Invaders Don't Use Assassin's Gambit. They Should. (Elden Ring)

[@jmnthem]

Howdy, y'all! A pretty fast video compared to what I've done before, I know, and to be frank, I can't promise how soon I might be back with another one. Life's had other plans for me as of late. In spite of it all, there are still plenty of projects that I want to try. And I want to try my hand at streaming more regularly once again. Let's see if I hold myself to that! I did get a code to the Nightreign network test, though, so I will most certainly be checking that out. There's also Monster Hunter Wilds releasing later this month--Hunting Horn mains rise up. And also, perhaps what I am most excited, Ghost of Yotei is something I want to yap about without end. In the meantime, if y'all do want more underwatched and underappreciated Elden Ring content, I'd encourage y'all to look up: @ItsMontageTTV , @CapDayne_Levi , @SgtJager00 , @info_mercial , @WaZeusPvP , @emotionaljonxvx , @Perral , @IcedEstus , @AZAELinvaded , @GigasThiccas If you are a fan of the style of video or guides that I used to make, either for finding underrated set-ups or hearing someone yap about Souls mechanics to an obsessive degree, these channels ought to be right up your alley. Until the next time, whenever that may be, take care of yourselves, take care of those you care about, and be sure to stay hydrated and rested. The coming days are going to be tough, but if you still have air in your lungs, you can carry a message. Make that message a good one. Peace, y'al!

[@rigel9228]

Emotional Jon is great, Jager however has unfortunately made the (completely understandable) decision to more or less abandon ER pvp for now.

[@jmnthem]

@@rigel9228 Still! It is most certainly worth it to go through each of their catalogues. A lot of genuinely enlightening and fun videos of theirs are vastly underviewed.

[@rigel9228]

@@jmnthem Extremely true and real

[@BaBaNaNaBa]

invader stands no chance against pro gank squad. Like literally I used to gank myself, felt a bit bad about my decisions, got bored, stopped playing. Hands down, a gank squad of pro players who know how to break the game, roll discipline, etc. you stand no chance as an invader, sorry

[@jmnthem]

@@BaBaNaNaBa The cause for your boredom is right in the very idea of ganking. An organized 3v1 is deadly, sure, but it's also clearly not that fun, which why you and many other 3v1 gankers have stopped completely or have started ganking in other ways. Nowadays, the more fun way of fighting invaders is setting up Taunter's Tongued 2v2s while going through a level, fighting PvE and PvP, maybe even using charming branches to even the odds. Those groups, by comparison, are much more fun to engage with than the nerds who simply stand out in the middle of nowhere or in a cramped cave and only do 3v1s. So yeah, I have no doubt that 3v1s in a dead world got boring after a while. lmao

[@callmehercules]

When they needed him the most...

[@SynysterProjects]

The hero they need......

[@existerequo5349]

"...He vanished!"

[@shiftgaming101]

This is such underrated advice. The problem most people have with projectile spam can be almost completely mitigated by this. Most casual hosts are crutching on lock-on. This is why Merriam's Vanishing can be so powerful.

[@crescentwolf7072]

Dark Souls 1 has one neat trick that hosts of worlds and their summon buddies don't want you to know about: just wear the ring of fog, does the same thing

[@WeeabooPocky]

ah yes elden ring invasions, where my souls like game becomes touhou. miyazaki's vision doing it's job.

[@若干年]

Would love to have more survival guides like this. Like "Invasion 101 in ER"

[@Mr_Murakumo]

Gankers HATE them! Local invader exposes shocking anti-lock-on secret. Learn this one WEIRD trick to their stunning results! This is a good video btw JM

[@jaxerman5965]

This is the invasion knowledge i was looking for, i feel like i gained +5 insight. To clarify i'm going to do this in both normal AND stealth invasions. Thank you.

[@iamamish]

This might be the best ER video I've ever seen. My biggest frustration with the game is that everyone is a caster. A strength build with only a bone bow is a more effective caster than a dedicated mage was in DS 3 (ignoring a mage's potential to hit you while you're not looking). This AG tool is also one of the few tools with asymmetric value for the invader, as playing against it leverages skill, which is something the invader usually has more of. IIRC, the fog ring in DS 1 originally wouldn't let you lock onto the wearer, but From patched it. Given what we've seen in ER my guess is that From really did want it to work that way, but too many people complained. I'm really curious to see other players' reactions who have more ER experience than I do.

