Elden Ring Strength Faith Build Guide - How to Build a Perfect Paladin (NG+ Guide)

Summary

This Elden Ring Paladin build guide focuses on creating an effective and versatile character for New Game Plus. The build emphasizes survivability, high block counter damage, and gap-closing abilities using the Michelin Knight Sword, Hallig Tree Crest Great Shield, and Sacred Blade. Key buffs include Golden Val, Flame Grammy Strength, and Blessing of the Erd Tree, while talismans like Bull-Goat's Talisman and Shard of Alexander boost damage and Poise. The video provides essential tips for playing the build, including early-game strategies and advice on upgrading attributes, armor, and incantations for maximum effectiveness throughout the game.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video provides an updated Paladin build for Elden Ring, refining the earlier build at level 50 and focusing on improvements for New Game Plus.
• 😀 The Michelin Knight Sword is recommended for its unique R2 attack, which helps close gaps on enemies, especially after a critical hit or block counter.
• 😀 Sacred Blade has been buffed in Patch 1.07, dealing more damage, faster, and with additional damage from the blade portion of the attack when used at point-blank range.
• 😀 The Hallig Tree Crest Great Shield is a key item, offering high guard boost, low stamina damage when blocking, and a Crusader-like aesthetic that suits a Paladin build.
• 😀 The Clawmark Seal is used to cast incantations, providing 280 incantation scaling, though it's more useful in New Game Plus for casting helpful spells like Wrath of Gold and Golden Vow.
• 😀 Armor setup includes the Hallig Tree Knight set for style and protection. While not the most optimal for defense, it complements the Paladin aesthetic.
• 😀 Talismans like the Bull-Goat's Talisman and Shard of Alexander are staples for improving block counters and Sacred Blade damage, respectively.
• 😀 Early game alternatives for Paladin builds include the Noble Slender Sword and Lord Sworn Straight Sword for their critical attack potential and decent reach.
• 😀 The build offers a lot of flexibility, combining tankiness, high damage block counters, and support options like buffs for spirit summons and co-op players.
• 😀 The recommended attribute spread is 50 Vigor, 27 Mind, 32 Endurance, 40 Strength, 25 Dexterity, 45 Faith, and 9 Arcane. Focus on increasing Vigor, Mind, and Faith for optimal performance in New Game Plus.

Q & A

What is the primary weapon used in the Paladin build?

The primary weapon used is the Michelin Knight Sword. This weapon is favored for its R2 attack, which helps close gaps on enemies, and its ability to deal significant damage when using the Sacred Blade incantation.

Why is the Hallig Tree Crest Great Shield preferred in this build?

The Hallig Tree Crest Great Shield is preferred because of its high guard boost when fully upgraded (79), which allows the Paladin to block without losing much stamina. This makes it easier to perform block counters and maintain stamina for attacks.

What incantations are used in the Paladin build?

The build uses several key incantations including Golden Vow (for increasing attack and defense), Flame Grant Me Strength (to boost physical damage), and Blessing of the Erdtree (for healing over time). Wrath of Gold and Radagon’s Ring of Light are also used for AOE damage.

Which armor set is used for the Paladin build, and why?

The Paladin uses the Hallig Tree Knight set, including the chest, gloves, legs, and Great Helm. The set provides a Crusader-like aesthetic while offering decent protection. Though not the most optimal armor, it suits the style of the build.

What are the key talismans used in this Paladin build?

Key talismans include the Bull-Goat's Talisman (to reach the Poise breakpoint), Shard of Alexander (to boost Sacred Blade damage), Sacred Scorpion Charm (for holy damage increase), Ritual Sword Talisman (for damage boost), and the Curved Sword Talisman (to enhance block counter damage).

How does the Sacred Scorpion Charm affect this build?

The Sacred Scorpion Charm boosts the damage of any holy-based attacks, including Sacred Blade. While it also increases the damage taken by the player, it is effective when using spells like Wrath of Gold or Radagon’s Ring of Light and Sacred Blade.

How should players handle the build in the early stages of the game?

In the early stages, players can use the Noble Slender Sword or Lordsworn Straight Sword for good reach and critical hit potential. Both weapons complement the build well. The Gilded Great Shield is a strong early-game choice for a reliable great shield.

What is the recommended approach to managing stats in this Paladin build?

Key stats for the Paladin build include 50 Vigor (for survivability), 27 Mind (to manage FP), 32 Endurance (for optimal equip load), 40 Strength, and 25 Dexterity (to maximize damage with the Michelin Knight Sword). Faith is set to 45 to ensure Sacred Blade performs well.

Why is Sacred Blade so important for this build?

Sacred Blade is a vital part of the Paladin build because it provides high holy damage, especially when used point-blank. The weapon skill was buffed in patch 1.07, making it quick and effective for dealing with enemies, particularly when combined with talismans that enhance holy damage.

How does the Flask of Wonders Physique benefit this build?

The Flask of Wonders Physique is beneficial for increasing Sacred Blade's damage. The Holy Shroud Cracked Tear boosts holy damage, which is crucial for both Sacred Blade and holy-based spells like Wrath of Gold. This makes it a powerful tool for increasing the build's overall damage output.