Is the Godskin Peeler Good?: A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Spinning Reaper
The Godskin Peeler is a powerful and versatile twinblade in Elden Ring. While it may require some stat investment, its excellent damage output, unique weapon art, and reach make it a top-tier choice for both PvE and PvP.
Introduction: Embracing the Godskin Duo’s Signature Style
The Godskin Peeler, dropped by the Godskin Apostle in Windmill Village, is more than just a cool-looking weapon. It’s a statement. A declaration of aggressive intent. And arguably, one of the best twinblades available in Elden Ring. But its effectiveness isn’t universal. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial for maximizing its potential. This article will dissect the Godskin Peeler, exploring its stats, move set, and ideal builds, ultimately determining if it deserves a place in your Tarnished’s arsenal.
The Stats: Unveiling the Peeler’s Inner Workings
The Godskin Peeler is a Dexterity (Dex) and Strength (Str) weapon, requiring 17 Strength and 22 Dexterity to wield effectively. It scales primarily with Dexterity (C scaling at base), making it ideal for Dex-focused builds. Its weight of 7.5 is relatively low for a weapon of its size, allowing for greater freedom in armor selection and movement.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Damage Type: Standard/Pierce
- Weight: 7.5
- Attack Power:
- Physical: 118
- Critical: 100
- Scaling:
- Strength: E
- Dexterity: C
Upgrading the Godskin Peeler requires Somber Smithing Stones, reaching +10. At +10, its Dexterity scaling improves significantly, solidifying its status as a premier Dex weapon.
Weapon Art: Black Flame Tornado – A Whirlwind of Destruction
The Godskin Peeler’s unique weapon art, Black Flame Tornado, is a defining characteristic. This powerful attack launches the user into a spinning whirlwind, dealing substantial damage and applying the Black Flame debuff to enemies. Black Flame does a percentage-based damage over time, making it particularly effective against enemies with high health pools, such as bosses. The attack can be continued indefinitely consuming FP, giving the user sustained DPS.
Advantages: Why the Peeler Shines
The Godskin Peeler boasts several advantages:
- High Damage Output: With proper scaling and upgrades, the Peeler deals significant physical damage, complemented by the Black Flame debuff.
- Excellent Reach: Twinblades, in general, have impressive reach, allowing you to maintain a safe distance while attacking.
- Versatile Move Set: The Peeler offers a diverse move set, including fast attacks, sweeping strikes, and the devastating Black Flame Tornado.
- Bleed Buildup (via Grease/Ash of War): Although it doesn’t have innate bleed, you can imbue the Godskin Peeler with bleed using blood grease or a blood ash of war such as Bloody Slash or Bloodflame Blade for enhanced damage output.
Disadvantages: Where the Peeler Falters
Despite its strengths, the Godskin Peeler has some drawbacks:
- Stat Investment: Requiring 17 Strength and 22 Dexterity can be demanding for some builds, especially early in the game.
- Vulnerability During Black Flame Tornado: While powerful, the Black Flame Tornado leaves you vulnerable to attacks, requiring careful timing and positioning.
- Somber Stone Upgrade Path: Only one of each Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone can be found per playthrough, and the normal Somber Smithing Stones are a little harder to come by compared to normal smithing stones.
Ideal Builds: Unleashing the Peeler’s Potential
The Godskin Peeler shines brightest in Dexterity-focused builds. Here are some suggestions:
- Pure Dexterity Build: Maximize Dexterity and invest in Vigor and Endurance for survivability and stamina. Pair the Peeler with talismans like the Green Turtle Talisman and Erdtree’s Favor for increased stamina recovery and equip load.
- Strength/Dexterity Hybrid Build: Invest enough points into Strength to meet the Peeler’s requirements and then prioritize Dexterity. Consider using a Strength-scaling ash of war to adjust the weapon’s scaling.
- Faith/Dexterity Build: Use the Peeler as your main damage output source while supplementing with faith-based incantations. Bloodflame Blade is an excellent incantation to use to further bolster your damage potential.
Common Mistakes: Avoiding Pitfalls with the Peeler
Players often make these mistakes when using the Godskin Peeler:
- Neglecting Stamina Management: Twinblades consume a significant amount of stamina, especially during Black Flame Tornado. Make sure to monitor your stamina bar and avoid overextending.
