Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Best Strength Builds for PvE

Best Strength Builds for PVE in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (SotET)

Build Overview

Strength builds in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (SotET) focus on executing powerful close-range blows and jump attacks using large weapons to make short work of enemies.

Strength-focused characters generally rely on two-handing their armament of choice or dual-wielding them to greatly improve damage deal with each swing and cause foes to become staggered for a follow-up riposte. Using various types of shields, however, is not  uncommon and enables these characters to block or parry incoming attacks.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Best Character Builds

Build Gameplay

Deal massive damage and break enemy Poise with jump attacks.

Jump attacks are generally the go-to move of Strength builds to put out huge damage numbers while also building up the enemy’s stagger gauge to break their Poise. The damage and poise-breaking potential of Strength builds is further increased when dual-wielding large weapons.

Strength builds, however, are left vulnerable afterwards due to the long recovery of jump attacks which prevents them from dodging if the enemy immediately retaliates. Because of this, it is recommended to equip the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War to have an emergency dodge option after a jump attack.

Added versatility with Ash of War skills.

The variety of available Ash of War skills that Strength weapons can have means that Strength builds will enjoy some versatility outside spamming jump attacks. Weapons such as the Ruins Greatsword and the Starscourge Greatsword grant players improved range and crow-control while evasive skills like Bloodhound’s Step are useful tools for added survivability in battle.

Best Starting Classes for Strength Builds

Hero and Vagabond

The Hero and Vagabond are the best starting classes for Strength builds because of their high initial Strength stat. The Vagabond, in particular, boasts high Vigor and Endurance to wear heavy armor that grants increased Poise.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Best Starting Classes to Choose

Starting Classes Initial Stats

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Stats and Parameters List

Recommended Strength Build Stat Progression

Below is a breakdown of the recommended stat progression for Strength builds. Key (primary) stats are indicated in green.

Level 50

The key stat Strength should be increased up to the level that allows you to wield the weapon and shield you want to use during the end-game. Otherwise, continue raising other stats such as Vigor and Endurance for increased survivability or start putting points on non-primary attributes if you are making a hybrid of this build.

Dexterity, meanwhile, should only be raised up to the value that allows you to wield certain Strength weapons that have a Dexterity requirement.

Level 100

At around level 100, try to aim for at least 40, 25, and 50 in Vigor, Endurance, and Strength respectively. You can choose to even aim for 60 Strength if you are willing to sacrifice some points from Vigor, essentially trading some survivability for attack power.

Having at least 60 Strength also lets you dual wield Strength weapons (one-handing each) which is capable of outputting massive damage numbers from jump attacks while also quickly building up the enemy’s stagger gauge.

Lastly, feel free to continue adding points to secondary stats such as Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, especially if you are aiming to wield hybrid weapons such as the Ruins Colossal Sword or Starscourge Colossal Sword during the end-game.

Best Strength Build Weapons

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Weapons List

Best Strength Build Armor

Best Strength Build Talismans

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Talismans List

Other Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Character Builds

Elden Ring Character Builds
Strength Builds	Dexterity Builds	Quality Builds
Sorcery Builds	Faith Builds

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Recommended Article List

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