Elden Ring Builds: 14 Strength-Based Paths You Should Try
If you're someone who enjoys watching enemies crumble under massive weapons and raw force, Strength builds in Elden Ring offer some of the most satisfying gameplay experiences. Whether you're smashing through bosses with colossal hammers or shrugging off hits with near-immovable poise, these builds reward patience, timing, and a whole lot of brute power. Below are 14 Strength-based paths worth experimenting with, each offering its own twist on classic heavy-hitting playstyles.
1. Greatsword Colossus Build
This fan-favorite uses the Greatsword (inspired by Guts from Berserk), focusing on pure Strength and heavy armor. Charge into battle with Lion’s Claw Ash of War and devastate anything in your path.
2. Ruins Greatsword Build
The Ruins Greatsword has one of the highest Strength scaling ratings in the game. Pair it with the Radagon’s Scarseal and buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength to melt enemy health bars.
3. Dragon Slayer Axe Build
A build that combines aggression and defense. This setup focuses on the Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade and utilizes poise-heavy gear to absorb hits while dishing out major stagger damage.
4. Brick Hammer Troll Build
Ridiculously fun and surprisingly viable, this build uses the Brick Hammer with two-handed jump attacks. Stack the Claw Talisman and jump into the fray with style.
5. Beast Claw Incantation Hybrid
If you're leaning toward a Strength/Faith hybrid, Beast Claw incantations scale well with Strength and offer a ranged supplement to your melee pressure. This build shines in both PvE and PvP.
6. Heavy Twinblade Berserker
Twinblades aren’t just for Dex users. Infuse them with a Heavy Ash of War and watch them become a Strength powerhouse, perfect for stagger pressure and aggressive combos.
7. Dragon Slayer Strength-Faith Hybrid
Use weapons like the Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade in combination with buffing Elden Ring Items like Flame, Grant Me Strength. You'll gain both offensive and defensive scaling with Strength and Faith.
8. Frost Giant Crusher Build
Use the Giant-Crusher infused with Cold to combine brutal Strength scaling with frostbite status. With proper talismans and armor, you become a walking glacier of destruction.
9. Greathammer Faith Combo
Pick up a Greathammer and combine it with support incantations like Blessing of the Erdtree or Golden Vow. This lets you tank damage while offering team buffs in co-op play.
10. Great Club Caveman Build
A raw and hilarious path, this build involves going bare-chested with a Great Club or similar weapon. Focus on high Vigor, Strength, and raw aggression to overpower anything.
11. Troll Knight’s Sword Strength-Int Hybrid
This Strength/Intelligence hybrid makes use of the Troll Knight’s Sword’s innate magic damage. A few points into Intelligence open up access to utility sorceries while keeping your melee damage high.
12. Duel Wielding Great Axes
Double up on Great Axes and lean into the madness. Use the Wild Strikes Ash of War and stack attack buffs to create chaos, especially in tight PvP skirmishes.
13. Watchdog’s Greatsword Bleed-Strength Mix
Surprisingly effective, this build blends high Strength scaling with a Blood infusion. Stack Bleed-proccing talismans and you’ll rip through enemies’ health even with tanky weapons.
14. Fire Strength Build with Magma Wyrm’s Scalesword
The Magma Wyrm’s Scalesword is a great Strength/Faith weapon with innate fire damage. Perfect for those who want to mix melee combat with fire-based incantations and Elden Ring Items that boost fire resistance and attack.
Final Thoughts
Strength builds in Elden Ring are far more versatile than many players give them credit for. With the right setup, you can tank through almost any encounter and deliver punishing blows that end fights before they even begin. Whether you're a solo Tarnished looking for the next challenge or a co-op player supporting your squad, there’s a Strength path for you.
If you’re experimenting with multiple builds and need a quick boost to test them, many players choose to buy Elden Ring runes for efficiency. Just be sure to explore every option before committing to one path — and don’t forget to stock up on key Elden Ring Items that enhance your Strength scaling potential.