Elden Ring Build Series: The Ultimate Strength Build

Welcome to the first installment of our new Elden Ring build series, where we're diving deep into the meta builds for every damage stat: Strength, Dexterity, Faith, Intelligence, and Arcane. Today, we’re kicking things off with a comprehensive guide to the Strength build. While I typically focus on diverse and fun builds, this time we'll strictly explore what the meta has to offer, showcasing the absolute best weapon choices and strategies to maximize your effectiveness in PvE at level 150, all while efficiently using your Elden Ring Runes to level up and acquire the necessary gear.

Why Strength Builds?

Strength builds are known for their devastating melee power, allowing players to break stances and deal colossal damage in close-range combat. As such, the core of our build revolves around utilizing high-damage weapons and tactics that capitalize on the Strength stat.

Choosing Your Weapons

1. Starfist:

· This weapon stands out as one of the best stance-breaking tools in the game. Its heavy Attack is notably fast, delivering two strikes simultaneously with substantial stance damage. To enhance its power, pair it with the Endure weapon skill. This skill grants significant poise and damage reduction, allowing you to trade blows effectively while dealing massive damage.

2. Giant-Crusher:

· A heavy weapon option, the Giant-Crusher excels in raw damage. The weapon’s stance damage is formidable, making it indispensable against tougher enemies. Utilize the Shard of Alexander talisman to boost weapon skill damage, and combine it with buffs like Golden Vow and Blessing's Boon for sustained combat viability.

3. Rusted Anchor vs. Pickaxe:

· Both weapons are great for piercing damage, but the Rusted Anchor delivers higher overall damage. Conversely, the Pickaxe can be power-stanced with Great Axes for simultaneous strikes that can shred through enemy defenses. Choose based on your playstyle - heavy damage output or versatile combo potential.

Talismans & Buffs

1. Lord of Blood's Exaltation:

· Essential for builds relying on bleed damage, this talisman increases damage dealt to enemies affected by bleed status.

2. Dragon Crest Greatshield Talisman & Opaline Hard Tear:

· The Dragon Crest Greatshield Talisman reduces damage taken, while the Opaline Hard Tear provides additional protection during trades. This is vital when engaging with high-damage bosses.

3. Claw Talisman:

· This talisman boosts your jump attack damage, ideal for the jump-heavy playstyle you'll be employing with your strength build weapons.

Skills and Spells

While physical attacks will form the basis of this build, having utility spells is crucial for variety:

1. Catch Flame:

· As a ranged fire spell, it’s excellent for enemies weak to fire.

2. Roar Agalia:

· This AoE damaging spell is useful for clearing out groups of enemies rapidly.

3. Blood Flame Blade:

· Combining this spell with your melee attacks allows for impressive bleed build-up in conjunction with your primary weapon’s passive bleed effects.

Strategy and Gameplay

The overall strategy of this Strength build revolves around aggression and resilience. Employ the Starfist's quick heavy attacks to break stances while equipping the Endure skill to tank through enemy hits. Maintain a balance between offensive power and damage reduction by alternating between heavy strikes and utilizing your shielding options, like the Smithing Shield or any other defensive tools at your disposal.

Moreover, consider incorporating projectiles into your strategy. Although strength builds often lack projectile options, the use of the Smithing Shield skill compensates for this gap remarkably well, providing utility without compromising your melee prowess.

Conclusion

This strength build is designed for those eager to dominate in Elden Ring with the might and ferocity of a true warrior. With a focus on powerful weapons, effective skills, and crucial talismans, you can take on any challenge. If this build resonates with you, stay tuned for future entries as we delve into Dexterity builds and other damage types. This strength build is designed for those eager to dominate in Elden Ring with the might and ferocity of a true warrior. With a focus on powerful weapons, effective skills, and crucial talismans, you can take on any challenge. For those looking to enhance their experience further, be sure to check out the best place to buy elden ring items to optimize your arsenal. May your journey in the Lands Between be filled with epic victories and legendary loot!