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In the vast and punishing world of Elden Ring, few Ashes of War feel as satisfying and brutal as Lion’s Claw. This rolling, acrobatic attack delivers devastating slashes and a touch of flair that would make even seasoned Tarnished pause to admire their own moves. If you’re looking to add this stylish yet practical ability to your arsenal, here’s everything you need to know about how to get and use Lion’s Claw in Elden Ring.

What Is Lion’s Claw?

Lion’s Claw is an Ash of War that allows your character to perform a forward somersault followed by a heavy downward slash. It’s a unique combat art that gives strength-based builds a bit of agility without sacrificing power. The move can even be chained into follow-up attacks, making it ideal for breaking enemy posture or punishing openings in boss fights.

This Ash of War infuses weapons with Heavy affinity, boosting Strength scaling — a major bonus for players running colossal swords, greatswords, or other heavy-hitting weapons.

How to Get Lion’s Claw in Elden Ring

To unlock Lion’s Claw, you’ll need to make your way to Fort Gael in Caelid, one of the most dangerous early-to-midgame regions. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Reach Fort Gael – The fort lies in the western part of Caelid, southwest of the Caelem Ruins. Be prepared for strong enemies and heavy Scarlet Rot exposure in the surrounding area.

2. Defeat the Lion Guardian – Outside the fort’s main gate, you’ll encounter a powerful Lion Guardian wielding the very technique you seek. This beast is fast, aggressive, and can dish out serious damage with quick lunges and spins.

3. Claim the Ash of War – Once the Lion Guardian is defeated, it drops the Ash of War: Lion’s Claw as loot. Equip it at any Site of Grace using the Ashes of War menu.

Best Weapons and Builds for Lion’s Claw

Because it scales with Strength and grants a Heavy affinity, Lion’s Claw works best on weapons that already benefit from raw physical power. Some top picks include:

• Greatswords like the Claymore or Greatsword (the Guts sword)

• Colossal Weapons such as the Great Club or Troll’s Hammer

• Halberds for those who want extra reach without sacrificing speed

Pair it with high poise armor so you can tank hits while executing the somersault. The move’s animation gives a brief window of hyper armor, meaning you can push through enemy attacks and trade blows effectively.

Tips for Using Lion’s Claw in Combat

1. Time Your Rolls Carefully – The somersault animation gives partial invincibility frames but not full immunity. Use it aggressively, but don’t spam it.

2. Capitalize on Stagger Windows – The downward slash has excellent posture-breaking potential. Follow up with a charged heavy attack for a critical hit.

3. Combine with Buffs – Pair Lion’s Claw with Strength or damage buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength to maximize impact.

4. PvP Considerations – In player-versus-player combat, its unpredictable movement can catch opponents off guard, especially when chained from a roll or after baiting an attack.

Why You Should Try It

Among Elden Ring’s many Ashes of War, Lion’s Claw stands out for its blend of aggression, mobility, and style. It turns otherwise slow, heavy builds into acrobatic powerhouses capable of flipping through enemy defenses. Whether you’re facing down dragons, demi-gods, or other Tarnished, this technique rewards boldness and timing.

So next time you’re refining your melee setup, don’t overlook how to get and use Lion’s Claw in Elden Ring — mastering this move can turn even the toughest fights into a showcase of strength and skill.