Whether you're venturing into New Game Plus or tackling late-game bosses for the first time, these five builds are engineered to do one thing: break the game in your favor Elden Ring Items.
Each of these builds takes full advantage of Shadow of the Erdtree's new buffs, talismans, and flask tiers to maximize damage, tankiness, or sheer flair.
Weapon: Heavy Giant's Crusher
Ash of War: Royal Knight's Resolve
Armor: Full Rellana's/Rock Shasa Set (for 8% extra damage)
Talismans:
Axe Talisman (charged R2s)
Two-Handed Sword Talisman (+15% damage)
Green Turtle Talisman (stamina regen)
Great-Jar's Arsenal (equip load)
Flask of Wondrous Physick:
Spiked Cracked Tear
Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Buffs:
Golden Vow + Howl of Shabiri for 25%+ total increased damage.
Stats (Level 170):
60 Vigor
30 Endurance
80 Strength
33 Faith
Others balanced for casting and equipping
This is the classic boss-busting build taken to the next level thanks to DLC talismans and tears. With Royal Knight's Resolve boosting your next attack, and a fully charged heavy R2 smashing through defenses, most early-game bosses simply evaporate-some in a single swing.
Don't be surprised when you find yourself laughing at bosses like Radagon or the Elden Beast as their health bars melt away.
Weapon: Heavy Iron Ball
Ash of War: Endure
Armor: Rock Shasa Set
Talismans:
Bull-Goat Talisman (massive Poise)
Green Turtle Talisman (stamina regen)
Crimson Amber Medallion (max HP)
Axe Talisman (heavy R2s)
Flask of Wondrous Physick:
Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Spiked Cracked Tear
Buffs:
Golden Vow
Flame, Grant Me Strength (or) Bloodboil Aromatic (+30% damage, but increased damage taken)
Stats (Level 170):
60 Vigor
80 Strength
30 Endurance
This is your "I don't care what you throw at me" build. With Endure active and the highest Poise possible, you will tank through even the fiercest bosses while dishing out massive charged punches. The Iron Ball's R2 comes out fast and hard, especially when stacked with buffs.
If you're looking to brawl and soak hits like a true juggernaut, this is your build.
Weapon: Ordovis's Greatsword
Skill: Ordovis's Vortex (charged)
Armor: Rock Shasa Set
Talismans:
Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman (-20% physical damage taken)
Sacred Scorpion Charm (+12% Holy Damage)
Shard of Alexander (boost skill damage)
Godfrey Icon (charged skill damage)
Flask of Wondrous Physick:
Holy-Shrouded Cracked Tear
Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Buffs:
Golden Vow
Howl of Shabiri
Stats (Level 170):
80 Strength
33 Faith
Balanced Mind and Endurance
Ordovis's Vortex has gone underappreciated, but not anymore. With high stagger potential and an AoE holy blast, this build destroys posture and pummels even late-game bosses into the dirt. The animation delay gives you an edge to trade hits, and you'll often knock enemies out of combos entirely.
Perfect for players who love faith/strength hybrids and punishing bosses with heavy-hitting AoEs.
Incantation: Knight's Lightning Spear
Seals: Two Gravel Stone Seals (for 30% Dragon Cult boost)
Armor: Rock Shasa + Black Dumpling (10% more damage when Madness is nearby)
Talismans:
Ritual Sword Talisman (max HP = +15% damage)
Lightning Scorpion Charm (+15% lightning)
Flock's Canvas Talisman (+ incantation dmg)
Godfrey Icon (charged spell boost)
Flask of Wondrous Physick:
Lightning-Shrouded Cracked Tear
Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Stats (Level 170):
80 Faith
27 Mind
60 Vigor
Others balanced for casting and light equip
This is easily the most disgustingly overpowered ranged caster build in the game right now. Knight's Lightning Spear, introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, hits like a truck-especially when charged-and the double Gravel Stone combo makes it shred bosses in seconds.
It's not just raw damage, either. The incantation causes stagger, allowing stance breaks and criticals from afar.
If you like staying safe while nuking enemies with literal divine lightning, this is the one.5. The Bleed Samurai: Nagakiba + Unsheathe with Sepukku
Weapons:
Keen Nagakiba (with Unsheathe Ash of War)
Blood Uchi Katana (with Sepukku)
Armor:
White Mask (boosts attack on bleed)
Rock Shasa Armor (6% more damage)
Talismans:
Shard of Alexander
Lord of Blood's Exultation
Kindred of Rot's Exultation
Ranni's Cameo (for post-Unsheathe buff)
Flask of Wondrous Physick:
Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Stonebarb Cracked Tear
Stats (Level 150):
70 Dexterity
55 Vigor
18 Strength (to wield the katana)
33 Faith (for buffs)
8 Arcane
This is the most calculated build on the list. It's fast, stylish, and deadly. With Sepukku active, you'll stack bleed instantly while triggering White Mask and Lord of Blood's Exultation. The real kicker? When you combine that with Unsheathe, you can nuke a boss's HP before they even get to finish an animation.
This is the ultimate dexterity build, made even better by Shadow of the Erdtree enhancements. Expect huge crits, fast dodges, and blood-soaked dominance.
Final Thoughts: Which Build Reigns Supreme?
All five of these builds represent a different archetype of power fantasy:
Strength builds for raw destruction
Tanks for unkillable poise
Faith/strength hybrids for divine devastation
Ranged casting with terrifying burst
Dexterity bleed for high-risk, high-reward speed kills
Whether you're walking into NG+6 or just diving into Shadow of the Erdtree for the first time, these builds will make your journey smoother, faster, and a heck of a lot more fun Elden Ring Runes.
