Greatsword Build

B-Tier Strength Build • Elden Ring
Greatsword Build
  • Knight Helm
    Helm
    Knight Helm Classic knight helmet with solid all-around defense
  • Knight Armor
    Chest Armor
    Knight Armor Well-balanced medium armor with good protection
  • Knight Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Knight Gauntlets Matching gauntlets for complete knight aesthetic
  • Knight Greaves
    Legs
    Knight Greaves Completes the classic knight armor set
  • Greatsword
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Greatsword Classic colossal sword with reliable damage and wide swings
  • Brass Shield
    Left Hand (Shield)
    Brass Shield Medium shield for blocking when not two-handing the greatsword
  • Great-Jar's Arsenal
    Talisman
    Great-Jar's Arsenal Vastly increases maximum equip load for heavy equipment
  • Two-Handed Sword Talisman
    Talisman
    Two-Handed Sword Talisman Enhances attacks with two-handed weapons by 15%
  • Green Turtle Talisman
    Talisman
    Green Turtle Talisman Raises stamina recovery speed for sustained combat
  • Erdtree's Favor
    Talisman
    Erdtree's Favor Raises maximum HP, stamina and equip load
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 13
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. High allocation for sustained melee combat.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 2
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP. Minimal allocation for occasional ash of war usage.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Strength-knot Crystal Tear + Opaline Hardtear
    Effects
    Temporarily boosts Strength by 10
    Boosts damage negation for 3 minutes
  • Boiled Crab
    Boiled Crab
    Increases physical damage negation. Perfect for trading hits with enemies.
  • Exalted Flesh
    Exalted Flesh
    Temporary attack power boost for difficult encounters.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 60 (Maximum survivability for trading hits)
  • Mind: 15 (Minimal FP requirements)
  • Endurance: 40 (High stamina for heavy weapon swings)
  • Strength: 66 (Primary damage stat - two-hand bonus reaches 99)
  • Dexterity: 12 (Minimum requirement)
  • Intelligence: 8 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Greatsword

  • Found at Caelid Caravan south of Caelid Waypoint Ruins
  • Location: Caelid, carried by a caravan - kill the enemies and loot
  • No boss fight required - simply defeat the caravan guards
  • Available early in the game but requires going to Caelid

Recommended Ash of War

  • Lion's Claw: Massive damage leap attack with great range
  • Giant Hunt: Thrust attack that's excellent against large enemies
  • Stamp (Upward Cut): Defensive counter that leads into upward slash
  • War Cry: Damage boost and enhanced heavy attacks

Gameplay Strategy

  • Two-Hand Combat: Primary fighting style for maximum damage and reach
  • Heavy Attacks: Charged R2s for massive damage and stance breaking
  • Wide Swings: Excellent for crowd control and multiple enemies
  • Trading Hits: High poise and defense allow favorable trades
  • Positioning: Use range and timing to hit enemies before they reach you
  • Patience: Wait for openings rather than rushing in

PvP Notes

  • Space Control: Wide swings control large areas effectively
  • One-Shot Potential: Can eliminate opponents in 1-2 heavy hits
  • Punish Tool: Great for punishing aggressive opponents
  • Counters: Vulnerable to fast weapons and magic spam
  • Intimidation: Raw damage threat forces defensive play

Alternative Equipment

  • Weapon: Zweihander or Claymore for different movesets
  • Armor: Radahn's Set for maximum strength theme
  • Shield: Greatshield for better blocking when needed
  • Talisman: Claw Talisman for enhanced jump attacks