In the captivating and treacherous world of Elden Ring, players are invited to embark on epic journeys filled with challenges, mysteries, and powerful adversaries. As they progress through the realm, players have the opportunity to craft their characters in various ways, utilizing different builds that cater to unique playstyles.
From mighty warriors to cunning spellcasters, each build offers distinct advantages and experiences. In this article, we will explore some of the best builds in Elden Ring, each harnessing specific strengths to conquer the darkness that looms over the land.
Importance of Stat Allocation
The first 20 levels in Elden Ring are crucial as they lay the foundation for your character’s class and capabilities. Making wise choices during this phase can greatly influence your performance in the late game.
Allocating stat points carefully is essential for crafting a powerful character. For instance, investing in faith as an Astrologer might seem enticing, but committing to a full sorcery build could maximize your damage output in the long run.
The Best Elden Ring Builds
Now, let’s dive into the heart of our exploration: the best Elden Ring builds. Each build offers a unique playstyle, and their effectiveness varies based on individual preferences and the challenges faced in the game.
1. Colossal Knight Strength Build
| Starting Class: | Barbarian |
Key Stats: | Strength 21+, Endurance 25, Vigor 25 |
Items: | Warcry Ash of War, Axe Talisman, Roar Medallion, any great or colossal weapon |
The Colossal Knight Strength Build is a powerhouse build designed for those who relish crushing foes with sheer brute strength and wielding colossal weapons. This build excels in the early-to-mid game, delivering devastating blows to enemies.
With considerable stamina reserves, it allows players to follow up with multiple strikes, especially against formidable bosses. The key to this build’s success lies in choosing the right weapon, such as a greatsword or colossal weapon, and utilizing the Warcry Ash of War to enhance damage output.
Talismans like Axe Talisman and Roar Medallion further bolster the build’s potential, ensuring that every hit counts.
2. Glass Cannon Mage Build
Starting Class: | Astrologer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence 80, Dexterity 18, Strength 12 |
Items: | Moonveil Katana, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff, Cerulean Hidden Tear |
The Glass Cannon Mage Build is the epitome of dealing immense damage from a distance but comes at the cost of fragility. Players embracing this build must exercise caution, as they can be easily dispatched by a stray enemy attack.
However, this mage build unleashes unparalleled power through spells like Comet Azur and Terra Magicus. When wielded properly, the Moonveil Katana dishes out extraordinary damage, and the Lusat’s Glintstone Staff enhances the might of sorceries.
The Cerulean Hidden Tear, combined with other potent spells, ensures a steady flow of damage toward enemies.
3. Samurai Bleed Dex Build
Starting Class: | Samurai |
Key Stats: | Dexterity 55, Strength 40 |
Items: | 2x Uchigatanas (with Seppuku Ashes of War), Lord of Blood’s Exultation, White Mask, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia |
The Samurai Bleed Dex Build is all about wielding two Uchigatanas, inflicting devastating bleed effects upon enemies. Bleed damage quickly depletes an opponent’s health, making this build ideal for taking down powerful foes.
Contrary to common belief, Arcane is not necessary for this build; instead, it relies on Strength and Dexterity to maximize the power of Seppuku Ash of War.
The Uchigatanas, combined with other talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, make this build a formidable force on the battlefield.
4. Fire's Deadly Sin Faith Build
Starting Class: | Prophet |
Key Stats: | Strength 30, Faith 80 |
Items: | Fire’s Deadly Sin, Erdtree Greatshield, Old Lord’s Talisman |
The Fire’s Deadly Sin Faith Build is a powerhouse that delivers devastating attacks while maintaining sturdy defense. This build revolves around the Fire’s Deadly Sin incantation and the Erdtree Greatshield’s Golden Retaliation skill.
By activating Fire’s Deadly Sin, players unleash a burning effect that triggers the great shield’s reflection of spells back toward the enemy. The Faith stat is crucial for maximizing the build’s potential, and the Old Lord’s Talisman further enhances the power of attacks.
The combination of offense and defense in this build makes it an incredibly formidable force in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
5. Spinning Reaper Bleed Build
Starting Class: | Confessor or Vagabond |
Key Stats: | Strength 55, Dexterity 55 |
Items: | Grave Scythe, Spinning Weapon Ash of War, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, any items that boost bleed effect |
The Spinning Reaper Bleed Build is a one-of-a kind and entertaining endgame build that revolves around the Spinning Weapon Ash of War. By wielding a weapon with this skill, players unleash a rapid spinning attack that inflicts numerous hits in seconds, rapidly depleting the enemy’s health bar.
The Grave Scythe is one of the weapons that influenced this build. However, you can opt for weapons with bleed and long reach that will also be as effective. Talismans such as Rotten Winged Sword Insignia further boost the power of successive attacks.