[@andrewbryant6059]

The dlc made this so much more needed in invasions u know bone bow, frog cannon the projectile spam in rlden ring can be insane

[@rocko510]

Thank you for giving me anxiety on every build that doesn’t have enough free equip load for a dagger

[@BlueShellshock]

I love gambit, and will vouch for it. I do wish its duration was longer, and I do have to be careful about the self-damage, but I've won invasions where the mage host in the back couldn't lock on to me correctly for a Comet. Beware: objects and effects on characters won't be hidden, so an arrow from a greatbow will be visible, even if the bow itself is not.

[@felipefreitas8711]

I knew assassin's gambit reduces lock on range, but I was not aware of how much, damn, hosts be wary I'll gambit you out of existance

[@tasin7777]

3:55 I had no idea the effect was this potent

[@Cracked_Moon]

thanks for testing out the ranges, JM. i already know AG affected lock on but none of my friends have ER on my console so i couldnt test the ranges myself to know the limits of AG.

[@neocortx-erpvp]

I couldn't agree more! But, unfortunately I don't think the PvP community cares about solutions. I've been telling people to use Assassin's Gambit for over 2,5 years. Nobody listens, because they don't want to fix things. They want to do the same thing they always did while complaining. Because it can't possibly be their fault they're losing. Also, even tho it looks like AG breaks Uplifting aromatic dmg reduction effect, it actually doesn't! So you get the -dmg buff without them knowing.

[@henrysager5133]

I salute anyone still invading Elden Ring. I went hollow and can no longer stand to play.

[@jmnthem]

I pretty much always have a hankering to play a game with invasions in it. Other games from other developers like Deathloop, Sniper Elite 5, Watch Dogs, and Dying Light--to name a few. ER specifically tickles that 'buildcrafting' part of my brain too.

[@Felicificity]

Glad to see you back in action JM, this was even better than expected 😁 keep that creative drive up!

[@Weltee]

assassin's gambit + hidden body sorcery fully block lock on if you do it in that order, assassin's then hidden body

[@arcaneusumbra1539]

5:28 THAT MAGE IS ME LOL! Asterion Lucero is the sword mage character I'm currently building! I accidently chugged a blue flask when I meant to heal 😔. That was definitely an interesting tactic I was thinking, I hadn't realized how effective Assassin's Gambit was before, GG!

[@jmnthem]

GGs! I'm glad that invasion turned out the way that it did with your aggression, the host being a mage, etc. A perfect environment to give AG a spin and show what it can do. Also, I hope that build of yours works out! 👍

[@sleepy-alfa]

I needed to see this today. I was playing as my usual level 25 invader when I got sent to boilprawn shack to get ganked. Doesn’t happen too often at that level, it’s why I refuse to invade at meta levels, but this dude was just running away using a bow with lightning arrows and lightning pots while his blues rushed me. I need to add a bow to my arsenal and I’ll be using assassins gambit, thank you

[@patrickstar686]

if you use assasin's gambit with unseen form you become completely untargetable

[@jmnthem]

Putting this here for other readers: if you buff yourself with Unseen Form AND Assassin's Gambit, you cannot be locked-on no matter how close another player gets to you. IMO this is only a funny novelty. For a whopping 25 FP for less than 30 seconds of use, requiring 16 INT (to cast Unseen Form), and having to have two different pieces of equipment to get going (a staff and a blade of some sort), this is not something I recommend for every invader. But an Int-based build could make this set-up work! I specifically wanted to talk about Assassin's Gambit with this video to show that basically any build could make their lives a lot easier, and they didn't even have to respec or put on additional talismans.

[@firewalkwithjuno5421]

Honestly a lot of the multiplayer/open world aspects are why I can't get invested in Elden Ring compared to the Souls games, it feels the best mechanically but the pvp/multiplayer as a whole suffers with the openworld design not being as tight as it should for a souls game. You just can't get souls-style community interactions with how the game was made. Definitely would like a revisit to the open world but hope they put much more work into the multiplayer scene

[@brachydios1230]

Always good to see your content again JM. I never even considered using assassins gambit in thise wide open, no cover brawling situations. I'd been content to just fight it out but ill definitely need to try this

[@RENDAN_iel]

Thanks for your efforts at ever expanding our arsenal JM ❤

[@vettebodee]

adding this to my bolt of gransax sniper invasion build now i can snipe while they cant snipe back!

