Elden Ring: Best Longsword Builds

Hey Tarnished! Are you ready to dive into the Lands Between with the classic, reliable longsword? If you're looking for a weapon that's fast, versatile, and can dish out some serious pain, then the longsword is your best bud. We're talking about a weapon that's been a staple in fantasy RPGs for ages, and Elden Ring definitely does it justice. In this guide, guys, we're going to break down some killer longsword builds that will have you slicing and dicing your way through demigods and beasts like it's no biggie. Forget those clunky ultra-greatswords for a second; the longsword offers a fantastic balance of speed, damage, and reach, making it perfect for both new players and seasoned veterans looking for a fresh playthrough. We'll cover everything from the best starting class to pick, essential stats to pump, potent Ashes of War to slap on, and even some sweet armor and talisman combos that will make your longsword build truly shine. So grab your flask, sharpen your wits, and let's get ready to conquer Elden Ring with the might of the longsword!

Why Choose a Longsword Build in Elden Ring?

So, why should you, my fellow Tarnished, consider making the longsword your weapon of choice in Elden Ring? It's a question that pops up a lot, and honestly, the answer is pretty simple: versatility and efficiency. Unlike some of the heavier, slower weapons that require precise timing and massive stamina reserves, the longsword hits that sweet spot. Its attack speed is superb, allowing you to get in quick hits, maintain pressure on enemies, and crucially, dodge out of danger before they can even think about retaliating. This makes it incredibly forgiving for players who are still getting the hang of Elden Ring's challenging combat system. Furthermore, longswords scale well with a variety of stats, meaning you can build around them in multiple ways. Want to be a nimble pure Dexterity warrior? You got it. Prefer a Strength-based fighter who still values a decent swing speed? The longsword can handle that too. Even Faith or Intelligence builds can find a longsword that benefits from their preferred magic stats, thanks to infusion options and specific weapon variations. The sheer adaptability of the longsword is its greatest strength. You're not locked into one playstyle. Need to apply a status effect? Slap on an Ash of War like Bloodhound's Step for mobility or a status-infusing one like Seppuku. Want to deal pure physical damage? Focus on Strength and Dexterity. Want to add some elemental flair? Use an affinity like Flame Art or Lightning. This flexibility means your longsword build can evolve with you as you explore the Lands Between, discover new gear, and face increasingly difficult challenges. It's a weapon that rewards smart play, good positioning, and a solid understanding of your enemy's attack patterns, making every victory feel earned and incredibly satisfying. Plus, let's be real, the longsword just looks cool. It’s the iconic hero’s weapon, and wielding one gives you that classic fantasy adventurer vibe that’s hard to beat. Whether you're facing down the mighty Godrick the Grafted or delving into the treacherous Caelid wastes, a well-optimized longsword build will ensure you’re always ready for action, offering a reliable and consistently effective damage output that can carry you through the entire game. It’s the kind of weapon that lets you focus on learning the game’s mechanics rather than being constantly hampered by your gear, which is invaluable when you're first starting out or trying to master a new build.

Best Starting Class for a Longsword Build

Alright guys, let's talk about getting this longsword party started right. When you're creating your Tarnished, the choice of starting class can give you a significant early-game boost, especially for a longsword build. Now, there are a few contenders here, but the absolute top pick has to be the Vagabond. Why the Vagabond, you ask? Simple: high starting Vigor and Strength. These are crucial stats for any melee build, and the Vagabond starts with excellent distributions in both. This means you'll have more HP right out of the gate – always a good thing in Elden Ring – and enough Strength to wield many of the early-game longswords effectively, or at least meet their minimum requirements. Plus, the Vagabond starts with decent Dexterity too, giving you flexibility right from the get-go. They also come equipped with the Heater Shield, which is a solid 100% physical damage negation shield that’s perfect for learning enemy patterns and blocking those initial tough hits. Another strong contender, especially if you're leaning towards a more Dexterity-focused longsword build, is the Samurai. The Samurai starts with the Uchigatana, which is technically a katana but shares many qualities with longswords in terms of speed and moveset feel. More importantly, they have high starting Dexterity, which is vital if you plan on using lighter, faster longswords or infusions that benefit from Dex scaling. The Samurai also starts with a decent bow, which is great for pulling enemies and adding ranged utility. If you're aiming for a more balanced Strength/Dexterity build (often called Quality builds), the Vagabond still edges out, but the Samurai is a very close second. The Hero class is another option if you really want to prioritize Strength early on, but their starting Dexterity is a bit low, which might limit your longsword choices initially. Ultimately, the Vagabond gives you the most well-rounded starting stats for a typical longsword build, providing a robust foundation for Vigor, Strength, and Dexterity, along with useful starting gear. This allows you to invest your early Runes into other crucial areas like Endurance for better armor and stamina, or even starting to pump your primary damage stats sooner without feeling too squishy or under-equipped. It’s all about giving yourself the best possible head start in the unforgiving world of the Lands Between, and the Vagabond does exactly that for our trusty longsword wielders.

