Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Elden Ring’s roles! This popular game offers players the chance to create and customize their characters to fit their unique playstyles. Whether you prefer to fight up close, attack from a distance, or use mystical powers, Elden Ring has a role for you. In this guide, we will break down the different builds and their pros and cons, helping you choose the perfect role for your adventure in the Lands Between. Get ready to embark on your journey with the knowledge and strategies found in this guide.
1. Melee Fighter build
A melee fighter focuses on using swords, axes, hammers, and other close-range weapons. These builds often use strength or dexterity as their primary attributes.
Advantages:
– High Damage: Melee fighters can deal massive damage up close.
– Weapon Variety: Large selection of weapons, each with unique moves and advantages.
– Durability: Melee fighters often have higher defense and can take more hits.
Disadvantages:
– Close Range: Requires getting close to enemies, which can be risky.
– Limited Ranged Options: Few options for dealing damage from afar.
– High Dependence on Timing and Dodging: Requires precise movements to avoid damage.
Suitable for:
– Good for: Players who enjoy being in the thick of the action and prefer direct confrontations. Perfect for those with quick reflexes and good timing.
– Not good for: Players who prefer fighting from a safe distance or have difficulty timing attacks and dodges.
Best Starting Class:
– Warrior: Starts with dual swords and high dexterity, ideal for aggressive melee combat.
– Hero: High strength and health, perfect for powerful, heavy-hitting melee fighters.
2. Mage build
Mages use sorcery and incantations to attack enemies from a distance. These builds rely on intelligence or faith as their primary attributes.
Advantages:
– Ranged Damage: Can attack enemies from afar, minimizing risk.
– Versatile Spells: Wide range of spells with different effects and damage types.
– Support Spells: Can use healing and supportive spells.
Disadvantages:
– Low Defense: Mages often have low armor ratings and can take less damage.
– Mana Dependency: Spells consume mana, which is limited and needs management.
– Weaker Melee Skills: Often inferior in close combat and need to keep their distance.
Suitable for:
– Good for: Players who enjoy fighting from a distance and using a variety of spells. Ideal for strategic thinkers.
– Not good for: Players who prefer melee combat or struggle with managing mana and resources.
Best Starting Class:
– Astrologer: High intelligence and a focus on sorcery, perfect for pure mages.
– Prophet: High faith, ideal for those who prefer using incantations.
3. Archer build
Archers use bows and crossbows to fight enemies from a distance. These builds use dexterity as their primary attribute.
Advantages:
– Ranged Combat: Can attack enemies from a safe distance.
– Precision: Allows for targeted attacks on enemy weak points.
– Mobility: Archers can move and dodge effectively while attacking.
Disadvantages:
– Ammunition: Bows and crossbows require arrows and bolts, which are limited and need to be replenished.
– Low Melee Damage: Often have weaker melee skills and are vulnerable in close combat.
– Long Reload Times: Some weapons have long reload times, which can be problematic in hectic fights.
Suitable for:
– Good for: Players who prefer precision and ranged attacks while staying mobile. Perfect for tactical players.
– Not good for: Players who have trouble managing ammunition or prefer close combat.
Best Starting Class:
– Bandit: High dexterity and starts with a shortbow, making it a great choice for archers.
– Samurai: Comes with a longbow and katana, offering both ranged. 
4. Hybrid build
Hybrid builds combine elements from different roles to be more versatile. Examples include battle mages or paladins.
Advantages:
– Versatility: Effective in both melee and ranged combat.
– Adaptability: Can adapt to different combat situations and use various abilities.
– Element of Surprise: Hard for enemies to predict which abilities will be used next.
Disadvantages:
– Attribute Distribution: Need to spread attribute points across multiple areas, which can lead to weaknesses.
– Complexity: Requires a good understanding of different mechanics and careful planning.
– Resource Management: Often use both stamina and mana, making resource management more challenging.
Suitable for:
– Good for: Players who enjoy variety and want to be flexible in different situations. Ideal for experienced players who understand the mechanics well.
– Not good for: Players who prefer a clear, focused role and do not want to deal with complex build strategies.
Best Starting Class:
– Confessor: Balanced stats and starts with both a sword and a catalyst for incantations, ideal for hybrid builds.
– Prisoner: High dexterity and intelligence, perfect for mixing melee with sorcery.
5. Tank build
Tanks are designed to absorb a lot of damage and control enemies. These builds use strength and vitality as their primary attributes.
Advantages:
– High Defense: Can take a lot of damage and have high survivability.
– Crowd Control: Can block and control enemies effectively.
– Group Support: In multiplayer situations, tanks can draw aggro and protect allies.
Disadvantages:
– Low Damage: Tanks often deal less damage than other builds.
– Slowness: Often slower and less agile, making dodging harder.
– Equipment Dependency: Need good equipment to be effective.
Suitable for:
– Good for: Players who prefer playing defensively and can absorb a lot of damage. Perfect for players who like to protect their allies.
– Not good for: Players who want to deal high damage or have issues with slow, defensive playstyles.
Best Starting Class:
– Vagabond: High strength and vitality, with a focus on heavy armor and shields, making it ideal for tank builds.
– Hero: Also a good option due to high strength and health, capable of wielding heavy weapons and armor.
Conclusion
Each role has its own unique advantages and challenges, and understanding these will help you make informed decisions as you progress through the game. The starting class you choose can provide a strong foundation for your desired role, setting you on the path to success from the beginning of your journey in the Lands Between.
Experiment with different builds, adapt your strategies, and find the role that best fits your playstyle. With this guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of Elden Ring and emerge victorious against its many challenges. Embrace your chosen role and forge your legend in the world of Elden Ring!
Have Fun and thank you for reading through my guide!
And that wraps up our share on Steam: Which Elden ring build suits you the best? Steam Guide. If you have any additional insights or tips to contribute, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. For a more in-depth read, you can refer to the original article here by 2sp00ky4you, who deserves all the credit. Happy gaming!