Elden Ring DLC Build Tier List (1.12) - Top 20 Best Builds in Shadow of the Erdtree

Welcome, Tarnished, to a guide on the most powerful builds you can create in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for Elden Ring. This tier list will rank the top 20 builds, detailing how to set them up and why each one stands out. Let's set up one of these meta builds that will help you conquer the toughest bosses and enemies in the DLC.

Elden Ring DLC Build Tier List - Top 20 Best Builds Ranked in Shadow of the Erdtree

1. Lightning Perfume Bottle Rolling Sparks Build

The Lightning Perfume Bottle Rolling Sparks Build is currently the most overpowered build in the game, dealing over 30,000 damage in a single use of its Ash of War. This build leverages the unique Rolling Sparks Ash of War, which creates multiple explosive hitboxes that can be clustered together for devastating concentrated damage. By using the Lightning Perfume Bottle, which scales well with Faith and Dexterity, and combining it with multiple damage-boosting talismans and buffs such as Halash Shabiri and Golden Vow, this build can melt both base game and DLC bosses with ease. Its versatility is further enhanced by the ability to apply the Ash of War to four different types of perfume bottles, allowing for customization based on enemy weaknesses.

Setting Up the Lightning Perfumor Build:

• Weapon: Lightning Perfume Bottle +25

• Ash of War: Rolling Sparks

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Perfumer’s Talisman, Lightning Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Black Dumpling Hat, Aged One’s Exaltation

• Stats: 50 Dex, 50 Faith, 60 Vigor, 25 Mind, 30 Endurance

• Flask: Lightning Shredding Crack Tier, Blood Sucking Crack Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Halash Shabiri

2. Bloodfiend's Arm Build

The Bloodfiend's Arm Build is a powerhouse due to its exceptional bleed build-up and massive physical damage, making it one of the best weapons in the DLC. This colossal weapon scales with Strength and Arcane, and when infused with bleed, it gains an impressive B scaling in Arcane. The build focuses on maximizing bleed procs through charged heavy attacks, which can deal over 300 bleed damage per hit. The combination of talismans like the Lord of Blood's Exultation and the White Mask further enhances the damage output when bleed is triggered, making this build capable of quickly downing even the toughest bosses. The addition of spells like Catch Flame and Rotten Breath adds versatility, allowing for ranged and status effect options.

Setting Up the Bloodfiend's Arm Build:

• Weapon: Bloodfiend’s Arm +10, Infused with Blood

• Talismans: Axe Talisman, Lord of Blood Exaltation, Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander

• Armor: White Mask

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 28 Strength, 60 Arcane, 15 Faith

• Flask: Strength Tier, Faith Tier

• Spells: Catch Flame, Rotten Breath, Dragon Ice

3. Impenetrable Thorns Build

The Impenetrable Thorns Build stands out as one of the best spell-focused builds in the game. It revolves around the impenetrable thorns sorcery, which deals massive magic damage, has high stance damage, and a substantial bleed buildup. The build is versatile, functioning well with any staff that scales with Arcane, but the Maternal Staff from the DLC is particularly effective. By using talismans like the Shard of Alexander and the Graven-Mass Talisman, along with armor pieces that boost thorn sorceries, this build can output over 1,600 bleed buildup, making it extremely powerful against bleed-susceptible enemies. The combination of high Arcane and Intelligence stats ensures both the spell's damage and bleed effects are maximized.

Setting Up the Impenetrable Thorns Build:

• Weapon: Maternal Staff +10

• Off-Hand: Staff of the Guilty

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Graven-Mass Talisman, Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Alber set, White Mask

• Stats: 60 Arcane, 30 Intelligence, 25 Faith

• Flask: Magic Tier, Intelligence Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Pest Threads

4. Carian Sovereignty Build

The Carian Sovereignty Build applies one of the best Ashes of War in the game, Carian Sovereignty, which summons a massive blue sword dealing colossal damage and immense stance damage. When paired with a greatsword like the Claymore, this build benefits from hyper armor, preventing interruptions during the Ash of War animation. The build focuses heavily on Intelligence to maximize the magic damage, with talismans like Shard of Alexander and Godfrey Icon boosting the Ash of War's effectiveness. This build excels at breaking enemy stances in just one combo, making it a reliable choice for both base game and DLC bosses.

