Serving as the spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series, Elden Ring takes players to the open world of the Lands Between where demigods fight in the Shattering to gain lordship over the world through the Elden Ring, a physical manifestation of order. As a former exile called the Tarnished, players traverse the Lands Between to repair the broken Elden Ring and become its ruler, the Elden Lord.

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While Elden Ring players expect to have a hard time with the game, others anticipate duking it out with other players in the game’s PvP mechanic. Considering how intense the game’s builds can be at the hands of the right player, how can an Elden Ring enthusiast dominate the PVP scene?

Updated March 12, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: Fans of Elden Ring can rejoice as the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is finally slated to come with a June 21, 2024 revival, urging fans to once again revisit the Lands Between as the Tarnished in the hopes of perfecting their fighting styles in the battles to come ahead. While the new DLC is poised to boast quite a large area for players to explore, some Elden Ring fans may be looking forward to the prospect of fighting both newcomers and other hardcore fans in the game's PVP mode, especially with the game offering quite the robust selection of builds that range from the tactically-immersive to the outright crazy. In this regard, some other builds for players to try to include loadouts created to fight the meta, toolkits that maximize the shadows, a fast and loose playstyle, a dagger enthusiast, and even a rather strong mage.

1 Dual Bloody Cleaver

Poison And Bleed To Deal Maximize Damage

Players of Elden Ring often reserve Strength-heavy builds against tougher bosses like those against dragons, but players who want to boast the same heavy-hitting fighting style could use the Dual Bloody Cleaver against other players in a PVP setup. The core of the build is tied into proccing Bleed and Poison effects as often as possible, as the damage-over-time and debuffs they provide can easily debilitate enemies and force them to think about clearing the statuses first instead of fighting.

The damage these effects provide is improved further with Lord of Blood's Exultation and Kindred of Rot's Exultation. However, players can dish out more pain with multi-hit attacks, especially when the combos of the Scavenger's Curved Sword are rather straightforward. Combined with this build's Talismans, players are encouraged not just to continuously proc Poisons and Bleeds but also secure combos consistently.

2 Aggressive Shinobi

Use Stealth To Obliterate Foes

At first glance, the Aggressive Shinobi feels like an underrated Elden Ring build especially with its thematic appearance. However, using this build correctly can result in rather broken fights, even against entire teams. Waterfowl Dance forms a major part of the player's aggression, with its aerial multi-hit slash providing a relatively safe distance between players and opponents while dishing out Strength-augmented damage. However, it's the moments leading up to this attack that make the Aggressive Shinobi quite merciless.

In line with its ninja theme is a penchant for vanishing, which can be made possible with Unseen Form which can make it much harder for enemies to lock onto players. Should players want to go for extra broken setups, they can use Sleep Pot to render opponents immobile, or even Mimic's Veil to take the form of everyday objects and surprise enemies when they have their guards down.

3 The Strong Scholar

Use Gravity To Devastate Opponents

While others may argue that an Axe in Elden Ring could suit slow but heavy-hitting builds, the Greatsword becomes the dependable ally of the Strong Scholar loadout. While it's true that both the Scarscourge Greatsword and the Ruins Greatsword require Strength and Endurance for their stats, the additional Intelligence for scaling could result in devastating combos in the right hands.

The key playstyle associated with the Strong Scholar has to do with timing and dodges, especially with Wave of Destruction which can inflict quite a fierce knock-up effect. When positioned correctly, even a mere Starcaller Cry can push opponents off ledges, scoring easy gravity kills for players.

4 Dextrous Invader

Lightning And Dexterity Make A Mean Combination

While a PVP encounter with another player shouldn't necessarily have an enemy player possessing the same HP levels as an Elden Ring boss, a skilled combatant may as well become the equivalent of a boss encounter if they know their playstyles well. In this regard, the Dextrous Invader can serve as a decent counter against these threats as long as players know how to capitalize on Lightning Damage.

Lightning Damage is an emphasis for this build, as Weapon Arts that cause this damage type can scale with Dexterity. Imbuing weapons with the Lightning element while also relying on Dexterity for damage. This also explains why the build relies on DEX-scaling weapons as main armaments, such as the Hand of Malenia, Keen Raptor Talons, and even the Lightning Rapier. The flexibility of this build is tied into the requirement of a heavy Lightning loadout, meaning players can freely adjust their arsenal as long as they retain their Lightning affinity to maximize damage.

