An Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree lightning build gives you the tools to take down most foes in spectacular fashion, even in Shadow of the Erdtree. Fewer enemies have lightning resistance compared to foes who withstand fire or frost, and the selection of lightning magic is one of the strongest in the game.
Our Elden Ring lightning build guide breaks down the best weapons, recommended stats, and top Incantations for a strong lightning playthrough with several options for all styles.
If you’re after more help, head over to our Shadow of the Erdtree guides hub, where you’ll find tips for completing Ansbach’s quest and explainers for how to duplicate Remembrances and deal with Furnace Golems
Elden Ring is a bit skimpy with its lightning options, so any lightning build is going to either focus on a selection of Incantations or a small number of Ash of War skills for melee weapon users. Or both. Lightning Ash of War skills increase dexterity scaling, so you could feasibly run a Dex/Faith build and have more than one way to fling thunder from heaven at your foes.
Which stats you prioritize depends on what kind of lightning build you run, but unless you’re planning a melee-only run, you’ll want to invest in Faith at least a little bit. That goes double if you opt for the Lightning Perfume Bottle, which scales on Faith and Dexterity. In general, for an endgame or DLC build, aim for something like this:
Top on the list of lightning build weapons is the Lightning Perfume Bottle, which you can get in the northern part of Cerulean Coast if you enter via Charo’s Hidden Grave. These have low Dexterity and Faith requirements and scale primarily with Faith as you enhance them. That said, you can get some really solid results even from low stat investments. They’re light and work as a primary or secondary weapon, and you can get an excellent Ash of War that bumps their damage output even further.
If you want something a bit more traditional that also deals physical damage, your best bet is a standard weapon that doesn’t have exceptional Dexterity scaling already. Lightning Ashes of War drop damage output and Strength scaling and raise Dexterity scaling slightly, but on some weapons that already have strong Dex scaling – two-handed katanas, for example – you actually end up taking a slight hit in your damage output.
Just check the scaling before deciding to add your Ash, and if it drops damage more than you like, consider running it alongside a more potent weapon with no elemental alignment.
The easier option if you’re running a Dexterity build already is the Bolt of Gransax weapon, found in Leyndell. It has a decent bit of lightning damage built in, and its built-in Ancient Lightning Spear skill is a quick and easy way to deal heavy lightning damage fast. It requires 40 Dexterity and 20 Strength to equip, but by the time you start Shadow of the Erdtree, you should be able to get that without sacrificing other important stats, such as Vigor.
Faith builds should use the Gravel Stone Seal, which you can get near the West Rampart Site of Grace in Leyndell. Gravel Stone Seal increases the damage output of all Dragon Cult Incantations, which is a fancy way of saying “anything with lightning,” including Frozen Lightning Spear and Fortissax’s incantation.
“What about sorceries,” you might be asking, and the answer is there are no lightning sorceries for plot reasons. If you want lightning magic, you’ll have to run a Faith build.
On the bright side, there are plenty of Incantations to choose from. Our top picks are:
Frozen Lightning Spear might be unwieldy compared to some of the other lightning Incantations, but it’s worth using for its fantastic Frostbite utility alone. Most Shadow of the Erdtree bosses are weak to Frostbite, so keeping this one on hand is a solid way to vary your arsenal and make tough fights a bit easier.
If you want the best possible damage output, you’ll have to take a slight risk and cover your weak spots with Talismans.
If you’re not using Incantations, Ashes of War are where your fancy lightning attacks come from. There aren’t many lightning Ashes of War in Elden Ring, but the ones you can pick from are quite good. Our recommendations are:
Lightning Slash is a standard lightning-infused sword attack, but standard doesn’t mean weak. It packs a big punch. Thunderbolt lets you cast safely from a distance, and the casting animation is shorter than you have to deal with for most Incantations. Finally is Blinkbolt, a Shadow of the Erdtree-exclusive skill you get from the Fog Rift Catacombs. It briefly boosts your movement speed and imbues your body with lightning before delivering a final strike – handy if you need to be mobile during a battle.
