Sometimes you just need to hold onto a big hammer and slam something into oblivion. Other times, you just want to cosplay as Guts from Berserk. Heck, you might want to grab the biggest, baddest weapon around and play whack-a-mole. If this is you, then going for a Strength build in Elden Ring will be right up your alley.

Elden Ring's Strength builds require the guts to go toe-to-toe with the large monstrosities that litter the Lands Between. For every meaty swing you take, another build could take two, three, or even more. If you're looking for an Elden Ring Strength build to use against the best new bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree, you've come to the right place. This guide includes updated talismans and gear recommendations with new items to complete your Elden Ring Strength build with the strongest equipment.

What Is a Strength Build?

Elden Ring's best Strength builds focus on the Strength stat above all else. Big weapons require bigger muscles, and praying for that one thunderous blow to land is all part of the fun. It doesn't matter how big, small, fast, or slow your opponent is, you must pump your Strength as high as possible, fill up your Stamina bar, and get to swinging.

Strength Build Stats

To optimize a Strength build, focus on the following stats:

Vigor: 55

Mind: 15

Endurance: 29

Strength: 80

Dexterity: 16

Intelligence: 10

Faith: 15

Arcane: 9

Key Points:

Pump Strength to 80, the hard cap for Strength, as quickly as possible.

Balance other stats, focusing on Vigor and Endurance to ensure you have the HP and Stamina needed to survive and carry heavy weapons.

Invest points in Dexterity as needed for weapon requirements.

Consider some points in Mind to manage FP usage for Weapon Arts.

Strength Build - Giant Crusher

Overview

This is the ultimate Unga-Bunga route for an Elden Ring Strength build. You take the biggest hammer you can find, equip the heaviest armor you can wear, and jump attack things into oblivion. Very few Elden Ring Strength builds can match your single-swing damage.

Weapons and Talismans

For this build, you'll need the Giant Crusher, a monstrous weapon found in the Altus Plateau requiring 60 Strength. Ideally, you want two of them—one in each hand—but one will work fine if you can't get a trade.

Recommended Setup:

Weapon: Heavy Giant Crusher with Royal Knight's Resolve Ash of War.

Talisman:

Axe Talisman (Increases Charge Attack damage by 10%)

Claw Talisman (Increases Jump Attack damage by 15%)

Fire Scorpion Charm (Increases Fire damage dealt by 12%, but increases Physical Damage taken by 10%)

Shard of Alexander (Boosts attack power of Skills by 15%)

Armor

Equip the heaviest armor you can wear while still being able to Medium Roll. Good options include:

Veteran's Set

Banished Knight's Set

Bull-Goat's Set

For an additional edge, mix the Winged Crystal Tear into your Flask of Wondrous Physick to enable 3 minutes of Light Rolling regardless of Equip Load.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Winged Crystal Tear: Allows Light Rolling even with Heavy Load.

Strength-knot Crystal Tear: Gives +10 to Strength.

Spiked Crystal Tear: Boosts Charge Attacks.

Leaden Crystal Tear: Grants perfect Poise for 10 seconds.

Strength Build – Lion's Claw

Overview

This build focuses on using the Lion's Claw Weapon Art to land powerful single-hit swings. It's designed to Poise through every attack, making it extremely durable.

Weapons and Talismans

Weapon: Greatsword, found in Caelid, upgraded to Heavy Greatsword with Lion's Claw Ash of War.

Talisman:

Shard of Alexander (Increases Lion's Claw damage)

Green Turtle Talisman (Boosts Stamina recovery speed)

Axe Talisman (Boosts Charge Attack damage)

Armor

Same as the Giant Crusher build: heavy, high Poise armor like Bull-Goat's or Banished Knight's Set.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Winged Crystal Tear: Enables Light Rolling with Heavy Load.

Strength-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts Strength.

Opaline Crystal Tear: Buffs Magic damage resistances.

General Strength Build

Overview

This build can be tailored to include Fire damage. It's more setup-intensive but can deal immense damage when fully buffed.

Weapons and Talismans

Weapons: Any large, heavy weapon that can be infused with fire. Halberds, Colossal Swords, and Greatswords are excellent choices.

Weapon Art: Flame of the Redmanes or Flaming Strike.

Talisman:

Fire Scorpion Charm (Boosts Fire damage)

Shard of Alexander (Boosts Skill attack power)

Blade of Mercy (Increases attack power after critical hits)

Crimson Amber Medallion +3 (Increases HP)

Talisman of Lord's Bestowal (Increases Poise after using a Flask of Tears)

Armor

Opt for bulky, high Poise sets like the Oathseeker Knight Set from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC or the Crucible Knight Set.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Winged Crystal Tear: For Light Rolling.

Strength-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts Strength.

Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear: Boosts Fire damage.

Incantations

Flame, Grant Me Strength: Increases both Physical and Fire damage.

Golden Vow: Boosts stats further (can be replaced with Commander's Standard for a similar effect).

Get Elden Ring Runes and Items in MMOexp to strengthen your character, help you be invincible in the game and experience real fun.