PvP has always been an important part of Bandai Namco games for most players and that hasn’t changed for their newest game, Elden Ring. With hundreds of different weapons, spells, builds, and talismans the world of PvP has endless possibilities for players. However, despite the wide variety of options, some builds stick out as being a bit OP compared to the rest. That being said, many of these OP builds also have some adaptability, so feel free to experiment and tailor them to fit your specific playstyle. Join me as we look at the top ten most OP builds in Elden Ring PvP.

10. The Guts Strength Build

A video on the Guts build

The Guts Strength Build is the most hard-hitting strength PvP build in all of Elden Ring. Wielding the Greatsword and sometimes dual wielding two, the player will begin to resemble the famous anime character named Guts from Berserk. This build utilizes the immense attack power from the greatswords along with talismans and incantations that buff attacks. 

This build is quite flexible with armor, talismans, and spells with the only distinguishing characteristic of this build being the greatsword and massive points put into the strength stat. This build is solid for quickly eliminating enemy players with a lot of damage, but it’s lacking in ranged attacks so be careful against mages or faith users. Additionally, there's a good chance you're gonna take some hits so having a lot of health and poise will go a long way for this build.

What the Guts Strength Build excels in

• Damage dealing (Often able to one  or two shot opponents when wielded properly)

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons

• Greatsword (Some people dual wield these)
• Any seal for incantation
• Pulley Crossbow (sleep bolts are quite effective)

Spells

• Flame Grant me Strength
• Golden Vow

Talismans

• Radagons Sore Seal
• Bullgoats Talisman
• Crimson Amber Medallion +2
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

Ash of War: Any

Armor: Any

Stats

• Vigor (60)
• Mind(13)
• Endurance (29)
• Strength (53)
• Dexterity (16)
• Intelligence (9)
• Faith (15)
• Arcane (9)

A player wielding the Greatsword

9. Glass Cannon Faith Build

A video on the Glass Cannon build

A glass cannon build of any kind refers to the idea that you have hard-hitting attacks while having little defense. This build takes that to the extreme because you will be wearing absolutely no armor to maximize your damage with the Blue Dancer Charm. The Blue Dancer Charm increases your attack power based on the amount of weight you’re carrying (the lower the better).

The rock sling will be your most potent weapon in this build as it's a fast-firing and high-damaging spell that will quickly kill enemy players in PvP. You won't be utilizing any physical weapons but you should equip the Azure Glintstone Staff to increase spell casting speed. Be careful as this build is a high-risk high-reward build. You might deal a ton of damage but you will also receive a lot of damage in return.

What the Glass Canon Faith Build excels in

• Physical incantations
• Fast damage

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons 

• Erdtree Seal
• Azure Glintstone Staff

Spells

• Stone of Gurranq
• Honed Bolt
• Bestial Sling
• Frenzied Burst

Talismans

• Blue Dancer Charm
• Ritual Sword Talisman
• Radagon Icon 
• Two Fingers Heirloom

Ash of War: none

Armor: no armor

Stats

• Vigor (50)
• Mind(38)
• Endurance (13)
• Strength (12)
• Dexterity (12)
• Intelligence (9)
• Faith (70)
• Arcane (9)

An image of a player wielding a Glass Faith build

8. The Anti Gank Faith Build

A video on the Anit-Gank build

The Anti-Gank Faith Build is a solid build for lower-level players that focuses on pressing enemies and catching them during rolls. First, your main damage-dealing weapon will be the Winged Great Scythe and specifically its ability, which will stop your opponent from being able to use healing items for a short while.

After damaging the enemy with your scythe they should be low enough health for you to follow up with a rushing attack with your magma daggers or a well-timed shot with the bestial sling. Your magic and magma daggers are quite good at catching rolling enemies trying to escape or enemies trying to come after you. Ultimately, this build will be very good at catching shifty enemies and limiting their escape options.

What theAnti Gank Faith Build excels in

• Attacking enemies who like to roll
• Stopping an enemy from escaping or healing
• Pressuring enemies

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons 

• Winged Great Scythe
• Dual Magma Blades

Spells 

• Barrier of Gold
• Catch Flame
• Bestial Sling

Talismans

• Radagon Icon
• Millicent’s Prosthesis
• Prosthesis Wearer Heirloom
• Erdtree's Favor +2

Ash of War: None

Armor: any

Stats

• Vigor (40)
• Mind(11)
• Endurance (24)
• Strength (22)
• Dexterity (27)
• Intelligence (10)
• Faith (40)
• Arcane (10)

7. The Moonveil Build

A video on the Moonveil Build

The Moonveil build solely uses the Moonveil katana to take out opponents at mid to close range. The “Transient Moonlight” skill is incredible at catching enemies mid-roll or when they are charging up their skills. Additionally, the actual physical attacks of the katana are also quite powerful making this weapon a deadly force in both medium and close-range combat.

