Elden Ring Strength Build: Mastering Pierce Damage

Tarnished, welcome back to another fascinating build guide for Elden Ring! Today we're going to be diving into a strength-focused build that's specifically optimized for dealing piercing damage using various Elden Ring Items. With the recent DLC updates enhancing many aspects of our playstyle, including new equipment and talismans, you'll find this build to be not only viable but potentially dominant in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Let's break it down step by step.

1. Understanding Pierce Damage:

Pierce damage is a unique category in Elden Ring, characterized by weapons that specialize in dealing damage during counterattacks, especially when the opponent is mid-attack. This build embraces this mechanic, allowing you to inflict devastating damage on your foes.

Key Playstyle:

· Counterattacks: The primary strategy is to catch opponents during their attack animations, leveraging your high damage potential.

· Aggression: Use heavy hitting and wide-reaching attacks to keep opponents on edge, forcing them to roll into your traps.

2. Essential Equipment for the Build:

Weapons:

· Colossal Swords: Your go-to weapon for their sheer power and range. The Claymore is a fantastic choice here, mixing heavy attacks with rapid crouching strikes.

· Spears: Given your focus on piercing damage, spears augment your ability to hit opponents who are attacking.

Talismans:

· Two-Handed Sword Talisman: This talisman increases your damage output by 10% when wielding your primary weapon two-handed, an effective boost for any strength build.

· Retaliatory Cross Tree: Perfect for PvP scenarios, this talisman enhances the damage dealt with crouch attacks and rolling attacks by 12%. This works wonderfully with heavy weapons known for their strong crouch attacks.

· Spear Talisman: Essential for this build as it increases your counterattack damage by 15%. You’ll find that if you hit during an enemy's attack frames, this talisman will amplify your damage significantly.

· Flexible Last Talisman: Depending on your playstyle, you can choose between the Axe Talisman for charged heavy attacks or the Shard of Alexander if you want to utilize piercing-style Ashes of War like Piercing Fang.

3. Stat Allocation:

Focus on pure strength; this means your primary investment should be in Strength. Here’s a basic rundown of attribute allocation:

· Strength: Maximize this for damage output.

· Endurance: Ensure that you have enough to wield your heavy armor and weapons effectively. With decent endurance, you'll have the stamina to engage in prolonged fights with heavy hits.

· Vigor: A secondary priority to enhance your survivability.

Armor:

Choose heavy armor that complements your strength build. The key here is to maintain good poise while being able to take damage without a hitch. Avoid using the Ury Favor or Great Jar so that you can effectively enhance your damage output.

4. Combat Strategies:

Now that you're equipped and ready, it’s essential to craft your strategy while engaging in invasions or PvP fights:

· Punish Mistakes: Focus on baiting your opponent’s attacks and then countering with your crouch attacks since they will incur heavy damage.

· Mix Up Attacks: Don’t be predictable; alternate between light and heavy attacks to keep opponents guessing.

· Utilize Environment: Positioning plays a key role in avoiding damage while getting the upper hand on your foes.

5. Gameplay Tips:

· Always be ready to roll and reposition. Try to lead your opponent into tight spots, which can lead to easier counterattack opportunities.

· Buff whenever possible: Use various buffs that increase your attack power before entering an engagement. Items like the Fire Liver can help when facing groups or magic users.

· Adapt to the Enemy: Pay attention to your opponent's tactics and respond accordingly. If they rely heavily on rolls, implement strategies to catch them off-guard.

6. Wrap Up and Invasion Showcase:

As you fight in the Royal Capital and other invasion hotspots, remember that timing and unpredictability are your best friends. With practice, you’ll begin to master the art of piercing damage, leading to thrilling victories! And as you hone your skills, consider investing some of those cheap Elden Ring Runes into upgrading your equipment and enhancing your build. Now, get ready to return to Elden Ring with this devastating power build and conquer your enemies with piercing might!