If you're playing Shadow of the Erdtree, make sure to track down Scadutree Fragment locations and Revered Spirit Ash, or no build will do you much good.
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Oh, Arrowhead Game Studios, you lovable, chaotic genius. Just when we think we’ve got you figured out, you come out with a story that’s as full of twists as one of your tactical co-op missions. If you’ve been following the drama surrounding Helldivers 2, you’ll know that the studio’s approach to development has evolved in, well… a way that could generously be called “trial by fire.” And now, it looks like they’re starting a whole new chapter for their “eventual next game.” From Small Beginnings to Big Changes Helldivers 2 didn’t exactly start out with a bang. When development kicked off, the team behind it was just 20 people. Yes, twenty. That’s barely enough to fill a squad in their own game. But here’s the kicker. Instead of sticking with the small-team vibe, they expanded big time as development progressed. By launch, the team was over six times larger. That’s one way to say, “We’re in over our heads, send backup!” But hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. The studio’s CEO, Johan Pilestedt, admits they learned some tough lessons from scaling up too fast. Spreading resources thinner than an indie studio’s budget just multiplied the chaos. Now, Arrowhead is taking that hard-won wisdom and making a bold pivot for its “next game” by starting pre-production with a smaller, tighter team. Makes sense, right? You don’t throw extra chefs into the kitchen when you just need to perfect the sauce. Inside the Helldivers 2 Phenomenon Speaking of sauce, Helldivers 2 has its own secret recipe that continues to draw attention. This isn’t just a game; it’s a bonding experience. The brutal chaos of tactical co-op gameplay requires you and your friends to get real cozy real quick. And when your own squadmate accidentally takes you out with friendly fire for the eleventh time? That’s team-building, baby. Plus, with the game’s brutal mix of strategy and pure mayhem, Helldivers 2 has found a niche that feels both punishing and rewarding. Admit it, you’re here for the chaos. There’s something endlessly satisfying about surviving overwhelming alien hordes and walking away with barely enough health to sneeze. But here’s the real question on everyone’s minds. If Helldivers 2 was this ambitious, what will Arrowhead do next? Whatever they’re cooking up, you know it’s going to come with a side of “hold my beer” energy. Lessons Learned, Changes Ahead Pilestedt has gone on record saying that scaling up Helldivers 2 with a larger team right away was “baaaaaad” (his words, not ours). It seems Arrowhead is done with biting off more than they can chew. “It is not an efficient way to build games,” he confessed, probably while rubbing his temples over a cup of coffee that’s long gone cold. This time around, the plan is to focus on small, streamlined pre-production teams with laser-sharp goals. Instead of the scattershot approach of bigger teams trying to tackle everything at once, they’re betting that less can truly be more. Hey, maybe they’ve read one too many minimalist lifestyle blogs, or maybe they just watched Helldivers 2 grow a bit too Frankensteiny toward the end of development. What Can We Expect from Arrowhead’s Next Move? While Pilestedt hasn’t handed us a crystal-clear look into the next game, here’s the tea so far. It’s going to start with a small, nimble team before they scale up again—but this time, they’ll probably have a better idea of how to handle growth. And knowing Arrowhead, the gameplay will likely combine tactical thinking with just enough chaos to keep us on our toes. After all, chaos is sort of their love language. Couple that with everything we’ve learned about their approach to community-driven design (did someone say tasting notes from players during development?), and you’ve got a studio that’s learning from its battle scars. Add the buzzword of the year, “player immersion,” and you can bet their next game will get players hooked just as much as their earlier work has. Why It Matters Arrowhead Game Studios is one of those teams you root for, even when they stumble. They’ve managed to build community-driven games while learning some hard lessons about scaling, team management, and what it takes to keep the chaos rewarding. Did they drop the ball a bit during Helldivers 2 development? Sure. But if their honest retrospective is anything to go by, we’re excited to see what their eventual next game will bring. And whether it takes two years or ten (don’t rush it, guys), you can be sure of one thing. When that next project lands, it’s going to come out swinging. Why? Because that’s just what Arrowhead does. For now, we’ll keep our autocannons loaded and our exosuits ready for action in Helldivers 2. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll get a sneak peek at the chaos they’re scheming for the future.