Setting Up the Carian Scovereignty Build:

• Weapon: Claymore +10

• Ash of War: Carian Sovereignty

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Godfrey Icon, Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Intelligence-boosting gear

• Stats:60 Intelligence, 60 Vigor, 25 Mind

• Flask: Magic Tier, Stonebarb Cracked Tear

• Spells: Ranni’s Dark Moon, Frost-based spells

5. Magic Black Steel Greathammer Build

The Magic Black Steel Greathammer Build combines high Faith and Strength to create a formidable holy and physical damage dealer. This build utilizes the Sacred Blade Ash of War, which enhances the greathammer with holy power and provides a ranged attack option. The unique effect of guard counters causing explosive holy damage makes this build highly effective at staggering and dealing with multiple enemies. Talismans like the Curved Sword Talisman and the Great Jar's Arsenal ensure that guard counters and heavy attacks are maximized, while spells like Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength further boost the build’s overall damage and durability.

Setting Up the Black Steel Greathammer Build:

• Weapon: Black Steel Greathammer +10

• Talismans: Curved Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Earth Tree’s Favor, Great-Jar’s Arsenal

• Armor: Heavy Armor for maximum defense

• Stats: 40 Strength, 40 Faith, 60 Vigor, 35 Endurance

• Flask: Deflecting Hard Tear, Holy Cracked Tear

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

6. Horned Warrior Swords Build

The Horned Warrior Swords Build is a perfect blend of Dexterity and Faith, utilizing the unique holy scaling of the Horned Warrior Sword. This build excels in mob control with its powerful Ash of War that scales with Faith, dealing significant holy damage in a wide area. The weapon's quick successive strikes and decent range make it effective against both groups of enemies and individual targets. By maximizing Faith and Dexterity, and using talismans like the Sacred Scorpion Charm and Ritual Sword Talisman, this build can output high damage while maintaining versatility with both physical and holy attacks.

Setting Up the Horned Warrior Swords Build:

• Weapon: Horned Warrior Swords +10

• Talismans: Sacred Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Mellisin's Prosthesis

• Armor: Medium Armor for balance

• Stats: 50 Dexterity, 40 Faith, 60 Vigor

• Flask: Holy Tier, Faith Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

7. Rellana's Twin Blade Build

Rellana's Twin Blade Build is versatile and powerful, using a Dex/Faith hybrid approach. This build leverages the twin blades' fast, successive strikes and the flaming tornado Ash of War to deal immense damage. The fire and physical scaling allows for a balanced approach, with rapid attacks and powerful weapon skills. The build also incorporates a medium shield for additional defense and the use of new talismans like Rellana’s Cameo to boost weapon art damage. With stats focused on Dexterity and Faith, this build can handle a variety of combat scenarios, making it highly effective in both the base game and DLC.

Setting Up the Rellana’s Twin Blades Build:

• Weapon: Rellana’s Twin Blades +10

• Talismans: Fire Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Magic Scorpion Charm

• Armor: Medium Armor for balance

• Stats: 50 Dexterity, 40 Faith, 30 Intelligence

• Flask: Magic Tier, Fire Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

8. Greatsword of Solitude Build

The Greatsword of Solitude Build is a heavy-hitting strength build that uses the Greatsword of Solitude to deal substantial physical damage. This build excels in raw power, with charged heavy attacks that can break enemy stances and deal devastating damage. By maximizing strength and using talismans like the Axe Talisman and Ritual Sword Talisman, this build ensures that every swing hits hard. The addition of spells like Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength further boosts the already impressive damage output, making this build ideal for players who enjoy a straightforward, powerful playstyle.