[@BhopOwnz]

*Red-Eyed Ino approves this message*

[@Sinhsseax]

I guess, I never considered using Assassins Gambit on it's own. I did some invasions with AG combined with Unseen Form, which basically removes lock on altogether. While I can see how people consider it cheesy it really separates good players from bad players. Most hosts and phantoms can't deal with that at all. Free Aiming is a skill you don't have to cultivate unless you invade. Having to do that all the time makes most coop players timid and barely able to attack, when they would just mindlessly spam otherwise. When someone is being aggressive it's clear that person has PvP experience. So something that forces free aiming more really should have a positive effect generally. Anyway, I'll want to include it in my builds some more from now on. Great to see you back!

[@jobrosef7677]

Dang it another JM video, I haven't tuned in to ER invasions in a while but had to for Jim

[@Kevvv890k]

you know what? i will try AG in my future invasions

[@mustafayigitkartal4257]

Return of the king!

[@maanmamoet]

genuinly needed a refresher like this. Ill try it out!

[@eldenringpvp]

Some really good points in this video that I hadn't really thought about that much before, and will definitely consider. Thanks!

[@lykos9836]

honestly the open world invasions are so awful xD

[@odium1954]

lamenting visage also lets you become semi-invisible and doesn't damage you, although it lasts half the duration of assassin's gambit

[@lumeaduvoi]

Does the invis affect lock on too?

[@CPAgamer313]

Man, I’ve really missed your videos. Glad you’re back.🙌

[@TheeNiol]

THE RETURN!

[@nikvett]

Glad to have you back! We missed you :)

[@EvolvedDinosaur]

Assassin’s gambit? More like… hosts can’t hit!

[@bbyponk]

i knew it affected lock on but damn thats really strong

[@OrangeWaterLemons]

Always makes my day better to see you back again, J.M.!

[@youreallyaresomething306]

I hate how dogshit elden ring pvp is, I legit went back to dark souls. The net feels so much worse, ganks suck dick, every fight is firework light show. I hated how passive ds3 was with folks, but here I'm being pelted by like 50 rockets. Getting chased like like a dog feel worse, Idk they didn't add or introduce something like the stone ring from ds2 for breaking poise easier. But... Thank you J.M, your vids are always quality for invaders.

[@brentramsten249]

even as an offline player, the fact that enemies can lock onto you through walls, but your lock on gets broken after a couple seconds is a regular source of frustration on even melee builds.

[@wilheiminplatz]

loved assassin's gambit, ever since i tried a toji zen'in cosplay build. ER is full of players who try nothing but spam, even when it does nothing but make things so much worse when they run out of stamina. It feels so good to play hit-and-run, as the open world nature of this game usually means no cover and constant fire from 2-3 phantoms. It really does change the game

[@Crowmanhunter]

Whoa! Almost wasn't sure it was you. When did you rebrand? Either way, it's great to see you back dropping the PvP wisdom. We're not dead yet.

[@jmnthem]

The slightly different name was a more recent change! Thank you for the support once again 👍

[@rigel9228]

WOOOOOO FINALLY THE GOAT IS BACK! So, about the assassin's gambit thing tho, while the video is obviously correct and it is a VERY good idea for a more honest way of making invasions easier there are still some things to consider. For example, there is the whole thing with using assassin's gambit together with unseen form which makes it completely impossible to be locked on by anyone. People to this day debate with each other if that is actually a glitch or not. In my opinion it most likely is one because 1: it only works if you use AG and UF in the correct order, 2: as far as i know almost all of the stealth related items have some really weird and glitchy interactions with each other which are obviously not intended and 3: it's also just a bit to "OP" to be considered intended, especially in duels. My point is however that since it's still in the game people just tend to use it over just assassin's gambit. Also since you are back now, i wanted to also ask if you will talk about the sometimes awful balancing that the dlc brought to pvp, i know that some of the absolute worst offenders (cough swiftslash cough blindspot) have already been addressed but there's still a lot wrong imo (and basically everyone elses opinion as well lol). Although another "underrated weapon" video would be great i feel like it's a topic you almost can't get around... I sure hope there will be some kind of last patch in the future that fixes a few things but i guess we can only see...

[@friendlytalbot4050]

I did not expect to hear the Oni soundtrack in a video in 2025.

[@jmnthem]

I stumbled upon a recommended video talking about how Oni's combat was 'peak' just this past month, and I binged that game over a weekend. I had no idea that Bungie even developed that game way back when, but wow, did I realize that I was missing out all these years. An unsung gem, that game is.

[@friendlytalbot4050]

@@jmnthem It really is. I was lucky to spot it back in the day when it came out and got it. I played it sooo much. Its soundtrack is so distinct too, I recognize it anywhere I hear it.

