Elden Ring Best Somber Weapon & Build Tier List for DLC in 2024

Today, we're going over the top 20 powerful Somber weapons in Elden Ring, complete with builds, starting classes, and stat focuses. We'll also address common questions about each endgame build as we explore these powerful weapons. Let's get started!

Top 20 Elden Ring Best Somber Weapon Builds Ranked in 2024

Whether you're plunging into the depths of the Lands Between for the first time or tackling New Game+ challenges, the following top 20 Somber weapon builds in Elden Ring offer a variety of playstyles and strategic options to conquer your foes. From the holy might of the Envoy's Longhorn to the fiery ferocity of the Blasphemous Blade, each weapon brings its unique flavor to the battlefield. 

20. Eleonora's Poleblade Build

• Weapon & Build: Eleonora's Poleblade is an excellent choice for a Dexterity and Arcane build. It features a fun Ash of War that scales with Arcane, enhancing both fire and bleed damage.

• Best starting class: Bandit.
  

• Equipment: Eleonora's Poleblade +10, Dragon Communion Seal.

• Armor: White Mask, Shard of Alexander, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Lord of Blood's Exaltation.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 45 Dexterity, 45 Arcane.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Found at the Second Church of Marika in Altus Plateau. 

The Eleonora's Poleblade Build is tailored for players who enjoy a blend of agility and mystical prowess. This build focuses on leveraging the Arcane scaling of Eleonora's Poleblade to maximize both fire and bleed damage outputs. With the Dragon Communion Seal enhancing the Arcane effects, and a setup that includes strategic armor choices like the White Mask and Lord of Blood's Exaltation, users can expect a dynamic playstyle that excels in delivering potent elemental and status effects. The accompanying Ash of War adds an extra layer of versatility, making it suitable for various combat scenarios.

19. Ordovis's Greatsword Build

• Weapon & Build: A Strength and Faith build suits Ordovis's Greatsword, featuring high strength scaling and effective for posture breaking.

• Best starting class: Confessor.
  

• Equipment: Ordovis's Greatsword +10, Erdtree Seal.

• Armor: Crucible Axe Set, Shard of Alexander, Godfrey Icon.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 75 Strength (with two-handing), 45 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Blessing's Boon.

• Location: Found in Ainsel River. 

The Ordovis's Greatsword Build is perfect for players who favor brute strength paired with divine power. This build capitalizes on the strength and faith scaling of Ordovis's Greatsword, making it extremely effective for breaking enemy postures and dealing massive physical damage. The Erdtree Seal is used to boost the weapon's divine capabilities, while the robust set of equipment including the Crucible Axe Set and Godfrey Icon amplifies both defense and offensive prowess. This build is ideal for those who want to feel like a battlefield titan, wielding the power to crush foes with each swing.

18. Black Knife Build

• Weapon & Build: Ideal for a Faith build, the Black Knife excels in holy damage and is lightweight, making it a perfect secondary weapon.

• Best starting class: Prophet

• Equipment: Black Knife +10, Finger Seal.

• Armor: Shard of Alexander, Secret Scorpion's Charm.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 80 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligdrake Talisman.

• Location: Located in Altus Plateau.

Designed for stealth and precision, the Black Knife Build is optimized for Faith users who prefer a fast, light, and lethal approach. The Black Knife, with its Faith scaling, excels in dealing holy damage and is especially effective against enemies vulnerable to holy attacks. The build's light equipment setup allows for quick movements and effective evasion, making it perfect for hit-and-run tactics. This build is a fantastic choice for players looking to blend agility with potent magical attacks, offering a way to engage enemies with both direct and percentage-based damage.

17. Sacred Relic Sword Build

• Weapon & Build: Known for its excellent range and holy damage, this is great against mobs susceptible to holy damage.

• Best starting class: Confessor.

• Equipment: Sacred Relic Sword +10, Erdtree Seal.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Faith, 24 Dexterity.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligtree.

• Location: Acquired from the final boss remembrance. 

The Sacred Relic Sword Build is a divine powerhouse, ideal for players who harness the power of holy magic. This build utilizes the Sacred Relic Sword, which benefits enormously from Faith investment, enhancing its holy damage that devastates enemies susceptible to this type of attack. The equipment and buffs are chosen to maximize the effectiveness of the sword's unique Ash of War, Wave of Gold, providing both range and power. This build is not only great for PvP but also excels in PvE, offering efficient rune farming capabilities.

16. Sword of Night & Flame Build

• Weapon & Build: This versatile weapon offers both fire and magic damage, suitable for an Intelligence and Faith build.

