U4GM - How to Use Crouching Attacks to Ambush and Control Fights
In Elden Ring, mastering movement is just as critical as learning how to swing a sword or cast a spell. One of the most underrated yet powerful tools in a player’s combat toolkit is the crouching attack. Whether you're sneaking through the shadows of Leyndell or setting up a PvP trap outside a Site of Grace, crouching attacks allow you to gain the upper hand with speed, surprise, and tactical pressure.
Through my own experience experimenting with stealth-heavy builds and dexterity weapons, I've found crouching attacks particularly effective for controlling the pace of battles. This guide explores how to use them to ambush enemies and assert control in both PvE and PvP situations—while also touching on how resource management like Elden Ring Runes plays a crucial role in the long-term success of such tactics.
Why Crouching Attacks Work So Well
Crouching attacks have two key advantages: speed and hitbox manipulation. When crouched, your character can unleash an attack that’s often faster than your standing light attack, especially with katanas, curved swords, spears, and straight swords. This makes it ideal for punishing enemies after dodging, or for getting the first strike in PvP.
They also allow you to keep a low profile. In my own runs, I’ve cleared entire enemy camps without alerting a soul, using nothing but crouch-walk positioning and silent strikes. Combined with Talismans like the Concealing Veil or armor pieces that dampen sound, you can become nearly invisible to unaware foes.
Ambushing in PvE: Clearing Foes Efficiently
When playing solo or even in co-op, using crouching attacks to start fights gives you a massive advantage. Begin by observing enemy patrol patterns. Once you’ve memorized their route, enter a crouch and wait behind cover. Use ranged bait (like throwing knives) to isolate enemies if needed.
Once close, launch a crouching light or heavy attack for bonus poise damage. Most humanoid enemies will stagger, allowing you to follow up with a combo or even a backstab. I used this method extensively in Castle Sol and the Consecrated Snowfield, two areas where enemies are densely packed and highly aggressive.
PvP Mind Games: Controlling the Fight with Movement
In PvP, crouching attacks can be used for more than surprise—they can manipulate your opponent’s rhythm. After a roll or sprint, dropping into a crouch and immediately attacking can break their timing expectations. It’s an excellent way to punish panic rolls or bait parries.
Against an experienced duelist, I often rotate crouching feints into my combos. Sometimes I’ll sprint, crouch, then backstep to provoke a reaction. If they fall for the bait, I follow with a quick crouch attack or weapon art. When combined with fast weapons and proper stamina management, it’s a deadly loop.
To stay competitive and avoid wasting precious upgrade paths, make sure you have a steady supply of buy elden ring runes. With so many build possibilities relying on stat tuning and weapon leveling, having enough runes allows you to experiment with crouch-based loadouts more freely.
Best Weapons for Crouching Attacks
From personal testing and community insight, here are some of the top weapon types for crouching attack strategies:
Katanas (e.g., Uchigatana, Nagakiba): Fast, reliable, great roll-catch potential.
Curved Swords: Excellent for chaining crouch attacks with follow-up light combos.
Spears: Offer longer reach, allowing you to crouch-poke safely behind a shield.
Fist Weapons: High speed, perfect for close-quarters crouch bursts.
Each of these can be paired with Ashes of War that enhance agility or stealth, such as Quickstep or Bloodhound’s Step.
Tips to Maximize Effectiveness
Don’t Spam: Use crouching attacks sparingly in PvP to avoid predictability.
Enhance with Buffs: Use Golden Vow or Flame, Grant Me Strength to add damage to your initial ambush.
Map Awareness: Position yourself on higher terrain to strike downward from crouch; it adds reach and hitbox pressure.
Invasions: If you're invading, crouching in tall grass or behind doorways can create real panic for your target.
Final Thoughts
Crouching attacks aren’t just a gimmick—they’re a legitimate strategy that rewards patience, observation, and adaptability. My personal experience with these attacks has turned the tide in both tight PvE encounters and heated PvP duels. By investing in the right builds and maintaining a healthy supply of Elden Ring Runes, you can develop crouch-centric strategies that are both stylish and deadly.
So the next time you’re scouting an enemy encampment or dueling in the Colosseum, don’t forget to drop low—sometimes the best way to control a fight is from below eye level