For this build, you must focus on increasing your intelligence in order to maximize your Moonveil’s ability. While the focus should remain on Moonveil, feel free to experiment with any sorceries that will help you put pressure on the enemies as well.

What the Moonveil Build excels in

• Mid to close-range combat
• High Magic damage

Moonveil Build Full Details:

Weapons

• Moonveil

Spells: None

Talismans

• Carian Filigreed Crest
• Shard of Alexander
• Green Turtle Talisman
• Magic Scorpion

Ash of War: None

Armor

• Any Glintstone Crown for the helmet
• Other armor doesn't matter

Stats 

• Vigor (40)
• Mind(26)
• Endurance (20)
• Strength (14)
• Dexterity (18)
• Intelligence (42)
• Faith (14)
• Arcane (9)

A player using the Moonveils ability
 

6. The Annoying Bowman

A video on the Annoying Bowman build

The annoying bowman build is a nasty build to go up against when wielded properly. The goal of this build is to get some damage in with the black bow while the enemy is far away. As they approach you’ll then switch to a sword and crossbow combo dealing enough damage for them to run away and try to heal. From there you can either shoot them with the bow directly or use lightning arrows at their feet to deal AoE damage and finish them off.

Bows often don't see enough play in Elden Ring because they are usually considered underpowered compared to the other weapon categories. While this may be true, if this build is used effectively you can have a lot of fun both annoying the enemy and pulling off some pretty cool kills.

What the Annoying Bowman Build excels in

• Attacks from far to mid-range
• Messing with enemies

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons

• Blackbow (Lightning Arrows+Serpent arrow)
• Pulley Crossbow (sleeping bolt)
• Sword of your choice

Spells: None

Talismans

• Radagons Soreseal
• Erdtree Favor +2
• Arrow Sting Talisman
• Arrows Reach Talisman

Ash of War: Barrage for the Black bow

Armor: Any

Stats 

• Vigor (35)
• Mind(10)
• Endurance (18)
• Strength (11)
• Dexterity (45)
• Intelligence (10)
• Faith (10)
• Arcane (10)

A player wielding the Pulley Bow

5. Mother of Dragons Build

A video on the Mother of Dragons Build

The Mother of Dragons build is a build that excels in the use of Dragon Incantations to defeat your enemies. In fact, this build doesn’t rely on any melee weapons at all but relies entirely on your incantations.

This build will be put to best use in areas that are fairly enclosed with different levels such as castles, fortresses, or towns. Anywhere you can jump above a group of enemies and rain down dragon fire will be a major advantage to you. In open areas, this build will be less than optimal and you’ll have a hard time catching enemies in your spells.

What the Mother of Dragons Build excels in

• Dragon Incantations that can one shot enemies
• Fighting in fortresses or close quarters areas

Mother of Dragons Build Full Details:

Weapons

• Dragon Communion Seal

Spells

• Golden Vow
• Catch Flame
• Agheels Flame
• Greyoll’s Roar
• Bestial Sling
• Ekzyke’s Decay
• Dragon Claw
• Dragon Maw
• Smarag’s Glintstone Breath

Talismans

• Marika’s Soreseal
• Crimson Medallion +2
• Erdtree’s Favor +2
• Godfrey Icon

Ash of War: None

Armor: Any

Stats 

• Vigor (40)
• Mind(20)
• Endurance (17)
• Strength (10)
• Dexterity (10)
• Intelligence (10)
• Faith (25)
• Arcane (37)

A player using a dragon incantation

4. The Really Annoying Sleep Build

A video on the Really Annoying Sleep build

This build relies on the sleep passive effect to stun your enemies allowing you to hit them with a fully charged and high damaging spell. Whatever spell or high-damaging item you use is really up to you but Greyoll’s roar is a fantastic spell that I recommend.

Most people would overlook the sleep mechanic as you would expect the build-up to be pretty slow against other players. However, this is not the case because using a ripple crescent halberd with soporific grease can apply the sleep debuff in one or two hits. This will leave the target defenseless allowing you to hit them with a full-on attack.

What the Really Annoying Sleep Build excels in

• Putting an opponent to sleep
• Winning fights with two successful hits

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons

• Rippled Crescent Halberd
• Dragon Communion Seal

Spells

• Golden Vow
• Catch Flame
• Agheels Flame
• Greyoll’s Roar
• Bestial Sling
• Ekzyke’s Decay
• Dragon Claw
• Dragon Maw
• Smarag’s Glintstone Breath

Talismans

• Marika’s Soreseal
• Flock’s Canvas Talisman
• Graven Mass Talisman
• Radagon Icon

Ash of War: None

Items:

• Drawstring Soporific Grease

Armor

• Silver Tear Mask
• Other armor doesn’t matter

Stats

• Vigor (55)
• Mind(27)
• Endurance (15)
• Strength (14)
• Dexterity (13)
• Intelligence (25)
• Faith (28)
• Arcane (80)

An image of the Ripple Crescent Halberd and Soporific Grease

3. Frostfire Knight Build

A video on the Fire Frost Knight Build

The Frostfire Knight Build is a build that makes use of the frostbite status effect in a PvP setting. Upon inflicting the foe with frostbite this build allows players to hit the enemy with fire eliminating the frostbite effect. This will then allow the player to once again inflict frostbite at a rapid rate.