Speculation swirled this week about a possible blockbuster trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks, but TSN/Forbes legal analyst Eric Macramalla was quick to pour cold water on the idea. The proposed deal centered around swapping top prospects: Montreal defenseman David Reinbacher and Anaheim forward Mason McTavish. On the surface, the trade has appeal. Reinbacher, a right-shot blueliner with legitimate top-pairing potential, would give the Ducks the kind of defensive cornerstone they’ve been searching for. Meanwhile, McTavish could provide the Canadiens with a much-needed second-line center behind Nick Suzuki, filling a hole that’s lingered for several seasons. But as Macramalla pointed out, the trade simply doesn’t add up for Montreal. Moving Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens dangerously thin on the right side of their defense, an area that already lacks long-term depth. While McTavish would be a strong addition, sacrificing a potential top-pairing defenseman is a price too steep for GM Kent Hughes to consider at this stage of the rebuild. Ultimately, while the concept may generate fan debate, Macramalla stressed that the Canadiens aren’t in a position to weaken their blue line just to address their center depth. For now, the deal “won’t work.” Fan Feedback: A Split Reaction Canadiens fans were quick to weigh in on the trade chatter, with opinions ranging from firm rejection to cautious interest. Some backed Macramalla’s stance, with one fan suggesting Montreal could use “other assets the Ducks would like” and another noting the Habs’ young defense core “will be a strength of the team for the next decade.” The Curfew Boys Podcast called it “1 step forward, 2 steps back.” Others saw more merit. One account argued he’d, “Do it one for one,” calling McTavish “more established at this point.” Another echoed that sentiment: “McT is a proven player, make the trade!!” Skeptics highlighted Reinbacher’s lack of NHL experience, and others questioned his durability. Meanwhile, Gord of Thunder took a playful shot at the concept, invoking The Princess Bride: “You never trade a defenseman with top pairing ability for a second line player — it’s inconceivable.” Even creative alternatives emerged, with one fan proposing a three-way deal involving Calgary. The verdict? While many fans respect McTavish’s value, most agree that giving up Reinbacher would leave the Canadiens with a hole too big to fill.
New Orleans Saints rookie head coach Kellen Moore still doesn't seem to love his quarterback options heading into the season. After a 17-17 home tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Moore refused to name a starting QB in his postgame news conference. "We'll see," the coach said when asked if he would announce a starter this week. Perhaps Moore wants to use the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 23 to make the best decision for the team, or he still has doubts about both of his QBs. Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough started Sunday, while Spencer Rattler was the backup. The 2025 second-round pick out of Louisville wasn't awful, but he wasn't outstanding. He completed 9-of-12 passes for 66 yards and was sacked twice. When Shough exited after the second quarter, the Saints trailed 17-3 and had punted three times. New Orleans could've been losing by more if Jaguars starting QB Trevor Lawrence hadn't fumbled a handoff in the red zone on the game's opening drive. Rattler entered the game in the third quarter and played better. The South Carolina product spurred a 14-point comeback and led a nine-play, 82-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. At the end of the drive, Rattler tossed a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Dante Pettis. The QB then scrambled for a two-point conversion, tying the game at 17-17. Rattler finished 18-of-24 passing for 199 yards, one TD and one interception. While the comeback was impressive, he probably can't pull off the same magic against a first-team defense in the regular season. Plus, the Saints had struggled to score in the red zone until the final drive—two of Rattler's five drives ended in field goals. The offense looks slightly better with Rattler, which could give him an edge in the competition. However, he has yet to prove he's a viable starter. The 2024 fifth-rounder had a 0-6 starting record during his rookie season. It's easy to see why Moore is delaying his decision. His options don't seem to give him a chance for immediate success in New Orleans.
