The “Beating Elden Ring with All 402 Weapons” challenge continues, and this time, the focus is on one of the most peculiar colossal weapons in the game—the Rotten Staff. As the sixteenth colossal weapon in the series, it brings a fresh twist to the late-game experience, combining raw strength with the devastating Scarlet Rot status effect. For players looking to experiment in New Game Plus or push the limits of rot-based builds, this run offers both practical insights and entertaining moments.
The Setup: From Helictree to New Game Plus
The Rotten Staff is a guaranteed drop from the Putrid Avatar patrolling near the Haligtree, one of the deadliest areas in Elden Ring. To prepare for the challenge, the player began in New Game Plus, carrying over key late-game talismans like the Two-Handed Sword Talisman from the DLC and selling nearly everything to fund early upgrades. Despite its heavy scaling with Strength and Dexterity, the Rotten Staff cannot be infused—meaning build flexibility must come from stat respecs, talisman choices, and buff synergy.
Interestingly, there’s also a tiny chance to obtain a second Rotten Staff from another Putrid Avatar in the same region. The streamer boosted Arcane, equipped the Silver Scarab talisman, and even used a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to raise item discovery—but RNG had other plans.
Building the Perfect “Rot Look”
No Elden Ring setup feels complete without the right “drip.” This run took fashion souls to the next level by combining the Mushroom Crown—which boosts attack power after inflicting rot—with the Rotten Duelist Set. The ensemble not only looked fitting for the theme but also complemented the weapon’s Scarlet Rot buildup. The mushroom crown’s synergy with rot effects adds a 10% attack buff, though it can be tricky to activate consistently if the rot proc occurs during a critical attack. This mechanical quirk would become a recurring frustration throughout the run.
Boss Fights and Rot Mechanics
From early bosses like Margit and Godrick to late-game titans such as Radahn, Maliketh, and Rellana, the Rotten Staff demonstrated surprising consistency. Its charged heavy attacks deal tremendous stagger damage, and when rot does proc, it melts away even high-HP bosses over time. However, timing remains key—if the rot triggers during a riposte, the buff from the Mushroom Crown and Kindred of Rot’s Exaltation won’t activate, reducing overall damage output.
Despite these setbacks, the run showcased how effective rot-based strategies can be when managed carefully. In encounters like Fire Giant and Messmer, the player optimized buff timings and spacing to maintain pressure without losing stamina or missing key openings. Even when Scarlet Rot didn’t land, the weapon’s base physical output kept fights competitive, proving that colossal weapons remain a solid choice for NG+.
High Points and Technical Challenges
The highlight of the run was undoubtedly the battle against Messmer, where perfect timing allowed the player to land a rare double hit—striking both the snake and human forms simultaneously for massive damage. Yet not every encounter went smoothly; the Godskin Duo and Rellana tested patience, exposing how the rot mechanic interacts inconsistently across boss phases. Still, handling multiple bosses while managing stamina, buff timers, and colossal swing speed reflected solid mechanical discipline.
The player also humorously bet on not dying to Maliketh for the next 50 runs—showing the confidence that comes from deep familiarity with Elden Ring’s combat rhythm.
Why Try This Build
For anyone entering NG+ or experimenting with unconventional setups, the Rotten Staff offers a rewarding middle ground between brute force and status damage. The slow swing speed demands deliberate play, but when combined with proper talismans and buff management, it performs far better than its B– tier ranking suggests. Players looking to prepare for such a challenge should also consider the practical side—those aiming to experiment with late-game upgrades might want to buy elden ring runes or even Buy elden ring runes online xbox one to speed up the preparation process.
While the Rotten Staff won’t dethrone the top-tier colossal weapons, it stands out for its unique identity and the satisfying spectacle of rotting gods and demigods alike. This run highlights what makes Elden Ring’s weapon diversity so special—every tool, no matter how obscure, can shine with the right strategy and creativity.