• Best starting class: Astrologer.

• Equipment: Sword of Night and Flame +10, Any staff for Terra Magica.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Intelligence, 33 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Terra Magica.

• Location: Found at Caria Manor. 

The Sword of Night & Flame Build offers a versatile and powerful option for players who invest in Intelligence and Faith. This build takes advantage of the sword's unique ability to cast both fire and magic attacks, making it adaptable to various combat situations. The combination of fire and magic allows users to exploit enemy weaknesses effectively. The strategic use of buffs and the appropriate magical seal enhances the weapon's dual capabilities, making this build ideal for players who enjoy a balanced approach to physical and magical combat.

15. Starscourge Greatsword Build

• Weapon & Build: A Strength build weapon that excels in physical damage and is especially potent against bosses like Rennala.

• Best starting class: Hero.

• Equipment: Starscourge Greatsword +10.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Strength.

• Buffs: Flame, Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Acquired from defeating Starscourge Radahn. 

The Starscourge Greatsword Build is designed for players who revel in high physical damage and the thrill of close combat. This strength-focused build utilizes the Starscourge Greatsword to deliver devastating blows, capable of breaking enemy defenses and controlling the battlefield with its imposing Ash of War. The build is bolstered by heavy armor and strength-enhancing talismans, making it perfect for players who want to stand their ground and trade blows with the toughest of enemies.

14. Moonveil Build

• Weapon & Build: A Dexterity and Intelligence weapon known for its poise damage and magic capabilities.

• Best starting class: Prisoner.

• Equipment: Moonveil +10.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 40 Dexterity, 40 Intelligence.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Terra Magica.

• Location: Found in Gael Tunnel. 

The Moonveil Build is tailored for players who appreciate a mix of swordplay and magic. This build emphasizes the dexterity and intelligence scaling of the Moonveil katana, known for its unique Transient Moonlight Ash of War, which unleashes a magical slash. The build's equipment and stats are optimized to enhance both the physical and magical damage outputs, offering a dynamic combat style that keeps opponents guessing. This build is particularly effective for players who enjoy engaging at both medium and close range, delivering swift, magic-infused strikes.

13. Glintstone Kris Build

• Weapon & Build: Perfect for pure mage builds, this dagger acts like a pocket comet with its powerful Ash of War.

• Best starting class: Astrologer.

• Equipment: Glintstone Kris +10, Carian Glintstone Staff.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Intelligence.

• Buffs: Terra Magica.

• Location: Begins with Sorceress Sellen's quest in Waypoint Ruins. 

The Glintstone Kris Build is ideal for pure mages looking for a reliable and potent melee option. This build focuses on maximizing the Intelligence scaling of Glintstone Kris, enhancing its magical damage. The dagger's lightweight nature and potent Ash of War make it a perfect complement to a mage's arsenal, allowing for quick, powerful thrusts that can be seamlessly integrated into spell rotations. This build suits players who enjoy a hybrid style of combat, melding traditional magic attacks with quick, decisive dagger strikes.

12. Hand of Malenia Build

• Weapon & Build: Known for its effective bleed damage, this Dexterity-based weapon is great for successive attacks.

• Best starting class: Samurai.

• Equipment: Hand of Malenia +10.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 70 Dexterity.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligdrake Talisman.

• Location: Remembrance weapon obtained in Haligtree. 

The Hand of Malenia Build is crafted for dexterity-focused players who thrive on fast-paced, aggressive combat. This build leverages the exceptional dexterity scaling of the Hand of Malenia to maximize damage output, particularly effective in delivering rapid, successive attacks that overwhelm foes. The inclusion of bleed effects further enhances its lethality in prolonged engagements, making it a formidable choice for both PvP and challenging PvE content.

11. Wing of Astel Build

• Weapon & Build: Scales with Intelligence, ideal for builds focusing on gravity magic, especially effective in the DLC.

• Best starting class: Prisoner.

• Equipment: Wing of Astel +10, Staff of Loss.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Intelligence.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Terra Magica.

• Location: Found in Ansel River. 

The Wing of Astel Build caters to players who specialize in Intelligence, using the weapon’s gravity magic to control the battlefield. The build enhances the already potent Ash of War of the Wing of Astel, which scales solely with Intelligence, enabling powerful and visually striking purple magic attacks. This build is perfect for those who enjoy manipulating space and causing significant disruption among enemy ranks, with the ability to stunlock and disrupt even formidable foes. It's particularly effective in group combat situations where strategic control can turn the tide of battle.

