The Best Starter Builds in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
Elden Ring, the latest masterpiece from FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm with its vast open world, intricate mechanics, and punishing difficulty. For new players, the game can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right starting build. Your starting build in Elden Ring can make or break your early-game experience, determining how you navigate the Lands Between and tackle its formidable enemies. In this guide, we’ll explore the best starter builds for newcomers, ensuring you have a solid foundation to conquer the challenges ahead.
Understanding Starter Builds in Elden Ring
Before diving into the builds, it’s essential to understand how Elden Ring’s mechanics work. The game allows for a high degree of customization, with six primary attributes: Vigor, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. Each attribute influences your character’s abilities, weapons, and overall playstyle. Starter builds are designed to help you survive the early game while setting you up for success in the mid-to-late game.
1. The Quality Build: A Balanced Approach
The Quality Build is a versatile and forgiving option for new players. It focuses on balancing Strength and Dexterity, allowing you to wield a wide variety of weapons while maintaining decent defense and stamina.
Attributes: Split your points evenly between Strength and Dexterity, with some investment in Endurance for stamina and Vigor for health.
Weapons: Longsword, Greatsword, or Twinblades are excellent choices for this build.
Armor: Medium-weight armor provides a good balance between mobility and protection.
This build is ideal for players who want to experiment with different playstyles without committing to a specific path early on.
2. The Strength Build: Brute Force
If you prefer a more aggressive, tanky playstyle, the Strength Build is the way to go. This build focuses on raw power, allowing you to crush enemies with heavy weapons and absorb significant damage.
Attributes: Prioritize Strength and Vigor, with some points in Endurance for stamina and equipment load.
Weapons: Great axes, hammers, and colossal weapons are perfect for this build.
Armor: Heavy armor is a must to maximize your defense.
The Strength Build is great for players who enjoy taking hits and dishing out massive damage in return.
3. The Dexterity Build: Agility and Precision
For those who prefer speed and precision, the Dexterity Build is a fantastic choice. This build emphasizes agility, allowing you to dodge attacks with ease and strike quickly from unexpected angles.
Attributes: Focus on Dexterity and Endurance, with some investment in Vigor for survivability.
Weapons: Katanas, bows, and light weapons are ideal for this build.
Armor: Light armor ensures you maintain your agility while still providing decent protection.
The Dexterity Build is perfect for players who enjoy fast-paced combat and rely on their reflexes.
4. The Magic Build: Ruling with Sorcery
If you want to dominate the battlefield with powerful spells, the Magic Build is the way to go. This build focuses on Intelligence and Faith, allowing you to cast devastating sorceries and miracles.
Attributes: Prioritize Intelligence and Faith, with some points in Vigor for health.
Weapons: Staves and seals are essential for casting spells.
Armor: Light armor is recommended to keep your caster mobile and agile.
The Magic Build is ideal for players who enjoy ranged combat and strategic play.
5. The Hybrid Build: Mixing Might and Magic
For players who want to explore multiple playstyles, the Hybrid Build offers the best of both worlds. This build combines Strength or Dexterity with Intelligence or Faith, allowing you to switch between melee and ranged combat seamlessly.
Attributes: Balance Strength or Dexterity with Intelligence or Faith, depending on your preferences.
Weapons: Versatile weapons like the Claymore or Bloodhound’s Fang work well for this build.
Armor: Medium-weight armor provides a good balance between defense and mobility.
The Hybrid Build is perfect for players who want flexibility in their playstyle.
Tips for Success in the Early Game
Regardless of the build you choose, there are