Elden Ring offers a world full of opportunities to test your skills in battle. One of the most exciting and rewarding ways to engage with the game is through Player versus Player (PvP) combat. Among the myriad of builds and strategies, the Strength Ambush Artist Build stands out as a particularly devious and highly effective playstyle. Combining high-strength weaponry, stealth, and surprise attacks, this build is designed for players who love to outwit and overwhelm their enemies with cunning strikes and devastating blows. Whether you're invading hostile territory or defending against invaders, this guide will walk you through how to maximize the potential of this build in PvP.
Build Concept:
The Strength Ambush Artist Build thrives on the element of surprise and the ability to deal massive damage in a quick burst. It revolves around maximizing your strength to wield some of the heaviest weapons in Elden Ring while utilizing stealth abilities and tools to keep enemies guessing. This build is all about using the right combination of Elden Ring Items, tactics, and surprise to take down foes before they even know what hit them.
Core Components of the Build:
1. Weapon Choice: The focus of this build is on long-reaching and powerful weapons. Katanas and Greatswords are your primary options, offering both range and the potential for high damage output. The Uchigatana is a fan-favorite choice for its versatility in PvP, but we will specifically look at some key weapons that will enhance the stealth aspect of the build.
2. Stealth Mechanism: To truly embrace the ambush artist playstyle, Unseen Form (using the "Unseen Blade" incantation) is essential. This ability renders you invisible to your enemies, allowing you to set up devastating ambushes with your long-reach weapons. This makes your heavy attacks even more deadly, as opponents are unable to react in time.
3. Talisman and Stat Prioritization: Strength-focused builds thrive on the ability to hit hard and deal substantial damage in one or two strikes. In this build, maximizing Strength and Endurance is paramount. The following talismans and stats should be considered:
• Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Increases the damage output of two-handed weapons.
• Bull-Goat Talisman: Boosts your poise, making you resistant to stagger, allowing you to absorb incoming hits while preparing for your heavy strikes.
• Axe Talisman: Increases the damage of heavy attacks, which is crucial for this build’s playstyle.
• Consumables and Tools: To ensure you're always ready for a fight, the Hefty Rock Pots come in handy. They can be thrown to distract or damage enemies, providing a slight advantage when setting up your next move. The Crimson Bubbletear is another useful tool for ensuring that you have the stamina to keep fighting, while also allowing for added protection against bleed or poison damage.
Stats and Leveling:
For this build, the following stat allocation is essential to maximize the effectiveness of your attacks and survivability:
• Vigor: 60 – Vital for surviving prolonged PvP encounters.
• Mind: 20 – While the build focuses on strength, Mind is necessary to utilize incantations like Unseen Blade effectively.
• Endurance: 50 – Crucial for allowing you to wear heavier armor, use weapons with a high weight, and maintain your stamina for multiple attacks.
• Strength: 99 – The backbone of this build. Strength determines the power of your weapons and is key to delivering the heavy blows that will take down your enemies quickly.
• Dexterity: 22 – While not as critical as Strength, some weapons require a small amount of Dexterity to wield effectively.
• Intelligence: 12 – Allows you to use basic spells like Unseen Blade, but is not heavily invested in this build.
PvP Strategy:
The Strength Ambush Artist Build isn't about rushing into battle head-on. It’s about sneaking in, landing that critical blow, and escaping before the enemy can retaliate. Here’s how to implement your strategy:
1. Setup:
Before entering combat, ensure you have your Unseen Blade ready. This incantation will make you invisible, allowing you to approach unsuspecting foes without giving away your position. Use this ability before charging in, so when you attack, your weapon will appear seemingly out of nowhere, catching enemies off guard.
2. Stealth and Ambush:
Once you are invisible, begin circling your target. If you’re invading, look for the host and their summon, preferably finding them in open areas with obstacles, such as staircases or narrow hallways. These areas provide the perfect space for ambushes, as you can quickly strike and retreat, making it harder for the enemy to chase you.
3. Heavy Attacks:
Your key method of attack is the Heavy Attack. With weapons like the Great Katana or Uchigatana, your heavy attacks deal significant damage. The Axe Talisman boosts the damage of these attacks, making them even more potent. If you can catch your opponent off-guard with an unseen heavy strike, likely, they likely won’t have the time to recover or counter.
4. Use of Hefty Rock Pots:
Another advantage of the Strength Ambush Artist Build is the ability to use Hefty Rock Pots to disorient and damage enemies. Throw these pots while your opponent is distracted or unaware to provide an opening for a quick strike. Additionally, Storm Arrows from your Great Bow can help finish off enemies who are retreating or occupying elevated positions, giving you an extra layer of offense.
5. Poise and Endurance:
Due to your high Endurance and Bull-Goat Talisman, you’ll be able to withstand a lot of punishment from your enemies while setting up your attacks. While many other builds might be staggered by a strong blow, you can power through and land your devastating counterstrike.
6. Mind Games:
One of the best aspects of this build is the mind games you can play. Your opponents will have difficulty predicting your movements since you can quickly switch between attacking with your sword and retreating into invisibility. Use the environment to your advantage, especially in tight spaces, where it’s easier to maneuver while invisible.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
1. Overcommitting to Attacks: While heavy strikes can deal devastating damage, they can leave you vulnerable. If you miss your attack, be prepared to dodge or retreat quickly. Don’t assume you’ll always hit.
2. Running Out of Stealth: Unseen Blade only lasts for a short duration, so be mindful of how long you're using it. If you're too aggressive, you might run out of invisibility and find yourself exposed.
3. Lack of Awareness: While it’s tempting to focus solely on attacking, always keep an eye on your surroundings. Being surrounded can quickly turn the tide of battle against you. Utilize mobility and quick escapes to reset the engagement.
PvP Combat Scenarios:
Scenario 1: Invading a Host and Their Summon
The best strategy in this situation is to keep your distance and use stealth. Wait until the summon is distracted or the host is separated from them. Use Unseen Blade to sneak up on them, land a heavy attack with your Great Katana, and quickly move to a safer area. Repeat this process until you gain an advantage.
Scenario 2: Defending Against Invaders
In these situations, the ambush artist builds thrives. As the invader approaches, use Unseen Blade to surprise them. Use your heavy weapons to disorient the invader, and follow up with a quick retreat if needed. If the invader summons help, focus on picking them off one by one, using your environment to confuse and outmaneuver them.
Conclusion:
The Strength Ambush Artist Build is one of the most rewarding builds to play in Elden Ring PvP. Its focus on stealth, heavy strikes, and clever tactics makes it a formidable presence in the game. With careful planning and execution, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor, making your opponents wonder how they were ever defeated in the first place. This build is perfect for players who enjoy the thrill of surprise, clever play, and devastating power. If you want to become a true trickster of the Elden Ring, this build is the way to go.