[@bluelink142]

This is the kind of invasion advice I've been FIENDING for. I'm so used to watching youtubers like JeeNine and Steelofsky, where their gameplay is so mythodically mechanical and efficient. I was always so convinced that Elden Ring invasions are not even worth my time because even if I wanted to, I don't even have the time or the patience to learn and get that good at crowd-control and menu-swapping. But this one video alone has inspired me to bring out the stat-builder and start brainstorming build ideas again. Thank you J.M.

[@lharsay]

6:13 Talking about underused staff I also don't see many people pulling out Enchanted Shot.

[@jmnthem]

Mhm. Enchanted Shot was THE underused bow skill before the Bone Bow had to show up and just ruin everything.

[@Morakyt]

If you want AG a little faster you can always snatch bernahl's bearing by killing him and it should be available just after joining Volcano Manor as a Recusant from the twin maiden husks.

[@metalliclark86]

I'm so glad we got you back, JM. I truly hope you can sort it out soon enough, we really would like you to stream regularly once again, your shows are always worth a watch. God bless you.

[@oldekingcole6849]

The Hero Returns, glad to see you back J.M.

[@evilartnboy]

I use the page hood, commoners clothes, miserichorde and rickety sheild for stealth assassinations. I also use the stealth talismans

[@Shmeky.]

Me and my bowifw love to gank at first step while holding hands playing a fromsoft game for the awe inspiring gameplay and storytelling

[@kodeyPodey]

I’m not an invader, but I may have to use this on my archer duel build! Seems like it’d be a good counter to certain kinds of spam I usually deal with.

[@MalevolentRizz]

The legend returns! Great to see. Gonna have boot up for some more invasions now. Thanks JM!

[@SailHatan01]

Looks like I didn’t have to wait long. Thanks JM!

[@monsieurdorgat6864]

Good thoughts! NGL, the moment I learned that Elden Ring invasions were going to be in the open world, I knew that ranged attacks were going to dominate invasion PvP. People act like sorcerers (for some reason just sorcerers, never incantations?) are the real problem, but honestly it's more that featureless open spaces and ganks don't mix.

[@dussa472]

My hero is back!

[@MythBoy64]

Honestly, I love the idea of training people how to invade in elden ring since most invaders usually end up being skilled players like you or ChaseTheBro, or the more likely option of someone who is using every possible anti-gank exploit and loophole possible and isn't there for fun like the skilled players.

[@threatactor]

Love your videos. Been watching since your invasions crossed paths with Saint Riot in Bloodborne. I GASPED when I saw a new video.

[@theroadstopshere]

Step 1: AG Step 2: Learn to get *obnoxiously good* with giant pot throws Step 3: "A Connection Error Occurred"

[@odium1954]

0:38 bro used a clip from the network test

[@jmnthem]

And I can only imagine that Nightreign's network test is going to see similar netcode/laggy weirdness.

[@luken7270]

I might actually get back into ER PvP because of this!

[@zekeinator4178]

Thank you for returning I will watch this 10 times

[@rakhoo5236]

Absolutely legendary, game changing discovery

[@Matisdeadbtw]

Wake up babe jm is making pvp fun again

[@xuanathan]

Jim upload, we *WILL* be watching o7

[@ItsMontageTTV]

WAKE UP BABE. JM IN 2025

[@andy764]

Invasion at Meta level/late game almost guarantees there is a Mage or Archer in the fight, and it's a bad news if it's the host or his mate. I haven't tried this Ash, but will try and see how it goes.

[@skiruskronos2732]

"Hosts hate him"

[@briarwillow]

Welcome back, awesome video as always. Been waiting for the AG propaganda to show up on youtube :)

[@kvassier]

It's good to have in your inventory. but it's not reliable enough to be of common use. Endure and a softswap dagger with bloodhoundstep are common remedies for a reason.

[@kvassier]

Unless bone bow becomes standard lol

[@bukharajones]

He lives!

[@laxim5786]

Neat, does unseen form also have the same effect on lock-on?

[@jmnthem]

Unseen Form does do the same thing as Assassin's Gambit. Difference being, it costs 25 FP to use. There is a funny interaction where if you buff yourself with Unseen Form AND Assassin's Gambit, you cannot be locked-on no matter how close another player gets to you. Again, imo this is only a funny novelty. For a whopping 30 FP for less than 30 seconds of use, requiring 16 INT, and having to have two different pieces of equipment to get going, going with Unseen Form (let alone trying to combine the two) is not something I recommend for every invader.

[@Skullivon]

@@jmnthem I've run into someone using that combo while co-oping, and they gave us a run for our money. I think it's worth keeping on if you're already an INT build.