Setting Up the Greatsword of Solitude Build:

• Weapon: Greatsword of Solitude +10

• Talismans: Axe Talisman, Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Great-Jar’s Arsenal

• Armor: Heavy Armor for maximum defense

• Stats: 66 Strength, 60 Vigor, 30 Endurance

• Flask: Strength Tier, Faith Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

9. Backhand Blades Build

The Backhand Blades Build is a Dexterity-focused build that emphasizes bleed buildup and evasive maneuvers. This build uses the Backhand Blades' swift attacks and unique Ash of War to dodge and weave through enemy attacks while inflicting bleed damage. The combination of talismans like Winged Sword Insignia and Millicent's Prosthesis boosts damage with successive hits, while the Lord of Blood's Exultation enhances damage further when bleed is triggered. With high Dexterity and sufficient Faith for buffs, this build excels in both offense and defense, making it a versatile and powerful choice.

Setting Up the Meteoric Ore Greatsword Build:

• Weapon: Keen Backhand Blades +10

• Talismans: Winged Sword Insignia, Mistenn Prosthesis, Shard of Alexander, Lord of Blood's Exaltation

• Armor: Light Armor for mobility

• Stats: 75 Dexterity, 60 Vigor, 22 Mind, 28 Endurance

• Flask: Thorny Tier, Faith Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength, Bloodflame Blade

10. Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword Build

The Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword Build is a powerful mix of Strength and Arcane, utilizing the unique thrusting attacks and weapon skill of the Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword. This build's strong and charge strong attacks are highly effective, and the white light charge weapon skill provides excellent mobility and damage. By focusing on Strength and Arcane, and using talismans like the Shard of Alexander and Two-Handed Sword Talisman, this build maximizes both physical and magic damage. The combination of high stance damage and powerful thrust attacks makes this build formidable against a wide range of enemies.

Setting Up the Meteoric Ore Greatsword Build:

Equipment

• Weapon: Ancient Meteoric Greatsword +10

• Seal: Any seal for buffs

• Armor: Any set with 51 Poise

• Talismans: Arsenal Charm +1, Shard of Alexander, Magic Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Flasks: Magic Tear, Faith Tear

Stats

• Vigor: 60

• Mind: 20

• Endurance: 26

• Strength: 40

• Arcane: 45

Buffs

• Golden Vow

• Flame Grant Me Strength

11. Occult Beast Claw Build

The Occult Beast Claw Build is all about rapid attacks and bleed buildup using the Beast Claw weapon. This build leverages the weapon's native bleed buildup and the occult infusion to maximize bleed procs, making it highly effective in boss fights and against tough enemies. The build focuses on high Arcane and uses talismans like Lord of Blood's Exultation and Shard of Alexander to boost damage when bleed is triggered. The aggressive playstyle and high bleed buildup make this build a strong choice for players who enjoy fast-paced combat.

Setting Up the Beast Claw Build:

• Weapon: Occult Beast Claw +10

• Talismans: Lord of Blood Exaltation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander, Two-Headed Turtle Talisman

• Armor: Horned Warrior set

• Stats: 60 Arcane, 30 Strength, 25 Endurance

• Flask: Thorny Cracked Tear, Stamina Recovery Tear

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

12. Repeating Crossbow Build

The Repeating Crossbow Build takes advantage of the new repeating crossbow's rapid fire capability and versatile bolt options. This build fits into many different playstyles, as it does not scale with any specific stats, making it a great addition to any build. By using talismans like the Arrow's Sting Talisman and Arrow's Reach Talisman, and combining them with bolts like Flaming and Explosive Bolts, this build can deal significant damage from range. The repeating fire ash of war provides consistent damage output, making this build effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Setting Up the Repeating Crossbow Build:

• Weapon: Repeating Crossbow +10

• Talismans: Arrows Sting Talisman, Arrows Reach Talisman, Fire Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Medium Armor for balance

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 30 Endurance, 25 Faith

• Flask: Fire Tier, Faith Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

13. Sword of Night Build

The Sword of Night Build is a balanced hybrid build that utilizes both magic and physical damage. By focusing on high Intelligence and using talismans like the Magic Scorpion Charm and Ritual Sword Talisman, this build can maximize the damage of the Sword of Night's unique attacks. The addition of spells like Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength boosts overall damage and versatility, allowing for effective combat in both close and ranged scenarios. This build is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of physical and magical combat.

