Does Black Flame Protection Stack With Golden Vow

Caroline Mae

less than a minute read

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06-01-2025

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The question of whether Black Flame Protection and Golden Vow stack in Elden Ring has been a source of debate among players. The short answer is: no, they do not stack in the way many players initially assume.

Understanding the Mechanics

Both Black Flame Protection and Golden Vow are incantations that offer protection. However, they function differently and affect different aspects of your character's defenses.

• Black Flame Protection: This incantation grants protection against fire damage. It increases your resistance to fire attacks, making you less susceptible to taking damage from fire-based enemies and spells.

• Golden Vow: This incantation buffs your physical and magical defenses, boosting both your poise and resistance to a wide range of attacks. It does not specifically focus on fire damage resistance.

Why They Don't Stack Additively

While both incantations improve your survivability, they don't directly stack. Applying Golden Vow after Black Flame Protection won't result in an additive increase to your fire resistance. Golden Vow's overall defense boost might indirectly lessen the impact of fire damage by increasing your overall health pool, but it doesn't specifically amplify the fire resistance granted by Black Flame Protection. Instead, Golden Vow will replace the effects of Black Flame Protection regarding defense buffs. Only the effects of the last incantation cast will be active.

Optimal Usage

The best approach depends on your playstyle and the specific challenges you face. If you anticipate significant fire damage, prioritizing Black Flame Protection is advisable. For broader protection against a variety of attacks, Golden Vow is generally a more versatile choice. Choosing between the two is a strategic decision based on the encountered threats. You shouldn't use both simultaneously expecting an additive increase to your defenses.

Conclusion

While both Black Flame Protection and Golden Vow enhance your survivability in Elden Ring, they do not stack their primary defensive effects. Understanding their individual functions is crucial for making informed choices in combat and optimizing your character's defenses. Always choose the incantation most suited to the immediate threat you face.