[@totallyarealnamesr.8196]

Getting invaded in Dark Souls 1 is the worst thing ever. I truly am glad it's harder to be a menace in Elden Ring. Except using the taunter's tongue that's fun.

[@TheValiantBob]

Miriam's vanishing immediately breaking lock on is also a fantastic tool if you're playing an int build. Throw it into your spell rotation and cast it when you see someone charging a laser and 9/10 times they'll end up shooting the floor at their feet. Just out of curiosity, do you know if assassin's gambit works with the old lord talisman? And is it considered a unique buff, an aura buff, or a body buff?

[@jmnthem]

It's considered a "unique" buff, so various other buffs can be stacked along with it. I have NOT tested Old Lord's Talisman with it to see if it extends it.

[@jauntyhog]

@@jmnthem did a quick test, looks like a no kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2GwoKNjfZxng6M

[@IsraTheBlack]

Have you tried the lamenting visage yet? It may last only 15 seconds, but it's way better than assassin's gambit. Actually Lamenting visage is more meant for stealth and getting one shot kills with things like lifesteal fist because you only become visible as soon as you are pretty much right up in their face.

[@bliss6417]

GOT I FUCKING MISSED GM. GOD WE ARE SO BACK 🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@flori2814]

the return of the king i never thought about using this (mostly because my midrange builds often use ugs and I'm strapped for weight) but that looks amazing for open world invasions. unfortunately I just despise open world invasions in general and it's a big hit on my PC activity to try and exclusively invade dungeons so I dropped the game. maybe I'll reinstall JUST to give it another shot

[@TheRealDonkeyKong64]

Unrelated but what outfit is being used at 2:43 ?

[@jmnthem]

Commoner's Headband (Altered) Blue Silver Mail Armor Dryleaf Arm Wraps Fire Knight Greaves

[@TheRealDonkeyKong64]

@ Ppreciate it, many thanks from DK

[@puchimausu]

Im surprised you didnt mention that there's a spell that does the same thing? I know you can stack them for some cheese but if you want to get rid of the lock on range with just one of the two (AG or unseen form); wouldn't the spell version be better since it doesnt cost HP and give you away by showing the health bar?

[@jmnthem]

Unseen Form does do the same thing as Assassin's Gambit. Difference being, it costs 20 FP to use and requires 16 Int. That base Int requirement isn't something that every invasion build can readily utilize. What's more, there is a funny interaction where if you buff yourself with Unseen Form AND Assassin's Gambit, you cannot be locked-on no matter how close another player gets to you. IMO this is only a funny novelty. For a whopping 25 FP for less than 30 seconds of use, requiring 16 INT, and having to have two different pieces of equipment to get going, going with Unseen Form (let alone trying to combine the two) is not something I recommend for every invader. But an Int-based build could make this set-up work!

[@Bluecho4]

Jim? Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time...

[@SynysterProjects]

I've missed you so muuuuuuuuuch ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kylereichenbach4475]

ITS HIM HE RETURNED

[@henrypham9525]

OMG JM IS BACK!!!

[@anitaremenarova6662]

Oh, you're back with the milk. Nice.

[@voxstelarum]

The prodigal son has returned

[@ChefChucko]

Man, the channel name change thru me. I was about to unsub, thinking I misclicked and added someone on accident. Glad I took half a second to look. Nice to see you back. Good like with life stuff.

[@StarmenRock]

Invaders also don't use soap. Ever thought about making a video on that?

[@Dunwolf_]

he is back?!? HE IS BACK !!!

[@eph_kni]

I literally loathe pvp because of projectile spam. With my current dex build, I’m definitely going to try this out. Thanks!

[@JohnnysGoldenFiddle]

🗣️ JM IS BACK!!!

[@sleeper1855]

Hell yeah. Is there any way to extend the duration?

[@ryla22]

Omg, it is Him

[@08AAA-0]

OMG MOM ITS THE UNFORTUNATELY FOR YOU GUY ❤❤❤

[@tactic4795]

is the underrated series dead or can it be revived

[@jmnthem]

Honestly? I don't think I could make the same "underrated" series in ER 1:1 like I did with DS3 because the game handles movesets and Ashes of War a lot differently. But that doesn't mean that we can't have something with a similar format. We shall see!

[@TheMournhammer]

i watch the video, i enjoy it, i hit the thumbs up button, i leave a comment, and then i replay. never done elden ring pvp.

[@victor-jo7wt]

thanks sir

[@Galendramatik]

Oni soundtrack? Enormously based.