Elden Ring's Talismans are pieces of gear that enhance one of a variety of stats or mechanics when equipped. They work much like Rings from the Dark Souls series, but players don't have access to all four slots at the start of the game. It's important, then, to choose your Talismans wisely as you will only have one or two for the first several dozen hours of Elden Ring.
The Hammer Talisman is one that can be incredibly powerful against enemies who rely on their shields too much. It can be found pretty early, and although its uses are situational, it's a Talisman that can go a long way in breaking an enemy's posture, especially if they play too defensively.
What Does The Hammer Talisman Do?
- "Hammers are highly effective against shield-bearing foes, so much so that they are known as knight-killers."
The Hammer Talisman's item description says that it enhances Stamina-reducing attacks against blockers. In PvP the effect of this item is obvious - other players' Stamina is drained more than usual if they block an attack. In PvE, this makes Strong attacks more likely to break through an enemy's block, extra enhanced for Hammers which already work great against shields.
The use of this Talisman is relatively restricted, as not many enemies in Elden Ring fight with their shield up, in the grand scheme of things. Keep this Talisman unequipped until encounters against shielded enemies or in PvP. It's not that it's a useless item, but its effect is wasted on fighting enemies who never put up their guard.
Where To Find The Hammer Talisman
The Hammer Talisman can be found in Limgrave, just a short trip from the entrance to Stormveil Castle. Head to the Stormhill Shack Site of Lost Grace and ride northeast, towards the large Coliseum-like structure just barely obscured by the fog and greenery underneath the Limgrave Bridge.
An NPC Invader named Recusant Henricus should appear when you get close to the Coliseum, wielding a Great Mace. He moves faster than he ought and hits harder than you think, so be very careful when fighting him. It's best to take him on at a range with arrows or spells, but Strength-based melee players can also break his Posture relatively easy with Heavy attacks and Jumping attacks. Upon defeat, Henricus will drop the Hammer Talisman alongside a Furlcalling Finger Remedy for multiplayer summons.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.