Best Strength Builds In Dark Souls 3

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As a seasoned veteran of the Dark Souls universe, I must say that this Strength & Faith Greataxe build is a true masterpiece for those who appreciate a bit more finesse in their melee combat. Having dabbled in various builds throughout my countless playthroughs, I can confidently assert that this combination offers an excellent balance between raw power and magical might.

Characters aiming for close combat supremacy in Dark Souls 3 usually emphasize either Dexterity or Strength. The latter is crucial for handling the largest and heaviest weapons within the game. These builds primarily focus on increasing damage potential, often with a straightforward and brutish approach.

Over time since Dark Souls 3’s dark fantasy action RPG debut, players have been inventing more creative ways to maximize the Strength stat for optimal builds. Here are a few examples that can be replicated if you understand their underlying stats, gear, and ideas.

Many players might overlook the fact that effective Strength builds don’t dodge attacks, but instead absorb them, sustaining minimal damage. The purpose of Strength builds is to be slow and ungainly, as speed is irrelevant when a single strike can eliminate an opponent in both Player vs Environment (PvE) and Player vs Player (PvP).

6 The Dragonslayer’s Delight

An Impenetrable Build That Hits Like A Truck

Build Overview

This build is not just well-known and emblematic among all the offerings in the entire “Dark Souls” series; it’s also incredibly powerful and visually appealing. The Havel’s Set, which has graced “Dark Souls 1,” “Dark Souls 2,” and “Dark Souls 3,” is easily identifiable by fans of this dark universe from a distance.

This character setup boasts robust armor that spans from head to toe, accompanied by an unbreakable shield and the mighty Dragon Tooth Great Hammer, making it perfect for players seeking a powerful Strength-based build while emulating Havel’s legendary gear. Although this setup is quite bulky and may lead to the infamous “heavy roll,” or stumbling when attempting to evade, by carefully choosing the right rings, normal dodging becomes feasible. After all, taking a hit with minimal damage isn’t such a concern, right?

PVP Tips

Due to its bulky and sluggish nature, it’s best for players to prioritize dealing damage and wrapping up battles swiftly. The Dragonslayer’s Delight struggles against nimble opponents who can easily dart out of the way of attacks and cast spells from a distance. Instead, focus on getting up close and personal with the enemy and delivering as many strikes as you can. With this build, having two players may be overkill.

PVE Tips

In PVE (Player vs Environment), the Dragonslayer’s Delight build is generally more effective compared to PVP (Player vs Player) because non-player characters are more predictable and adhere to predetermined patterns. This makes encountering most in-game enemies less challenging. However, when it comes to swift bosses or agile creatures, hitting them can be tricky. In such situations, players should concentrate on anticipating their moves, waiting for the right moment, blocking the attack, and immediately retaliating with a powerful strike from the Dragon Tooth.

Stats

  • Vigor: 30
  • Attunement: 10
  • Endurance: 12
  • Vitality: 70
  • Strength: 42
  • Dexterity: 10
  • Intelligence: 8
  • Faith: 8
  • Luck: 11

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Dragon Tooth
  • Left Hand: Havel’s Greatshield
  • Head: Havel’s Helm
  • Chest: Havel’s Armor
  • Hands: Havel’s Gauntlets
  • Legs: Havel’s Leggings
  • Ring 1: Havel’s Ring
  • Ring 2: Ring of Favor
  • Ring 3: Prisoner’s Chain

5 Efficient Strength

A Balanced Strength Build To Cover Many Requirements

Build Overview

This build aims to perform all the basic maneuvers that Strength builds are capable of, though with a streamlined plan that can be altered as needed, such as splitting up the points invested in Faith with Intelligence for pyromancies instead of miracles.

The main objective of this top Strength build in Dark Souls 3 is to deal heavy blows up close while making enemies unstable through their attacks, potentially causing stagger and even stun-lock. Additionally, spells are used to apply pressure from afar. This isn’t revolutionary, but it’s certainly a dependable choice.

PVP Tips

A major challenge for this construction is the use of dark elemental magic, since Morne’s equipment isn’t particularly effective at reducing the highest level of damage from this type of magic.

In other words, this implies that gamers may encounter dark magic or miracles. Yet, individuals adhering to the Faith aspect of this game build will likely handle such perils more effectively compared to those who focus primarily on intelligence.

PVE Tips

In this build, it’s crucial to blend melee strikes with magical spells for maximum effectiveness. While the Greatsword might seem like an enticing choice to decimate foes, you’ll reap greater rewards from each strike by casting a spell to enhance your weapon first. Since PvE opponents don’t strategize their attacks, players should be able to outsmart them in every encounter.