- Ignoring Positioning: Black Flame Tornado has a fixed range. Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure you’re within range of your target.
- Over-Reliance on Weapon Art: While powerful, the Black Flame Tornado is not a solution to every problem. Vary your attacks and use the Peeler’s standard move set effectively.
- Inadequate Upgrades: As with most weapons, the Godskin Peeler requires upgrades to reach its full potential. Spend your Somber Smithing Stones wisely.
PvP Considerations: Peeling the Competition
In PvP, the Godskin Peeler can be devastating. Its reach and fast attacks allow you to punish opponents who get too close. The Black Flame Tornado can be used to zone opponents or catch them off guard. However, skilled players can parry or roll through the attack, so it’s crucial to be unpredictable. Remember to adjust your build to fit your playstyle and make use of different ashes of war for varied attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Ash of War for the Godskin Peeler?
The best Ash of War depends on your build and play style. Bloodflame Blade is an excellent choice for adding bleed buildup and additional fire damage. Hoarfrost Stomp can provide crowd control and interrupt enemy attacks. Spinning Slash offers another potent AoE option. Ultimately, experimentation is key.
Can I dual-wield Godskin Peelers?
Yes, you can dual-wield Godskin Peelers. This requires completing the game at least once or trading with another player. Dual-wielding twinblades significantly increases your damage output, but also doubles the stamina consumption. Powerstancing the two will unlock a new, stronger, dual attack moveset.
How does Black Flame scale?
Black Flame scales with the weapon level of the weapon it is applied from, and the faith stat if it is applied from an incantation. The higher the weapon level, the more damage Black Flame will do. Incantations, such as Black Flame Blade, scale with your faith stat to inflict additional fire damage.
Is the Godskin Peeler good against Malenia?
The Godskin Peeler is a strong choice against Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Its reach allows you to punish her attacks from a safe distance, and Black Flame Tornado can inflict significant damage. However, be mindful of her Waterfowl Dance and ensure you have enough stamina to dodge.
What talismans pair well with the Godskin Peeler?
Talismans that boost Dexterity, Stamina, or Attack Power are excellent choices. The Green Turtle Talisman increases stamina recovery speed. Erdtree’s Favor raises maximum HP, stamina, and equip load. The Shard of Alexander boosts the damage of Weapon Skills, including Black Flame Tornado.
How does the Godskin Peeler compare to other twinblades?
The Godskin Peeler stands out due to its unique weapon art and high damage output. The Eleonora’s Poleblade offers innate bleed buildup, while the Twinblade (found early in the game) is more easily accessible. However, the Peeler’s Black Flame effect makes it a formidable choice for both PvE and PvP.
Can I infuse the Godskin Peeler with Bleed?
Yes, you can apply blood grease or use an Ash of War with the blood affinity on the Godskin Peeler to apply the bleed status effect. This enhances the Peeler’s damage output but note that it will often alter the scaling of the weapon.
What are the best stats for the Godskin Peeler?
Prioritize Dexterity, aiming for at least 60-80 points. Invest enough points in Vigor and Endurance for survivability and stamina. Ensure you meet the minimum Strength requirement. Adjust your stats based on your overall build and play style.
Is the Godskin Peeler viable for endgame content?
Absolutely. With proper upgrades and a well-optimized build, the Godskin Peeler remains a powerful weapon throughout the entire game, including endgame content. Its ability to deal percentage-based damage with Black Flame makes it especially effective against high-health bosses.
What armor should I wear with the Godskin Peeler?
Armor selection depends on your playstyle and desired equip load. Lighter armor allows for faster movement and dodging, while heavier armor provides greater protection. Aim for a balance between defense and mobility. The Raptor’s Black Feathers armor provides a jump attack damage bonus, which can be extremely useful with twinblades.
How do I obtain the Godskin Peeler?
The Godskin Peeler is obtained by defeating the Godskin Apostle boss in Windmill Village, located in the Altus Plateau region.
Why does Black Flame seem less effective in the late game?
While Black Flame remains useful against high-health enemies throughout the game, its percentage-based damage might feel less impactful against enemies with lower health in certain endgame areas. However, it’s still extremely potent against bosses and other challenging encounters.