Elden Ring's PvP scene, especially after the introduction of the DLC, has been a battleground of creativity and skill. Here, we rank the top 10 best PvP builds based on the weapon combos available in the DLC, to help you dominate the arenas and hotspots scattered throughout the Shadow of the Erdtree.
Elden Ring DLC PvP Tier List - Top 10 Best PvP Weapons & Build Ranked in Shadow of the Erdtree
1. Greatsword of Damnation + Flame Art Misericorde Build
This devastating combination allows players to execute one-shot capabilities while maintaining flexibility in combat. The Greatsword of Damnation provides significant damage with its curses, and when paired with the Flame Art Misericorde, it becomes a lethal tool against any opponent, making it our second best for its high damage output.
How To Setup The Greatsword of Damnation Build:
Weapon: Greatsword of Damnation + 10 (Right Hand), Flame Art Misericorde+25 (Right Hand), Frenzied Flame Seal (Left Hand)
Armor: Rakshasa Armor Set
Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Dagger Talisman, Blade of Mercy, Crimson Seed Talisman
Stats (200 Lvl): 60 Vigor, 10 Mind, 30 Endurance, 63 Strength, 50 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 50 Faith, 7 Arcane
Flasks: Bloodsucking Cracked Tear, Winged Crystal Tear
Buffs (Spells & Runes): Flame, Grant Me Strength, Blessing of the Erdtree
2. Occult Great Katana Build
The Occult Great Katana build is a powerhouse in PvP, offering insane damage potential combined with life-stealing capabilities that make you almost unkillable. With the ability to tank hits and recover health while dealing massive damage, this build tops our list for its sheer survivability and offensive prowess.
How To Setup The Occult Great Katana Build:
Weapon: Occult Great Katana +25 (Right Hand), Blood Backhand Blade+25 (Right Hand), Blood Paptor Talons+25 (Right Hand), Dragon Communion Seal + 10 (Left Hand)
Armor: White Mask, Rakshasa Armor, Rakshasa Gauntlets, Rakshasa Greaves
Talismans: Lord of Blood's Exultation, Millicent's Prosthesis, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander
Stats (150 Lvl): 59 Vigor, 15 Mind, 26 Endurance, 14 Strength, 18 Dexterity, 7 Intelligence, 25 Faith, 70 Arcane
Flasks: Cerulean Hidden Tear, Thorny Cracked Tear
Buffs (Spells & Runes): Ekzykes's Decay, Agheel's Flame, Golden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength, Bloodflame Blade, Blessing's Boon, Malenia's Great Rune
3. Sword of Night Build
The Sword of Night, equipped with the Witching Hour Slash, excels in catching opponents off-guard with its quick and powerful attacks. This build is particularly effective in roll-catching and can decisively end matches with minimal engagements, securing the third spot on our list.
How To Setup The Sword of Night Build:
Weapon: Sword of Night +10 (Right Hand), Sword of Night +10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Armor of Night Set
Talismans: Ritual Sword Talisman, Crimson Amber Medallion, Shard of Alexander, Two-Hand Turtle Talisman
Stats (150 Lvl): 80 Vigor, 40 Mind, 42 Endurance, 12 Strength, 80 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 8 Faith, 8 Arcane
4. Spear of the Impaler Build
Utilizing the Spear of the Impaler gained from defeating Mesmer the Impaler, this faith build offers a balanced approach with its mix of physical and fire damage. The versatility and range of the spear make it ideal for keeping opponents at bay while delivering explosive blows.
How To Setup The Spear of the Impaler Build:
Weapon: Sacred Zweihander +25 (Right Hand), Fire Knight's Seal +25 (Left Hand)
Armor: Messmer's Helm, Messmer's Armor, Messmer's Gauntlets, Messmer's Greaves
Talismans: Spear Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, Flock's Canvas Talisman
Stats (150 Lvl): 50 Vigor, 15 Mind, 30 Endurance, 16 Strength, 40 Dexterity, 7 Intelligence, 60 Faith, 11 Arcane
Flasks: Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Opaline Hardtear
Spells & Buffs: Fire Serpent, Messmer's Orb, Remembrance of the Impaler
5. Sacred Zweihander Build
This faith-based build leverages the powerful Sacred Zweihander along with spells like Elden Stars and Golden Vow to control the battlefield. The ability to cast damaging projectiles while wielding a heavy-hitting sword places this build at a solid mid-list position.