Essential Stats for Your Longsword Build

Now that you’ve picked your class, let's talk about where you should be pouring those precious Runes, guys. For a longsword build, the stats you prioritize will depend slightly on the specific longsword you choose and the playstyle you're aiming for, but there are some universal truths. First and foremost, Vigor is king. Seriously, don't neglect this. Aim to get your Vigor to at least 40, and ideally up to 50 or even 60 by the late game. More HP means you can survive more mistakes, endure longer fights, and generally feel much more comfortable tackling Elden Ring’s toughest bosses. Without sufficient Vigor, even the best-optimized damage build will crumble quickly. After Vigor, you’ll want to focus on your primary damage-dealing stats. For most longswords, this means Strength and/or Dexterity. If you're using a standard longsword or one that scales well with Strength, pump Strength. If you're opting for lighter longswords or ones with superior Dexterity scaling, prioritize Dexterity. A popular and very effective approach is the Quality build, which involves leveling both Strength and Dexterity relatively evenly. This allows you to use a vast majority of the weapons in the game effectively and benefits from weapons that have good scaling on both stats. Aim for around 40-50 in both Strength and Dexterity for a strong Quality build. If you're going for a pure Strength build, you might aim for 50-60 Strength and 15-20 Dexterity (just enough to wield your chosen weapon). Conversely, a pure Dexterity build would see you pushing Dexterity to 50-60 and keeping Strength at its minimum requirement or around 20-25. Endurance is another vital stat. It increases your Stamina, allowing you to perform more attacks, dodges, and blocks, and it also raises your Equip Load. Being able to wear heavier armor without 'fat rolling' (moving slowly and having a larger hitbox during dodges) is a massive advantage. Try to keep your Equip Load below 70% to maintain a medium roll. Aim for 20-30 Endurance early on, and adjust as needed based on your armor choices. Finally, if you plan on using Ashes of War that add elemental damage or status effects, or if you're using a longsword with innate magical or Faith scaling (like the Sword of Night and Flame, though that's more specialized), you'll want to invest points into Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane accordingly. However, for a straightforward physical longsword build, Vigor, Strength/Dexterity, and Endurance are your absolute priorities. Think of it this way: Vigor keeps you alive, Endurance keeps you fighting, and Strength/Dexterity makes sure your hits count. Getting these core stats right will make your journey through the Lands Between infinitely smoother and more enjoyable. Remember to check the scaling of your chosen longsword – the letter grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) indicate how well it benefits from each stat – to maximize your damage output effectively.

Top Longswords to Use

Choosing the right longsword can make or break your build, guys. Thankfully, Elden Ring offers some fantastic options that perfectly fit the longsword archetype. Let's break down some of the best longswords you should be keeping an eye out for on your journey. The Lordsworn's Straight Sword is arguably the best early-game longsword you can get. Found on soldiers near the Gatefront Ruins, it has excellent base damage and good scaling with Strength and Dexterity, making it a fantastic candidate for a Quality build or even a Strength-focused one. Its critical damage is also quite high, meaning those backstabs and guard counters will hit like a truck. Then we have the Longsword itself, the default starting weapon for the Vagabond and Confessor classes. This weapon is a gem because it has balanced scaling across Strength and Dexterity, and it's incredibly versatile with the Affinity system via Ashes of War. You can make it lean into Strength, Dexterity, or even add elemental damage with relative ease. For a more specialized approach, the Carian Knight's Sword is a fantastic choice if you're dabbling in Intelligence builds. It boasts good physical damage, excellent Dexterity scaling, and its unique skill, Piercing Weapon Skill, deals magic damage and can stagger enemies effectively. Its description even mentions it's favored by the knights of Raya Lucaria, which is a nice lore touch. If you're looking for something with a bit more oomph and a unique skill, the Blasphemous Blade (technically a greatsword, but often used in similar slots due to its moveset and accessibility) is often recommended, but sticking strictly to longswords, the Sword of St. Trina is an interesting pick. It inflicts the Sleep status effect, which can be incredibly powerful for crowd control or dealing with tough single targets by putting them to sleep before you unleash your flurry of attacks. It requires a bit more Arcane investment but can be a game-changer. Finally, for pure, unadulterated physical power on a Dexterity build, the Shamshir is a swift and deadly option. It has a unique slanted grip and a faster-than-usual moveset for its class, making it feel incredibly fluid in combat. Each of these weapons offers a distinct advantage, whether it's raw damage, scaling potential, unique status effects, or versatile movesets. Remember to experiment with different Ashes of War on the more generic longswords like the standard Longsword or Lordsworn's Straight Sword, as this is where you can truly tailor the weapon to your build and playstyle. Don't be afraid to try them out; the Lands Between are littered with treasures, and your perfect longsword might be just around the corner, waiting to be discovered and wielded with deadly precision. Consider the scaling, the moveset, and any special effects or skills when making your final choice, as these factors will significantly impact your combat effectiveness and overall enjoyment of your longsword build.

