The Carian Phalanx Ash of War is one of the most interesting and strategic weapon skills inElden Ring, a game known for its deep combat system and magical versatility. This Ash of War allows players to summon a series of floating magical swords that automatically target enemies, combining both defense and offense in one elegant spell-like ability. It’s especially loved by players who enjoy hybrid builds mixing magic and melee and those who prefer a tactical approach to battle. Understanding how the Carian Phalanx Ash of War works, how to use it effectively, and where to find it can make a huge difference in your overall gameplay experience.
Understanding the Carian Phalanx Ash of War
The Carian Phalanx is part of the Carian sorcery theme inElden Ring, inspired by the magical knights of the Carian royal family. It mirrors the powerful sorceries of the Carian lineage, particularly those associated with Glintstone magic. The Ash of War version allows you to apply the Carian Phalanx ability to compatible weapons, giving them a temporary ability to summon spectral blades that hover and strike nearby enemies automatically.
Unlike traditional sorceries that require staff and Intelligence scaling, the Carian Phalanx Ash of War is a weapon skill meaning it can be used even by characters who don’t fully specialize in magic. This makes it a flexible choice for players who want access to magic-like effects without fully investing in a mage build.
Effect and Functionality
When activated, the Carian Phalanx Ash of War summons several blue, glowing magical swords that float in a circular pattern above the character. These swords automatically launch at enemies within range, dealing Magic damage on impact. The number of swords and their damage depend on the version of the skill and the weapon it’s applied to.
Key Features
- Magic Damage TypeThe summoned swords deal magic-based damage, effective against heavily armored or physically resistant foes.
- Auto-TargetingOnce summoned, the swords automatically attack enemies that approach, giving the player both defensive and offensive benefits.
- FP CostIt consumes Focus Points (FP) like most Ashes of War. Managing FP is essential for maintaining its utility in prolonged fights.
- Versatile UseIt can be used for both crowd control and preemptive strikes, especially when you expect an enemy ambush.
The Carian Phalanx is also useful in interrupting enemy attacks, especially against aggressive foes that rush toward the player. Its automatic activation means you can focus on dodging or striking while the swords handle the counterattack.
How to Obtain the Carian Phalanx Ash of War
The Carian Phalanx Ash of War can be found in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, an area known for its magical academies and Carian heritage. Players typically encounter this Ash of War through exploration or by defeating specific Teardrop Scarabs small, glowing creatures that drop valuable Ashes of War upon defeat.
General Steps to Find It
- Travel to theLiurnia of the Lakesregion, north of Stormveil Castle.
- Look for a Teardrop Scarab near the Caria Manor or its surrounding woods.
- Defeat the scarab quickly before it disappears or rolls away, and it will drop the Carian Phalanx Ash of War.
Once obtained, you can apply it to compatible weapons at a Site of Grace using the Ashes of War menu. Remember that not all weapons support the same type of Ash; it is usually compatible with swords and certain thrusting weapons.
Best Weapons for Carian Phalanx
Choosing the right weapon to pair with the Carian Phalanx Ash of War greatly enhances its effectiveness. Because it scales with Intelligence when infused with a Magic affinity, it works best with weapons that already benefit from magic scaling.
Recommended Weapons
- BroadswordA balanced weapon that benefits from both physical and magical scaling when infused with Magic affinity.
- Lordsworn’s Straight SwordIdeal for players who want a reliable one-handed weapon with moderate Intelligence investment.
- Rapier or EstocExcellent for precise and fast strikes, complementing the automatic sword barrage from the Carian Phalanx.
- Carian Knight’s SwordPerfect thematic match for this Ash of War, as it already aligns with the Carian magic style.
The combination of a fast weapon and the auto-targeting magical blades allows for dynamic combat. While the floating swords attack enemies at range, the player can close in and deliver physical strikes, creating a blend of offense and defense.
Strategic Uses in Combat
Using the Carian Phalanx Ash of War strategically can give players a major advantage, especially in difficult encounters. Since the magical swords activate automatically, they can serve multiple purposes depending on the situation.
1. Defensive Support
The floating swords act as a protective barrier when facing aggressive enemies. As opponents approach, the swords automatically launch, staggering or damaging them before they can strike. This makes it a valuable tool for melee players who want to add a layer of magical defense.
2. Offensive Burst Damage
The Carian Phalanx can also be used offensively by casting it just before engaging in battle. The moment you enter range, the swords will fly toward enemies, dealing significant initial burst damage. This tactic works especially well in PvE against groups of enemies or bosses with short openings.
3. Ambush Prevention
Exploring dangerous areas often involves surprise attacks from hidden foes. Activating the Carian Phalanx beforehand ensures that ambushing enemies are met with immediate magical retaliation, buying you time to react.
4. PvP Utility
In player-versus-player combat, the Carian Phalanx can pressure opponents to play defensively. The hovering blades force enemies to dodge or retreat, disrupting their rhythm and allowing you to control the tempo of the fight. Experienced players often use it to bait dodges or to punish overly aggressive opponents.
Comparison with Greatblade Phalanx and Glintblade Phalanx
Elden Ringfeatures several variants of the Phalanx skill, each with unique attributes. The Carian Phalanx sits between the lightweight Glintblade Phalanx and the heavier Greatblade Phalanx in terms of power and casting cost.
Key Differences
- Glintblade PhalanxSummons fewer but faster-acting blades. Lower FP cost and quicker activation make it great for fast-paced combat.
- Carian PhalanxA balanced version that offers multiple blades and moderate FP usage. Ideal for general combat situations.
- Greatblade PhalanxSummons fewer but much larger blades that deal heavy damage. Higher FP consumption but devastating power against tough enemies.
The Carian Phalanx strikes an ideal balance, making it suitable for players who want consistent magical support without sacrificing too much FP or mobility.
Tips for Effective Use
To make the most of the Carian Phalanx Ash of War, players should integrate it into their combat strategy thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips for maximizing its potential
- Cast it before entering a combat area to ensure immediate protection and offense.
- Use it in combination with quick melee attacks to chain physical and magical hits.
- Pair it with talismans that enhance sorcery power or FP regeneration for longer use.
- Maintain good timing activating it too early may waste its potential if enemies are far away.
- Combine it with ranged spells like Glintstone Pebble for layered damage effects.
Advantages and Limitations
While the Carian Phalanx Ash of War is highly versatile, it’s not without its drawbacks. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses will help you decide when and how to use it effectively.
Advantages
- Provides both offensive and defensive benefits.
- Scales well with Intelligence and Magic affinity weapons.
- Useful for both PvE exploration and PvP duels.
- Can stagger enemies and interrupt attacks.
Limitations
- Consumes FP, limiting frequent use in low-FP builds.
- Blades have limited range and may miss fast-moving targets.
- Not compatible with every weapon type.
- Requires precise timing to maximize effectiveness.
The Carian Phalanx Ash of War is a brilliant fusion of magic and melee, offering players a powerful tool that enhances both offense and defense. Its ability to summon autonomous magical blades makes it valuable in nearly every combat situation, from solo exploration to intense boss battles. By understanding how to use it strategically from timing activations to choosing the right weapon players can turn the Carian Phalanx into a core component of their battle style. Whether you’re a magic knight, a hybrid fighter, or simply someone who enjoys the elegance of sorcery-infused combat, the Carian Phalanx Ash of War adds a unique and effective dimension to your journey through the world ofElden Ring.