U4GM - Elden Ring: 12 Builds Focused Entirely on Heavy Weapon Use
In Elden Ring, few things feel as satisfying as landing a well-timed, bone-crushing hit with a heavy weapon. Whether you favor colossal swords, massive greathammers, or giant curved greatswords, strength-focused builds offer raw power and a commanding battlefield presence. However, using heavy weapons effectively requires more than just stacking Strength—you need the right stats, Elden Ring Items, and Ashes of War to bring these builds to life.
Here are 12 heavy weapon builds that focus entirely on strength and the sheer force of heavy-hitting combat. These builds are ideal for players who enjoy methodical pacing, poise trading, and watching enemies crumble with a single swing.
1. Colossal Greatsword Tank
Weapon: Greatsword (aka the "Guts" sword)Focus: High Strength, Endurance, and VigorStrategy: Stack poise with heavy armor and smash enemies with charged R2s. Use Lion’s Claw or Flaming Strike as Ash of War options. Great for trading blows and dominating bosses.
2. Greathammer Cleric
Weapon: Envoy’s Long Horn or Prelate’s Inferno CrozierFocus: Strength and FaithStrategy: Use your hammer to stagger enemies while mixing in Fire Incantations. Perfect for PvE scenarios with groups of enemies and tough single targets.
3. Beast Incantation Bruiser
Weapon: Dragon Slayer's CragbladeFocus: Strength and FaithStrategy: Combine heavy weapon attacks with Beast Incantations like Beast Claw. Keep mid-range options ready while pummeling foes up close.
4. Flame of the Redmanes Juggernaut
Weapon: Any heavy weapon + Flame of the RedmanesFocus: Pure Strength and EnduranceStrategy: Use Flame of the Redmanes to quickly build posture damage, then go in with devastating finishers.
5. Heavy Curved Greatsword Dual Wielder
Weapons: Omen Cleaver (x2)Focus: Strength and VigorStrategy: Power-stance two curved greatswords for wide AoE combos. Strong in both PvP and PvE when timing is mastered.
6. One-Shot Giant Crusher Build
Weapon: Giant-CrusherFocus: Maxed StrengthStrategy: Use heavy jump attacks with buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength. Properly buffed, this build can one-shot many enemies, and even bosses under the right conditions.
7. Troll Knight Brute
Weapon: Troll’s Golden SwordFocus: Strength and FaithStrategy: Mix slow but powerful swings with healing or buffs. Excellent for solo players who want to sustain themselves mid-fight.
8. Executioner’s Colossal Axe Build
Weapon: Executioner’s GreataxeFocus: Strength and some DexterityStrategy: Use charge attacks and jumping R2s to break enemy posture. Add buffs from Elden Ring Items like exalted flesh or boiled crab for survivability.
9. Lion’s Claw Gladiator
Weapon: Any Colossal weapon + Lion’s ClawFocus: Strength, Vigor, EnduranceStrategy: Lion’s Claw flips and rolls make this build both flashy and effective. It’s especially useful for PvP where unpredictability matters.
10. Undead Giant Slayer
Weapon: Ruins GreatswordFocus: Strength and IntelligenceStrategy: Capitalize on the Ruins Greatsword’s built-in Gravity projectile attack. Offers solid ranged pressure while staying true to heavy weapon aesthetics.
11. Rotting Strength Knight
Weapon: Rotten GreataxeFocus: Strength and ArcaneStrategy: Inflict Scarlet Rot while dealing massive stagger damage. This build thrives in prolonged fights, especially against high-HP enemies.
12. U4GM Berserker Build
Weapon: Dual Great StarsFocus: Strength, Vigor, and some ArcaneStrategy: A stamina-heavy setup that combines high poise with passive healing via Great Stars. With the right Elden Ring Runes investment, this build can outlast most enemies in both PvE and PvP.
These builds all require a solid foundation of Elden Ring Runes to level up essential stats like Strength, Vigor, and Endurance. You'll also want to keep an eye out for Elden Ring Items that enhance poise, stamina regen, and two-handed weapon performance.
One of the best ways to experiment with these builds is to respec using Larval Tears once you’ve acquired enough gear and Ashes of War. Heavy weapon playstyle is all about patience, precision, and making every hit count. It’s not flashy in the traditional sense, but it’s deeply rewarding once you feel the impact of a well-timed swing.
Players looking to dive deeper into strength builds or explore rune farming routes can check out community guides or resources like U4GM, which often highlight efficient strategies and stat optimization paths.
If you’ve found a heavy weapon build that works for you—or discovered a hidden synergy between Elden Ring Items and a lesser-used weapon—share your findings. After all, the Lands Between are full of forgotten weapons just waiting to be brought back into the spotlight.