Green Bay Packers rookie quarterback Taylor Elgersma took the field against the Indianapolis Colts in Saturday’s preseason game, competing for a role in the team’s quarterback depth chart. The Canadian college standout, battling for a practice squad spot, delivered a mixed bag of results, combining flashes of potential with clear areas for growth. Head coach Matt LaFleur provided honest postgame insights, reflecting both the promise and challenges of transitioning from Canadian football to the NFL. Green Bay Packers Taylor Elgersma: Up And Down Performance Elgersma’s stat line provided a snapshot of his night. He recorded a 96.4 passer rating, a mark that outshone fellow Packers quarterbacks Malik Willis (62.5) and Sean Clifford (39.5). The rookie led two scoring drives, demonstrating an ability to move the ball and capitalize when needed. However, his performance wasn’t without flaws. Elgersma struggled within the pocket, at times creating his own pressure by unnecessarily leaving clean throwing lanes. One particularly concerning moment involved a risky pass into coverage that ended up negated by a Colts penalty, a near-miss that highlighted a need for better judgment and situational awareness. “I thought there were a lot of good things that he did. Obviously, he led us on a couple of scoring drives,” said LaFleur after the game. “I do think there were a couple of times where he put the ball in jeopardy in some tough situations, and we got bailed out by a penalty on the defense. So, I think there’s a lot to like, but also a lot to learn from.” Adapting to the NFL Game Elgersma’s challenges go beyond typical rookie adjustments. His collegiate background in Canadian football, where the rules and field dimensions differ from the NFL, presents an additional learning curve. Canadian football’s twelve-player format and wider field demand a different skill set, which Elgersma is now adapting to with the Packers. One area requiring improvement is his pocket awareness. On several plays, Elgersma’s lack of comfort staying in the pocket disrupted the offensive flow. Instead of relying on his offensive line or stepping into throws, he opted for premature escapes, inviting unnecessary pressure. Despite these shortcomings, Elgersma’s physical attributes and arm strength remain evident. His quick release and ability to execute deep throws—when given time—are the qualities that led Green Bay to take a chance on him. Competing for a Role Jordan Love’s absence in this game due to a thumb injury gave backups extended time to prove themselves. With Love cemented as the starter and Malik Willis locked in as his immediate backup, Elgersma is directly competing with third-year quarterback Sean Clifford for a developmental spot. Elgersma’s arm talent and size make him a high-upside project for the Packers, but Clifford’s experience gives him the edge if immediate readiness becomes the deciding factor. Should Elgersma secure a practice squad slot, he’ll have the opportunity to refine his game under the guidance of quarterbacks coach Tom Clements, whose extensive experience developing young signal-callers could be pivotal. Next Steps for Elgersma The rookie’s performance against the Colts offers both optimism and caution. With one preseason game left against the Seattle Seahawks, Elgersma must demonstrate improved pocket presence and decision-making to strengthen his case. Any flashes of production or growth in these areas will validate the team’s interest in keeping him as a long-term developmental prospect. For Elgersma, the key lies in consistency. While his highs are promising, his lows show that the jump to the NFL is still a significant transition. Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers understand this and seem willing to invest in his development, provided he seizes the opportunity to grow from each snap. Final Thoughts Taylor Elgersma’s outing against the Colts revealed the natural highs and lows of a rookie navigating the NFL’s learning curve. While flaws in pocket awareness and decision-making are areas for improvement, his arm strength and scoring drives showcase potential worth nurturing. With a final preseason opportunity on the horizon, Elgersma remains focused on maximizing his reps and proving he deserves a developmental role with the Packers. For now, the rookie’s performance embodies both the promise and patience required to succeed at the NFL level.