5 Twin-Spear Devastation

Poke Supremacy For Flexible Threat Management

Certain bosses in Elden Ring can feel a bit "lacking" when fought by more veteran players who understand their movement patterns, especially when attack registers become more apparent in subsequent playthroughs. At first glance, the poke-heavy mechanics of the Twin-Spear Devastation can make a player using it also feel like an attack-spamming boss. However, despite this build's traditional Dexterity-reliant setup, it's the proper use of its components that can make it quite a dangerous loadout to tango with.

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Much of the build's efficiency has to do with using a pair of Keen Cross-Naginata with different Ashes of War. The left one uses Cragblade which can make stance-breaking easier, allowing players to dish out more combos without the risk of enemy parries when timed correctly. Meanwhile, the right one uses Beast's Roar condenses the air in front of the player into a projectile, effectively giving them a ranged option that not only works as an enemy deterrent but also as a long-range poke. Combining these with Lightning Grease and Dexterity-heavy gear can transform the Twin-Spear Devastation into an extremely punishing kit, even if enemies feel like the players are just using the same attack rotations.

6 Pure Charge Juggernaut

Capitalize On Charge Attacks For Heavy Damage

When players encounter desperate times in their playthroughs while using Elden Ring weapons that are difficult to handle, the ever-reliable spam attack can become a saving grace. With the Pure Charge Juggernaut, players can deal devastating damage to foes with the right placement of charged attacks. In principle, the build capitalizes on weapons like the Heavy Zweihander and Heavy Claymore that possess fierce thrusts or slashes on a wide area of effect.

With this in mind, players can simply focus on damage mitigation while boosting overall damage (Axe Talisman, Spear Talisman) and keeping enemies at a distance for setups (Rejection). When done correctly, players can load their charged attacks that bypass an opponent’s immediate attack to stagger them with decent damage. While this move seems risky at first glance, players who get their timing right could eliminate opponents with their charged attacks more often.

7 Frostbite Supremacy

Chain Damage Through Frostbite Status

One of the worst mistakes Elden Ring players could make in multiplayer is to use the same weapon across all fights. This Frostbite Supremacy takes full advantage of the Frostbite Status Effect, where enough applications can release a shockwave that deals damage alongside a 20-percent damage boost.

The main crux of this build is ensuring players deal enough damage consecutively to keep on proccing the Frostbite effect, which means the focus is less on using specific Spells. Instead, players need to have a reliable arsenal of Cold-based weapons to adjust to any opponent. For instance, a slower-moving Knight’s Cold Greatsword could transition into a sweeping Cold Godskin Peeler, or into a fast-paced frontal Rogier’s Rapier.

8 Regenerating Attrition Warrior

Keep On Regenerating Health In Battle

Players who frequently go toe-to-toe against heavy-hitting Elden Ring gamers would understand the difficulty of breaking through juggernauts or outpacing DPS-specializing builds. To counter this, players can rely on the Regenerating Attrition Warrior to secure not just decent offense but supreme survivability. At base, players are recommended to start with a Confessor to easily build Dexterity and Faith, with Vigor and Endurance for other priority stats.

Offense-wise, the Ornamental Straight Sword used with Golden Tempering can deal a fast-paced Strong Attack combo for decent damage that is further augmented with Dexterity and Attack Power boosts on successful hits (Millicent’s Prosthesis). Where the build shines is its constant buffs to HP, with much of its Spells reserved for heals (Lord’s Heal, Blessing’s Boon), Talismans that grant healing on hit (Godskin Swaddling Cloth) and over time (Blessed Dew Talisman), as well as healing 7 HP per second across three minutes (Crimsonburst Crystal Tear).

9 Godfrey's Obliterator

Axe Of Godfrey Can Secure Hits With Shockwaves

Gamers who believe they’ve mastered the timing mechanics of Elden Ring gameplay can put their skills to the test in the timing-heavy Godfrey’s Obliterator that can make quick work of foes with its centerpiece: the Axe of Godfrey. A particularly special trait of this Colossal Weapon is its Regal Roar Skill, which not only has an unblockable shockwave (adds Attack Power, Strength), but also paves the way for a lunging slash Strong Attack.