Powerful Ashes of War for Longswords

What separates a good longsword build from a great one, guys? Often, it's the Ash of War you choose to imbue it with. These special skills add a whole new layer of strategy, damage potential, and utility to your weapon. For longswords, which excel at speed and aggression, you want Ashes that complement these traits or provide crucial advantages. Let's dive into some absolute must-haves. First up, Bloodhound's Step. This Ash of War is almost universally considered one of the best movement abilities in the game. It grants you an incredibly quick, long-distance dash with significant invincibility frames. This is perfect for dodging otherwise unavoidable attacks, closing the distance on ranged enemies, or even repositioning yourself for a critical hit. Slap this on your longsword, and you'll suddenly feel like a nimble ninja, able to weave through enemy onslaughts with ease. It's especially potent for survivability, allowing you to escape hairy situations that might otherwise spell doom. Next, we have Square Off. This unique Ash of War comes with the standard Longsword and is incredibly potent. It has two stances: a high stance that delivers a powerful, armor-breaking thrust, and a low stance that unleashes a rapid flurry of attacks. The high stance is fantastic for breaking enemy stances, leading to critical hits, while the low stance can melt enemy health bars very quickly. It’s a fantastic all-around offensive Ash. If you're leaning into a Strength build and want raw power, Lion's Claw is an absolute beast. Your character leaps forward with a powerful overhead slash that deals massive damage and has hyper armor, meaning you can trade hits with enemies and still come out on top. It’s flashy, effective, and incredibly satisfying to land. For those looking to add some elemental flair or status effects, consider Sacred Blade (Faith builds) or Lightning Slash (Dexterity/Strength builds). These add temporary elemental damage to your weapon and come with a unique follow-up attack. Alternatively, Ashes like Poison Moth Flight or Seppuku (though Seppuku requires some setup) can add potent status effects like poison or bleed, which can be devastating on fast-attacking weapons like longswords. Flame of the Redmanes is another incredibly strong Ash, known for its ability to quickly stagger even heavily armored enemies due to its high poise damage. It’s a fantastic tool for setting up critical hits on almost any foe. Don't forget about Glintstone Pebble or Glintstone Arc if you're running a hybrid Intelligence build; these can provide ranged pressure or add magical damage. The key is to match the Ash of War to your build's strengths and the challenges you're facing. Need more survivability? Bloodhound's Step. Need more stagger? Flame of the Redmanes or Lion's Claw. Need more raw damage? Square Off or a status-infusing Ash. Experimentation is key, guys, and finding that perfect Ash of War can truly elevate your longsword gameplay from good to legendary. Remember to check the requirements for each Ash of War and ensure it aligns with your stat distribution for maximum effectiveness.

Talismans and Armor Recommendations

To really round out your longsword build, we need to talk about the cherry on top: talismans and armor. These pieces of gear aren't just for show; they significantly boost your stats, enhance your survivability, and amplify your damage output. Let's start with talismans. For almost any melee build, the Green Turtle Talisman is a must-have. It increases your stamina recovery speed, which is absolutely crucial for a weapon that relies on quick, successive attacks and dodges. More stamina means more actions, plain and simple. If you're focusing on Strength, the Starscourage Greatsword might be relevant, but for longswords, the Axe Talisman can boost the damage of charged R2 attacks, which can be surprisingly effective with certain longsword movesets. For Dexterity builds, the Winged Sword Insignia and its upgraded version, the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, are phenomenal. They increase your attack power with successive hits, which is perfect for the rapid strikes of a longsword. If you're going for a Quality build, consider the Shard of Alexander (if you use weapon skills frequently) or the Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce the FP cost of your skills. For survivability, the Dragoncrest Shield Talisman series (especially the Greatshield variant) is invaluable for reducing incoming physical damage. If you find yourself running low on health often, the Crimson Amber Medallion (and its upgraded versions) is a solid choice for boosting your maximum HP. Now, for armor, the goal is usually to find the best balance between physical damage negation and Equip Load. You want armor that offers good protection without making you fat roll. Sets like the Knight Set, Banished Knight Set, or the Scaled Set offer solid all-around protection and can be acquired relatively early or mid-game. If you're min-maxing for a lighter build, pieces from sets like the White Reed Set or Ronin's Set offer good poise and defense for their weight. For heavier builds, don't be afraid to mix and match pieces. Sometimes, combining the chest piece from a heavier set with lighter leg, arm, and head pieces can give you the optimal balance. Poise is also a stat to consider – higher poise means you're less likely to be interrupted mid-attack. The Bull-Goat Set offers immense poise but is very heavy. Often, a good strategy is to wear a heavier chest piece and legs for poise and defense, and lighter arms and head to manage weight. Ultimately, the best armor is subjective and depends on your specific build and playstyle. Prioritize maintaining a medium Equip Load (below 70%), then seek out the highest damage negation and poise you can achieve within that limit. Mixing and matching pieces from various sets, keeping an eye out for items that boost your specific stats (like the Confessor Hood for Faith), and ensuring you can still dodge effectively will lead you to the perfect armor combination for your longsword adventures. Remember, Tarnished, fashion is important, but function is paramount when facing the horrors of the Lands Between.