Stats

  • Souls Level: 120
  • Vigor: 27
  • Attunement: 14
  • Endurance: 30
  • Vitality: 37
  • Strength: 50
  • Dexterity: 12
  • Intelligence: 8 (30 if using pyromancies)
  • Faith: 30 (8 if using pyromancies)
  • Luck: 11

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Heavy Greatsword +10
  • Left Hand: Simple Small Leather Shield +10 (& Talisman +10 or Pyromancy Flame +10)
  • Head: Morne’s Helm
  • Chest: Morne’s Armor
  • Hands: Morne’s Gauntlets
  • Legs: Morne’s Leggings
  • Ring 1: Havel’s Ring
  • Ring 2: Ring of Favor
  • Ring 3: Prisoner’s Chain
  • Ring 4: Knight’s Ring

4 Pure Strength Tank

A Bulky, Decimating Build To Squash Enemies

Build Overview

As a fan of tough battles in Dark Souls 3, I’d recommend giving this tanky combat strategy a try. By wielding Yhorm’s Greatshield, you can boost your poise and engage in damage trades hit-for-hit. This way, even though your opponent might deal as much damage as you do, you’ll have the upper hand by staying standing while forcing them to retreat, giving you the chance to keep the pressure on.

In this build, the creator, YouTube user Crozyn, prefers wielding the Zweihander as his weapon. Yet, if a different option is desired, Yhorm’s Great Machete could also work effectively.

PVP Tips

In many DS3 Strength builds similar to this one, the primary drawback is the relatively slow attack speed. But don’t let that discourage you – you can counteract it by outsmarting your opponent instead. Since you may not be able to land a direct hit when striking haphazardly, try to deceive them into attacking first. This could be achieved by feinting or making them think you are going for an attack so they initiate the combat.

In a configuration like this, receiving close-quarters attacks might unexpectedly benefit you, since it momentarily immobilizes the enemy, providing an opportunity to deliver that initial decisive strike. If successful, you can then continue attacking as the opponent becomes locked in a state of temporary stun.

PVE Tips

By masterfully using Yhorm’s Greatshield, players can engage in exchange of blows with enemies that are significantly larger than them. Since this usually results in receiving damage, it is crucial to have a healing mechanism at hand. Timing Estus Flask uses carefully will help maintain the offensive flow.

Stats

  • Souls Level: 120
  • Vigor: 42
  • Attunement: 10
  • Endurance: 35
  • Vitality: 35
  • Strength: 50
  • Dexterity: 12
  • Intelligence: 9
  • Faith: 9
  • Luck: 7

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Heavy Zweihander +10
  • Left Hand: Yhorm’s Greatshield +5
  • Head: Black Iron Helm
  • Chest: Black Iron Armor
  • Hands: Fallen Knight Gauntlets
  • Legs: Northern Trousers
  • Ring 1: Life Ring
  • Ring 2: Cloranthy Ring
  • Ring 3: Ring of Favor
  • Ring 4: Havel’s Ring

3 Black Knight Greataxe

A Lore-rich Build That Looks Incredibly Intimidating

Build Overview

Fans of the lore will find this interesting: We’re talking about using one of the heavier weapons from the black knight, a greataxe, to not just knock back and freeze enemies, but to do so with what many consider the finest moveset among all great axes. The higher-than-usual durability and damage resistance it offers gives users of the Black Knight Greataxe an edge in exchanging blows effectively.

Incorporating rings to enhance your stats and provide better scaling advantages strengthens the effectiveness of this build. It becomes particularly useful when the player integrates defensive moves like parries and powerful ripostes with increased damage.

PVP Tips

Just as the small black knights effectively fought and overcame larger opponents, the Black Knight Greataxe is considered one of the top choices for a DS3 Strength build when facing off against larger weapons. If you aim to outplay these bigger weapons, this axe could be your best weapon of choice.

Improving your character’s balance, health, and ability to take damage makes their offensive tactics more formidable, particularly the one-handed powerful strike that can crush enemies like a mighty hammer and the fully charged two-handed powerful strike that can send opponents flying through the air.

PVE Tips

Just like other strong weapons, the Black Knight Greataxe is another excellent option for those seeking to overpower opponents in battle by countering their attacks. Its inherent stability health, along with its powerful jumping attack and massive two-handed charged heavy strike, empowers players to conquer a variety of in-game enemies.

