Create a Paladin Tank Using These 15 Elden Ring Build Strategies
If you’re aiming to build a Paladin tank in Elden Ring—a character that combines solid defense, healing capabilities, and respectable damage output—this guide is for you. Paladins are perfect for players who want to withstand heavy hits while supporting their team with buffs and healing. Here, I’ll share 15 build strategies that help you craft a durable and effective Paladin tank, whether you’re tackling late-game bosses or PvP challenges.
1. Prioritize Vigor and Endurance
To survive prolonged fights, invest heavily in Vigor for increased HP and Endurance to boost your stamina and equip load. This lets you wear heavy armor and carry a sturdy shield without sacrificing mobility.
2. Choose the Right Heavy Armor Set
Heavy armor with good poise is a must for tanking. Sets like Bull-Goat’s, Lionel’s, or the Bull-Goat’s Heavy Set allow you to absorb hits and keep attacking without stagger.
3. Equip a Greatshield with High Stability
A greatshield is crucial for blocking attacks efficiently. The Greatshield of Glory or Erdtree Greatshield are excellent choices because of their high stability and innate weapon skills that aid in defense and counterattacks.
4. Use Faith as a Secondary Stat
Investing in Faith allows you to cast essential protective and healing incantations. Paladin builds shine when combining melee defense with supportive magic like Blessing of the Erdtree or Flame, Grant Me Strength.
5. Select Melee Weapons with Guard Boost
Weapons such as the Blasphemous Blade or Greatsword that scale with Strength and Faith are ideal. Their movesets pair well with a tank’s slower but powerful style, and some come with built-in buffs.
6. Use Buff Incantations Liberally
Buffs like Blessing of the Erdtree, Flame, Grant Me Strength, and Flame, Cleanse Me can dramatically improve your survivability and damage. Proper buff management is key to keeping your Paladin in top shape during tough fights.
7. Optimize Your Talismans
Talismans like Radagon’s Scarseal, Radagon’s Soreseal for early damage boosts, and Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for defense help balance offense and tanking. Consider Erdtree’s Favor for increased HP, stamina, and equip load.
8. Manage Stamina Wisely
Effective stamina management prevents you from running out of guard or dodge options. Use medium to heavy armor combos that balance equip load without compromising your stamina regeneration.
9. Incorporate Healing Items and Ashes of War
Keep a healthy stock of Flasks of Crimson and Cerulean Tears to sustain yourself. Ashes of War like Blessing of the Erdtree and Flame of the Redmanes on your weapon enhance your combat utility.
10. Use Elden Ring Items for Sale to Upgrade
Always keep an eye on Elden Ring items for sale that can improve your build, such as unique talismans or weapons. These items can often provide the edge needed to push through difficult areas.
11. Farm Cheap Elden Ring Runes for Upgrades
To keep your gear up to date, farm cheap Elden Ring runes by clearing easier areas or using rune farming loops. This helps you upgrade your armor and weapons without wasting resources.
12. Play Aggressively but Cautiously
While tanking focuses on defense, don’t be afraid to punish enemy openings with strong strikes. Timing your attacks between blocks is crucial to maintaining threat and control.
13. Master Guard Counters
Using guard counters effectively can turn the tide of a battle. With your high poise and stamina, you can block heavy hits and retaliate quickly, staggering foes.
14. Build Synergy with Multiplayer
Paladin tanks shine in co-op as they can soak damage and provide buffs for allies. Focus on builds that support your team with healing and damage mitigation.
15. Experiment with Weapon Arts and Incantations
Don’t hesitate to try out different weapon arts and incantations that complement your tanking style. The Golden Vow and Blessing of the Erdtree incantations are staples, but others might fit your personal approach better.
Creating a Paladin tank in Elden Ring requires balancing durability, healing, and damage. With these 15 strategies, you can craft a resilient build that excels in both solo and multiplayer settings. Make sure to gather cheap Elden Ring runes regularly to upgrade your gear and keep an eye out for rare Elden Ring items for sale to further enhance your build. With patience and practice, your Paladin will become an unbreakable fortress on the battlefield.