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Marais Executioner’s Swordwas already a demi-god shredding chainsaw inthe base gameofElden Ring. Using its Ash of War felt like you were tearing through bosses with a massive drill rather than a Greatsword. With the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, this weapon has gotten a few new toys to play with that make it an even better deity-destroying armament than it previously was.
If you’ve been looking for a good weapon that can pulverize bosses into ground beef, then Marais Executioner’s Sword is just the weapon you’re looking for. Its Ash of War has a unique blend of mechanics that make it perfect to power up with just the right build. Here’s a guide to show you how to build this weapon so you can tear through bosses without breaking a sweat. .
Pros
Cons
- Unique combination of mechanics in Ash of War makes it great to buff
- Long charge time
- High base damage
- Stuck in Ash of War animation for a while
- Deals Magic and Physical damage
- Requires high Arcane to use
- Decent reach
- It’s okay for PvP
Best used for PvE
Final hit of Ash of War can be canceled with a roll
Marais Executioner’s Sword is a legendary greatsword with a decent moveset behind it, but its real draw is its Ash of War –Eochaid’s Dancing Blade Skill. If you tap the Ash of War button, it’ll quickly send the sword out directly in front of you and spin like a drill. Your Tarnished will then take the weapon back into their hands and swipe at the enemy once. This attack can be charged by holding down the Ash of War button to deal more hits. Since this attack is chargeable, hits in rapid succession, counts as a dance, and deals a significant chunk of magic damage,Eochaid’s Dancing Blade has several different routes to buffits already high damageto reach its infamously boss-shredding potential.
However, despite its mind-blowing damage, there are still a few weaknesses to take into account when you’re building this weapon. The Ash of War must be fully charged to deal the damage you’re building for. This meansyour Tarnished will be stuck in the same spot during the charge animation and stuck in the same spot while the animation plays out.Against enemy Tarnished, Eochaid’s Dancing Blade will leave you painfully vulnerable if they dodge the drill or interrupt you while you’re charging. You could use the fast version of this Ash of War, but it’s still easy for most opponents to dodge since it only attacks the area directly in front of you. In PvE, standing still for its attack can be problematic since you still have to find the right time and place to charge up the attack without your targets interrupting you.
Despite those downsides, Marais Executioner’s Sword is still a good weapon. If you’re helping a friend fight off an invader, the Executioner’s Sword can still catch an invader off-guard if they get sloppy. High poise, careful timing, and good spacing can also help make up for the long charge time leading into the attack. Butthis weapon truly shines in PvE where big-bodied, slow enemies will give you plenty of opportunities to let a fully charged drill rip through them.
Best Off-hand Weapon with Marais Executioner’s Sword.
There are a few different options to use in your off-hand. If you prefer to stay behind a shield, a Great Shield without an Ash of War is a great option since it gives you the opportunity to block attacks until you see a good opening to use Eochaid’s Dancing Blade.
A second greatswordto powerstance this weapon can also help your damage output if you’re up against a faster enemy, or if that’s your preferred style into PvP. A Bleed Iron Greatsword in particular strikes a good balance of damage and inflicting bleed damage, which you can use for bleed-based buffs likeLord of Blood’s Exultation, or just to get more value out of your high Arcane stat.
The Madding Hand is here just for its ability to buff your damage. Even if you don’t have the stats for it, equip the Madding Hand to your off-hand and use a seal in your main hand. Use Shabriri’s Howl until you’re inflicted with Madness, then swap your main hand back to Marais Executioner’s Greatsword. If you plan on two-handing this Greatsword and investing into a madness build, this is the perfect off-hand weapon to get even more damage out of your build.
50 - 60
20+
80
14
20 if you’re going over level 150
33 if you’re going over level 150
Arcane
50
At level 150, you’ll want to focus on reaching80 Strengthand50 Arcane. This will reach the soft cap for both stats, and you’ll maximize how much damage Marais Executioner’s Sword will deal. If you plan to go over level 150, look forincreasing Faith up to 33so you can useHowl of Shabriri,Black Dumpling,Madding Hand, andAged One’s Exultationfor a massive boost to your overall damage.
If you have any points to spare, having 20 intelligence isn’t a bad idea just to get access toTerra Magica. This is a spell that increases all magic damage dealt in its sigil, including from melee weapons. Since Marais Executioner’s Sword also deals magic damage, thisresults in a staggering 22.5% increase in your magic damage.
Best Armor for Marais Executioner’s Sword
InShadow of the Erdtree, Tarnished gained access to the Dancer’s set, anew special armorset thatincreases the damage of all dancing attacks by 2.5% for each piece worn.You can wear the gloves, boots and chest piece for an 7.5% increase to Eochaid’s Dancing Blade’s damage. For your helmet, wear either theWhite MaskorBlack Dumplingdepending on whether you want to try using bleed or madness for an additional damage buff.
If you don’t plan to use bleed or madness, you can use theRakshasa Helmor theDancer’s Hoodto increase your damage. Rakshasa is better if you want a more general increase to your damage, while the Dancer’s Hood is better if you want to focus on just your Ash of War’s damage.
Best Talismans For Marais Executioner’s Sword
Millicent’s Prosthesis/Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
BothMillicent’s Prosthesisand theRotten Winged Sword Insigniashine in almost any build that wants to attack quickly and often, it has a particular home with the Marais Executioner’s Sword. Since Eochaid’s Dancing Blade deals so many hits so quickly, it’s fairly easy to activate both of these talismans in a single activation of your Ash of War.
you may only get one of these talismans per game since you can only completeMillicent’s Questonce. Getting both requires you to enter New Game+.
Shard of Alexander
This talisman is practically a staple Marais Executioner’s Sword. Since the majority of your damage comes from your Ash of War, Shard of Alexander is a straightforward 15% damage buff for your build.
Godfrey’s Icon
Godfrey’s Icon increases the damage of all charged attacks by 15%. Tor all intents and purposes, this talisman is practically a second copy of Shard of Alexander for Marais Executioner’s Sword. Ifyou’re playing PvPhowever, this talisman’s slot can be a flex spot since you won’t be landing too many full-charged Ash of War attacks against player-controlled Tarnished.
Aged One’s Exultation
TheAged One’s Exultationtalisman is best used with a madness build for huge, chunky damage. Combine this talisman with theBlack Dumplinghelmet,Madding Hand, andHowl of Shabririso you can get the biggest buff possible. With all of these items combined, you’ll receive a 55% increase to your damage after inflicting madness on yourself through Howl.
While this talisman and the madness tools are good, this is only useful if you’re willing to put in the faith investment forHowl of Shabriri. Otherwise,this talisman is a subpar choice if you want to use a build that focuses on something else other than madness. In that case, you may replace it with theLord of Blood’s Exultationif you plan on using Bleed instead, or aMagic Scorpion Charmif you’re looking to increase your Magic damage.
