Intro and Build Concept
Welcome back to an Elden Ring DLC build overview. The focus here is a Strength build—but not just any Strength build. This is maximum Strength, restricted to using only weapons that have an S scaling in Strength.
This ensures that while Strength is maxed, the build also leverages the strongest Strength scaling options. There is enjoyable variety here. The Warped Axe is included; it pairs with Endure to trade into the enemy and delivers high damage in exchanges.
This approach showcases pure Strength identity while emphasizing S-scaling synergy with Ashes of War and high-poise trading.
Weapon Suite with S Scaling
There is, of course, a colossal sword. These are favorites, and using Braggart’s Roar to hit the heavy attack combo into the light attack can delete an opponent. The Giant-Crusher is also present—when thinking Strength builds, this is exactly what comes to mind, so it is essential.
There are many weapons that have S scaling, including some lesser-seen options like the Curved Club. The same goes for the big rock hammers: Brick Hammer, Battle Hammer, and Rotten Battle Hammer, all with S scaling.
The Greatsword, surprisingly, does not. Its damage is compared to the Watchdog’s Greatsword, which is identical due to higher base damage, but the scaling is higher on Watchdog.
Weapon
Scaling Focus
Notes
Warped Axe
S in Strength
Pairs with Endure for dominant trades.
Colossal Sword
Strength
Braggart’s Roar into heavy + light deletes targets.
Giant-Crusher
S in Strength
Iconic max-STR bonk tool.
Curved Club
S in Strength
Rarely used, excellent scaling.
Brick/Battle/Rotten Battle Hammer
S in Strength
“Big rock hammers” trio.
Watchdog’s Greatsword
Higher scaling
Matches Greatsword AR via base vs. scaling tradeoff.
For fast testing of variations and AR breakpoints, some players go to buy cheap Elden Ring runes at AOEAH.COM to iterate on heavy gear sets and infusion choices.
Stats, Poise, and Armor Styling
There is 99 Strength since this is a max Strength build, with a large amount of Endurance because the weapons are heavy. A very tanky armor set with maximum poise is used to mimic the iconic Strength bonk build.
Styling cues
- Heavy silhouettes
- High poise
- Trade-focused
Feature focus
- Endure synergy
- Roar buffs
- Two-hand boosts
Talismans and Loadout Logic
The talisman loadout is standard. If using an Ash of War that deals damage, Shard of Alexander is equipped. If using anything roar-based, swap to the Roar Medallion. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman is a must—damage output on all weapons is so high that +10% is impactful.
The Great-Jar’s Arsenal and the Bull-Goat’s Talisman are included. Erdtree’s Favor +2 would usually be used, but when wielding something like the Giant-Crusher, it is too heavy with this armor; hence the need for Great-Jar’s Arsenal. That covers the build.
If optimizing multiple variants of this setup, it can help to source Elden Ring armor, weapons, and talismans for sale for quick comparisons across roar, Endure, and strike-focused kits.
PvP Encounters and Playstyle Notes
Noon, not visited in a while. There is an encounter with Eleonora’s Poleblade, supported by a wizard. It is necessary to be careful around skulls. Poise allows time to throw projectiles and land trades. Beam attacks are straightforward; improper heals are punished.
There is a moment where the host ring is misleading. Dishonest wizards pair up. Hiding and arcing Boulder over cover works. Pebble spam is annoying; Flaming Strike combo is effective. Multiple blues join; regeneration and tanking through to secure eliminations is viable. Moonveil is countered by bonk trades.
There is another blue; narrow-space cover helps. Bubble for wizard-heavy situations is practical. A foe with immense FP is dispatched, with pride. The Shunning-Grounds feature panicked rolls and heavy attacks landing 1,800 damage. High poise enables relentless trades with 99 Strength.
The Grand Cloister setting includes teams with claws and colossal swords. Meat buffs precede engagements. Endure → R1 with the axe reaches farther than expected and secures phantom eliminations.
The Storehouse encounter includes enemies with large shields, cosplay builds, and the Bolt of Gransax. Stamina damage interactions prompt weapon swaps. Black Flame Tornado returns after a hiatus. Infinite stamina opponents force patience; eventual staggers lead to clean finishes.
There is a “filthy wizard cave” where fashion twins appear. High poise saves phantoms; desync requires adjustments. A giant hammer squash strategy works. Wave of Darkness trades well. Watch bleed buildup and rotate waves to cover flanks, then hammer to close.
Armor absorption matters; 99 Strength with heavy armor makes the character very tanky. More cooperators are summoned; instant-transmission opponents demand Endure and straight trades. Connection variance requires corridor control and hazard baiting. Non-ganking blues are rare and noted.
On the Mountaintops of the Giants, curved greatsword spam invites the Warped Axe with Endure and R1. Iron Cleaver swaps add variety to bonks. Bubble usage mitigates burst. Hosts that face-tank full heavies illustrate poise thresholds.
Cliffbottom Catacombs introduce a knight’s greatsword duel. Honest trading occurs until a dragon and Wave of Gold intervene. Blinkbolt interactions cause an unexpected finish. In Crumbling Farum Azula, boulders nearly double-kill; the host falls instead of the intended phantom. Sewers bring tunnel fights, backstab attempts, and Curved Club fear.
Wrap and Favorites
This wraps the battles for the day with the maximum Strength build accompanied by S-scaling weapons. There is enjoyable variety, with strong options across the kit. Favorites include Braggart’s Roar on colossal swords and Flaming Strike on many weapons, particularly powerful on the Nightrider Glaive.
The Warped Axe with Endure shines because opponents attempt trades into it, underestimating its damage. Stats are set to 99 Strength. Tanky armor contributes significantly. The talisman loadout commonly includes the Shard of Alexander when using damage Ashes, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Great-Jar’s Arsenal, and Bull-Goat’s Talisman as staples.
Recommendations on builds, weapons, or themed videos are appreciated. Until the next video, this is goodbye. See you next time. Thanks for watching. Goodbye.
