If you’re diving into Elden Ring with a strength-focused build, the Greatsword is one of the most satisfying weapons you can wield. Its weighty swings and devastating damage make it a staple for players who enjoy smashing enemies into oblivion rather than dodging every attack. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make the most of this powerhouse weapon.
Why the Greatsword Works for Strength Builds
The Greatsword scales beautifully with strength, meaning every point you invest boosts its damage noticeably. Unlike dexterity weapons, you’re not worried about quick, precise strikes—here, it’s all about raw power and crowd control. Its wide sweep attacks can hit multiple enemies at once, making it incredibly useful for exploring areas with a lot of foes.
One thing I’ve learned through my own playthrough is that stamina management is crucial. Because each swing drains a significant chunk of your stamina, you’ll want to pair your Greatsword with armor that balances protection and mobility. Personally, I lean toward medium armor—it lets me survive hits without feeling like I’m trudging through molasses.
Where to Find the Greatsword
The Greatsword isn’t one of those weapons you stumble upon accidentally. You’ll typically find it in mid-game areas, often dropped by tougher enemies or hidden in less obvious corners of the world. Some players swear by farming certain locations until it drops. If you’re impatient and don’t mind spending a little, you can also buy Elden Ring runes from trusted sources like U4GM to boost your chances of getting the materials needed to upgrade it quickly.
Optimal Builds for Strength Users
To really make the Greatsword shine, focus on these stats first:
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Strength: obviously your main stat—get it as high as you can.
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Vigor: you’ll want enough health to survive close combat.
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Endurance: swings drain stamina, and you don’t want to be left vulnerable mid-fight.
I’ve found that pairing the Greatsword with buffs, like temporary weapon buffs from ash of war, makes a massive difference in boss fights. One simple tip: always experiment with different Ashes of War to find a move set that fits your playstyle.
Upgrade Tips
Upgrading the Greatsword can turn it from a strong weapon to an absolute monster. You’ll need smithing stones or other upgrade materials, which can sometimes be grindy to collect. If you’re trying to level it up fast, it’s worth noting that some players look for ways to buy Elden Ring runes lowest price to save time. Using those runes to power-level and gather upgrade resources can really cut down on tedious farming, letting you focus on actually playing the game.
Also, don’t forget about infusion options. Infusing with a heavy or strength-oriented upgrade path maximizes your damage output, letting you smash through enemies with fewer hits.
Combat Tips for Maximum Impact
Using a Greatsword isn’t just about swinging wildly—timing is key. Here are a few practical pointers:
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Spacing Matters: Give yourself room to fully swing, or you risk hitting walls or missing the enemy entirely.
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Charged Attacks Are Gold: Holding your attack button for a charged swing can often break enemy guards or stagger bosses.
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Mix in Light Attacks: Don’t underestimate lighter strikes—they’re faster and help finish off weakened foes without wasting stamina.
One trick I picked up is using your environment to your advantage. Push enemies off ledges or into hazards; it’s immensely satisfying and sometimes safer than a full-on head-to-head brawl.
The Greatsword is one of the most rewarding weapons for strength builds in Elden Ring. Its balance of raw power, sweep attacks, and staggering potential makes it perfect for players who love to feel every hit land. While farming and upgrading can be time-consuming, strategic use of runes and smart stat allocation can make the process much smoother.
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