Unlock These 10 Builds That Only Become Viable in Endgame
In Elden Ring, the journey from a fresh Tarnished to a seasoned warrior is filled with countless builds and playstyles. While many builds work well throughout the game, some only truly shine once you reach the endgame. These builds often require specific gear, stats, or runes that are hard to come by early on, but when unlocked, they offer unique and powerful ways to approach late-game content. If you're looking to shake up your gameplay or prepare for post-game challenges, here are 10 builds that only become viable in the endgame.
1. Pure Arcane Bleed Build
Bleed builds are popular, but a pure arcane bleed setup requires high Arcane stats and rare weapons or talismans that significantly boost blood loss buildup. These tools typically become accessible later in the game, making this build truly potent only after the mid to late game.
2. Full Faith Dragon Cultist
Faith builds that center around dragon incantations need powerful sacred seals and dragon-related spells found deep in the game’s storylines. These spells have high damage and utility but require investment in Faith and access to rare Elden Ring items.
3. Heavy Strength Colossus
While strength builds are viable early on, the heavy-hitting colossus builds using ultra greatswords or colossal weapons need upgraded gear and high Strength stats that are difficult to sustain without a substantial rune investment. These become truly devastating with endgame upgrades.
4. Hybrid Sorcery/Faith Spellblade
This build blends high Intelligence and Faith to use powerful sorceries and incantations simultaneously. It requires rare catalysts and seals, plus Elden Ring items that increase spellcasting speed and damage, often unlocked near the endgame.
5. Full Dexterity Katana Master
Katanas shine throughout the game, but builds focusing entirely on Dexterity combined with specific katana buffs and weapon arts only reach their full potential when fully upgraded with rare smithing stones found late in the game.
6. Poison and Toxic Status Specialist
A niche but deadly build focuses on applying poison or toxic buildup rapidly, requiring rare weapons and consumables. These are typically only unlocked through late-game exploration or specific NPC questlines.
7. High-End Invader
PvP-oriented builds relying on a mix of speed, stamina, and weapon buffs need access to expensive consumables and Elden Ring items that you can only reliably farm or buy in large quantities once you’re deep into the game.
8. The Rune Knight
This build focuses on maximizing defense and poise while using rune-boosting talismans and armor sets only accessible in the late game. Rune management and strategic use of elden ring runes for sale can make this a formidable tank.
9. Spellcaster with Ultimate Staffs
Certain staffs in Elden Ring provide massive boosts to spell damage but require hefty investments in Intelligence and endgame materials for upgrades. Combining these with rare sorceries creates a late-game powerhouse.
10. Faith and Strength Paladin
This hybrid build requires both high Faith and Strength, wielding heavy weapons infused with holy damage. It demands rare Elden Ring items and upgraded seals that can only be found in the game’s final regions.
Tips for Unlocking These Builds
Most of these endgame builds require significant rune investment and rare equipment. If you’re struggling to gather resources, keep an eye out for cheap Elden Ring items in shops or trading spots, and consider farming or purchasing elden ring runes for sale to help speed up your progression. Efficient rune management is key, as is prioritizing the right gear upgrades before committing to a build.
Endgame Elden Ring offers some of the most creative and powerful builds in the game, rewarding players who have invested time and effort into exploring every corner of the Lands Between. Unlocking these 10 builds will not only diversify your gameplay but also prepare you for the toughest challenges the game throws at you. Whether you prefer magic, melee, or hybrid styles, these late-game options prove that patience and strategy truly pay off in Elden Ring.