How to Use 14 Elden Ring Items to Break Guard Counters

[RuneFable]

When it comes to mastering combat in Elden Ring, one of the most critical aspects of fighting tougher enemies is learning how to break their guard counters. Guard counters are powerful defensive moves that many bosses and enemies use to punish players who try to attack recklessly. However, with the right items and strategies, you can turn the tables and break through these defenses. Here are 14 Elden Ring items that will help you break guard counters and gain the upper hand in battle.

1. Great Club
The Great Club is one of the heaviest weapons in Elden Ring, and its raw power can easily break through guard counters. When you swing this massive weapon, the force behind each strike can stagger even the toughest enemies, leaving them open for follow-up attacks. Its slow speed is a trade-off for its immense damage output, making it ideal for breaking guards.

2. Colossal Weapons (e.g., Grafted Blade Greatsword)
Colossal weapons like the Grafted Blade Greatsword are perfect for dealing with enemies that rely on guard counters. Their heavy, sweeping strikes deal massive damage and have a high chance of breaking an enemy's guard, especially when you time your attacks carefully during their animation.

3. Ash of War: Lion's Claw
This Ash of War adds a fiery spin to your weapon attacks and is particularly effective at breaking guard counters. The rapid and powerful slashes that come with it can disrupt an enemy’s defense, even if they are blocking. The added fire damage is also a bonus when dealing with enemies vulnerable to fire.

4. Rotten Breath Incantation
While primarily used for its poison-based damage, Rotten Breath can also be useful for breaking guard counters. By forcing enemies to stagger due to poison buildup, you can often interrupt their guard posture and deal significant damage. It works particularly well against enemies that are slow to recover from a poison status.

5. Flame, Grant Me Strength
This incantation increases your attack power and significantly boosts the damage of your weapon strikes. When used alongside heavy or colossal weapons, it can make short work of guard counters by dealing overwhelming damage that exceeds most enemies' ability to block.

6. Rancorcall (Sorcery)
Rancorcall is an excellent sorcery for breaking guard counters. This ranged attack deals piercing damage over time and can hit enemies that are trying to maintain their guard. It’s especially useful for baiting an opponent into blocking while you chip away at their defense from a distance.

7. Stormhawk Axe
The Stormhawk Axe is a great tool for breaking guard counters due to its ability to deal multiple hits quickly. Its high-speed attacks and special ability can stagger enemies, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up strikes. This makes it a solid choice when facing enemies that rely on heavy blocking.

8. Dragon Slayer Spear
The Dragon Slayer Spear is perfect for breaking through guard counters with its thrusting attacks. The long reach allows you to poke at enemies from a safe distance, and the spear’s quick, piercing strikes can break through guards before the enemy has a chance to retaliate.

9. Hoarfrost Stomp
Hoarfrost Stomp is an Ash of War that can be applied to various weapons and causes a frost-based explosion in front of you. This move’s chilling effect not only inflicts status buildup but also interrupts guards, allowing you to follow up with stronger hits. Its wide range and quick application make it ideal for disrupting enemy defenses.

10. Bloodhound Fang
The Bloodhound Fang is an excellent weapon for dealing with guard counters. Its unique ability allows you to perform quick, high-damage strikes that are perfect for breaking through an enemy’s guard. Additionally, it offers some mobility, allowing you to quickly reposition during combat.

11. Radagon's Scarseal
Radagon’s Scarseal boosts your strength and other stats, allowing you to deal more damage with heavy weapons. If you're looking to break guard counters, the additional strength from this talisman can help you land hits that can stagger opponents and break their guard with ease.

12. Ash of War: Beast Roar
This Ash of War creates a powerful, wide-range shockwave that can break through most enemy guards. It’s particularly effective against enemies that block with shields or large weapons. The Beast Roar can be a lifesaver when you're facing multiple enemies or a boss with heavy defenses.

13. Cheap Elden Ring Runes
While not an item in itself, acquiring cheap Elden Ring runes can help you stock up on essential gear and consumables that are useful for breaking guard counters. Runes allow you to upgrade weapons and buy the necessary Ashes of War, making your combat strategies even more effective.

14. Cheap Elden Ring Items
Stocking up on cheap Elden Ring items like buffs and healing consumables will give you more options during fights. Being able to quickly restore health or increase your attack power will give you the edge in a fight, making it easier to push through an enemy's defense and break their guard.


Breaking guard counters in Elden Ring requires a mix of timing, strategy, and the right gear. The 14 items listed here are essential tools to have in your arsenal when dealing with tough opponents that rely on guard counters. Whether you’re wielding heavy weapons or using powerful incantations and sorceries, these items will help you overcome even the most resilient foes. So, stock up on these items, plan your attacks carefully, and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

If you're looking for ways to get these powerful items faster, don't forget that you can always find cheap Elden Ring runes or cheap Elden Ring items to help you get the gear you need for a smoother and more efficient journey.