01 Strength — Colossal Bonk Build

Stats (RL 150): VIG 60, END 25, STR 80, rest base.

Weapon: Giant-Crusher or Greatsword with Heavy affinity. Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Claw Talisman, Green Turtle, Erdtree Favor +2.

Jump attack → charged R2 → repeat. Staggers everything in the game including most DLC bosses. The simplest build that works at every level.

02 Bleed/Dex — Rivers of Blood

Stats (RL 150): VIG 50, DEX 50, ARC 45, rest base.

Weapon: Rivers of Blood + Uchigatana (Seppuku). Talismans: Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword, Millicent’s Prosthesis, Shard of Alexander.

Dual-wield katanas for insane bleed procs. Corpse Piler weapon art melts bosses. Only struggles against bleed-immune enemies.

03 Intelligence — Comet Azur Mage

Stats (RL 150): VIG 40, MIND 40, INT 80, rest base.

Weapon: Lusat’s Glintstone Staff. Spells: Comet Azur, Stars of Ruin, Adula’s Moonblade. Use Cerulean Hidden Tear + Terra Magica for the one-shot combo.

04 Faith — Black Flame Incantation Build

Stats (RL 150): VIG 50, FAITH 70, STR 20.

Weapon: Blasphemous Blade (self-heal on kill). Incantations: Black Flame, Flame Grant Me Strength, Golden Vow. The tankiest caster build with incredible sustain.

05 Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Recommendations

DLC bosses hit harder and are more mobile. Builds that work best: high VIG (60+), weapons with reach, and builds that don’t rely on long cast times. Strength builds and bleed builds remain top tier. Pure mage builds need to add melee options.