Mounted Combat — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide

Mounted Combat — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide

Mounted combat in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree allows players to engage enemies while riding their spectral steed, Torrent. This mechanic offers new tactical advantages, enabling faster traversal, hit-and-run tactics, and unique attack opportunities against certain foes.

Torrent, your trusty spectral steed, returns in Shadow of the Erdtree, and with him comes the ability to engage in mounted combat. This is not merely a means of faster travel; it's a distinct combat style that opens up new strategic possibilities. Mounted combat is particularly effective for dealing with large, open areas, quickly closing the distance on ranged enemies, or escaping dangerous situations. The key to mastering mounted combat lies in understanding Torrent's movement, his attack capabilities, and how to effectively combine them with your own arsenal.

Using Torrent in Combat:

• Summoning Torrent: Torrent can be summoned using the Spectral Steed Whistle at almost any time outside of combat or in desated areas.
• Movement and Evasion: Torrent's double-jump ability is invaluable for dodging large enemy attacks, traversing difficult terrain, and reaching elevated positions.
• Hit-and-Run Tactics: The most common strategy involves charging at an enemy, landing a few quick attacks, and then quickly retreating to safety before they can retaliate.
• Targeting: When mounted, your targeting can sometimes be more challenging. Lock-on is still your friend, but be prepared to manually adjust your aim.

Attacking While Mounted:

1. Weapon Attacks: You can use most of your equipped weapons while on Torrent. Lighter weapons allow for quicker strikes, while heavier weapons can deliver more impactful blows.
2. Mounted Skills: Some Ashes of War are particularly effective when used from horseback, offering unique sweeping attacks or charges.
3. Torrent's Attacks: While Torrent himself doesn't directly attack, his movement and the player's attacks from his back are what constitute mounted combat.
4. Stance Breaking: Repeated charges and attacks on horseback can contribute to breaking an enemy's stance, opening them up for a mounted critical hit.

When to Use Mounted Combat:

• Open Areas: Ideal for traversing large, open fields where enemies are spread out.
• Against Large Enemies: Useful for attacking the weak points of colossal foes or for quickly evading their massive attacks.
• Hit-and-Run: Effective against enemies with slow attack animations or those that are difficult to approach on foot.
• Escaping Danger: If you find yourself overwhelmed, summoning Torrent is often the quickest way to disengage and regroup.

While mounted combat offers significant advantages, it also comes with its own set of risks. Torrent can be staggered or even killed, leaving you vulnerable. Therefore, it's crucial to use this mechanic strategically and know when to dismount and engage on foot.