Can you backstab Godrick Elden Ring?

In Elden Ring there are a variety of ways to score a critical hit, more than any other FromSoftware game to date. Thanks to the hidden Stance system, no doubt inspired by the Posture system of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, parrying isn't the only way to stagger your opponent for a Riposte-style attack.

The game adds Guard Counters, Jumping Attacks, and even Sleep Arrows as alternate means of getting a critical hit. Ultimately, though, a trusty old-fashioned Backstab is the easiest way to get a critical hit in Elden Ring. Backstabs are performed almost the exact same way as in the Dark Souls series, but there are some notable changes that make it easier for victims to break free.

Updated July 1, 2022 by Erik Petrovich: The humble Backstab is one of FromSoftware's most iconic mechanics, featured in every single one of their games since Demon's Souls. The Elden Ring Backstab is a little bit different than in other games, though, mostly thanks to PvP changes. Knowing how to Backstab in Elden Ring is just as important as knowing what to avoid, as the mechanic is much more useful in certain combat situations than others. For a sneak attack Elden Ring build, for example, it's best to initiate combat with a Backstab, while a melee player might have more luck by learning how to take advantage of positioning. To max out your ability to Backstab Elden Ring gives players a handful of Talismans that improve Critical Hits in different ways.

How The Elden Ring Backstab Works

A Backstab in Elden Ring is a type of Critical Hit - in Elden Ring, Critical Hits aren't random, they can only be performed under certain conditions. It's different from breaking an enemy's Posture as it can be performed while they are still standing, though it does less damage than a Critical Hit on a stunned enemy. It can be tricky to pull off, especially against agile opponents, and most players use a Backstab to initiate combat rather as a mid-combat maneuver.

The damage a Backstab deals is determined by your weapon's Critical stat. Almost every weapon in the game has a Critical stat of 100, the baseline for all armaments, but a few deal especially high damage when Backstabbing. Daggers, Rapiers, the Executioner's Greataxe, the Lordsworn's Greatsword, and Misericorde all deal much higher Critical damage than their counterparts.

Backstabbing Tips

Builds that focus nearly entirely on backstabbing enemies are a legitimate strategy in most FromSoftware titles, especially when it comes to PvP. However, in Elden Ring, players are able to escape the animation before the attack connects and the Critical Hit occurs. Whether intended or not, this change reduces the overall power of backstabbing, though it's still perfectly good in PvE. Additionally, don't attempt to Backstab large enemies, as only enemies about the size of the player (like other Tarnished, Undead, or even Man Serpents) are susceptible to this mechanic.

Backstab and Critical Hit Talismans

There are a handful of Talismans that enhance Critical Hits and Backstabs too. The Dagger Talisman gives a flat 17% increase to all Critical damage, which is more than it seems on paper when one considers how much higher Critical damage is than a normal hit already.

There are also two Assassin's Dagger Talismans that restore resources with each Critical Hit, including Backstabs. The Assassin's Cerulean Dagger restores FP, while the Assassin's Crimson Dagger restores HP. If you want to push this mechanic as far as it can possibly go in a Backstab-centric build, consider equipping each of these Talismans as their effects stack.

How To Perform A Backstab

To perform a Backstab in Elden Ring, you need to get behind your intended target somehow, preferably without them knowing. You can do Backstabs anytime you are behind an enemy, even in the middle of combat if your positioning is right. It's best to use the Stealth system in Elden Ring for Backstabs, though, as it's a very effective means of initiating combat without being noticed. Once behind your target, press the Light Attack button for the hand holding your weapon – usually, this will be the right shoulder button (or R1).

Your aim doesn't have to be that precise, but it's important not to hold down the button when attempting a Backstab or you will do a Light Attack instead. Press the shoulder or R1 button and rapidly release it and, if your positioning is correct, you should initiate a weapon-based animation of your character striking the target. They will be knocked prone for a second, often allowing you to make a quick follow-up strike safely.

Elden Ring is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S.

MORE: Complete Guide To Elden Ring: Weapons, Tips, Tricks, Bosses, & Builds