In the expansive universe of Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, the Ash of War Carian Sovereignty emerges as one of the most dramatic and impactful tools you can wield. Choosing the best weapon for Carian Sovereignty is a critical decision for players aiming to maximise damage, utilise hyperarmor frames, or deliver punishing stance breaks. Whether your build focuses on intelligence, magic, or even strength hybridisation, the right weapon paired with Carian Sovereignty can turn ordinary encounters into spectacular oneshot opportunities. This topic dives into weapon eligibility, criteria for selection, toptier options, and build strategies to unlock the full potential of Carian Sovereignty for both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Understanding Carian Sovereignty and Weapon Compatibility
The Ash of War Carian Sovereignty transforms a compatible sword into a magicaffinity armament that unleashes a powerful overhead slash into a followup horizontal sweep, both of which can be charged for additional potency. contentReference[oaicite3] Compatibility is broad, covering weapons such as straight swords, katanas, curved swords, greatswords, twinblades, great katanas, heavy thrusting swords, and more but excluding colossal weapons. contentReference[oaicite4]
Why Weapon Choice Matters
While any compatible sword can technically carry this Ash, the effectiveness of Carian Sovereignty is highly dependent on weapon attributes and auxiliary factors such as hyperarmor, reach, upgrade level, infusion, and your character’s attribute spread. Higher reach improves hit consistency, stronger hyperarmor grants safer animation windows, and better scaling allows the magic damage from the skill to shine. According to the wiki, when fully charged the skill deals high magic damage and adds significant stance damage 48 from the initial swing, an additional 45 from the followup totaling 93. contentReference[oaicite5]
Criteria for Selecting the Best Weapon
Before listing recommended weapons, here are the key criteria to assess when choosing the best weapon for Carian Sovereignty.
HyperArmor and Animation Safety
Because Carian Sovereignty involves a long windup and execution animation, using a weapon type with generous hyperarmor frames is advantageous. Greatswords, curved greatswords, and heavy thrusting swords offer some of the highest hyperarmor for this skill. contentReference[oaicite6]
Reach and HitBox Advantage
Long reach allows the skill to connect from safer distances, reducing the window for enemy interruption. Weapons like greatswords and curved greatswords often excel here.
Infusion and Magic Scaling
Since Carian Sovereignty’s damage is classified as magic affinity, weapons that benefit strongly from Intelligence scaling become prime candidates. Weapons infused with Magic or Cold affinity and upgraded to high levels complement the skill’s design. contentReference[oaicite7]
Upgrade Level and Attachment Compatibility
Older or lower tier weapons might not scale as strongly. Choosing a weapon you can fully upgrade and pair with talismans, buffs, and tears maximises performance.
Top Weapon Recommendations for Carian Sovereignty
Here are several standout weapons that synergize extremely well with Carian Sovereignty, each with its own strengths depending on your build focus.
Claymore
- Offers large reach, solid hyperarmor, and versatile upgrade paths.
- Excellent for intelligence builds combining magical weapon skills and melee attacks. contentReference[oaicite8]
- Great for bosses with stagger windows and strong vs heavy foes.
Greatswords / Curved Greatswords
- Provide maximum hyperarmor protection when executing the skill, reducing the chance of being interrupted. contentReference[oaicite9]
- High reach improves safety and hit consistency.
Katanas or Curved Swords (for skillcentric builds)
- While they offer less hyperarmor, they enable more mobility and faster transitions into Carian Sovereignty.
- Ideal for hybrid or agile intelligence builds where you swap between spells and the skill swiftly.
Build Tips and Support Equipment
To maximise the best weapon for Carian Sovereignty, you must combine it with the right stat allocation, talismans, and buffs. Here are practical suggestions
Stat Allocation
- High Intelligence Since the skill deals full magic damage, prioritise INT to boost output. contentReference[oaicite10]
- Moderate Vigor and Endurance To survive long animations and maintain stamina for followups.
- Strength/Dexterity Only required to meet weapon minimums unless you plan hybridising.
Talismans and Buffs
- Shard of AlexanderBoosts weapon skill damage. contentReference[oaicite11]
- Godfrey IconFurther increases charged skill damage. contentReference[oaicite12]
- Magic Scorpion CharmRaises magic damage at the cost of defence. contentReference[oaicite13]
- Use buffs like Terra Magica or MagicShrouding Cracked Tear for extra damage during skill execution. contentReference[oaicite14]
Tactical Use
Use the initial overhead slash as bait many opponents dodge prematurely expecting a slow attack. Then unleash the followup for devastating damage. Playing near corners or in tight spaces can help land the hit. contentReference[oaicite15]
Considerations and Limitations
Even with the best weapon and perfect build, Carian Sovereignty has limitations. Understanding them helps you avoid frustration.
- Slow animation and charge time Opens you up to interruption without hyperarmor. contentReference[oaicite16]
- High FP cost (30 initially, 12 for followup) and significant Stamina requirement depending on weapon type. contentReference[oaicite17]
- Less effective against highly mobile foes or when you fail to connect the followup.
- Requires investment in intelligence scaling, weapon upgrades, and supporting gear.
The Ash of War Carian Sovereignty stands as one of the most potent weapon skills in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. But to unlock its full potential, selecting the best weapon is crucial. Whether you choose the Claymore for its versatility, a greatsword for maximum hyperarmor, or a katana for faster transitions what matters most is how your build supports it. Focus on high Intelligence, quality upgrades, talismans that boost skill damage, and a tactical approach to execution. With the right weapon and build, you’ll wield Carian Sovereignty not just as a tool, but as a gamechanging weapon capable of turning the tide in bosses, invasions, or PvE encounters. Ready your blade and prepare for sovereignty.