For this build, you will focus on using cold weapons and ashes of war to inflict frostbite damage on a target. Then you will use the Fires Deadly Sin to put fire damage on your enemy thus taking away their frostbite. This means you will constantly proc the frostbite damage similar to a bleed build.

What the Frostfire Knight Build excels in

• Frost build up
• Quick Damage

Guts Strength Build Full Details:

Weapons 

• Two Cold upgraded straight swords (I recommend the Cold Nobles Slender Sword)
• Frenzied Flame Seal
• Spiral Horn Shield with Carion Retaliation

Spells

• Fires Deadly Sin
• Blessings Boon
• Golden Vow

Talismans

• Erdtrees Favor +2
• Millicent’s Prosthesis
• Old Lord’s Talisman
• Alexander's Great Shard

Ash of War

• Glintstone Pebble
• Hoarfrost Stomp

Armor: Any

Stats

• Vigor (60)
• Mind(21)
• Endurance (25)
• Strength (12)
• Dexterity (56)
• Intelligence (26)
• Faith (25)
• Arcane (9)

An image of a Frost Fire build using the Ice Rind

2. The Glintstone Witch (Sorcery Build)

A video on the Glintstone Witch Build

In Elden Ring magic and incantations have become one of the dominating ways to inflict damage and it’s no surprise that this also applies inthe PvP world. The Glintstone Witch, or Sorcery build, is a mid-range build that aims to take advantage of fast-firing spells to inflict tons of damage on the opponent.

This build will mainly focus on intelligence with little emphasis being placed on your physical damage. If used properly this build can keep you safely out of harm's way while quickly depleting your opponent's HP.

What the Glintstone Witch Build excels in

• Mid-Range combat
• Quick Sorceries

Glint Stone Witch Strength Build Full Details

Weapons

• Clayman’s Magic Harpoon
• Carian Regal Scepter
• Magic Miséricorde
• Frenzied Flame Seal
• Spiral Horn Shield with Carion Retaliation

Spells

• Swift Glintstone Shard
• Comet
• Magic Glintblade
• Star Shower
• Carian Slicer
• Carian Piercer
• Gavel of Haima
• Cannon of Haima
• Eternal Darkness
• Law of Regression

Talismans

• Graven Mass Talisman 
• Green Turtle Talisman
• Erdtree’s Favor +2
• Radagon Icon

Ash of War

• Glintstone pebble
• Bloodhound Step

Armor (For Fashion)

• Spellblade’s Pointed Hat 
• Altered Malenia’s Armor
• Malenia’s Gauntlets
• Bull-Goat Greaves

Stats

• Vigor (60)
• Mind(30)
• Endurance (17)
• Strength (12)
• Dexterity (12)
• Intelligence (80)
• Faith (7)
• Arcane (9)

An image of the Glintstone Witch build

1. Sanguine Samurai Build (Bleed Build)

A video on the Bleed Build

The Sanguine Samurai or “bleed” build is a build that focuses mainly on dex and bleed damage. The goal of the build is to deliver very fast and high damaging attacks that can quickly bleed opponents dealing extra damage on top of the physical damage.

This build comes in a lot of forms but the goal of bleeding opponents is always the same. The bleed build has quickly become the meta for PvP builds because of its effectiveness and the reliability of the weapons in the bleed category.

What the Guts Strength Build excels in

• Speed
• Bloodloss application

Guts Strength Build Full Details

Weapons

• Rivers of Blood (other bleed weapons such as the Eleonora’s Poleblade can also be used)
• Lightweight Sword of your choice (under 2.5 pounds)

Spells

• Flame Grant me Strength
• Swarm of Flies
• Catch Flame
• Dragonfire

Talismans 

• Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
• Lord of Blood’s Exultation
• Millicent’s Prosthesis
• Shard of Alexander

Ash of War

• Seppuku
• Bloodhounds step

Armor

• Okina Mask or White Mask
• Other armor doesn't matter

Stats

• Vigor (50)
• Mind(21)
• Endurance (27)
• Strength (12)
• Dexterity (18)
• Intelligence (7)
• Faith (16)
• Arcane (58)

A player wielding the Rivers of Blood

You may also be interested in:

• Elden Ring Best Weapons for Dual Wield

• All Elden Ring Bosses Ranked Easiest To Hardest (And How To Defeat Them)

• Elden Ring Best Keepsakes and How To Get Them
• Elden Ring Best Dex Weapons
• Elden Ring Best Bleed Weapons