Elden Ring offers a vast array of build options, and for those seeking a fluid, acrobatic, and devastatingly powerful playstyle, a Martial Arts build centered around Dexterity and Faith is an excellent choice. This guide will delve into the intricacies of crafting a successful Martial Arts build, covering weapon choices, stat allocation, incantations, and overall strategy.
What Makes a Martial Arts Build in Elden Ring?
A true Martial Arts build in Elden Ring focuses on utilizing fast, light weapons with high dexterity scaling to unleash rapid attacks and devastating combos. Faith is incorporated to bolster damage with incantations and potentially utilize powerful holy spells in conjunction with melee combat. The key is to maintain a high degree of mobility and agility, dodging enemy attacks and capitalizing on openings for swift and precise strikes. This contrasts sharply with slower, heavier builds relying on strength or colossal weapons.
Optimal Stat Allocation for a Martial Arts Build
The core stats for a successful Martial Arts build are:
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Dexterity: This is your primary stat. High Dexterity increases attack speed, damage with Dexterity-scaling weapons, and improves your equip load, allowing you to wear lighter armor and maintain agility. Aim for at least 60, ideally higher.
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Faith: This stat boosts your incantation damage and unlocks access to potent holy spells that can complement your melee attacks. A minimum of 20 is recommended, but you can push it higher depending on the specific incantations you want to use.
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Mind: Sufficient Mind is crucial to cast your incantations without running out of FP. Aim for at least 15, but more is always beneficial.
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Vigor: This determines your health. Invest enough to survive hits, but don't over-invest at the expense of other key stats. 30-40 is a good starting point.
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Endurance: This governs your stamina. While not as crucial as Dexterity or Faith, sufficient Endurance ensures you can perform multiple attacks and dodges without exhausting your stamina. Aim for at least 15.
Other stats like Strength, Intelligence, and Arcane can be left relatively low unless you are utilizing specific weapons or items that scale with them. Focus your resources on Dexterity and Faith.
Weapon Choices: The Arsenal of the Martial Artist
Several weapons excel in a Dexterity/Faith Martial Arts build. Here are some excellent choices:
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Twinblades: These are ideal for fast attacks and combos. The Uchigatana and Eleonara's Poleblade are fantastic options.
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Katanas: Katanas offer a blend of speed and range, with some even having innate bleed or frost effects.
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Thrusting Swords: These weapons often possess high critical hit potential, which is beneficial when combined with quick attacks.
Incantations: Boosting Your Martial Prowess
Faith allows you to utilize incantations that perfectly complement a Martial Arts build:
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Offensive Incantations: Spells like Golden Vow or Lord of Blood's Exultation can significantly increase your attack power for a short duration, making your strikes even more effective.
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Supportive Incantations: Consider incantations that provide buffs like increased damage or protection.
Armor and Talismans: Completing the Build
Lightweight armor is key to maintaining mobility and agility. Choose armor pieces with high dexterity scaling or those that offer good poise without sacrificing too much speed. Talismans such as the Marika's Soreseal can further boost your stats.
H2: What are the best weapons for a martial arts build in Elden Ring?
The best weapons for a Martial Arts build often prioritize high Dexterity scaling, fast attack speed, and potentially unique effects like bleed or frost. Twinblades, katanas, and some thrusting swords stand out. Specific weapons like the Uchigatana, Eleonara's Poleblade, and Rivers of Blood are popular choices for their effectiveness. The best choice will depend on your personal playstyle and preferred combat rhythm.
H2: What stats should I prioritize in an Elden Ring martial arts build?
Prioritize Dexterity and Faith. Dexterity dictates your attack speed, damage output with Dexterity-scaling weapons, and equip load. Faith enhances your incantation damage, allowing you to supplement your melee combat with powerful holy spells. Vigor and Mind are also important for survivability and spellcasting.
H2: Are there any specific incantations that synergize well with a martial arts build?
Yes, several incantations synergize well with a Martial Arts build. Offensive incantations like Golden Vow or Lord of Blood's Exultation temporarily boost your attack power, while supportive incantations can enhance your survivability or provide other beneficial effects during combat. Experiment to find the spells that best fit your playstyle.
Conclusion: Mastering the Martial Arts in Elden Ring
A Martial Arts build in Elden Ring offers a thrilling and rewarding experience for players who enjoy fast-paced, acrobatic combat. By carefully choosing your weapons, allocating your stats, and selecting appropriate incantations and armor, you can create a highly effective and stylish character that will dominate the Lands Between. Remember to experiment and adapt your build as you progress through the game to discover what works best for you.
