Heavy armor in Elden Ring provides massive damage reduction and poise, letting you tank hits and trade blows. These builds make heavy armor a core part of the strategy rather than a liability.
Recommended Builds
#1: Giant Crusher
Colossal weapon + Bull-Goat armor = the ultimate tank-and-trade playstyle.
Why it works: At 133+ poise with Bull-Goat set, nothing interrupts your attacks. Jump R2 while tanking hits deals devastating damage. You don't dodge — you don't need to.
#2: Crucible Knight
Crucible Knight armor with Strength/Faith creates an authentic tanky paladin.
Why it works: The Crucible Tree Set provides excellent defense and the cosplay aesthetic. Combined with Crucible incantations and heavy weapons, it's a legitimate tank build.
#3: Powerstance Greatswords
Dual greatswords with heavy armor trade through everything for massive damage.
Why it works: Veterans Set or Bull-Goat with powerstanced greatswords gives you poise to trade L1 attacks through almost any enemy attack. You take a hit, they take two hits. You win the trade every time.