The Elden Ring DLC has brought a fresh wave of weapons and playstyles into both PvE and PvP, and one setup that has quickly proven its strength is dual wielding the Mady. After spending time analyzing real invasion scenarios and hands-on combat situations, it is clear that this build shines because of its constant pressure, flexible mix-ups, and strong momentum-based offense. This article breaks down why this setup works so well, how to build it properly, and what players should focus on if they want consistent results in invasions or small-scale fights.
Why Dual Wielding the Mady Works So Well
At its core, the dual Mady setup is all about tempo control. The weapon’s moveset naturally flows between heavy attacks, light attacks, and dual wield strikes, making it difficult for opponents to read your next move. The heavy attack is especially valuable as an opener. It has strong forward movement, solid poise damage, and enough reach to force early reactions.
Once the opponent starts rolling, the dual wield attacks come into play. These attacks excel at roll catching, especially when chained after heavies. Many players instinctively dodge after the first hit, but the follow-up timing of dual wield strikes often clips them mid-roll. This creates a situation where your opponent feels pressured to either panic roll or trade, both of which usually favor this build.
What really stands out is how natural the mix-ups feel. You are never locked into one pattern. Heavy into dual wield, light into jump attack, jump dual wield into another heavy, all of these options blend smoothly together and keep your opponent guessing.
Talisman Synergy and Aggressive Momentum
This build truly comes alive when paired with consecutive attack talismans. Millicent’s Prosthesis and the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia reward sustained aggression, which fits perfectly with the Mady’s forward-moving attacks. Every successful hit pushes your damage higher, encouraging you to stay on top of your target instead of backing off.
In practice, this means that even short combos can snowball quickly. A jump dual wield attack followed by a heavy can chunk massive health if your talismans are already active. This is especially noticeable in invasions, where hosts and phantoms often underestimate how quickly their health disappears once momentum starts building.
If you enjoy aggressive playstyles and dislike slow, defensive duels, this talisman setup feels incredibly satisfying. It rewards confidence, positioning, and timing rather than passive waiting.
Ashes of War and Status Pressure
Ashes of War are another reason this build feels so flexible. Buffing the off-hand weapon with Lightning Slash increases overall damage and adds extra threat in wet or confined environments. The visual clarity also helps you track your spacing during chaotic fights.
Sword Dance on the main weapon is a standout choice. It blends seamlessly into normal attack strings and provides strong forward momentum. Many players do not expect Sword Dance to come out mid-pressure, which often leads to clean hits or forced rolls.
Adding Chilling Mist introduces frostbite into the mix. Frostbite not only deals burst damage when it procs but also lowers enemy defense, making follow-up attacks even more punishing. Against tankier opponents, this status effect can be the difference between a long fight and a quick win.
Stat Allocation and Armor Choices
This setup thrives as a pure Dexterity build. Investing heavily into Dexterity maximizes damage output without unnecessary stat spread. Strength investment is kept minimal, mainly for weapon flexibility rather than raw scaling.
Armor selection is flexible, but poise matters. Reaching high poise without relying on the Bull-Goat Talisman allows you to trade hits more confidently while keeping your talisman slots free for offensive options. In fast-paced invasions, being able to absorb a hit and keep attacking is often more valuable than raw defense.
Practical PvP Tips from Invasions
Real invasion footage highlights a few important lessons. First, neutral jumps are incredibly strong. They avoid low attacks, bait reactions, and transition smoothly into jump dual wield strikes. Reverse jumps are especially effective in group fights, letting you fake movement in one direction before punishing overextensions.
Second, positioning matters more than chasing. The Mady’s forward momentum already closes gaps, so there is no need to overcommit. Let opponents roll themselves into bad spots, then punish with roll catches.
Finally, understand your environment. Tight tunnels limit your moveset, while open areas give you room to abuse jump attacks and Sword Dance. Adapting your aggression based on terrain keeps you from getting punished unnecessarily.
Resource Management and Player Progression
As players experiment with DLC builds, rune management naturally becomes a topic of discussion. Some players, especially those testing multiple PvP setups, look for faster ways to respec or upgrade gear. In those cases, discussions around buy elden ring runes often come up in community spaces, mainly as a way to save time rather than gain unfair advantages.
That said, safety and account security should always come first. If players explore external options, conversations around buy elden ring runes safe are common, with platforms like U4GM frequently mentioned by players comparing experiences. Regardless of approach, the goal should always be enjoying the game and experimenting freely without risking progress.
Common Matchups and How to Handle Them
Against hyper armor weapons like colossal swords or great hammers, patience is key. Trading can work, but only if your talismans are active. Short, clean engagements usually outperform long trades.
Against casters or madness-focused builds, pressure is everything. Do not give them space to set up. Use jump attacks and Sword Dance to stay close and force defensive play.
In gank situations, target priority matters. Removing the biggest threat first, usually the highest burst or status build, gives you breathing room to handle the rest.
Dual wielding the Mady is one of the most aggressive and flexible setups available in the Elden Ring DLC. Its strength comes from momentum, mix-ups, and smart talisman synergy rather than gimmicks. With proper stat investment, thoughtful Ash of War choices, and confident execution, this build performs consistently across a wide range of PvP scenarios. For players who enjoy fast-paced combat and constant pressure, it is absolutely worth mastering.
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