In Elden Ring, mastering the combat mechanics is essential to surviving the world of the Lands Between. One of the most frustrating challenges players face is dealing with enemies who use guard counters—those moments when you think you’ve broken an opponent’s stance only to be hit by a devastating retaliatory strike. Fortunately, there are several items scattered across the world that can help break guard counters and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Here are 14 key items you can use to break guard counters, alongside some strategies for integrating them into your playstyle.

1. Ash of War: Flame of the Redmanes

This Ash of War provides a fiery attack that can not only deal significant damage but also break through enemy guard. The burst of flames is perfect for overwhelming enemies who are trying to guard and counter, especially those with heavy shields or high poise.

2. Dragon Slayer

While this weapon is infamous for its strength against dragons, it’s also highly effective for breaking through guard counters due to its massive attack power. Pair it with some quick timing, and you can deal devastating damage before an enemy has a chance to retaliate.

3. Great Club

This colossal weapon has some of the highest poise damage in the game. If you can land a hit with the Great Club, it’s almost guaranteed to break your opponent’s guard and leave them wide open for follow-up strikes.

4. Serrated Weapons (e.g., Butcher Knife)

Serrated weapons are particularly effective against enemies with heavy guard counters, as they deal bleeding damage. The longer the fight drags on, the more pressure you can put on enemies, causing them to stagger and eventually break guard.

5. Talisman: Radagon’s Scarseal

While not a weapon, Radagon’s Scarseal boosts your overall strength, helping you deal more damage with your attacks. This makes it easier to break through guard counters, especially when paired with high-damage weapons.

6. Bloodhound Fang

This curved greatsword is not only fast but also deals significant poise damage. With its quick strikes and the ability to follow up with combos, it’s an ideal choice for breaking guard counters while maintaining offensive pressure.

7. Roar Medallion

A simple yet effective item, the Roar Medallion boosts your roars’ attack power. When combined with a weapon that has a roar-based attack or Ash of War, you can disrupt enemy guard defenses and stagger them with ease.

8. Weapon Buffs (e.g., Electrify Armament)

Buffing your weapon with Electrify Armament or other similar buffs increases the amount of damage you can deal, making it easier to break through guards. These buffs are invaluable when facing enemies who rely on strong shields or heavy armor.

9. Heavy Greatswords (e.g., Greatsword)

The sheer weight and damage output of heavy greatswords can break through most guards, especially when paired with precise timing and strong poise. Greatswords like this deal devastating blows that can stagger enemies with minimal effort.

10. Reduvia

This dagger may not have the highest damage output, but it’s fast and efficient for breaking guard counters. Its rapid attack speed allows you to consistently chip away at an enemy’s guard, forcing them to back off or risk getting hit by a follow-up strike.

11. Ash of War: Lion’s Claw

Known for its heavy sweeping attack, Lion’s Claw is perfect for taking down enemies with a strong guard. The wide area of effect and heavy damage ensures that your enemies won’t be able to defend themselves for long.

12. Dragon Slayer Spear

The Dragon Slayer Spear has been a staple in the Elden Ring series for a reason. It deals significant damage while offering a long reach, making it an excellent choice for both breaking guard counters and keeping enemies at bay.

13. Moonveil Katana

Not only does this katana have the ability to perform powerful magical attacks, but its Transcendent Moonlight special skill can break through enemy defenses at range. This makes it especially useful against enemies with shields or those who are particularly reliant on guard counters.

14. Fire Grease

Applying Fire Grease to your weapon adds fire damage to your attacks, which can chip away at the guard of most enemies. The fiery effect adds an extra layer of pressure, increasing your chances of breaking the guard and landing critical hits.

Mastering guard counters in Elden Ring requires a combination of timing, strategy, and the right equipment. The 14 items listed above will help you break through enemy defenses, allowing you to land devastating strikes that put your foes on the backfoot. Whether you're wielding powerful weapons, using buffing talismans, or employing special Ash of War abilities, you’ll find that breaking guard counters becomes much easier with the right tools at your disposal.

Remember, Elden Ring is all about adaptability, and knowing when to switch your tactics will often mean the difference between victory and defeat. So, if you're looking to further progress in the game, these items can be a game-changer in your journey to dominance.

And if you’re ever in need of Elden Ring runes for sale, or just browsing through an Elden shop for new equipment, make sure to keep an eye out for these useful items—they could be exactly what you need to overcome tough enemies.