Backstabbing enemies is a key strategy in many FromSoftware games and should be implemented carefully to initiate combat or clear away potential obstacles. But be wary – attacks should never be executed randomly!
To backstab an enemy, players should stand behind them and press their light attack button – typically R1 on PS5 and XOne consoles or left mouse click on PCs.
Backstabs are a critical hit
Backstabs in Elden Ring, as in other FromSoftware titles, are an extremely powerful stealth attack which can deal significant damage. To use them properly and do maximum damage, they must be executed correctly by sneaking behind an enemy while they’re vulnerable, usually by crouching behind and sneaking around them. In order to be successful it’s also crucial that you position yourself strategically so as not to be detected by enemy agents hiding behind bushes or rocks – although practice can make perfect.
Backstab works differently from other Critical Hits in Elden Ring; it can be completed without breaking an enemy’s posture and will deal less damage than traditional Critical Hits. Damage caused depends on weapon Critical stat; daggers and rapiers tend to be best for backstabbing attempts, though Executioner Greataxe and Lordsworn Greatsword require more precision in their positioning in order to be successful when trying outbackstabbing attempts.
To execute a Backstab, press the R1/RB button (which serves as Light Attack by default) on your controller when behind an enemy and press R1/RB to initiate its animation. Even mid-combat is an ideal time to utilize this attack; just ensure they’re vulnerable enough for it. Attempting it when they’re stunned won’t work; similarly if an enemy is already attacking you can backstab as well, though beware as doing this may draw their focus off you instead of away from you! To execute one, press R1/RB on controller (light attack by default) when behind an opponent and press R1/RB to initiate its animation and launch its animation – even mid-combat it may still work but be wary if used against yourself as this could divert their attention away from you!
Backstabs can temporarily incapacitate an enemy and allow you to unleash melee attacks that cause more damage. Just be wary not to strike too soon after using one as that could provoke counterattacks from their side – therefore using backstabs either early in a fight or as an option as last resort is often best practiced before entering battle, since novice players may find them tricky to execute successfully.
They deal a lot of damage
Backstab attacks in Lands Between are an effective way to deal damage to enemies quickly, as well as sneak behind and attack while they’re unaware. But it’s important to keep in mind that not all backstab attacks will succeed; if an enemy manages to evade animation or change their angle of approach without taking damage themselves. Therefore it is vital to practice and master using backstab properly.
Keep this in mind to successfully execute a backstab: be directly behind and within an enemy’s hitbox to perform one. Furthermore, no movement or other attacks should take place while performing this type of strike; otherwise your opponent may notice you and counterattack quickly. Furthermore, if your weapon’s attack damage exceeds their reach range then the backstab can do much more damage.
Once behind an enemy, to successfully execute the Backstab you must press the light attack button (R1/RB on controllers or Left Click on PC). This attack deals great damage while temporarily stunning them; but be mindful not to miss! Failing a backstab results in light attack combos instead – which could prove very detrimental and is why having a backup plan ready is so essential.
Backstab damage is determined by a weapon’s Critical stat. While most weapons boast high Critical damage ratings, certain armaments such as daggers, rapiers, executioner’s greataxe and Lordsworn’s greatsword offer significantly more damage when used as backstabs.
Elden Ring stands out from other FromSoftware games by not requiring breaking an opponent’s posture to cause critical damage, making backstabs less effective during face-to-face dueling but still possible through clever maneuvering. Furthermore, players can equip Talismans that increase the damage of backstabs.
They are a stealth attack
Backstabs are stealth attacks designed to do massive damage while briefly stunning an enemy, making them invaluable tools for clearing enemies or taking down opponents before they cause too much harm. Backstabs also work well when fighting agile opponents as regular attacks may not reach them in mid-combat.
As with other critical hits in the game, backstabbing must be undertaken under certain conditions. Your target must be vulnerable, allowing you to sneak up behind them without making noise; additionally, using it against an adversary who has already attacked or broken your Posture would not work effectively.
To perform a backstab, you must stand behind an enemy and press the light attack button (R1/RB on controllers or left click on PC). For optimal results, this button must be within arm’s length from their hitbox at an angle no greater than 45 degrees from their back; other inputs (including movement or weapon usage) cannot be pressed at this time – otherwise your character will default back into using regular attacks instead of backstabs.
Use decoys or summoned creatures to distract your opponent while striking from behind, or use Shadow Arts to hide in grass or behind rocks until an opportunity presents itself and strike from there.
Backstabbing enemies in Elden Ring can be an effective and efficient way to eliminate enemies quickly, but it requires skill to execute effectively. By choosing when and how you backstab, backstabbers can quickly take out minor enemies as well as some bosses.
Backstabbing requires precise positioning and weapons with high critical stats; such as rapiers, daggers, or Executioner’s Greataxes are suitable options. Not only will a successful backstab cause significant damage but it may also knock your opponent unconscious briefly so that you have time to follow up with another attack.
They can be used in groups
Backstabs can be an effective way to deal quick damage quickly against small enemies, although they can be tricky to execute in combat and may not work as well against larger foes or bosses. For optimal practice purposes, aim at enemies of similar size and shape to you as practice targets; you may be able to locate these by tracking their movements or looking out for weapons they carry; for instance if someone attacks with their right hand thrust attack then try sneaking behind from their left.
Backstabbing large enemies – such as many of the game’s bosses – requires first stunning them. To do so, it’s necessary to be stealthy and move slowly until sneaking up behind an enemy, whence pressing your attack button (R1 on PS4 and PS5; RB on Xbox consoles and One X/S consoles; or Left Click on PC) for a backstab will cause significant damage and knock prone the target, making a follow up attack easier to implement afterwards.
Backstab damage depends on your weapon’s Critical stat. Most Elden Ring weapons possess high Critical stats; however, some — such as daggers, Rapiers, Executioner’s Greataxe, and Misericorde — cause even greater harm when backstabbed. While attempting a Backstab, all other controls – movement, secondary attacks or dodging combinations will not be available to use while trying out this attack method.
To execute a Backstab, it’s necessary to be facing your enemy and close enough. Pressing the light attack button (R1 on PS5 and PS4, RB on Xbox consoles and the X and S buttons on PC controllers; or Left Click for PC), activates your attack button which activates it with light attack button on controllers; you will then hit your target from behind, dealing an impressive amount of damage while stunning them and giving you time to reposition for further attacks after their initial stunner has taken effect.
Backstabbing may be difficult to master, but it’s still an effective method for beginning combat. Just make sure that any enemies of similar size to yourself serve as practice targets – close proximity can compromise chances of a successful backstab attempt.
