Powerstance Greatswords Build

S-Tier Quality Build • Elden Ring
Powerstance Greatswords Build
  • Knight Helm
    Helm
    Knight Helm Classic knight helmet with balanced defense
  • Knight Armor
    Chest Armor
    Knight Armor Heavy armor with excellent physical defense
  • Knight Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Knight Gauntlets Heavy gauntlets for the knight aesthetic
  • Knight Greaves
    Legs
    Knight Greaves Completes the Knight set for classic look
  • Greatsword
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Greatsword Classic greatsword with quality scaling. Reliable and versatile
  • Greatsword
    Left Hand (Powerstance)
    Greatsword Second greatsword for powerstancing. Unlocks unique dual-wield moveset
  • Great-Jar's Arsenal
    Talisman
    Great-Jar's Arsenal Vastly increases maximum equip load
  • Winged Sword Insignia
    Talisman
    Winged Sword Insignia Raises attack power with successive attacks up to 13%
  • Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
    Talisman
    Rotten Winged Sword Insignia Greatly raises attack power with successive attacks up to 20%
  • Claw Talisman
    Talisman
    Claw Talisman Enhances jump attacks by 15%
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 13
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Maximum healing for sustained combat.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 2
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for weapon skills and utility.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Strength-knot Crystal Tear + Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear
    Effects
    Temporarily boosts Strength by 10
    Temporarily boosts Dexterity by 10
  • Exalted Flesh
    Exalted Flesh
    Temporary attack power boost. Perfect for burst damage windows.
  • Boiled Crab
    Boiled Crab
    Increases physical damage negation. Essential for trading hits.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Jump attack damage slightly reduced in 1.06 but powerstance greatswords remain top tier.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 60 (Maximum survivability for aggressive playstyle)
  • Mind: 15 (Basic FP needs for weapon skills)
  • Endurance: 50 (High stamina for dual-wielding)
  • Strength: 55 (Quality scaling optimization)
  • Dexterity: 55 (Quality scaling optimization)
  • Intelligence: 8 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Greatswords

  • Purchase from Merchant Kalé at the Church of Elleh for 3,000 runes
  • Found in Caelid Waypoint Ruins caravan for a second copy
  • Early game acquisition makes this accessible from the start
  • Apply Quality affinity for balanced STR/DEX scaling

Recommended Ash of War

  • Lion's Claw: Powerful jump slam with huge damage
  • Stamp (Upward Cut): Combo starter with knockback
  • Wild Strikes: Continuous spinning attacks
  • Giant Hunt: Thrust attack effective against large enemies

Gameplay Strategy

  • Powerstance L1: Use dual-wield attacks for maximum damage
  • Jump Attacks: L1 jump attacks deal massive damage and poise break
  • Combo Chains: Build successive attack bonuses with continuous pressure
  • Stamina Management: High endurance allows for extended combo sequences
  • Range Control: Excellent reach keeps enemies at safe distance
  • Timing: Learn powerstance timings for optimal damage windows

PvP Notes

  • Burst Damage: Powerstance L1 combos can delete opponents
  • Roll Catches: Wide swings punish mistimed dodges
  • Intimidation: Dual greatswords force defensive play
  • Counters: Vulnerable to fast weapons and magic pressure
  • Mixups: Switch between single and dual movesets

Alternative Equipment

  • Weapons: Claymore + Bastard Sword for variety
  • Armor: Crucible Knight Set for maximum poise
  • Talisman: Green Turtle Talisman for stamina regeneration
  • Affinity: Heavy for STR builds, Keen for DEX builds