This build is particularly useful against larger, slower enemies, but players should exercise caution against more agile opponents.
6. The Fearless Knight
Starting Class: | Warrior |
Key Stats: | Strength, Endurance, Vigor |
Items: | Executioner Greatsword, Havel’s Armor Set, Iron Flesh Pyromancy |
At its core, The Fearless Knight’s build embraces strength, endurance, and vigor, creating a resilient and mighty character ready to face any challenge.
This build is perfect for players who relish charging headfirst into battle, delivering powerful blows that crush adversaries, and emerging victorious from the darkest encounters.
As The Fearless Knight, you become the embodiment of unwavering courage and raw power, fearlessly venturing into the unknown and claiming victory over the most daunting foes.
7. The Mystic Sorcerer
Starting Class: | Sorcerer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence, Attunement., Adaptability |
Items: | Moonlight Greatsword, Archmage Robes, Crown of Dusk |
At the heart of The Mystic Sorcerer Build lies the art of arcane magic [1]. As The Mystic Sorcerer, players can unleash a variety of powerful spells, manipulate the elements, and control the forces of the universe.
This build is perfect for those who relish the role of a scholarly and mysterious spellcaster, weaving enchantments and unleashing immense power from afar. As The Mystic Sorcerer, you become a master of the arcane, commanding spells that can turn the tide of any battle.
8. The Agile Assassin
Starting Class: | Thief |
Key Stats: | Dexterity, Luck, Vigor |
Items: | Bandit’s Knife, Shadow Set, Poison Throwing Knife |
The Agile Assassin build revolves around swift and precise execution, making it ideal for players who prefer stealth-based tactics and inflicting deadly blows upon unsuspecting enemies.
As The Agile Assassin, players embrace cunning and agility, moving swiftly through the shadows and vanishing before their foes can react. This build is perfect for those who enjoy a calculated approach, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to strike with deadly accuracy.
9. The Holy Paladin
Starting Class: | Cleric |
Key Stats: | Faith, Strength, Endurance |
Items: | Lothric Knight Greatsword, Saint’s Set, Med Heal Miracle |
The Holy Paladin build is centered around the harmony of faith and physical prowess, making it an excellent choice for players who seek to embody a holy warrior.
As The Holy Paladin, players combine the power of divine miracles with the strength of melee combat, becoming a formidable force that fights evil and spreads justice across Elden Ring’s lands.
With their unwavering faith and righteous conviction, The Holy Paladin becomes a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, shining with the brilliance of divine power.
10. The Agile Samurai
Starting Class: | Samurai |
Key Stats: | Dexterity, Vitality, Adaptability |
Items: | Uchigatana, Eastern Armor Set, Carthus Flame Arc |
At its core, The Agile Samurai build revolves around the art of swift and precise strikes, making it an ideal choice for players who appreciate the elegance of Japanese swordsmanship.
As The Agile Samurai, players embrace the virtues of grace and discipline, mastering the katana’s fluid movements to deliver deadly and accurate attacks. This build is perfect for those who enjoy a combination of agility, swift strikes, and the finesse of traditional samurai combat.
11. The Enigmatic Pyromancer
Starting Class: | Pyromancer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence, Faith, Endurance |
Items: | Demon’s Scar, Fire Witch Armor Set, Chaos Bed Vestiges Pyromancy |
The Enigmatic Pyromancer build revolves around the mastery of pyromancies – spells that manipulate fire and dark flames. As The Enigmatic Pyromancer, players become mysterious wielders of the arcane arts, capable of harnessing the raw power of fire to dominate the battlefield.
This build is perfect for players who enjoy both ranged spellcasting and engaging in close-quarters combat, making The Enigmatic Pyromancer an unpredictable and enigmatic force in Elden Ring.
12. Berserk Guts
Starting Class: | Warrior |
Key Stats: | Strength, Endurance, Vitality |
Items: | Greatsword of Berserk, Berserker Armor Set, Red Tearstone Ring |
The Berserk Guts build draws inspiration from the iconic manga and anime character, Guts. As a powerful warrior, this build relies on raw strength and endurance to wield the massive Greatsword of Berserk with devastating effect.
The Berserker Armor Set provides both protection and a menacing appearance. When combined with the Red Tearstone Ring, Guts becomes even more formidable as his health drops, unleashing unparalleled power on his foes.
13. Marais Executioner
Starting Class: | Vagabond or Hero |
Key Stats: | Strength, Arcane, Vigor, Endurance, Mind |
Item: | Sword of Marais Executioner |
The Marais Executioner build centers on exploiting the powered version of Eochaid’s Dancing Blade, which resembles a spinning drill and lasts longer when charged.