Being a heavy build with a slow weapon, Great-Jar’s Arsenal guarantees rolling capabilities, Banished Knight’s Quality Shield assists with parries, Bull-Goat’s Talisman to resist falling on attacks, while Catch Flame is a safety net against faster players. Regal Roar transforms the Axe into a pure obliterator with the assistance of Talismans that buff Attack Power (Shard of Alexander).

10 Dark Moon Dominator

Ranni's Dark Moon Can Facilitate DPS Across All Ranges

Spellcasters can rely on Elden Ring spells to ensure enemies and bosses are kept away from them as much as possible, and the Dark Moon Dominator transforms players into versatile fighters with its straightforward kit. A central part of the build is a focus on Intelligence and Dexterity to empower spells and boost critical damage, which is improved further by drinking either Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear or Greenburst Crystal Tear before fights.

Players using this build can approach combat on two fronts, but all begin with Ranni’s Dark Moon to hit foes with the Frostbite Status. When going long-range, players can rely on poking enemies with invisible Night Sorceries that are difficult for them to dodge. Those who want to get up close should use Glintblade Phalanx to break enemy stances and swoop in with their Cold Rapier to proc Frostbite and heavy-hitting criticals.

11 Death Blighter

Blight Deals Heavy Damage Over Time

Elden Ring players who want to become vessels of decay should give Death Blighter a shot. This PvP build focuses on luring enemies into a false sense of security, responding to almost any movement with either a debilitating spell or extra protection. This build begins with laying out Golden Vow and Wondrous Physick, giving players decent maneuverability even if they’re wearing Heavy Armor. Eternal Darkness is a must-cast against a magic user, to ensure their spells are blocked if they get into the vicinity.

The rest of this build’s rotations need players to get as aggressive as possible, with their spells and a dash of melee on the side. All of these are buffed by Death Blight’s insta-kill build-up effect. Chances are, enemies will circle the player while avoiding Death Rancors, which makes it the right time to cast Explosive Ghost Flame. Enemies might anticipate that players will throw Ghost Flame again and swoop in for the kill, which is the right time for players to punish with the Phantom Slash.

12 Gravity Master

Keep Enemies On Their Toes With Melee, Magic Prowess

One of the more thematic co-op PVP builds, players can enjoy intense Elden Ring matches with a dash of spacetime mastery with Gravity Master. Players can gauge foes by popping a few rounds off the Meteor Staff and a bit of melee with the Beast Jaw, before activating Winged Crystal Tear for mobility and proceeding to the offensive.

When fighting for the kill, boost spells with Terra Magica before starting a spell barrage. Alternate Rock Sling with Gravity Bolt for rapid spams, with the additional stagger to get them off guard. Once close enough, players can deal decent damage with the Beast Jaw before rolling away. When facing aggressive melee foes, players can generate distance with Stars of Ruin or a faster melee via Wing of Astel.

13 Spellblade Fighter

Glintblade Stagger Can Lead To Harsh Punishments

Elden Ring players who want to bring a bit of Dungeons & Dragons into their playthrough should consider the Spellblade Fighter. This build focuses on securing the advantage by bombarding enemies with thematic Glintblade spells as they walk up close to the finisher with their Keen Cross-Naginata.

First, activate buffs on the Cross Naginata via the Scholar’s Armament before casting Greatblade Phalanx. Next, spam Magic Glintblade toward the enemy before rushing in for the kill. By then, the enemy should have been hit by any of the Glintblade spells. Once players reach the enemy, release Piercing Fang alongside light combos from the Cross Naginata. Ideally, players can stagger the casting of the Glintblades alongside the Piercing Fang so that enemies can’t guess any rhythm.

14 The Mighty Slasher

Build Tempo, Damage With Straightforward Melee

There’s nothing more satisfying in an action RPG than cleaving enemies in half. Getting that perfect finishing strike requires mastery of form, but gaining the right momentum can make any player deadly - especially in PvP. This is precisely what the Mighty Slasher does, transforming any Heavy Greatsword into the perfect two-handed weapon.

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As with any melee build, the Mighty Slasher’s combat rotations are relatively straightforward. Activate Royal Knight’s Resolve as well as other buffing spells to power up melee attacks. Winged Crystal Tear gives players extra mobility, as their primary damage involves finding the right moment for a massive strike. Players who want maximum damage should consider mastering movement that leads to a jumping-heavy attack, so enemies won’t have enough defenses to fight back.