Setting Up the Sword of Night Build:

• Weapon: Sword of Night and Flame +10

• Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Fire Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Medium Armor for balance

• Stats: 50 Intelligence, 50 Faith, 60 Vigor

• Flask: Magic Tier, Fire Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

14. Blood Greatsword Build

The key to this build is the Spinning Gravity Thrust Ash of War, usable on large and colossal swords. Despite being a gravity and magic-style attack, it's categorized under physical section Ashes of War, giving you a broader range of infusion options like blood, which enhances its effectiveness. This categorization might be a mistake, but it’s one we can exploit.  The bleed buildup happens very quickly, increasing the damage even further. As a Colossal Sword, its hits are already strong, but the Ash of War speeds them up considerably, allowing you to out-damage and stagger enemies with ease.

Setting Up the Spinning Bleed Build:

• Weapon: Blood Greatsword+25

• Off-Hand: Dagger with Golden Vow

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Lord of Blood's Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

• Armor: Finite Helm, Rak Shasa Armor Set

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 15 Mind, 32 Endurance, 54 Strength, 12 Dexterity, As high as possible for Arcane

• Flask: Opaline Hardtear, Thorny Cracked Tear

• Spells: Golden Vow, Pest Threads

15. Firespark Perfume Rolling Sparks Build

The Firespark Perfume Rolling Sparks Build uses the unique Rolling Sparks Ash of War from the Firespark Perfume Bottle to deal explosive damage. By using a combination of talismans like the Shard of Alexander and Perfumer's Talisman, and focusing on Intelligence for scaling, this build can output significant damage with each explosion. The versatility of the build allows for customization based on enemy weaknesses, making it a powerful choice for both base game and DLC content.

Setting Up the Firespark Perfum Rolling Sparks Build:

• Weapon: Firespark Perfume Bottle +25

• Ash of War: Rolling Sparks

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Perfumer’s Talisman, Fire Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Armor: Fire-resistant gear

• Stats: 50 Dex, 50 Faith, 60 Vigor, 25 Mind, 30 Endurance

• Flask: Fire Shredding Crack Tier, Blood Sucking Crack Tier

• Spells: Golden Vow, Flame Grant Me Strength

16. Shields Build

The Shields Build focuses on using great shields or medium shields with the Barricade Shield Ash of War to become nearly invincible. By using the Fingerprint Shield and a bleed infused spear, this build can block and poke simultaneously, making it highly effective in negating damage while still dealing it. The combination of high endurance and talismans like the Two-Headed Turtle Talisman and Pearl Shield Talisman ensures that stamina is regenerated quickly, allowing for continuous blocking. This build excels in defense, making it ideal for players who prefer a more methodical and defensive playstyle.

Setting Up the Shield Build:

• Weapon: Bleed-Infused Antspur Rapier

• Shield: Fingerprint Shield or Brass Shield

• Talismans: Two-Headed Turtle Talisman, Pearl-Drake Talisman, Great-Jar’s Arsenal, Crimson Seed Talisman

• Armor: Heavy Armor to maximize defense

• Stats: 60 Vigor, 40 Endurance, 15 Faith

• Flask: Stamina Regeneration Tier, Health Regeneration Tier

• Spells: Flame Grant Me Strength

17. Flame Art Milady Build

The Milady Greatsword faith build excels with its flame-enhanced attacks and fast greatsword moveset, making it a formidable fire damage dealer. The combination of high attack rating and fire damage makes this build extremely effective against a wide range of enemies.