Playstyle Tips for Longsword Mastery

So you've got your longsword, your stats are dialed in, your Ashes of War are ready to go, and your gear is looking sharp. Now, how do you actually play like a master of the blade? It’s all about leveraging the longsword's strengths, guys. Firstly, embrace the poke and roll. Longswords are fantastic for getting in a quick hit or two and then immediately rolling away to safety. Don't get greedy! Learn the enemy's attack patterns and punish the openings. A common mistake is trying to trade hits or keep attacking when it's not safe. The longsword excels at hit-and-run tactics. Secondly, master your guard counters. If you block an attack with a shield, immediately follow up with a heavy attack (R2). This guard counter deals significant damage and often builds up enemy stagger very quickly. Many bosses and tougher enemies can be stance-broken this way, leading to a critical hit opportunity. This is especially potent with Ashes like Square Off's high stance. Thirdly, utilize your Ashes of War strategically. Don't just spam them! Bloodhound's Step is for dodging, not for initiating every fight. Lion's Claw is best used when you have hyper armor or a clear opening to trade. Square Off requires you to manage its stances effectively. Think about when to use your Ash for maximum impact, whether it's for damage, crowd control, or survival. Fourth, manage your stamina wisely. As mentioned, Endurance is key, but so is conscious stamina management. Always leave enough stamina to dodge away after your attack combo. Running out of stamina in a bad situation is a death sentence. Pace yourself, take breaths, and don't button mash. Fifth, exploit enemy weaknesses. While longswords are versatile, some enemies might be more vulnerable to certain damage types or status effects. If you've infused your longsword with bleed or frost, look for opportunities to proc those effects. If you're facing heavily armored foes, Ashes of War with high poise damage like Flame of the Redmanes or Lion's Claw are your best friends. Finally, don't underestimate the power of positioning. Use your quick movement and attacks to stay out of harm's way, circle around enemies, and attack from angles they don't expect. Elden Ring's combat is a dance, and with a longsword, you're a nimble partner who can deliver sharp, precise steps when the rhythm is right. By combining these tips, you'll find that your longsword build isn't just effective; it's elegant, deadly, and incredibly fun to play. Keep practicing, keep learning, and you'll be carving through the Lands Between like a true legend.

Conclusion: Wielding the Longsword with Pride

And there you have it, Tarnished! We've journeyed through the core components of crafting a powerful and satisfying longsword build in Elden Ring. From selecting the optimal starting class like the Vagabond to carefully allocating your stats into Vigor, Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance, every step has been designed to maximize your potential with this iconic weapon class. We've highlighted some of the most effective longswords, like the versatile Longsword itself and the early-game powerhouse Lordsworn's Straight Sword, alongside specialized options for various builds. Furthermore, the impact of Ashes of War like Bloodhound's Step and Square Off cannot be overstated, providing crucial utility and damage boosts that transform your combat capabilities. Don't forget the synergistic power of talismans such as the Green Turtle Talisman and Winged Sword Insignia, and the defensive necessity of well-chosen armor sets that balance protection and mobility. Most importantly, we've covered the playstyle nuances – the importance of hit-and-run tactics, mastering guard counters, strategic Ash of War usage, and vigilant stamina management. The longsword is more than just a weapon; it's a statement. It represents skill, adaptability, and a deep understanding of combat. It’s the weapon of choice for those who appreciate precision, speed, and reliability. By applying the knowledge from this guide, you're well-equipped to face any challenge the Lands Between throws at you. So go forth, wield your longsword with pride, and leave your mark on this broken world. May your strikes be swift and your victories plentiful! Happy gaming, guys!