15 Poison Spam Domination

Guarantee Poison Deaths By Continuous Spam

One of the easiest ways to best foes in Elden Ring is to ensure the game is transformed against them. With this Poison Spam Domination build, Elden Ring players can do massive damage against their foes through Poison.

The key to using Poison Spam Domination is power stancing, where players continuously use each weapon on their hands in an alternating motion. The diagonal animation can apply Poison to enemies quickly, which can dish out a ton of damage over time when positioned properly. Next, use the Reduvia to apply pressure against Poisoned opponents, especially through staggers. Not to mention, Reduvia Blood Blade is a spammable projectile that is perfect for players who feel a bit lazy chasing foes.

16 Sleep Thy Troubles

Break Stances For Maximum Damage

Status ailments remain a constant enemy in Elden Ring, especially if players don’t have the right remedy. In the right hands, Sleep Thy Troubles can transform another gamer’s playthrough into a living nightmare. The key to this build is the Sleep mechanics of Sword of St. Trina, as it doesn't put player enemies to sleep, unlike other opponents. Rather, successful Sleep on a target breaks their stance for an extended period. In this limited timeframe, players can dish out maximum damage.

Players should power-stance the Sword of St. Trina to trigger the Sleep effect the fastest. Next, switch to the Pulley Crossbow with Sleepbone Bolts for a strong three-shot burst, with Death’s Poker igniting a memorable finisher. If an opponent is strong enough to resist the initial Sleep power stance, perhaps triggering Mists of Slumber manually could give them a boost.

17 Stealth Is Key

Surprise Enemies With Mobility, Through Sneak

While the samurai is often associated with honor, Samurai players in Elden Ring may prefer a stealthy option in combat. In this straightforward Stealth Is Key build, players capitalize on various movement options (especially dodging) when fighting opponents head-on. Use Phantom Bloody Finger and Concealing Veil to stay invisible and remain on sneak all the time.

In combat, players can snipe via the Bold of Gransax’s Ancient Lightning Spear for a devastating hit. Next, switch to the Dragon King’s Cragblades Thundercloud Form to dish out melee attacks. If enemy players still outlast the gamer at this point, a Flask of Wondrous Physick can give players a buff to either escape or outlast their stronger foe.

18 Super Aggression

High-Speed Attacks Leave Little Time For Counters

Timing is key in Elden Ring even for beginners. Leisurely play can have players surrounded or overwhelmed fairly quickly. This is also the case in PvP. For players to prevail in these situations, a build like Super Aggression can work if players use their cards right. This build emphasizes high-speed gameplay on top of decent damage and combat versatility, giving players numerous options to enter and exit fights quickly.

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Capitalize on the Azur’s Glintstone Staff and the Radagon Icon for the DEX boosts, to allow for extremely aggressive PvP setups. Carian Slicer gives players the opening to close in on melee quickly and cast spells before enemies can even react. In terms of skills, prioritize everything that boosts movement speed and attack speed. Catching the opponent off-guard is the best approach for this build.

19 Bleed To Death

Bleed Over Time Makes Quick Work Of HP

Upon acquisition, the Rivers of Blood Katana is one of the most versatile weapons in Elden Ring. Not only is it capable of debilitating enemy forces with Bleed, but it’s maneuverable enough that players can zig-zag across the battlefield in relative safety.

The key to this Bleed To Death build is to secure the Bleed damage-over-time on opponents as soon as possible. This not only means keeping up aggression but also being lithe enough to escape the enemy’s grasp should they recover. The other Spells in this build only give players an edge in ranged combat, but it's best if they stay close.

20 Sorcerer Supreme

Spam Spells To Disable Enemy Counters

Spells are one of the most overlooked aspects of Elden Ring. Using these incantations properly can debilitate enemy forces quickly. In PvP, the Sorcerer Supreme applies the “fireball everything to death” principle. Since the deadliest Spells in the game take time to cast, players are banking on their enemies to slow down for casting so that they can zoom in for the kill.

The Sorcerer Supreme build avoids that, instead giving players access to Glintstone Sorceries that rely on speedy summons for moderate effects. Players who consistently cast these Spells from the safety of mid-range combat can pose a threat to others. Additionally, players can quickly shift to Carian Spells and even a swift Misericorde combo to get away from danger with a dash of retaliation.