Elden Ring - How to Actually Make a PvP Build

[@FightinCowboy]

All the resources used can be found here: *Poise Breakpoints* : docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pHudihNsTW3LNP9-AqPKybhwyftl5QI1pD09kl986Ok/edit#gid=0 *Build Planner* : eip.gg/elden-ring/build-planner/ *Class Optimizer* : mugenmonkey.com/eldenring *Soft Caps* : cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/817076913889083422/951554883155296296/jnmjhikugdm81.png

[@DMP89145]

FCB, maybe pin this at top?

[@FightinCowboy]

It should already be pinned

[@DMP89145]

@@FightinCowboy Looks right now. Before Its was 3 or 4 spots down the comment section.

[@Temeturs]

@@DMP89145 Davis P is here

[@qingofchina]

Once you've got the mule and the optimized build, do you have to basically start a new char, and grind it or is there a save creator or something?

[@SirAthiro]

IGN: "Here's how to PvP build..." Cowboy: "Get outta here with that nonsense. I'm doing it and doing it right."

[@gb9884]

IGN: I GOT NOTHING

[@jonathanprince707]

IGN: IGNORANT GAMING NITWITS

[@gb9884]

@@jonathanprince707 hahaha damn that's better than my one. You win sir.

[@jonathanprince707]

@@gb9884 I should have used the word "Ignorant" instead of "Incompetent". I forgot I made a comment yesterday of how IGN is the first three letters of "Ignorant".

[@shaqtaku]

Fine. I'll do it myself

[@shaw2024]

Fashion souls is also extremely important in my opinion

[@suntuieu]

Well no.

[@Powerhungry5000]

Not if you wanna poise through a longsword lol

[@tylerjacobson8012]

It is and isn’t. Poise is extremely important if you’re trading.

[@insane992]

based

[@whatdoesthisthingdo]

I only want to poise through a long sword if I can look good while doing it, otherwise there is no point. Figuratively speaking. There is a literal point on the sword, which can easily kill me, yes. But that is a small price to pay for fashion.

[@chrono_s9699]

After that horrendous IGN video, Cowboy brings the seal approved quality guide on how to make a PVP build that is very informative and insightful. Great job as always! 👍🏼

[@Pine2142]

BUT BUT THE IGN GUY SAID TO USE FIRE'S DEADLY SIN EXPLOIT!!!111

[@sheldonjplanktonn]

And bloodhound step 😂😂😂

[@regularlife88]

Like I always say - I respect PvP (both dualistic, and invasion) players who do not always go for the most damage, etc. I'm so in love with Noble's Slender Sword that I run it a lot as "keen" with my INT/DEX. I haven't seen Noble's Slender Sword much at all in PvP. Btw, this is much better than IGN guide to "pvp build" as soon as I seen level 209 was like whoa

[@johngamer453]

Nobels slender sword is actually one of the rarest items in the entire game. you actually have insane luck if you have it

[@macmade]

Wait, you actually have to think and plan in order to craft a PVP build? I thought you could just spam Rivers of Blood to get good! Very nice video as always!

[@soulsborne_hk732]

My man got soo angry at IGN that he needed to make an actual good video to counter their bad vid.

[@combatking2433]

Thank the lord people like this man educate people PROPERLY on making builds, especially after the abomination IGN released. You're doing God's work my man.

[@sumanbiswas9840]

i built a dual ruins gs build capped at 130. it's a bit over levelled, needed those 5 levels to actually equip both the colossal greatswords without compromising fashion. it works really good so far for all the duels i been. previously i was powerstancing nagakiba and malenias hand. dual ruins is definitely better than my previous weapons.

[@dariobartiromo5537]

you could make the build 150 so you remain at a meta level

[@SoggyBacco]

u might as well go up to 150 like most players do. when u hit lvl 128 u start getting matched up with players that are up to 150

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

FINE! I WILL DO IT MYSELF!: the video

[@morningstar7401]

It*

[@nicolasvillasecaali7662]

@@morningstar7401 much appreciated fellow human

[@ogninjasmoke5530]

You'll find tons of people to fight at lvl 200-300 I've tested it out with my lvl 150 character by using my souls from invasions to get up to those levels and then I download my character back from the cloud to be back at 150

[@toastermoon]

Yes because the player base is still pretty big. Over time it will get smaller but that's still a long way off. I wouldn''t worry about it for now, play however you like

[@edvegas1193]

Stellar video. Expect nothing less from you, Cowboy. Additional resources are much appreciated as well. Still on my first run, 170+ hours in and well, well under meta -- just exploring every nook and cranny, taking my time. This'll all come in particularly handy for the second run, but fortunately not too far into the first to not apply much of this.

[@MrTheCaptain]

"0/10 not call of duty" - IGN. On a serious note this video is far more superior than IGN's shit show. thank you for doing the great deeds worthy of Elden Lord Mr. Cowboy. we all appreciate the hard work you do.

