The idea
The Claymore gives a Strength-focused character a versatile greatsword moveset without demanding a complicated spell rotation. This PvE framework prioritises learning enemy openings and keeping enough health to survive a mistake. It is not a PvP or maximum-level damage ranking.
Skills and tools
- Claymore — use its standard attacks to learn reach, recovery and stamina cost.
- A compatible Ash of War — check the current affinity options before choosing Heavy or another scaling route.
- Guard counters or two-handed attacks — choose a rhythm you can control, rather than forcing every technique into one fight.
- Optional ranged utility — use it for pulling an enemy, without splitting your main damage investment unnecessarily.
Equipment priorities
- Claymore: requires 16 Strength and 13 Dexterity to wield normally. Two-handing affects Strength requirements, not Dexterity.
- Heavy affinity suits a Strength plan when available; compare the actual scaling and damage shown.
- Armour: keep a medium roll unless you deliberately understand the trade-offs of heavier equipment.
- Talismans: favour useful stamina, health or equipment-load support over a bonus you rarely activate.
Combat plan
- Check the enemy’s recovery after a single attack before committing to a full string.
- Keep enough stamina to roll after your own attack.
- Use a jump or charged heavy attack only when the opening is long enough.
- Heal after creating distance or a safe recovery window; do not repeatedly heal into the same attack.
Progression order
Upgrade the weapon along with levelling the character. Meet requirements, invest in Vigor for a sensible health buffer, and then develop your damage plan. Endurance is useful when it solves a stamina or equipment-load problem. A higher-level weapon can matter more than scattering attributes across unrelated damage types.
Limits and alternatives
A greatsword still has recovery time. Fast enemies can punish an extra swing, and resistances differ between encounters. Swap tactics before assuming that every difficult boss requires a new character.