Stats

  • Souls Level: 120
  • Vigor: 40
  • Attunement: 10
  • Endurance: 40
  • Vitality: 30
  • Strength: 50
  • Dexterity: 27
  • Intelligence: 9
  • Faith: 9
  • Luck: 7

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Black Knight Greataxe +5
  • Left Hand: Small Leather Shield +10
  • Head: Black Knight Helm
  • Chest: Black Knight Armor
  • Hands: Black Knight Gauntlets
  • Legs: Black Knight Leggings
  • Ring 1: Carthus Milkring
  • Ring 2: Hornet Ring
  • Ring 3: Hunter’s Ring
  • Ring 4: Knight’s Ring

2 Ledo’s OP Strength

A Weapon Of Mass Destruction With High Strength Requirements

Build Overview

Since the user of this weapon needs a Strength level of 60 just to wield it, this particular game build by YouTuber Games 4 Days, which concentrates on using Ledo’s Great Hammer, will necessitate players to invest additional points into the crucial melee attribute, Strength.

This enhanced version is definitely worth the additional effort, since it allows for the swift destruction of numerous enemies in close proximity. The remarkable hammer’s powerful ability, “Call to Stone,” effectively transforms the player into an unstoppable force of demolition for several brief moments.

PVP Tips

Because Ledo’s Greathammer is rather compact, it doesn’t offer the longest range with standard strikes, but this characteristic can be exploited in a tactical manner.

Adversaries growing accustomed to the distance of this powerful hammer may grow increasingly bold as a fight unfolds, but players can catch overzealous opponents off guard by exploiting the weapon’s skill that extends further than expected and has the ability to stun enemies who misjudge their dodge attempts. If the player still possesses enough stamina, they can capitalize on their Call to Stone attack with subsequent strikes for a devastating combo.

PVE Tips

Using Ledo’s Great Hammer in Dark Souls 3 can be incredibly enjoyable due to its consistent effectiveness against many common enemies. With just one swing, you can easily carve a path through groups of lesser opponents. Moreover, even larger adversaries sometimes get stunned by the impacts of Ledo’s hammer. Therefore, this weapon is ideal for players aiming for a powerful Strength build in DS3.

Stats

  • Souls Level: 125
  • Vigor: 45
  • Attunement: 10
  • Endurance: 45
  • Vitality: 32
  • Strength: 60
  • Dexterity: 12
  • Intelligence: 9
  • Faith: 9
  • Luck: 7

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Ledo’s Great Hammer +5
  • Left Hand: Caestus +10
  • Head: Helm of Thorns
  • Chest: Harald Legion Armor
  • Hands: Black Witch Wrappings
  • Legs: Morne’s Leggings
  • Ring 1: Ring of Favor
  • Ring 2: Wolf Ring
  • Ring 3: Prisoner’s Chain
  • Ring 4: Havel’s Ring

1 Strength & Faith Greataxe

A Build That Relies On Buffs And Miracles

For players aiming for a Strength build that relies less on raw power and more on strategic finesse, consider allocating some points into Faith. However, this is not for the purpose of ranged miracles based on lightning, but rather to utilize the Lightning Blade miracle to imbue your weapon with electrical damage. This way, even formidable enemies with high physical defense will find it difficult to escape the impact of your damage trades.

This strategy, while having multiple versions, is highly effective due to its longstanding success in eliminating opponents, whether in Player vs Environment (PvE) or Player vs Player (PvP) scenarios.

PVP Tips

This build in Dark Souls 3 is exceptional due to its versatility, allowing it to deliver powerful blows, deflect attacks, and counteract incoming spells. As a result, it’s well-equipped to handle various types of enemies, except for rare specialized ones or those capable of dealing a one-shot blow.

To determine if your adversary will use ranged or close-combat attacks, closely watch their behavior:

PVE Tips

As a fan, I find it incredibly advantageous to have the ability to perform miracles in-game. The variety of healing and enhancement spells paired with my main weapon offers immense versatility. Adding lightning damage capabilities to my arsenal makes encounters with numerous enemy types less daunting since they’re often weak to this element. With my Greataxe’s physical might complementing these magical abilities, it seems there won’t be much that can hinder my progress in this build.

Stats

  • Souls Level: 120
  • Vigor: 40
  • Attunement: 10
  • Endurance: 40
  • Vitality: 15
  • Strength: 45
  • Dexterity: 12
  • Intelligence: 9
  • Faith: 41
  • Luck: 7

Equipment

  • Right Hand: Heavy Greataxe +10
  • Left Hand: Small Leather Shield +10 (& Yorshka’s Chime +10)
  • Head: Dancer’s Crown
  • Chest: Dancer’s Armor
  • Hands: Dancer’s Gauntlets
  • Legs: Dancer’s Leggings
  • Ring 1: Priestess Ring
  • Ring 2: Knight’s Ring
  • Ring 3: Havel’s Ring
  • Ring 4: Hornet Ring

Dark Souls 3 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.

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2024-10-30 11:54