Today we're diving into one of the most explosive and underrated setups in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree-the Redmane Ashes of War build. It's a fiery, high-strength setup that blends brute force Elden Ring Items, timing, and aggression to absolutely demolish both bosses and PvP opponents alike.
Let's break down how it works, what makes it so satisfying, and how you can tweak it for your own style.
The Concept-Power Through Fire and Fury
At its core, this is a strength-based build enhanced by fire-infused weapons and Redmane-style Ashes of War. These Ashes are all about offense-wide swings, high stagger potential, and raw aggression. Yet despite their versatility, they've been massively underrated by most players.
Here's why decided to center an entire build around them:
Flame of the Redmane: An AoE (area of effect) powerhouse that travels far and hits like a truck. Perfect for crowd control, invasions, or breaking through defensive opponents chasing you down.
Lion's Claw: The OG Redmane skill. Fast, ferocious, and perfect for trading. You flip forward and pancake your opponent-easily one of the most rewarding Ashes for aggressive players.
Savage Lionclaw: A deceptive variation that catches even experienced opponents off guard. You can delay the second flip to mess with timing, baiting dodges and punishing rolls.
Roaring Bash (Golden Lion Shield): A defensive but deadly option that blasts through shields and trades safely if timed right. Ideal against turtle players or anyone who relies too heavily on blocking.
All of these skills deal fire damage, synergizing perfectly with buffs and tears that amplify flame output. The result? A molten onslaught of damage that looks flashy and hits harder than most colossal weapons.
The Weapon Setup-Freya's Greatsword for Maximum Firepower
The key to pushing this build to its full potential lies in one often-overlooked weapon: Freya's Greatsword.
Why is it so good? Because it gives a 10% bonus to Ash of War damage just by being equipped-even if you're not actively wielding it. You can keep it in your off-hand slot, and your Ashes will still get the boost. Sadly, having two Freya's Greatswords doesn't double the effect (yes, that's been tested), but that one passive buff alone is worth it.
Pair this with any of the following main-hand weapons, depending on your playstyle:
Colossal Sword for heavy trading and high stagger potential.
Great Hammer for wide AoE and massive poise damage.
Fire Knight's Sword for a balanced, faster-paced approach.
All of these can be fire-infused, scaling beautifully with Flame Grant Me Strength and other buffs.
Stats and Build Breakdown
This setup is primarily a Strength build, with just enough Faith (15 points) to cast key incantations.
Stat Priorities:
Vigor: 55+-you'll be trading hits often, so you need to tank.
Strength: 60+-the core of your damage scaling.
Endurance: 30–35-Redmane weapons are heavy, and stamina is vital for chaining attacks.
Faith: 15-just enough for Flame Grant Me Strength.
Buffs, Tears, and Talisman Choices
To crank up your damage output to absolute maximum, here's what you'll want to run:
Flask of Wondrous Physick
Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts all fire damage by a huge margin.
Strength-Knot Crystal Tear: Adds even more raw physical power.
Key Buffs
Flame Grant Me Strength: Boosts both physical and fire attack power-essential.
Golden Vow (optional): Extra defense and attack for tough fights.
Talisman Loadout
1.Shard of Alexander-Boosts skill damage, vital for all Ashes of War users.
2.Two-Handed Sword Talisman-Increases heavy melee damage when two-handing weapons.
3.Great-Jar's Arsenal-Expands equip load for those monstrous Redmane weapons.
4.Erdtree's Favor +2-A staple for boosting HP, stamina, and equip load.
If you prefer heavier fashion or an extra weapon on your back (like Freya's Greatsword), you'll need the Great-Jar's Arsenal to stay below the fat-roll threshold.As for the rest, prioritize Poise and Fire Defense without sacrificing too much mobility. Heavy sets like Bull-Goat or Veteran's Armor are solid options if you want to fully embrace the Redmane warrior aesthetic.
PvP Highlights-Invasions, Chaos, and Fire Everywhere
One of the best parts of this build is how fun it is in invasions. Whether you're at Hero's Grave dodging chariots, battling in Volcano Manor rooftops, or clashing at the Mountaintop of the Giants, the Redmane build thrives in chaos.
Hero's Grave Madness: Invading while dodging chariots mid-fight, using Flame of the Redmane to control choke points. Even chaos becomes strategic with AoE fire zoning.
Volcano Manor Mayhem: Group fights where pre-aiming Flame of the Redmane into corridors resulted in double kills. The range often surprises players who think they're safe behind pillars.
Academy Duels: Savage Lionclaw's delayed flip catching rolling mages mid-cast-the perfect example of how timing and unpredictability make this build deadly.
Mountaintop Frost Fights: Even in rain or frost zones that weaken fire, this build can still dominate through sheer strength and poise-breaking potential.
And when things get personal? The Golden Lion Shield's Roaring Bash shines. It breaks through shields and delivers safe trades that can combo directly into a Flame of the Redmane or heavy attack finisher.
PvE Viability-Melting Bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree
In PvE, this build is a monster. The wide AoE fire skills can clear mobs efficiently, and bosses are often staggered by Lion's Claw or Flame of the Redmane after just a few hits.
Pairing Freya's Greatsword with a Fire Colossal Weapon lets you burst down enemies in record time, especially after activating all buffs. The build's versatility also means you can handle everything from dragons to humanoid bosses without changing gear.
Just remember: the Flame of the Redmane deals massive posture damage, making it perfect for setups that exploit critical hit windows.
Why the Redmane Build Works So Well
There's something uniquely satisfying about this setup-it's not just powerful, it's visually awesome. You're flipping through the air, roaring through shields, and unleashing explosions of fire with every swing.
Here's why it's so strong:
Multi-scenario utility: Every Ash has a niche-AoE, trading, shield breaking, or baiting.
Buff synergy: All fire-infused skills stack with Flame Grant Me Strength and the Flame-Shrouding Tear.
Accessibility: Works well even without min-maxed gear.
Style: It's easily one of the most cinematic builds in the game.
Final Thoughts-A Forgotten Classic Reignited
By combining the game's flashiest Ashes of War with raw Strength scaling and fire synergy, you get a setup that's deadly, creative, and just plain enjoyable.
So if you're tired of Rivers of Blood spam or boring poke duels-grab your Freya's Greatsword, channel your inner lion best site to buy elden ring items, and bring the heat.