Elden Ring, like its predecessors in the Soulsborne genre, offers a vast array of character builds and playstyles. For those who prefer a more direct and impactful approach, a "Mike Tyson" build-focused on raw strength and devastating blows-can be incredibly satisfying. This guide explores the intricacies of creating such a build, offering insights into weapon choices, strategies for overcoming challenging bosses, and general tips for navigating the Lands Between.
Embracing the Strength Build
A strength build in Elden Ring centers around maximizing the Strength stat to wield colossal weapons and deliver staggering attacks. This approach favors heavy armor, high poise, and the ability to stagger opponents with each strike.
Weapon Choices
The Claymore is a solid choice for typical FromSoftware games from the past, but not this one. Katanas work so well in this game, I rarely used my Claymore past early game. I recommend upgrading Bloodhound Fang and use that instead. It just does damage better and has bleed. It will take out enemies/bosses quicker than a Claymore in this game. If you do the dung eaters quest, you can get a better greatsword than Claymore. If you're STR 20+, you can dual hand the grafted greatsword. The STR requirement values are for one handing. I find ultra greatswords too slow for me.
For a true Mike Tyson build, colossal weapons are the name of the game. These behemoths deal massive damage and can stagger even the toughest foes. Consider these options:
- Grafted Greatsword: Requires 40 Strength to wield effectively.
- Colossal Hammers: Power-stancing these can lead to massive jump attack damage.
If you had trouble with crucible knights. The solution is the power stance colossal hammers. lol.
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Try the increased jump attack talisman and powerstance jump attack with the colossal hammers. Damages are just massive if you have all your points in STR.
Also, if you are having trouble with bosses. Use the Ash of War option, and try different whetstones. You can try bleed, frost, fire, etc..
Armor and Talismans
Prioritize armor with high poise to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered. Talismans that boost attack power, such as the Axe Talisman (for charged attacks) and the Strength-knot Crystal Tear (for temporary Strength boost), are invaluable.
Overcoming Challenging Bosses
Elden Ring is known for its formidable bosses, each requiring a unique approach. Here are some strategies for tackling specific encounters:
Margit, the Fell Omen
Margit is a representation of challenges the player will face afterwards, and it makes sense to make that statement at the castle entrance. Are you ready to be challenged? Are you willing to learn from dying? Are you willing to face a game that you require learning from past mistakes? Elden Ring gives much more options than DS3 before the Iudex Gundyr fight.
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Bell Bearing Hunter
So, there's identical boss that shows up near shacks all over at night, and is called Bell Bearing Hunter. The one that shows up in Caelid is really hard. This is the boss really struggle with. This the one I can't get past unless I learn to perfectly dodge all attacks. Holy hell!
The best method I found for them is to use a couple Antspur Rapier since they're piercing damage and they (Hunters) appear to be using heavy armor anyway. I use one with a Poison-infused Bloodhound's Step, and the other uses Seppuku. Pop on the Mushroom Crown, Rotten Winged Talisman, Rot/Poison Talisman, plus whatever else. Buff with whatever you like before actually triggering the encounter.
Just use a bob-and-weave tactic. Hit them enough times to proc the Rot, Poison, and a Bleed, and simply weave out to avoid damage, then weave back in to punish attacks. With Rapier in particular, the jump attacks are only 3 hits but are in rapid succession. Has weird aiming, though.. Also worth noting, proccing Frostbite on them at least once helps by literally 20%.
Commander Niall
First, he summons two tanky knights, and then he has impossible to get near moves. And then his lightening leg attack one shots anybody even with high vigor! Since I'm melee quality build, I can take care of the knights easily, but Niall won't let me near him and I can hardly get a hit in. This seems to be the pattern in this game.
The harder bosses are designed so that we can't get near them without being punished. Anyway, I had to use my claws to bleed him quickly as possible. Slow weapons suck for this guy.
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Elden Beast
FromSoft threw a curve ball with the final boss. The whole time, bosses were susceptible to bleed damage and dual katanas were the weapons of choice, until the final boss that doesn't bleed and takes mainly physical damages.
Previous Souls games I can go through the game no problem with a STR build, but this in this game, some bosses are impossible with a pure STR build. It's because bosses are doing speedy combos in this game. Magic is OP, and I really don't care for magic in these games, and it was the melee in previous games that mattered.
General Tips for Elden Ring
- Explore Extensively: Elden Ring gives much more options than DS3 before the Iudex Gundyr fight. You have a large area to explore, and learn from less challenging bosses.
- Adapt Your Strategy: Some bosses are impossible with a pure STR build. It's because bosses are doing speedy combos in this game.
- Utilize Ashes of War: Also, if you are having trouble with bosses. Use the Ash of War option, and try different whetstones. You can try bleed, frost, fire, etc..
Elden Ring gives much greater options for combat to make the combat easier than previous Soulsborne titles. Some of those weapon skills are really practical in making the game easier. It is the easiest Soulsborne title, and I would expect many more people that are new to Soulsborne to beat the game.
The Allure of FromSoftware's Design
FromSoft Dark Souls games reflect western design more so than the typical Japanese games. This turned out great. The mix of western and japanese design methods works really well for the overall design of the game.
I think the grotesque-ness designs are japanese. I've not played a western game with such imagination for grotesque-ness. Miyazaki knows how to push our buttons. I think the Japane influence comes from manga like Berserk.
This is what I luv about FromSoft's SoulsBorne type games. The game puts you in these situations that you have to make survival decisions. I just luv their dungeon designs. I really don't care for the open world gimmick in Elden Ring. Only good times in Elden Rings are the legacy dungeons. I luv digging around and finding hidden pathways and items.
SoulsBorne level design has some Japanese old school video game era traditionalism.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring offers a dynamic and challenging experience, rewarding players who adapt and persevere. Whether you choose to embrace the raw power of a strength build or explore other playstyles, the Lands Between provide endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.
