Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons, spells, and builds that allow you to play in unique and creative ways. While some players focus on the meta, others are drawn to thematic or aesthetically pleasing builds. In this article, I’ll share my top 5 favorite builds in Elden Ring Patch 1.16. These builds are not only effective but also incredibly fun to play, especially in PvE. Let’s dive into the world of hammers, blades, and magic!
1. The Marika’s Hammer Faith Build
Marika’s Hammer is my favorite weapon in the game, primarily because of its aesthetic appeal. The combination of holy damage and a hammer just feels right. Thankfully, it’s also a strong weapon with excellent Strength/Faith scaling. Its unique skill, Gold Breaker, is a powerful AoE attack that deals massive stance damage and sends enemies flying.
This build revolves around charged heavy attacks and guard counters. Pairing Marika’s Hammer with the Sacred Infusion Miséricorde maximizes critical attack damage. Additionally, using spells like Golden Vow and Blessing of the Erdtree enhances the overall damage and survivability. If you’re looking for a thematic Faith build, this one is for you. For more ideas, check out this collection of Elden Ring builds.
2. Blood Flame and Regalia of Oochade Build
For fans of Arcane builds, the Regalia of Oochade offers an exciting alternative to the Marais Executioner’s Sword. While the Regalia has slightly lower damage, it compensates with better Arcane scaling and a more aesthetically pleasing design. Its weapon skill works well with multi-hit Talismans, creating explosive synergy.
This build also incorporates Bloodflame Talons and Furious Blade of Arm Spark. These spells allow you to apply bleed effects and deal significant damage to groups of enemies. To further enhance this setup, consider using the Dragon Communion Seal to boost Arcane-based Dragon spells. If farming for upgrades is taking too long, you can go to get Elden Ring runes at AOEAH to speed up the process.
3. Strength Faith Build with Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe
The Death Knight’s Longhaft Axe is a standout weapon introduced in the DLC. Its unique skill, Blink Bolt, allows you to dash toward enemies and unleash a lightning AoE slam. This build focuses on Strength and Faith, combining the power of the axe with a variety of Crucible and Dragon Cult spells.
Spells like Frozen Lightning Spear and Ancient Dragon’s Lightning Strike add ranged AoE options, while Crucible Horns and Crucible Tail provide powerful stance-breaking attacks. This build excels in both offense and defense, making it one of the most versatile options for PvE.
4. Sword of Night and Flame Dexterity Build
The Sword of Night and Flame remains one of the most visually striking weapons in Elden Ring. Its skill, Witching Hour Slash, is a multi-hit flurry that deals significant damage and can proc bleed effects. This build focuses on Dexterity, maximizing the sword’s potential while maintaining versatility.
To complement the sword, this build uses the Smithscript Dagger with the Divine Beast Frost Stomp Ash of War. The dagger provides a ranged option and helps maintain uptime for multi-hit Talismans. If you’re a fan of stylish combat, this build is a must-try.
5. Gravity Gladiator Build with Battle Hammer
The Gravity Gladiator build combines raw strength with the power of gravity-based spells. The Battle Hammer, infused with a cold element, pairs perfectly with the Waves of Darkness Ash of War. This skill not only deals damage but also procs Frostbite, debuffing enemies and increasing their damage taken.
Gravity spells like Meteorite of Astel and Rock Sling provide additional options for dealing with groups and bosses. Whether you prefer crushing enemies with your hammer or raining destruction from above, this build has something for everyone. Explore more build ideas by visiting the collection of Elden Ring builds.
These five builds highlight the diversity and creativity that Elden Ring allows. Whether you’re smashing enemies with Marika’s Hammer or unleashing the power of gravity with the Battle Hammer, there’s no shortage of fun and effective options. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
If you’re struggling to gather resources or upgrade your gear, remember that you can always go to get Elden Ring runes at AOEAH to streamline your journey. Happy exploring, Tarnished!