10. Magma Wyrm's Scalesword Build

• Weapon & Build: A Strength and Faith weapon that excels with its Fire-based Ash of War.

• Best starting class: Confessor.

• Equipment: Magma Wyrm's Scalesword +10, Fire Prelate's Seal.

• Stats: 50 Strength, 45 Faith.

• Buffs: Flame, Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Acquired from defeating the Magma Wyrm in Ruin-Strewn Precipice. 

The Magma Wyrm's Scalesword Build is for players who enjoy a fiery playstyle, combining Strength and Faith to unleash devastating fire-based attacks. This build uses the Magma Wyrm's Scalesword, which excels in both melee combat and fire damage, making it versatile against a variety of enemies. The Fire Prelate’s Seal enhances the fire damage while the equipment setup focuses on increasing the efficacy of the weapon’s unique Ash of War. Ideal for those who like to engage in direct combat with a touch of elemental flair, this build burns through enemies with ease.

9. Reduvia Build

• Weapon & Build: A Dexterity and Arcane weapon known for its high bleed build-up.

• Best starting class: Bandit.

• Equipment: Reduvia +10, Dragon Communion Seal.

• Stats: 45 Dexterity, 45 Arcane.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Dropped by an NPC invader near Murkwater Cave. 

The Reduvia Build is a dream for players who favor agility and bleed effects, utilizing the Dexterity and Arcane scaling of the Reduvia dagger. This build emphasizes rapid strikes that build up bleed quickly, dealing massive damage over time. Coupled with the dagger's unique Ash of War, which enhances its lethality without the HP cost typical of similar weapons, it's perfect for hit-and-run tactics and bleeding out tougher opponents. This build is excellent for those who like a stealthy approach, with the ability to deal significant damage stealthily and swiftly.

No. 8 - Envoy's Longhorn Build

• Weapon & Build: A Faith build weapon that deals massive Holy damage with its unique bubble-based Ash of War.

• Best starting class: Confessor.

• Equipment: Envoy's Longhorn +10, Erdtree Seal.

• Stats: 80 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligdrake Talisman.

• Location: Dropped by the Envoy enemies in Leyndell. 

The Envoy's Longhorn Build is designed for players who want to harness the power of Holy damage through an unconventional weapon. This build uses the Envoy’s Longhorn to emit destructive bubbles that deal Holy damage, suitable for clearing groups of enemies or dealing sustained damage to bosses. The Erdtree Seal boosts the weapon’s holy attacks, while high Faith investment maximizes the damage output. This build is unique and fun, offering a refreshing playstyle focused on ranged holy attacks.

No. 7 - Bolt of Gransax Build

Weapon & Build: A Dexterity weapon with lightning damage, famous for its long-range Ash of War.

Best starting class: Samurai.

Equipment: Bolt of Gransax +10.

Stats: 65 Dexterity.

Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligdrake Talisman.

Location: Found in Leyndell, Royal Capital. 

The Bolt of Gransax Build is perfect for players looking to combine the precision of Dexterity with the power of lightning. This build focuses on the long-range capabilities of the Bolt of Gransax, a spear that excels in lightning damage and has an impressive reach. The weapon's Ash of War provides a chargeable attack that can catch enemies off-guard from a distance. Ideal for players who enjoy keeping their distance while skewering foes with electrifying strikes, this build is both tactical and powerful.

6. Bloodhound's Fang Build

• Weapon & Build: Excellent for Dexterity builds, known for its powerful Ash of War and bleed effects.

• Best starting class: Samurai.

• Equipment: Bloodhound's Fang +10, Dragon Communion Seal.

• Stats: 65 Dexterity.

• Buffs: Bloodflame Blade.

• Location: Found in Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave. 

The Bloodhound's Fang Build is ideal for players who enjoy aggressive combat with a blend of physical and bleed damage. This Dexterity build leverages the Bloodhound's Fang for its fast, sweeping attacks that can quickly accumulate bleed, breaking down even the toughest of enemies. The build's focus on enhancing bleed effectiveness makes it particularly deadly in both duels and against larger foes, offering a relentless assault that few can withstand.

5. Morgott's Cursed Sword Build

• Weapon & Build: A Strength and Arcane weapon that excels in delivering curse-based damage.

• Best starting class: Hero.

• Equipment: Morgott's Cursed Sword +10, Dragon Communion Seal.

• Stats: 60 Strength, 45 Arcane.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Acquired from Morgott’s Remembrance. 

