Elden Ring Builds: 14 Strategies for Tanky Playstyles

[IronDragon]

When it comes to surviving in the unforgiving world of Elden Ring, few playstyles offer the durability and power of a tanky build. Whether you’re slogging through the depths of Leyndell or braving the punishing bosses of the Lands Between, a well-crafted tank build can make all the difference. Here are 14 strategies to help you build a character that can absorb damage, control the battlefield, and lead your adventure with confidence.
1. Focus on Vitality and Endurance

The foundation of any tank build lies in your ability to absorb hits without being overwhelmed. Focus on pumping up your Vitality to increase your health pool and Endurance for stamina and equip load. A tank is only as good as the amount of damage they can take, and these two stats are key.
2. Utilize Heavy Armor Sets

Equipping a set of heavy armor significantly boosts your defense, but remember to manage your equip load. Armor sets like the Bull-Goat Set are excellent for tank builds, offering massive poise and resistance to damage. Make sure you stay under the 70% equip load to avoid fat-rolling.
3. Greatshields for Maximum Defense

Greatshields are an essential tool for any tank build. These massive shields can block a significant portion of incoming damage, and some even have special buffs or unique abilities. Equip a shield like the Fingerprint Shield for near-impenetrable defense.
4. Use Status-Resistant Gear

Tank builds often take the brunt of not only physical damage but also status effects like poison, bleed, and scarlet rot. Equip items like the Radahn's Scaled Set or talismans like Frenzied Flame to increase your resistance to these debilitating effects.
5. Master Guard Counters

While blocking is essential, don’t forget the power of a Guard Counter. By pressing the attack button immediately after blocking an attack, you can unleash a devastating counter that not only deals significant damage but also stuns enemies, giving you the upper hand in battle.
6. Talisman Buffs for Tanky Playstyles

Talisman buffs can drastically improve your survivability. Equip talismans like Great-Jar's Arsenal to increase your equip load or Radagon's Scarseal to enhance your defense against elemental damage. Erdtree's Favor is another good option to boost your health, stamina, and equip load.
7. Weapon Choice: Colossal Weapons

For tank builds, choosing colossal weapons like greatswords or ultra greatswords is a game-changer. These weapons offer high damage output and excellent stagger potential. Pair them with your greatshield for a true tanking experience that combines offense with defense.
8. Focus on Poise for Stagger Resistance

Poise is the stat that allows you to resist being staggered by enemy attacks. A high poise stat will let you continue swinging even when you're hit, which is crucial for tanky playstyles. Make sure you’re stacking Poise-boosting armor and talismans.
9. Maximize Healing with Flask of Cerulean Tears

A tank’s ability to recover health is just as important as their ability to take damage. The Flask of Cerulean Tears provides significant healing, and using it in combination with Sacred Tears can ensure you’re always ready for the next fight.
10. Positioning is Key

While a tank can take a hit, positioning is still crucial. Keep enemies in front of you and control the space around you. This is especially important for managing multiple enemies at once. A tank build thrives in tight spaces where they can block and control the flow of combat.
11. Stay Aggressive with Weapon Arts

Even though your focus is defense, don’t be afraid to mix in some aggressive play. Weapon Arts, like Lion's Claw or Flame of the Redmanes, offer devastating attacks that can break an enemy’s posture or deal significant damage when timed right.
12. Buff Your Defense with Incantations

In addition to physical defenses, consider utilizing incantations that improve your resistance. Spells like Golden Vow and Blessed Weapon provide a significant boost to your overall defense and healing abilities, ensuring you can outlast your foes.
13. Equip Status-Affliction-Reducing Items

Tank builds need to ensure they can withstand more than just physical damage. Carry items like Preserving Boluses for poison and Flameproof Dried Liver for fire resistance. These will help you handle status effects and keep you standing long enough to turn the tide in your favor.
14. Don’t Neglect Mobility

While it’s tempting to load up on heavy gear and max out your defense, mobility is still important. Choose your armor and weapons wisely to maintain a decent movement speed while keeping your defenses high. Sometimes, being able to roll or sprint away from a deadly attack is the difference between life and death.


A tanky build in Elden Ring is about balancing defense with offense while ensuring your survivability in the harshest of environments. With these 14 strategies, you can create a tank that stands tall in the face of any enemy, absorbs hits like a pro, and dishes out powerful attacks when the moment calls for it.

For those looking to further enhance their experience, you can always buy Elden Ring runes Xbox or buy Elden Ring items PS5 to help you on your journey. Whether you’re looking for a smooth way to boost your progress or find rare items, there are plenty of options available to get you where you want to go.

Take your time to experiment with different combinations of gear, stats, and tactics. Every choice counts in Elden Ring, and with a bit of planning, your tanky build will be an unstoppable force in the Lands Between.