The world of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree introduced players to some of the most challenging bosses and rewarding loot in FromSoftware’s history. Among the most coveted items is the Messmer Spear, a weapon that not only carries the aesthetic weight of a demigod but also delivers devastating fire-based damage. Obtaining this legendary armament is a rite of passage for any Tarnished looking to specialize in a Faith or Dexterity build, as it transforms the user into a whirlwind of crimson flame and piercing reach.
The Origins and Lore of Messmer’s Weaponry
Messmer the Impaler, the wielder of this fearsome spear, is a character shrouded in tragedy and burning ambition. His weapon, which is essentially a Great Spear, reflects his character perfectly: elegant, cruel, and infused with the power of abyssal fire. When players finally manage to defeat him, they are rewarded with the Remembrance of the Impaler. This item can be traded at Roundtable Hold to acquire the Messmer Spear, a tool that excels in both PvE encounters and high-stakes PvP duels.
The weapon is unique because of its hybrid scaling. While it leans heavily into Dexterity, its Fire damage output necessitates a significant investment in Faith. This makes it an endgame weapon for those who have carefully curated their stats to maximize the potential of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion's unique elemental affinities.
Key Statistics and Requirements
Before you commit your Somber Smithing Stones to upgrading the Messmer Spear, it is vital to understand the stat requirements. Failure to meet these criteria will result in a significant drop in damage, making the weapon feel lackluster during the grueling boss fights found within the Shadow Keep.
| Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Strength | 14 |
| Dexterity | 35 |
| Faith | 18 |
| Weapon Type | Great Spear |
| Damage Type | Pierce/Fire |
💡 Note: Always ensure you have enough Endurance to manage the heavy stamina cost associated with the weapon's signature Ash of War, as spamming it recklessly will leave you vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Mastering the Assault of Messmer
The true power of the Messmer Spear lies in its unique Ash of War, "Assault of Messmer." This skill allows the player to perform an explosive lunge, followed by a series of thrusting attacks that leave behind trails of fire. If used correctly, it can stagger even the most formidable enemies, creating openings for critical hits.
To get the most out of this weapon, consider pairing it with talismans that boost fire damage and consecutive attack damage. Here is a recommended loadout for optimizing the spear’s performance:
- Shard of Alexander: Significantly boosts the damage of the "Assault of Messmer" skill.
- Fire Scorpion Charm: Increases fire damage at the cost of slight physical damage negation reduction.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Greatly increases attack power with successive strikes, synergizing well with the rapid thrusts of the spear.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Provides much-needed physical protection to offset the glass-cannon nature of a high-Dex/Faith build.
Effective Combat Strategies
Using a Great Spear requires a different mindset compared to faster weapons like Katanas or Curved Swords. The Messmer Spear has massive range, allowing you to stay outside the reach of most enemy attacks. Use the crouching light attack or the running heavy attack to poke at enemies before they can close the distance.
When fighting in PvP, the reach of the Messmer Spear is your greatest asset. Many players underestimate the length of the thrust. Combine this with the explosive nature of the Ash of War to catch opponents who roll into your personal space. The fire lingering on the ground can often finish off opponents who have been weakened by the initial thrust.
💡 Note: The weapon art has a long startup animation. Avoid initiating it in close proximity to aggressive bosses unless you have successfully staggered them or created sufficient distance.
Upgrading and Scaling Potential
Like all legendary armaments, the Messmer Spear requires Somber Smithing Stones. As you upgrade the weapon to +10, you will notice that the scaling moves from a C rank to a B rank in both Dexterity and Faith. This makes the weapon increasingly dangerous as you progress into New Game Plus cycles.
If you find that the weapon isn't hitting as hard as you expected, re-evaluate your stat spread. A pure Dexterity build will only utilize half of this weapon's potential. To truly unleash the flame, a 50/50 split or a heavy lean into Dexterity with at least 30 Faith is recommended to ensure the fire damage component remains competitive against late-game bosses who often possess high physical resistance but lower fire negation.
Adapting Your Playstyle
Adapting to the spear requires patience. Because it is a Great Spear, your character will feel heavier than when wielding smaller blades. Practice your spacing in the open-world areas of the Land of Shadow before heading back to the challenging boss arenas. Learning the exact timing of the Ash of War is crucial; if you commit to the animation at the wrong time, the lengthy recovery period makes you a sitting duck for punishing strikes from bosses like Rellana or Bayle.
Furthermore, consider using consumables like Fire-Shrouded Cracked Tears in your Flask of Wondrous Physick. This will provide a temporary but significant boost to your fire damage, which, when combined with the Messmer Spear, allows for massive burst damage windows that can trivialize some of the expansion's more annoying enemy encounters.
In summary, the Messmer Spear stands as one of the most rewarding weapons to master in Elden Ring. By balancing your Dexterity and Faith stats, utilizing the correct talismans, and timing the powerful “Assault of Messmer” skill, you can dominate both the challenging encounters of the expansion and the competitive arena of PvP. While it demands a specific build and a careful approach to combat, the sheer damage output and visual spectacle provided by this spear make it a top-tier choice for any serious player. Whether you are aiming to complete your collection or looking for the perfect weapon to carry you through the toughest boss battles, this legendary armament provides the reach and power needed to conquer the Shadow of the Erdtree.