FromSoftware's massive Elden Ring expansion Shadow of the Erdtree thrusts Tarnished into the buried secrets of the Shattering. Here even greater challenges lurk, demanding supreme mastery of the Land's Between's deadliest tools. This guide examines the DLC's most potent arms and how to wield their diverse might.

Maliketh's Black Blade

Found wielded by Destined Death himself, this unique Greatsword deals monumental damage through heavy physical and magic slashing. At 96 strength and 60 int, its scaling proves unmatchable. Paired with 53 vigor/mind and 25 endurance, nothing survives its crushing assaults. Its namesake skill "Gurranq's Howl" fundamentally alters combat - a massive forward lunge covering distances in the blink of an eye. With optimal talismans like Shard of Alexander and Godfrey's Icon, it decimates 60% of enemies' total HP with single skill activations. Experienced players leverage jump attacks and follow up skills to systematically dismantle even endgame content like Malenia. Truly a blade fitting its owner's title.

Marais' Executioner's Sword

Found deep within the Nightmare Frontier's pestilential swamplands, this colossal sword proves its namesake no lie. At 60 strength with heavy affinity and Veteran's set, it deals upwards of 1500 damage per light attack - a fact not lost on its foes. However, its unique skill "Stormcaller" showcases its genius. Summoning a raging thunderstorm, it deals 2000 damage instantly followed by 1500 damage lightning strikes over 8 seconds. Paired with Ironjar Aromatic, this allows relentless offense through any opposition - a fact lone survivors like Maliketh bitterly learned. It excels in open areas where enemies cluster, deleting swathes at a time through its cascading voltage. For those seeking utter dominance on the field of battle, none wield it more majestically.

Beastman's Cleaver

This bizarre Greatcurved Sword combines strength and Dexterity into a synergistic bloodshed instrument. Its naturally high critical hits reach upwards of 4000 damage with sepukku and white mask, while blood loss builds to 450 per second. An already deadly weapon becomes unstoppable with its "Beast Roar" skill inducing madness across entire enemy parties. However, two rarely seen but impactful attributes truly define it as a lord among arms. First, at optimal 40 strength and 60 dexterity with heavy affinity, its damage potential reaches an unprecedented 2000 AR - enough to decapitate foes in a single heavy attack. Second, and most remarkably - as with all weapons that can instill status ailments, augmenting it with Roar Medallion more than doubles its frightening range and potency. This transforms it into an unparalleled psychological weapon laying waste to any opposition, no matter their resolve.

Roar Medallion

Found deep within Farum Azula's catacombs, this talisman proves instrumental for those seeking to bend battles entirely to their will. Its ability to amplify status effect inducing skills and Elden Ring items by 1.5x fundamentally changes how numerous Elden Ring weapons can be played, unlocking unforeseen levels of crowd control and psychological warfare. Paired with dual wielded Beastman's Cleavers enchanted with sepukku, a single weapon skill inflicts madness across almost the entire arena - locking enemies in a state of confusion where they can be safely picked off. Other prodigious status arms like Madness Incantations and the Fingerprint Stone Shield also achieve new dimensions of battlefield mastery when augmented by its frightening power. To the intelligent lord of arms, it opens up unlimited options for controlling any engagement entirely on their own terms, giving them an insurmountable advantage against even the hardiest foes.

Conclusion: Shadows of Death Reveal Life's Pinnacle

The greatest lessons are found not where light shines brightest, but in conquering the deepest darkness. In wielding these legendary arms of death, players transcend to higher planes of skill and understanding - proving in shadow what it means to be lord incarnate. While many fall clutching lesser tools, those rising with true mastery claim destinies as legends in the making. May their journeys continue until even Lords tremble at their approach, and the shadows forevermore obey their command.