Overview

Embrace the swift, lethal elegance of a Dexterity (Dex) build in Elden Ring. These builds excel in fast, precise attacks, allowing you to tear through enemies with finesse. While they may not have the raw damage of Strength builds, their agility and versatility make them a formidable choice.

What Is A Dexterity Build?

Dex builds focus on speed and precision over brute force. Instead of slow, heavy attacks, you utilize rapid strikes, swift movements, and status effects. You'll be nimble, capable of dodging and countering with ease, making you a deadly adversary in combat.

Starting Class

Best Classes for Dex Builds

Samurai: Starts with the Uchigatana and a Longbow, offering a balanced mix of ranged and melee capabilities.

Warrior: Starts with twin Scimitars, great for dual-wielding setups.

Vagabond: Offers higher Vigor and Strength, providing flexibility for early game weapons.

Recommended Stats

For a level 150 character:

Vigor: 60

Mind: 20

Endurance: 26

Strength: 18

Dexterity: 80

Intelligence: 9

Faith: 8

Arcane: 8

Weapons

Top Dexterity Weapons

Uchigatana:

Location: Available early in the game.

Pros: Fast, high damage, excellent scaling with Dexterity.

Cons: None significant.

Upgrade: Keen Uchigatana for maximum Dexterity scaling.

Nagakiba:

Location: Can be obtained relatively early.

Pros: Long reach, good damage.

Cons: Requires 18 Strength.

Upgrade: Keen Nagakiba for Dexterity scaling.

Dancing Blade of Ranah:

Location: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Pros: Unique weapon skill, excellent scaling.

Cons: Requires DLC.

Upgrade: Focus on Dexterity upgrades.

Hand of Malenia:

Location: Late-game, behind a tough boss.

Pros: High damage, great range, powerful weapon art.

Cons: Limited customization, B-scaling in Dexterity.

Honorable Mentions

Moonveil: Requires Intelligence, great for hybrid builds.

Rivers of Blood: Requires Arcane, excellent for bleed builds.

Ashes of War

Bloody Slash: Extends range and increases status build-up.

Unsheathe: Default for katanas, quick and powerful.

Bloodhound Step: Enhances mobility, useful for dodging.

Parry: For counter-based gameplay.

Seppuku: Boosts bleed damage at the cost of HP.

Talismans

Damage Boosters

Lord of Blood's Exultation: Increases attack power with blood loss nearby.

Shard of Alexander: Boosts the power of weapon skills.

Claw Talisman: Increases jump attack damage.

Winged Sword Insignia: Boosts successive attack power.

Quality of Life

Great Jar’s Arsenal: Raises maximum equip load.

Erdtree's Favor: Increases HP, Stamina, and Equip Load.

Green Turtle Talisman: Boosts stamina recovery.

Two-Headed Turtle Talisman: Greatly boosts stamina recovery.

Viridian Amber Medallion +3: Increases maximum Stamina.

Armor

Recommended Sets

White Mask: Boosts damage with blood loss.

Raptor's Black Feathers: Increases jump attack damage.

Dancer's Set: Boosts damage with the Dancing Blade of Ranah's skill.

General Tips

Aim for the heaviest armor that allows for a Medium Roll.

Consider a Light Roll for more invincibility frames (I-Frames) but less damage reduction.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Stonebarb Cracked Tear: Increases stagger.

Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts Dexterity temporarily.

Specific Builds

The Best Urumi Dexterity Build

Overview

Whips, especially the Urumi, are often overlooked but can be highly effective.

Weapon

Urumi: Has S-scaling in Dexterity when Keen.

Unique Strength: Charged Heavy Attack for high range and damage.

Ashes of War: Bloodhound's Step for mobility.

Talismans

Axe Talisman: Boosts Charge Attacks.

Erdtree’s Favor and Green Turtle: General utility.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts Dexterity.

Spiked Cracked Tear: Boosts Charge Attacks.

The Best Bloodhound’s Fang Dexterity Build

Overview

For those who prefer heavier weapons with more damage per hit.

Weapon

Bloodhound’s Fang: High base damage, B-scaling in Dexterity.

Weapon Art: Combines Bloodhound Step with a powerful attack.

Talismans

Shard Of Alexander: Boosts Weapon Art damage.

Erdtree’s Favor and Green Turtle: Manage stamina and equip load.

Flask of Wondrous Physick

Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear: Boosts Dexterity.

Strength-knot Crystal Tear: Enhances Strength scaling.

The Best Storm Blade Dexterity Build

Overview

Utilizes the Storm Blade Ash of War for ranged damage.

Weapon

Any Sword: Infuse with Storm Blade.

Ash of War: Storm Blade for ranged attacks.

Conclusion

Dexterity builds in Elden Ring offer a dynamic and agile playstyle that can be incredibly rewarding. With the right weapons, ashes of war, talismans, and armor, you can create a character that excels in speed and precision, making it a formidable force against any foe. Experiment with different setups to find the one that suits your playstyle best and enjoy the grace and power of a well-crafted Dex build.

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