Elden Ring features a massive arsenal of weapons designed to fit virtually any combat style, but few options offer the survivability and heavy impact of the Great Stars Warhammer. This formidable weapon blends heavy stance-breaking potential with inherent bleed damage and passive health recovery on hit. Finding and optimizing this warhammer can significantly improve your experience against tough bosses across the Lands Between.
Where to Find Great Stars in Altus Plateau
The primary location for the Great Stars warhammer is within a carriage traveling through the Altus Plateau. Players can locate this carriage moving along the main road south of the Road of Iniquity Side Path Site of Grace. To claim the weapon safely, you should eliminate the giant trolls pulling the carriage or defeat the surrounding escort guards before opening the chest in the back.
For players looking to dual-wield two copies of this weapon in a single playthrough, a second Great Stars can be acquired through an invasion questline. By invading and defeating the NPC Magnus the Beast Claw at the Writheblood Ruins in Altus Plateau, you will receive a second Great Stars as a reward. Following updates highlighted in daily gaming news, offline players can also access this invasion easily without needing an active online connection.
Weapon Stats and Scaling Requirements
To wield the Great Stars effectively, your character must meet its strength and dexterity stat prerequisites. The weapon requires 22 Strength and 12 Dexterity, making it an accessible choice for hybrid paladins and pure strength builds alike. It scales primarily with Strength, allowing it to reach impressive attack power as you invest points into physical attributes.
Because Great Stars is classified as a standard weapon, it can be upgraded using regular Smithing Stones up to +25. Infusing it with Heavy, Fire, or Cold affinities further enhances its scaling potential depending on your chosen character build. This flexibility makes it a reliable asset for both mid-game exploration and late-game encounters.
Passive Effects and Combat Synergy
What sets Great Stars apart from other Great Hammers is its unique combination of passive life steal and passive blood loss buildup. Every landed hit restores a small percentage of your total health, regardless of whether the attack is standard, heavy, or part of an Ash of War. Combining this effect with heavy armor and defensive talismans creates a highly resilient playstyle.
Furthermore, equipping Ashes of War that deal multi-hit attacks, such as Prelate's Charge or Wild Strikes, multiplies both the heal frequency and status buildup. This interaction allows players to trigger bleed rapidly while staying healthy during aggressive boss trades. Mastering these mechanics turns Great Stars into one of the most versatile physical weapons in FromSoftware's open-world masterpiece.
