If you're new to Elden Ring, the overwhelming number of weapons, stats, and items can make building a character feel intimidating. Fortunately, many beginner-friendly builds offer both power and flexibility, helping you learn the game without getting stuck on every boss. Below are 10 solid starter builds designed to guide new players through the Lands Between using effective combinations of Elden Ring items, stats, and tactics.
Whether you're farming Elden Ring Runes to level up quickly or looking for smoother combat progression, these builds cover a range of playstyles.
1. Strength Tank Build
Starting Class: Hero
Key Stats: Strength, Vigor, Endurance
Recommended Weapons: Greatsword, Brick Hammer
This build focuses on raw damage and high poise. With heavy armor and colossal weapons, you’ll be able to shrug off hits and trade blows effectively. Stack Strength early and use rune farming methods to afford upgrades and tankier Elden Ring items like the Bull-Goat Set.
2. Dexterity Bleed Build
Starting Class: Samurai
Key Stats: Dexterity, Arcane, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Uchigatana, Rivers of Blood
Perfect for players who like fast, aggressive play. Bleed builds cause Hemorrhage, which rapidly depletes enemy health. Equip talismans and ashes that boost status effects, and farm Elden Ring Runes to invest in Arcane for maximum bleed potential.
3. Intelligence Mage Build
Starting Class: Astrologer
Key Stats: Intelligence, Mind, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Glintstone Staff, Meteorite Staff
A classic spellcaster setup. With ranged sorceries, you can keep enemies at a distance while learning boss mechanics. Use Elden Ring items that increase FP regeneration and boost spell damage for better efficiency in longer fights.
4. Faith-Powered Healer Build
Starting Class: Prophet
Key Stats: Faith, Mind, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Finger Seal, Coded Sword
Ideal for cautious players, this build lets you heal, buff, and play defensively. Combine incantations with supportive Elden Ring items like the Erdtree’s Favor talisman. Great in co-op sessions as well.
5. Quality Build
Starting Class: Vagabond
Key Stats: Strength, Dexterity, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Claymore, Longsword
Quality builds balance Strength and Dexterity, giving you access to a wide range of weapons. This flexibility helps new players experiment without committing too early. Use U4GM farming methods to build up Elden Ring Runes for weapon testing and upgrades.
6. Arcane Luck Build
Starting Class: Bandit
Key Stats: Arcane, Dexterity, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Reduvia, Ripple Blade
Arcane increases item discovery and bleed buildup. Great for farming materials and enemies alike. This build is perfect if you’re focusing on loot-heavy progression and want to optimize drops from enemy mobs using key Elden Ring items.
7. Magic Knight Build (Spellblade)
Starting Class: Prisoner
Key Stats: Intelligence, Dexterity, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Moonveil, Carian Knight’s Sword
For players who enjoy mixing swordplay and sorceries. You’ll get the best of both worlds—close-quarters fighting and powerful magic. Enhance your damage with buffs and equip gear that complements both physical and magical stats.
8. Poison Status Build
Starting Class: Bandit
Key Stats: Arcane, Dexterity, Endurance
Recommended Weapons: Serpentbone Blade, Venomous Fang
Poison takes time to deal damage, but it’s a great tool for wearing down enemies in longer encounters. Look for Elden Ring items that increase status buildup and use terrain to your advantage. Works well in PvE and against slow bosses.
9. Faith and Strength Build (Crusader)
Starting Class: Confessor
Key Stats: Faith, Strength, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade, Blasphemous Blade
Faith doesn’t just mean healing—it also includes powerful fire and lightning spells. Combine Strength-based melee with strong offensive incantations for a brutal hybrid. Use Elden Ring Runes to quickly scale both stats for early-game dominance.
10. Dual-Wield Dex Build
Starting Class: Warrior
Key Stats: Dexterity, Endurance, Vigor
Recommended Weapons: Scimitars, Twinblades
This build is all about style and speed. Dual-wielded weapons offer fast combos that shred enemy poise. Prioritize light armor and stamina management. Pair with Elden Ring items that enhance attack speed and dual-wielding bonuses.
Final Tips for New Players
Don’t hesitate to respec your stats once you unlock Rennala’s ability. Experimenting is part of the fun.
Use farming routes and trusted platforms like U4GM if you need to quickly gain Elden Ring Runes without grinding endlessly.
Focus on building around one or two core stats until you’re more comfortable with scaling and gear synergies.
Starting strong in Elden Ring isn’t about being overpowered—it’s about choosing a build that matches your preferred pace and playstyle. Try one or more of these beginner builds and explore the Lands Between with confidence.
