Elden Ring: 17 Proven Methods to Strengthen Your Builds
Whether you're facing down a Shardbearer or invading other Tarnished, having a well-optimized build in Elden Ring can make the difference between victory and repeated trips back to a Site of Grace. With so many weapons, stats, talismans, and upgrade paths available, it’s easy to miss key ways to power up your character.
Here are 17 proven methods to strengthen your builds and bring out the best in your playstyle, whether you’re a spell-slinger, bleed freak, tank, or jack-of-all-trades.
1. Specialize Early, Then DiversifyCommitting to a build direction in the early game—like Strength, Intelligence, or Arcane—helps you clear content more effectively. Once you hit mid-game, start folding in secondary stats for utility or support.
2. Optimize Your Weapon ScalingAlways pair weapons with stats they scale with best. A weapon that scales with Dexterity but you're pumping Strength into? That’s a recipe for mediocre damage output.
3. Don’t Neglect Weapon UpgradesEven a basic +8 weapon can outshine a high-level boss drop at base level. Make smithing stones a priority and level your gear alongside your character.
4. Use the Right Ashes of WarAshes of War can completely change the utility of a weapon. Take time to test different skills to find one that complements your build—whether it’s for crowd control, stagger potential, or burst damage.
5. Stack Synergistic TalismansUse talismans that enhance your strengths. A Faith build benefits from the Flock’s Canvas Talisman, while Bleed builds shine with Lord of Blood’s Exultation. Stack effects that amplify your damage type.
6. Keep Your Equipment Load BalancedDon’t overburden yourself. Staying in the medium load range helps with dodge timing, which is crucial for avoiding lethal boss combos.
7. Use Buff Spells and ConsumablesGolden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength, and even greases like Blood Grease or Magic Grease can give you the edge in tough fights. Many players forget to incorporate these powerful tools.
8. Adjust Flasks for Your PlaystyleIf you’re not casting, why carry FP flasks? Reallocate charges to favor HP or mix in custom tears that complement your build through the Flask of Wondrous Physick.
9. Incorporate Status EffectsBleed, Poison, Frostbite, and Scarlet Rot are incredibly powerful across the game. Even non-status builds can benefit from weapons or spells that apply them passively.
10. Explore for Hidden Upgrade MaterialsDon’t rush the main quest. Upgrading your gear is often gated behind items found off the beaten path. Explore caves and optional dungeons thoroughly for smithing stones and bell bearings.
11. Use Spirit Ashes StrategicallySpirit Summons aren’t just distractions. Use them to break boss AI, apply status buildup, or tank hits while you deal damage. Upgrade them regularly using Ghost Glovewort or Grave Glovewort.
12. Respec When NeededYou’re not locked into your first build. Rennala allows you to respec once you’ve beaten her, letting you try out new setups without starting over.
13. Mix Ranged and Melee OptionsEven melee builds benefit from a ranged spell or throwable. It’s useful for pulling enemies or finishing off weakened foes at a distance.
14. Choose Armor WiselyArmor is about more than looks. Equip pieces that boost your resistances based on the enemies in the area. High Poise can be game-changing for stagger-resistance in PvP and boss fights.
15. Practice Weapon MovesetsTake the time to learn the moveset of your weapon. Knowing when to use charged attacks, jumping attacks, or guard counters can multiply your damage output significantly.
16. Use Rune Buffs EffectivelyTalismans, consumables, and summon spirits are great—but without enough rune investment, your stats will fall short. If you're in a hurry, it’s common for players to look for elden ring runes for sale to speed up their build development and focus on gameplay rather than farming.
17. Access Items EfficientlyIf you're experimenting with several build types, gathering gear can be a major grind. Many players choose to use cheap Elden Ring Items to acquire key gear early and avoid bottlenecks in progression.
No matter your preferred playstyle, optimizing your build in Elden Ring is about more than just raw stats. It’s about smart planning, flexibility, and knowing when to adapt. The Lands Between reward experimentation—so don’t be afraid to try new setups, shift your focus, or respec entirely. A well-rounded build can turn a tough fight into a clean victory.