How To Setup Sacred Zweihander Build:
Weapon: Zweihander (Right Hand), Erdtree Seal (Left Hand)
Armor: Any Armor
Talismans: Great-Jar's Arsenal, Dragoncreat Shield Talisman, Pearldrake Talisman, Flock's Canvas Talisman
Stats (125 Lvl): 60 Vigor, 14 Mind, 18 Endurance, 14 Strength, 11 Dexterity, 7 Intelligence, 70 Faith, 10 Arcane
6. Flame Art Smithscript Cirque Faith Build
Focused on maximizing the potential of the Smithscript Cirque in a Faith build, this setup allows for explosive and unpredictable attacks that can catch enemies off guard. The addition of jumping and strong attacks makes it particularly deadly in skilled hands.
How To Setup The Flame Art Smithscript Cirque Build:
Weapon: Flame Art Smithscript Cirque +25 (Right Hand), Frenzied Flame Seal + 10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Helm of Solitude, Hoslow's Armor, Traveler's Gloves, Blaidd's Greaves
Talismans: Two-Hand Turtle Talisman, Crimson Amber Medallion, Claw Talisman, Smithing Talisman
Stats (120 Lvl): 49 Vigor, 11 Mind, 13 Endurance, 12 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 11 Intelligence, 80 Faith, 8 Arcane
Flasks: Flask of Crimson Tears, Flask of Cerulean Tears
7. Heavy Lance Build
With its focus on counterattacks and physical damage, the Heavy Lance Build is formidable in the hands of a defensive player who can master the timing of guards and counters. Its reliance on precise playstyle ranks it slightly lower yet still formidable.
How To Setup The Heavy Lance Build:
Weapon: Heavy Lance +20 (Right Hand)
Armor: Carian Knight Helm, Rellana's Armor, Carian Knight Gaunlets, Rellana's Greaves
Talismans: Spear Talisman, Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Curved Sword Talisman, Crimson Seed Talisman
Stats (90 Lvl): 50 Vigor, 10 Mind, 16 Endurance, 54 Strength, 14 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 9 Faith, 7 Arcane
8. Leda's Sword Build
Leda's Sword offers a unique blend of agility and power, making it suitable for players who enjoy a dynamic and fast-paced combat style. While potent, the need for precise hitbox management and timing brings this build to the eighth position.
How To Setup The Leda's Sword Build:
Weapon: Leda's Sword +10 (Right Hand), Keen Milady+25 (Left Hand), Godslayer's Seal+25 (Left Hand)
Armor: Any Amor
Talismans: Two-Handed Turtle Talisman, Claw Talisman, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander
Stats (200 Lvl): 60 Vigor, 30 Mind, 28 Endurance, 20 Strength, 80 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 45 Faith, 7 Arcane
Buffs (Spells & Runes): Golden Vow
9. Firespark Perfume Bottle Build
This quirky build combines the heavy Greatsword of Damnation with the utility of the Firespark Perfume Bottle, creating opportunities for unexpected one-shots and control. However, its gimmicky nature and reliance on setup place it lower on the list.
How To Setup Nanaya's Torch Build:
Weapon: Greatsword of Damnation (Right Hand), Firespark Perfume Bottle (Right Hand), Frenzied Flame Seal +10 (Left Hand), Nanaya's Torch+10 (Left Hand)
Armor: Albinauric Mask, Armor of Solitude (Altered), Gauntlets of Solitude, Greaves of Solitude
Talismans: Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Crimson Amber Medallion, Perfumer's Talisman, Shard of Alexander
Stats (150 Lvl): 60 Vigor, 19 Mind, 40 Endurance, 54 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 14 Intelligence, 20 Faith, 11 Arcane
10. Nanaya's Torch Build
Rounding out our list is the Nanaya's Torch Build, which, while incredibly fun and capable of dealing massive damage in two hits, relies heavily on landing the initial Madness procs to be effective. It's a high-risk, high-reward build that shines in chaotic situations but struggles with consistency.
How To Setup Nanaya's Torch Build:
Weapon: Greatsword of Damnation (Right Hand), Nanaya's Torch (Left Hand), Frenzied Flame Seal (Left Hand)
Armor: Death Knight Armor Set
Talismans: Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Crimson Amber Medallion, Aged One's Exultation, Shard of Alexander
Stats (150 Lvl): 60 Vigor, 24 Mind, 28 Endurance, 20 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 14 Intelligence, 60 Faith, 8 Arcane
Each of these builds offers a unique approach to PvP in Elden Ring's DLC, catering to different playstyles and strategies. Whether you prefer brute force, tactical spells, or precision strikes, there's a weapon combo here that can elevate your PvP game to new heights.