Want to feel like a hero from “Berserk” and crush enemies just like the legendary Guts? In Elden Ring, you have every opportunity to recreate this stern swordsman. In the article below, we will tell you in detail which class is best to base your build on, what weapons and armor to choose, and how to properly hold your own on the battlefield.
Selecting a starting class
To create our “Guts”, it is worth starting with the Vagabond class . It is ideal in terms of stat distribution and the concept of a strong and durable fighter who can take a hit and deal impressive damage with heavy weapons.
However, if you have already started the game with another class, it’s not a problem. You can continue to develop the necessary characteristics. Just keep in mind that in this case, you will have to level up above level 150.
What is the build based on?
The main goal when building Guts is to achieve maximum damage from the Greatsword. Our build is focused on high strength, because Guts is primarily a berserker who relies on brute physical strength.
Key stats
Of all the character stats in Elden Ring, we’ll need to level up these:
- Strength : Increase as much as possible, as it directly affects the weapon’s damage.
- Endurance : to be able to strike, roll and block attacks
- Vigor : The higher your health, the more hits you can take.
- Intelligence – needed to use the ashes of war.
- Dexterity : This can be useful only for equipping certain weapons, but it’s not worth boosting unless you plan on changing your fighting style.
An additional bonus will be given by using the Great Godric Rune. It increases all stats by 5 when activated, which will greatly enhance the build. We recommend raising the character level for this build to about 150 to get enough points to distribute among the main stats.
Stat Priority
Here is a list of character stats by leveling priority:
- Strength;
- Life force;
- Durability;
- Intelligence;
- Dexterity;
- Wisdom;
- Faith;
- Witchcraft.
At level 150, the stats with or without the rune should look like this:
- Strength – 60|65;
- Vitality – 60|65;
- Durability – 41|46;
- Intelligence – 16|21;
- Dexterity – 16|21;
- Wisdom – 9|14;
- Faith – 9|14;
- Witchcraft – 7|12.
Weapons and Armor
Weapon
Greatsword
The main tool of our build is a large, heavy sword that deals huge damage. For high-quality scaling, it is worth giving preference to the Heavy modification so that the additional Strength increases the damage as much as possible. You can find a suitable weapon in the chest of the wagon in the northwest of the Ruins of Kalem location.Ashes of War “Lion’s Claw” is great for heavy two-handers. It can be obtained by killing the Guardian Lion in Fort Gael (in the Starry Wastes). There is an upgraded version “Ferocious Lion’s Claw” in the DLC, but it is not available right away.
Compound crossbow
Guts often uses ranged weapons when the enemy is too far away. For us, the crossbow is a way to pull up difficult opponents or strike them first from a safe distance. The weapon lies in the Gelmir Volcano location, next to the Master’s Shack (look for it on a corpse near the eponymous place of grace). If you want, you can also take throwing daggers to provoke enemies to come closer.
Armor set
To give your hero an appearance that is as close to Guts as possible, we recommend collecting the following equipment:
- Black Wolf Mask – The Berserker helmet is not directly represented in the game, but this option is close in spirit. Look for it behind Seluvis’ tower on the wall (you’ll have to climb higher and explore the area);
- Night Riders Armor ;
- Night Riders Gloves ;
- Greaves of the Night Riders .
This entire set (except the helmet) will be obtained for defeating two Night Riders. They are located south of the “Inner Sacred Field” place of grace, next to the caravan.
Talismans
For Guts’ build in Elden Ring, several talismans are important. They will strengthen our key aspects: strength, endurance, and combat skill efficiency.
Alexander’s Fragment
- Increases weapon skill damage by approximately 15%.
To get it, you need to finish the Iron Fist Alexander questline. At the end, you will have to fight him in the location of the Crumbling Farum-Azula. After that, you will receive the talisman.
Green Turtle Talisman
- Accelerates stamina recovery.
Endurance is vital for us, so this talisman is very useful. It is located in the basement, next to two turtles, but you will need a sword-shaped key to open the passage.
Carian filigree coat of arms
- Reduces the cost of skills (Ashes of War) by approximately 25%.
Since we have a low intelligence stat (of course, only within the stats), then reducing the cost of skill points will come in handy. The talisman can be purchased from Military Advisor Idzhi after you start completing Rennie’s quest.
Radagon’s Seal of Pain
- Increases Vitality, Endurance, Strength and Dexterity by 5, but you will take approximately 15% more damage.
The talisman is located in Fort Farot. You can pick it up without any additional battles, just find it on the map.
How to use this build
The most important thing: hold the sword in two hands for maximum damage and try to approach enemies from behind or from the side. The long animation of the strike makes you vulnerable. And keep your distance: the big sword is slow, so if the moment is bad, it is better to move away and wait for a new opportunity to strike.
Control your stamina: without it, you won’t be able to dodge or continue the attack. If the scale is almost at zero, it’s better to retreat in time. The fight can be conveniently started with a provocation from a crossbow or throwing knives, especially if the enemy is standing at a distance. While he runs towards you, start an attack with the ashes of war.
Ashes of War “Lion’s Claw” is also good to use right after the enemy attacks. Just watch the animation so you don’t get taken down by the grab mid-move.We hope this guide will help you assemble the most effective and atmospheric character. Now you know what parameters to pump, what weapons and armor to choose and how to behave on the battlefield. All that remains is to go on a journey through the Betweenlands and prove to everyone that you are worthy of the title of “Black Swordsman”. Good luck!