Many top strength weapons are found late. These builds use weapons available before the Mountaintops of the Giants that are still endgame-viable, so you never feel underpowered during the mid-game.
Recommended Builds
#1: Greatsword
Available at the Caelid border within 30 minutes of starting. Endgame-viable immediately.
Why it works: The Greatsword (Guts' sword) is in a chest near the Caelid border and requires only level 31 Strength. With Heavy affinity and Lion's Claw, it carries from Limgrave to endgame without ever feeling weak.
#2: Giant Crusher
Available in Altus Plateau, well before Mountaintops. The strongest pure Strength weapon.
Why it works: Found on the road near the Outer Wall Phantom Tree. Available as soon as you reach Altus, which is mid-game. No Mountaintops progression required.
#3: Bloodhound's Fang
Available in Limgrave from the very first evergaol. Scales with Str/Dex.
Why it works: The earliest quality weapon in the game. While not pure Strength, it uses Strength as a primary stat and the Somber upgrade path means it's always strong for its level.