximum damage, which may not always be feasible in chaotic fights.

2. Bastard Stars

The Bastard Stars represent a solid choice for players interested in a magic-oriented flail. With impressive scaling for intelligence and dexterity, it provides a balance of magical and physical damage. The weapon skill, Nebula, allows players to launch a quick attack that leaves a lingering area of effect (AOE) damage. This versatility makes it a useful option for dealing with multiple enemies simultaneously.

However, the Bastard Stars must compete with the Wing of Estelle, which offers superior performance due to its skill's efficiency and lower FP cost. Despite this competition, the Bastard Stars still stand out as a powerful weapon, particularly for players who favor magic-infused builds.

1. Serpent Flail

Claiming the top spot is the Serpent Flail, the lone DLC flail. This weapon offers a unique combination of fire and physical damage, allowing for high damage potential, especially in builds focused on faith. Its skill, Flare o' Serpent, provides a significant fire damage boost for a short duration, making it an effective option for burst damage.

Additionally, the AOE explosion caused by slamming the weapon on the ground can lead to impressive damage and stance-breaking capabilities. This dual utility is a significant factor in its ranking. Players can build around faith to maximize the Serpent Flail's potential, taking advantage of its unique characteristics to create a potent offensive weapon.


Conclusion

In conclusion, while flails in Elden Ring have potential, they often struggle against the better-performing weapons in the game. The lack of unique characteristics, slow heavy attacks, and high dexterity requirements make them less appealing compared to hammers and axes. However, with the right build and playstyle, players can still create viable setups utilizing these weapons.

Ultimately, the rankings highlight that while flails may not be the top choice formost players, they can still provide an interesting and unique experience for those willing to invest the time and effort into mastering them. As the game continues to Elden Ring Items for sale evolve, it would be exciting to see how future updates and DLC might enhance or rework these underperforming weapons. Until then, players should weigh their options carefully and consider the strengths of other weapon classes to optimize their Elden Ring experience.
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