The Morgott's Cursed Sword Build is tailored for players who appreciate a mix of brute strength and curse-inflicting capabilities. This Strength and Arcane build utilizes Morgott's Cursed Sword to deal heavy physical damage along with curse effects, undermining opponents' defenses and health. The Dragon Communion Seal enhances the arcane damage, while the robust armor set ensures durability in combat. This build is excellent for those who like to dominate the battlefield with powerful strikes and debilitating curses.

4. Death's Poker Build

• Weapon & Build: Known for its Frost buildup and dual damage types (magic and physical), suitable for Intelligence and Dexterity builds.

• Best starting class: Prisoner.

• Equipment: Death's Poker +10.

• Stats: 60 Intelligence, 40 Dexterity.

• Buffs: Terra Magica.

• Location: Found in Consecrated Snowfield. 

The Death's Poker Build is designed for those who favor a strategic approach to combat, combining Dexterity and Intelligence. This build focuses on the Death's Poker's unique ability to deal frost and magic damage, making it extremely effective against a wide range of enemies. The weapon's Ash of War allows for creating frost trails and explosive magic attacks, providing versatility and control in combat situations. This build is perfect for players who enjoy manipulating the battlefield with elemental effects while maintaining agile and precise swordplay.

3. Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear Build

• Weapon & Build: A powerful weapon for Strength and Arcane builds, known for its devastating bleed and fire damage.

• Best starting class: Hero.

• Equipment: Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear +10, Dragon Communion Seal.

• Stats: 60 Strength, 45 Arcane.

• Buffs: Flame, Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Found in Mohgwyn Palace. 

The Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear Build is a formidable choice for players focusing on Strength and Arcane, specializing in bleed and fire damage. This build takes full advantage of the spear’s capabilities to devastate opponents with both direct physical attacks and potent elemental effects. The Dragon Communion Seal boosts the arcane attributes, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the weapon’s unique Ash of War. Ideal for players who like a balanced approach of melee engagement and elemental exploitation, this build is powerful in both offensive and defensive maneuvers.

2. Darkmoon Greatsword Build

• Weapon & Build: The Darkmoon Greatsword is a favorite for Intelligence builds, offering powerful magic damage and a low FP cost for its Ash of War.

• Best starting class: Astrologer.

• Equipment: Darkmoon Greatsword +10, any staff for Terra Magica.

• Armor: Spellblade Set, Shard of Alexander, Magic Scorpion Charm, Godfrey Icon.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 60 Intelligence, 33 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Haligtree's Blessing.

• Location: Acquired through Ranni's questline starting at Ranni's Rise after defeating Loretta at Caria Manor. 

The Darkmoon Greatsword Build is a classic choice for Intelligence-based players, offering a blend of potent magic attacks and reliable melee performance. The Darkmoon Greatsword, renowned for its low FP cost and powerful magic damage, is perfect for those who harness the arcane arts. The build enhances its magic damage capabilities with appropriate equipment and buffs, ensuring that each swing not only hits hard but also has a chance to break enemy stances with its magical prowess. This build is particularly effective in long battles, where sustained magic damage and strategic use of Ash of War can decisively turn the tide.

1. Blasphemous Blade Build

• Weapon & Build: The Blasphemous Blade tops our list with its unique ability to heal the wielder on hits, combined with substantial fire damage, making it particularly forgiving and powerful.

• Best starting class: Prophet for a focus on Faith from the outset.

• Equipment: Blasphemous Blade +10, Fire Prelate's Seal.

• Armor: Mix of sets for aesthetic and functionality, including pieces like the Fire Prelate Armor for fire resistance.

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 20 Strength, 80 Faith.

• Buffs: Golden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength.

• Location: Obtained from defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy at Volcano Manor. 

The Blasphemous Blade Build stands at the pinnacle for players seeking a combination of high damage output and self-sustainability. This build revolves around the Blasphemous Blade, which not only deals significant fire damage but also heals the wielder with each successful hit, providing exceptional endurance in combat. The weapon’s Ash of War unleashes a fiery wave that can decimate rows of enemies or deal a heavy blow to formidable foes. With a focus on Faith to enhance its elemental damage and healing effects, this build is perfect for players who prefer a robust, aggressive playstyle that allows them to stay in the fray longer without the need for frequent retreats for recovery.

Each of these builds offers a unique approach to combat in Elden Ring, catering to different playstyles and strategies. Whether you prefer the fast-paced and precise attacks of the Black Knife Build or the robust and punishing strikes of the Blasphemous Blade Build, there is a weapon setup designed to enhance your journey through the Lands Between. These builds not only emphasize the strengths of each weapon but also encourage players to explore the synergies between their chosen equipment and their character's stats, leading to a more personalized and satisfying gameplay experience.