Setting Up the Milady Faith Build:

Equipment

• Weapon: Flame Art Milady +25 with Flame Art Affinity and Flame Skewer

• Seal: Erdtree Seal

• Armor: Any set with 51 Poise

• Talismans: Ritual Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, Fire Scorpion Charm, Millicent's Prosthesis

• Flasks: Flame Tear, Faith Tear

Stats

• Vigor: 60

• Mind: 23

• Endurance: 20

• Strength: 20

• Dexterity: 20

• Faith: 75 (with Faith Tear)

Buffs

• Golden Vow

• Howl of Shabriri

18. Barbed Staff Spear Build

The Barbed Staff Spear build is essentially a holy machine gun, dealing massive holy damage quickly and efficiently. The speed and damage of the Ash of War make this build incredibly potent, especially against enemies with holy resistance.

Setting Up the Barbed Staff Build:

Equipment

• Weapon: Barbed Staff Spear +10

• Seal: Erdtree Seal +10

• Armor: Any set with 51 Poise

• Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Holy Scorpion Charm, Ritual Sword Talisman

• Flasks: Holy Tear, Faith Tear

Stats

• Vigor: 60

• Mind: 23

• Endurance: 20

• Strength: 15

• Dexterity: 25

• Faith: 70

Buffs

• Golden Vow

• Howl of Shabriri

19. Beast Claws Build (Flame Art and Blood Flame Variants)

The Beast Claws build comes in two flavors: Flame Art and Blood Flame. Both variants offer high damage and versatility, but the Flame Art variant is particularly strong in the DLC. While powerful, the Beast Claws build is less versatile than the other top builds. However, its high damage output in both Flame Art and Blood Flame variants makes it a solid choice.

Setting Up the Beast Claws Faith Build:

Equipment (Flame Art)

• Weapon: Beast Claws with Savage Claws and Flame Art Affinity

• Seal: Erdtree Seal +10

• Armor: Any set with 51 Poise

• Talismans: Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander, Fire Scorpion Charm, Millicent's Prosthesis

• Flasks: Flame Tear, Faith Tear

Stats (Flame Art)

• Vigor: 60

• Mind: 23

• Endurance: 28

• Strength: 20

• Dexterity: 20

• Faith: 75 (with Faith Tear)

Buffs (Flame Art)

• Golden Vow

• Flame Grant Me Strength

Equipment (Blood Flame)

• Weapon: Beast Claws with Heavy Affinity and Blood Flame Blade

• Seal: Any seal for buffs

• Armor: High poise set

• Talismans: Lord of Blood's Exaltation, Shard of Alexander, Winged Sword Insignia, Millicent's Prosthesis

• Flasks: Thorny Tear, Faith Tear

Stats (Blood Flame)

• Vigor: 60

• Mind: 20

• Endurance: 25

• Strength: 75

• Dexterity: 20

• Faith: 25 (with Faith Tear)

• Arcane: 10

Buffs (Blood Flame)

• Golden Vow

• Flame Grant Me Strength

20. Dragon Incantation Build

The Dragon God Build focuses on using dragon communion spells enhanced by the Rockart item, is an incredibly powerful setup in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, offering high damage output and versatile playstyles. Rockart is a consumable that can be used infinitely, providing significant buffs to your character. Whether you're taking on tough bosses or exploring the landscape, this build will help you dominate your enemies with ease.

Setting Up the Dragon God Build:

Equipment

• Weapon: Blood Fiend's Fork

• Seal: Dragon Communion Seal

• Armor: None (due to Rockart usage)

• Talismans: Blue Dancer Charm, Crucible Insignia, Blessed Dew Talisman, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

Stats (At Level 165)

• Vigor: 55

• Mind: 42

• Endurance: 25

• Strength: 14

• Dexterity: 12

• Intelligence: 16

• Faith: 30

• Arcane: 50

Dragon Communion Spells

• Golden Vow

• Flame Grant Me Strength

• Rotten Breath

• Exekes' Decay

• Dragon Maw

Additional Dragon Incantations

• Ghostflame Breath

• Borealis' Mist

• Borealis' Frost

Flask of Wondrous Physick

• Opaline Hardtear

• Bubbletear

Great Runes

• Godrick's Great Rune

• Radahn's Great Rune