Elden Ring: Ultimate Guide to the Pure Strength Build
Now, let's take a deep dive into creating a character that can decimate your enemies with a giant sword, a massive greatsword, and some of the surprises in the DLC that make the Pure Strength Build more powerful than ever.
Why Choose the Strength Build?
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a strength build in Elden Ring. Unlike dexterity builds that focus on speed and agility, a strength build is all about raw power, using the heaviest weapons and most devastating attacks to crush opponents. The most exciting part? Two-handed weapons are the star of this show, and with the DLC additions, the Pure Strength Build has become more powerful than ever.
The recent update introduced the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, which grants a 10% increase in damage when using two-handed weapons. If you're the kind of player who loves the slow but impactful swing of a massive greatsword or colossal weapon, this is the perfect tool to maximize your damage output.
Key Strength Build Weapons
Now, let’s talk about the best weapons for this build. Strength builds excel with heavy, two-handed weapons that deal massive damage and stagger opponents. Here are some of the best choices for your arsenal:
1. Great Sword of Solitude
The Great Sword of Solitude is one of the standout weapons from the DLC for strength builds. It’s not just a beast in close combat, but it also comes with an Ash of War that lets you unleash a fast-moving, long-range projectile. This makes it a solid choice for casters and ranged enemies, as you can strike from a distance with surprising speed and power. The added combo potential from the initial slash to the follow-up light attack makes it an incredibly versatile weapon for trading hits or punishing opponents who think they can escape at range.
2. Claymore
For many, the Claymore remains one of the best all-around weapons in the game. Its long reach, solid moveset, and versatility make it great for trading blows, roll catching, and punishing opponents. Whether you're facing down another player in PvP or going head-to-head with a tough boss, the Claymore can handle almost any situation. Plus, it’s easy to use, making it a great weapon for those who want to focus more on raw power and defense.
3. Colossal Weapons
If you're in the mood to just bonk everything in your path, colossal weapons are your ticket. These massive weapons can stagger even the toughest enemies and are excellent for trading hits. They also benefit from the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, giving them an additional boost to their already high damage output.
4. Greatsword with Storm Stomp
Another fan favorite, the Greatsword benefits from the Storm Stomp Ash of War, which lets you perform an incredible AoE attack that can stagger enemies and set them up for devastating follow-up strikes. This is especially effective against bosses and PvP invaders, as the Storm Stomp catches them off guard, and when paired with the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, it deals explosive damage.
Stat Distribution for a Pure Strength Build
A Pure Strength Build is all about maximizing your damage output while maintaining enough endurance to use your heaviest weapons without fat rolling. Here's the optimal stat distribution to get the most out of your strength build:
· Strength (STR): This is your most important stat. You want to max this out as much as possible to increase your damage output with two-handed weapons. The higher your Strength, the more devastating your attacks will be.
· Endurance (END): Endurance determines how much equipment you can carry and how long you can keep swinging without running out of stamina. For a pure strength build, aim for at least 30-40 Endurance, depending on your weapon loadout. This ensures you can wear heavy armor without fat rolling and maintain stamina to dish out punishment.
· Dexterity (DEX): You only need enough Dexterity to equip your weapons. For most strength builds, this means anywhere between 10-20 Dexterity, depending on the weapon you're using. Focus on Strength for your primary damage.
· Vigor (VIG): Since strength builds are usually tanky and focused on taking damage, Vigor should be high. Aim for 40-50 Vigor to ensure you have plenty of health for sustained fights.
· Mind (MND), Intelligence (INT), Faith (FTH), Arcane (ARC): These stats are largely irrelevant for a Pure Strength Build unless you want to dabble in certain buffs or utility incantations. Stick to Mind and Faith if you want to include some basic healing or buffs.
The Strength Build Playstyle
The playstyle of a Pure Strength Build revolves around delivering massive damage and trading hits. You want to get up close to your enemies, tank some damage if needed, and then unload with devastating attacks. Here are some key tips for mastering the Pure Strength Build:
1. Two-Handed Weapon Strategy: Always two-hand your weapon to maximize damage. With the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, you'll get a 10% damage boost, which means your already high damage output will become even more lethal.
2. Use Heavy Armor: Since strength builds often have high Vigor and Endurance, you can afford to wear heavy armor. This gives you a massive defensive advantage, allowing you to tank more hits while dishing out punishment.
3. Trading and Staggering: The key to success with strength builds is knowing when to trade hits. Many of your heavy weapons have hyper armor (i.e., they continue their attack animation even if you get hit), which allows you to power through your opponent’s attacks.
4. Roll Catching: Strength builds are great at roll catching. Use weapons like the Claymore and Greatsword with large swings that cover a wide area. When your opponent tries to roll away from your attacks, you can catch them with a follow-up swing.
5. Utilize Long-Range Options: The Great Sword of Solitude introduces a powerful long-range Ash of War for strength builds. It’s incredibly useful against casters or players who try to keep their distance. Don’t be afraid to throw out a few ranged attacks before closing the gap and finishing them off with your massive melee strikes.
6. Boss Fights and PvP: In PvE, strength builds excel at boss fights due to their high damage and ability to withstand heavy hits. In PvP, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Keep your enemies on the defensive with constant pressure, and use your hyper armor to avoid getting staggered by lighter weapons or magic.
DLC Enhancements and New Strategies
The DLC introduced some fantastic new features for strength builds. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman alone is a game-changer, as it boosts your damage output by 10% when wielding a two-handed weapon. Additionally, the Great Sword of Solitude brings a fantastic ranged option to the strength build, making it possible to counter casters or attack from a distance when needed.
Another great addition is the variety of new weapons that were introduced with the DLC. Many of them are tailor-made for strength builds, offering new Ashes of War and unique move sets that provide even more options for playstyles.
Conclusion
The Pure Strength build is a force to be reckoned with in Elden Ring. With the right weapons, stats, and playstyle, you can decimate your foes in both PvP and PvE. The DLC will only improve this build with new weapons, amulets, and powerful ranged options, making it one of the most fun and rewarding builds in the game. Players can purchase a ton of cheap Elden Ring Items in exchange for materials to perfect their favorite build. So pick up your greatsword, broadsword, or whatever giant weapon you prefer and start wielding your way through the Lands Between. With the new update, your power will be unmatched and nothing can stand in your way.