So, you think you're tough enough to rock the heaviest armor and swing the biggest weapons in the Lands Between? Let me tell you, my fellow Tarnished, I thought so too—until I realized my poor character was rolling around like a beached whale. That's when I discovered the Great Jar's Arsenal Talisman, the single most important accessory for anyone who wants to look fabulous while smashing things. Seriously, who wants to choose between defense and mobility? Not me! This little charm promises to increase your Equip Load by a whopping 19%, and let me tell you, the journey to get it is as memorable as the first time you beat Margit. Buckle up, because we're going on a trip to Caelid, and it's not for the faint of heart.
The Great Jar's Hidden Challenge: A Test of Mettle
Have you ever been wandering through the blighted, scarlet-rot-infested hellscape of Caelid and seen a giant pot just chilling on a cliff? No? Well, I have, and let me tell you, my first thought was, 'Is that a new enemy type, or did someone leave their ceramic collection out in the sun?' Turns out, it's the Great Jar, and it's holding the key to your fashion dreams. But getting there? That's the real challenge.
First, you have to go all the way back to Limgrave, to the Mistwood. Remember that place with the rune bear that scared the life out of you? Yeah, good times. From there, you descend into the Siofra River—a stunning, starry underground realm that feels completely disconnected from the horror above. Fight or sneak your way through (I recommend running, honestly), until you find an elevator in the northeast. But wait! It's locked. Of course it is. You'll need to use a couple of those precious Stonesword Keys. You know, the ones you've been hoarding 'just in case'? Well, 'just in case' is now.
Once the elevator whisks you up, you emerge in Caelid, right near a Site of Grace called 'Below the Well.' Step outside, and to your left is a ravine patrolled by two of Elden Ring's classic stone golems—one wants to poke you with a halberd, and the other wants to snipe you from afar. You can try to sneak past them, but where's the fun in that? I say take them down for a smoother (and more satisfying) walk to our ceramic friend.
The Duel of the Red Summons: Facing the Knights
Finally, you stand before the Great Jar. You try talking to it. Nothing. It just sits there, silently judging your current armor choices. Then, poof! Three red summon signs appear on the ground in front of it, labeled 'Knight of the Great Jar.' This is the challenge: you must defeat all three of these summoned warriors, one after another, without dying or resting at a Site of Grace in between. No flasks are refilled between fights! Talk about pressure.
These aren't your average enemies. They're based on other players' builds. Yes, you read that right. You're fighting the ghostly data of other Tarnished who have completed this challenge. You might face a lightning-fast dex build, a tanky shield-poker, or a mage who spams Stars of Ruin. It's unpredictable and brutally fun. I faced a guy dual-wielding colossal swords who nearly pancaked me into the dirt. The key is to play smart, conserve your flasks, and learn their patterns quickly.
Defeat all three, and the Great Jar finally acknowledges your worth. Interact with it, and you are rewarded with the glorious Great Jar's Arsenal Talisman. The sense of accomplishment is real. You've proven yourself to a giant pot. Let that sink in.
Why Bother? Unleashing Your Inner Tank (With Style)
So, what does this talisman actually do? Is it worth fighting spectral versions of other players for? In a word: absolutely. It boosts your maximum Equip Load by 19%. But what does that mean for you?
Let's break down Equip Load, because the game doesn't exactly hold your hand here:
| Equip Load % | Roll Type | Practical Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Below 30% | Light Roll 🏃♂️ | Very fast, covers great distance. The 'I'm a dex build' special. |
| 30% - 70% | Medium Roll ⚖️ | The sweet spot! Standard speed and distance. What you should aim for. |
| 70% - 99% | Heavy Roll 🐢 | Slow, short distance, poor recovery. You will get hit. A lot. |
| Over 100% | Overencumbered 🚫 | Can't roll or run. Basically a walking piñata. |
Before I got this talisman, I was a Strength build stuck in the 'Heavy Roll' zone whenever I tried to wear my cool, bulky armor and wield my favorite giant hammer. I looked powerful, but I moved like I was stuck in tar. Every dodge was a gamble.
With the Great Jar's Arsenal, I could suddenly wear that full Lionel's set and medium roll! It's a game-changer. Here’s what it enables:
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Fashion Souls Supreme: Wear the armor you think looks coolest without sacrificing mobility. No more compromising!
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Stat Freedom: Instead of dumping 20 extra levels into Endurance just to carry your gear, you can invest those points into Strength, Vigor, or Mind. More health, more damage, more FP—it's all good.
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Poise Power: Heavier armor gives you more poise. Poise lets you tank through enemy attacks without being staggered. Want to swing your colossal weapon through a flurry of blows? This talisman makes it possible.
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Versatility for All: While it's the best talisman for Strength builds, it's useful for anyone. Even a sorcerer might want to wear slightly beefier robes for survivability.
Is It Still Meta in 2026? A Timeless Treasure
Given that Elden Ring is now a few years old, with its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion long since mastered by the community, you might wonder if this talisman is still relevant. Let me assure you, the fundamentals of build-crafting in FromSoftware's masterpiece haven't changed. The relationship between Equip Load, roll speed, and defense remains a core pillar of gameplay.
While new talismans and armor sets have been introduced, the Great Jar's Arsenal holds its place as a top-tier utility choice. For any build that values wearing substantial armor—be it a Strength warrior, a Faith paladin, or an Intelligence battlemage—this talisman is often a staple in one of the four precious talisman slots. It provides a raw, percentage-based boost that scales with your character's growth, making it valuable from the moment you earn it right through to facing the final challenges.
In a game where every roll can mean the difference between victory and a 'YOU DIED' screen, the gift of mobility is priceless. The Great Jar's Arsenal Talisman isn't just an item; it's a rite of passage. It's the game telling you that you're strong enough to carry your dreams—literally. So, go find that giant pot, prove your worth, and never be forced to choose between looking like a demigod and moving like one ever again.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a giant crusher and some unsuspecting enemies. Time to put this talisman to work! 💪