Mastering the Iron Cleaver Build in Elden Ring DLC: A Brutal Strength Setup That Dominates PvP
If you’re the kind of Elden Ring player who enjoys crushing your enemies with raw power rather than fancy spellwork, the Iron Cleaver build from ChaseTheBro’s recent DLC showcase is exactly what you need. This axe-class weapon combines raw strength, a satisfying moveset, and some surprisingly versatile heavy attacks — making it a powerhouse both in duels and invasions.
The Iron Cleaver’s Secret Weapon: The Heavy Attack
The Iron Cleaver may look like your average axe, but what truly sets it apart is its unique overhead heavy attack. It feels a lot like the Stone Club’s signature slam — fast, brutal, and capable of catching opponents mid-roll. What’s special here is that the charge can be manually released at any time, giving players complete control over timing. This flexibility makes it one of the best tools for roll catching in the game.
You can easily combo into it after a light attack stagger or use it as a follow-up after certain Ashes of War. For example, pairing it with Stormcaller turns it into an area-denial machine — great for clearing out gank squads or punishing panic rolls.
And if you prefer an aggressive style, the Sword Dance Ash of War gives you the forward momentum to close gaps and chain into heavy follow-ups, amplifying your burst potential.
Stat and Talisman Setup
This build thrives on a pure Strength stat spread, with a focus on two-handing the Iron Cleaver to maximize scaling. The weapon achieves an impressive S-scaling in Strength, meaning every level invested into STR translates directly into massive attack power.
For talismans, ChaseTheBro recommends:
- Shard of Alexander – boosts your Ashes of War damage.
- Axe Talisman – enhances fully charged heavy attacks.
- Two-Handed Sword Talisman – amplifies overall two-handed damage output.
The combination of these talismans turns each hit into a punishing blow capable of ending fights in seconds — especially against lightly armored opponents.
If you want to progress quickly and test out builds like this, some players look for safe ways to buy Elden Ring runes to level up efficiently. It’s an easy shortcut for those who want to focus on experimenting with PvP setups rather than endless farming.
Combat Strategy: Timing Is Everything
What makes this build shine in real combat situations is how flexible the Iron Cleaver’s attacks are. You can fake out rolls, mix light and heavy chains, and catch enemies off guard with unexpected charge releases.
In invasions, patience pays off. Instead of mindlessly swinging, bait your opponent into panic rolls or unsafe trades. When they commit, unleash your heavy attack and watch the health bar melt.
A particularly fun technique is using drawstring grease to fake an attack animation — it often causes opponents to roll prematurely, letting you punish their timing. This psychological edge is what separates good Strength builds from great ones.
When facing multiple enemies, use Ashes like Stormcaller for area coverage or Gravitas to pull foes in close, setting them up for devastating follow-ups. The key is staying unpredictable — don’t spam heavies, mix in light feints, and exploit the Iron Cleaver’s quick startup to surprise players who expect slower axe swings.
Surviving Invasions and Team Fights
In the video, ChaseTheBro demonstrates just how chaotic DLC invasions can be. From elevator ambushes to three-player ganks, survival depends on quick thinking and proper positioning.
When facing groups, isolate enemies by baiting them away or using terrain to your advantage. Even when outnumbered, a well-timed heavy can turn the tide. Keep an eye on your stamina — running out mid-fight often leads to disaster.
If you’re experimenting on Xbox One, it’s easy to tweak builds and setups once you’ve gathered enough runes. Some players prefer to buy Elden Ring runes online Xbox One to save time, though always make sure you’re doing it through a trusted marketplace like U4GM, which has been part of the community for years.
Personal Thoughts and Tips
What I love about the Iron Cleaver is how deceptively fast it feels for a weapon of its size. The moveset looks heavy, but the recovery frames are short enough to keep pressure on your opponent. It’s one of those builds where even missing an attack doesn’t always mean punishment, thanks to the weapon’s versatile follow-ups.
If you enjoy weapons that can bait reactions and punish mistakes, this setup is pure fun. Whether you’re invading random players or dueling friends, the Iron Cleaver feels impactful in every swing — the kind of build that makes each kill satisfying.
A small tip: combine this build with poise armor to withstand lighter weapon hits. It lets you commit to trades and finish your heavies without interruption. Pair that with the right buffs and a good Physick, and you’ll be unstoppable.
The Iron Cleaver build is a perfect example of how Elden Ring continues to reward creative playstyles. It takes a simple Strength weapon and turns it into a technical, high-reward setup that punishes panic and rewards timing. Whether you’re experimenting in PvE or dominating PvP invasions, it’s one of the most enjoyable weapons in the current DLC meta.
And if you’re short on upgrade materials or runes, services like U4GM make it easy for players to access resources safely, allowing you to focus on what matters most — mastering your build and enjoying the game.