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Paladin, and indeed Faith-based builds in general, tend to be very popular among the Soulsborne andElden Ringgaming community. These builds focus on producing a tanky character capable of some spellcasting but, more importantly, of dealing huge amounts of damage with their weapons. There are a lot of routes to go with Paladin, but this one is intended for a max level character that has all possible levels under your belt. Let’s get into it.
Character Creation
To start with, it doesn’t really matter what class you begin the build with. You’re probably going to want to pick something that’s high in either Strength or Faith already, since those are the two stats that we will be focusing on for this build.
Stat Distribution
We’ll be focusing primarily on getting our Strength and Faith up, as those will be our primary damage-dealing attributes in this build. Other than that, you can work on getting your Vigor and Endurance up to a comfy level. You may want less points in these attributes than what I’ve put here if you are more confident with your Elden Ring combat abilities.
Attributes
Intelligence
Additionally, you’re going to be putting your Flask spreads mostly into HP boosts. Two or three FP Flasks will be more than enough for our purposes, as the primary bulk of our damage will come from our sword attacks and physical damage.
Endgame Gear
The best gear for this build will include any weapon that you’re particularly versed in, but we prefer a decent endgame sword like theMiquella Knight’s Sword. This sword is the quintessential Paladin sword in Elden ring, and requires11 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 16 Faith to use. You can get it fromElphael, Brace of the Haligtree. One of the best things about this sword is that its weapon skill isSacred Blade Skill, which lets you fire off a holy projectile - great if you’re fighting something at range.
The other weapon you’re going to need is a Talisman for your build. We recommend theBull-Goat’s Talisman, for the extra poise. However, you will probably juggle these around as you play. Pick what you’re most comfortable with. You could also consider going withErdtree’s Favor, which boosts your HP, stamina, and equip load - this would allow you to pick heavier armor in general.
Bull-Goat’s Talisman
Erdtree’s Favor
A good Sacred Seal will also be necessary. We recommend theErdtree Sealor theGodslayer’s Seal, depending on your faith level when you pick these up.
As for a shield, anything that blocks a great deal amount of damage and doesn’t weigh too much (unless you like a super heavy build) will do you just fine. You’re probably going to want to go with a Greatshield, which will have a very high Strength requirement, but by this point you should have plenty of that. I recommend theGolden Greatshield, or theVisage Shieldif for no other reason than the gimmick and its massive damage potential.
Golden Greatshield
Visage Shield
TheHaligtree Knight Setis extremely good for roleplay value since it looks extremely Paladin-like. There are heavier armor sets out there that will increase your Poise and make you more tanky, but this is our favourite for this build.
Haligtree Knight Set
Choose armor that offers good protection but still allows you to stay below 70% equipment load to avoid heavy rolling penalties.
Skills and Spells
Your sword immediately gives you Sacred Blade, which lets you go a projectile Holy-based attack. With your faith as high as it is, this thing will absolutely devastate in PvE. It can also come in handy in PvP, too, as most don’t expect a tanky build like this to have projectiles that do massive damage.
Sacred Blade Skill
Other than that, you should focus on spells that either heal or buff you in some way. To make you stronger in combat, consider spells like Golden Vow, or Flame, Grant Me Strength. Both of these will boost your physical damage by 11.5% and 20% respectively (these numbers are different in PvP, changed instead to 2.5% and 15% respectively). For your last slot, consider a healing spell or another ranged lightning spell.
Elden Ring: All Golden Seed Locations
Golden Seeds in Elden Ring are crucial for upgrading your Sacred Flask, which replenishes health and FP.
Elden Ring