When combined with talismans that boost damage for consecutive strikes and enhance charged attacks, just one well-executed move can significantly deplete enemies’ health. While mastering this playstyle might require some practice, the rewards are certainly worthwhile
14. Lunar Frostmage
Starting Class: | Prisoner or Astrologer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence, Mind, Vigor, Strength, Endurance |
Items: | Lusat’s Glintstone Staff, Dark Moon Greatsword, Regal Sceptre |
This build leans towards a battlemage approach, similar to other Frostmage builds. Unlike simply spamming Glintstone Icecrag, this build focuses on using the Moonlight Greatsword’s heavy attack to set projectiles. Glintstone Icecrag will be your secondary option.
In boss encounters, players should initiate with Ranni’s Dark Moon and then switch to Icecrag against larger foes or Night Comet for fast and agile bosses.
15. Blasphemous Paladin
Starting Class: | Confessor |
Key Stats: | Faith, Mind, Vigor, Endurance |
Items: | Erdtree Seal, Blasphemous Blade |
Arguably one of the most potent fire paladin builds currently, this setup heavily depends on taking advantage of the weapon skill of Blasphemous Blade, known as Taker’s Flames. This skill will bring remarkably high fire damage and can be amplified by utilizing specific talismans.
To optimize the Ritual Sword Talisman’s effectiveness, ensure your character’s HP is at its maximum before triggering the weapon skill. While Radagon’s Soreseal might make characters vulnerable like glass cannons, this drawback can be lessened by using the Golden Vow buff.
Combining this with the Flame, Grant Me Strength skill will better amplify Taker’s Flames’ damage to extraordinary levels.
16. Moonveil Mage
Starting Class: | Prisoner or Astrologer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence, Mind, Vigor, Dexterity, Endurance |
Items: | Carian Regal Scepter, Moonviel Katana |
Moonveil’s poise damage has undergone a slight reduction, causing the weapon to fall just short of being considered “overpowered,” but it still packs a significant punch.
Like the Blasphemous Blade builds, users will mainly rely on exploiting Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight weapon skill, typically opting for the heavy variant, to deliver magic damage set from a secure distance.
This build can be likened to a melee katana-focused setup, complemented by a few magic spells for specific situational encounters.
17. Comet Azur Wizard
Starting Class: | Wretch or Astrologer |
Key Stats: | Intelligence, Vigor, Mind, Endurance |
Items: | Uchigatana, Carian Regal Scepter, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff |
Undoubtedly, this is the build that has been garnering a lot of attention lately. This wizard focuses on obliterating enemies with a powerful Kamehameha-like blast of Comet Azur magic.
To achieve this, the strategy involves empowering oneself using Terra Magicus, consuming the Physick Flask, and then unleashing a straight 8-second beam of magic that can significantly reduce a stationary boss’ health, if not halve it.
For even greater damage output, the wizard can execute a self-inflicted Seppuku with an altered Uchigatana, bringing their HP to a low level and triggering the potent buff from the Red-Feathered Branch Sword.
18. Unga Bunga Build
Starting Class: | Hero |
Key Stats: | Strength, Faith and Mind, Vigor, Endurance |
Items: | Raptor’s Black Feathers |
Melee builds are not falling behind when it comes to dealing massive damage to bosses in a single strike. This specific build makes use of a series of buffs before charging toward the enemy, staging a jumping maneuver, and delivering a powerful heavy jump attack.
To execute the combo optimally, commence with Golden Vow at full HP, followed by Flame, Grant Me Strength, and then Royal Knight’s Resolve. Ensure both hammers reach the target for maximum impact.
19. Lord Of Blood
Starting Class: | Bandit |
Key Stats: | Strength and Dexterity, Arcane, Mind, Vigor, Endurance |
Item: | White Mask |
Bleed has become a highly effective tactic right after new updates, bordering on being overpowered. Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear turned potent, owing to the exploitable nature of its Bloodboon Ritual weapon skill.
Players can gradually inflict over 10,000 points of damage with this skill, often enough to defeat bosses with less than a full bar of FP.
An added advantage of Mohg’s spear is its thrusting nature, allowing it to be paired with a shield. Meanwhile, both Rivers of Blood and Elonora’s Pole Blade are formidable options thanks to their strong Arcane scaling. These make them great for dealing with smaller encounters.
However, players must understand that this build may not be completely efficient when targeting enemies that are immune to bleeding, so wise use and strategic planning are essential in such situations.
Conclusion
In Elden Ring, the path to victory lies in selecting the perfect build that aligns with your playstyle and preferences. From fearless knights to enigmatic pyromancers, each starting class offers unique abilities that can be optimized through strategic stat allocation and the acquisition of essential items.
Mastering these builds will empower players to overcome formidable challenges and adversaries, becoming true legends in the vast world of Elden Ring. So, venture forth, embrace your chosen path, and let the power of your build shape your destiny in this extraordinary realm.