[@a2dakay90]

I made my dex build with some arcane stats and used antspur rapier because I love bleed poison and scarlet rot all in 1 weapon that quickly pokes. And I dual wield with frozen needle in my offhand. Pretty nasty setup

[@ryansouness8252]

If your trying to be really toxic put parry on antsput and put it in your of hand then have frozen needle in main for that special heavy attack also carry miescorde with royal knights resolve for reposts its insane if you get used to it.

[@gb9884]

How about double Uchigatana powerstance one frost and one poison. I guess that's still 3 effects. Imagine if you could powerstance poison antspur rapier with cold scavenger curved sword or a katana. That would be 4 status effects building up rapidly.

[@GNOME_666]

You’d get way more frost buildup with any frost infused rapier. Froze needle is bad

[@a2dakay90]

@@GNOME_666 yeah I like frozen needle for the ranged attack on occasion. But I have Rogiers as a back up to frozen needle.

[@a2dakay90]

@@ryansouness8252 I don't pvp much I'm still trying to 100 percent the game I just like the dual rapier combo especially with antspur. That weapon is nuts especially with mushroom helm to up damage when enemies are poisoned

[@rosscoe3044]

but how do you actually get the gear on the new character. do you have to play through the game again or is there an easier way to get the gear you want. playing through the entire game just to get a single weapon or spell for a new build seems like too much work… or am i just soy

[@fuzzythoughts8020]

Ngl I genuinely just enjoy pvp at lvl 250. I like when people can flesh out their builds, and I feel like 350+ is where builds unanimously become total monsters.

[@WonderTwin89]

“When you invade at level 150 and above people are generally going to be playing through new game+” CORRECTION: people will be squadding up to 4 man gank you😂lol

[@dixnyomouff6982]

I know right lmao

[@Ahriela]

I'm a cosplayer in From Software games, when possible, so I don't think I should ever do PvP just because I can't poise for shit. Very informative video, though! Way cleaner and more in-depth than IGN's.

[@pawnpure123]

You can invade while cosplaying very easily just make a more min maxed build first and get confident fighting other players. After that just make what you think is cool and go with it.

[@toastermoon]

Poise is also not that important. Really more of a min max thing. It also has way less meaning in this game compared to previous ones. But anyway, just go nuts. Invasions and duels take a while to get used to, but i found they're very fun and rewarding once you get the hang of it and there's tons of people doing cosplay builds, or "lore friendly" characters that are their own creation but could theoretically fit into the world of Elden Ring. Just have fun with it, that's what it's there for after all :)

[@Tidz13]

@@pawnpure123 at least now with the new patch you can aim for light roll & cosplay with some functionality

[@nikorivero3644]

Soul's like veteran since Demons soul's, and I don't think pvp in Elden ring is even fun. Nothing but Bull Goats with piercing swords. BORING AND NOT FUN

[@wolferegalia]

Since the game has been released for +3 months, I’m convinced you don’t even need to hit softcaps. Players talk about hitting the soft caps way too much, AoW do so much damage regardless of you hit the softcaps or not.

[@ricardodarcangelo2437]

I've found 60-70 to be the most fun personally. On 1st playthru, I said "why would I ever want to be under 150?", but going through at 60, you realize that you're right, you don't NEED all those levels. Instant invasions, better fights, and lots of variety. Well said!

[@wolferegalia]

@@ricardodarcangelo2437 100%. I have two saves at level 125, but I have invasions characters at level 80, 90, 110 and those all three are pretty active. I feel like level 80 I can invade almost anywhere

[@travislee4196]

I think the meta should be 200. if you try to be an everyman at level 200 you would limit your damage tremendously and specialized builds will wreck them. I am level 222 and I have awesome battles every night in the lakes.

[@paris5831]

I’m probably gonna make a new character and keep him at 125 cuz it’s tough at 400+ nobody wears anything but bullgoat it’s like fighting endless clones/clowns

[@loneshinobi2682]

Anything past 300 is no longer a build. Past 300 you’re an everyman as CB calls it. Between 200-250 is a real nice spot since you can comfortably hit the final cap on some but not ALL stats allowing a build to still have some identity while not compromising survivability OR damage

[@dixnyomouff6982]

200 is not a build bro stfu

[@HomerJZoro]

Man I'm disappointed where is your promo code for my 30% of rivers of blood with the bonus duel nagis for only 3 easy payment of 29.99...

[@thermalshoes]

I know you’re not a ‘souls streamer’ but I appreciate that you’ve put the time into all the games to know the community, the game the devs intend to make, and the game mechanics enough to actually know what you’re talking about and how to help others engage the game/community in a fun way. Thanks for this video. Hope everyone who saw the IGN video see this video too

[@NickHunter]

"Not a souls streamer"? I've always considered Cowboy to be a souls streamer. He's streamed let's plays, drunkthroughs, walkthrough build preps and done builds and boss guides for every Souls game ever made. Am I missing something?

[@McLarenGeeZx]

he's totally a souls streamer bro lol, he's done countless pvp streams, build streams, walk through streams etc how isn't he a souls streamer? edit: thats not even counting him covering other souls-like games too

[@thermalshoes]

To me he isn’t a souls streamer because his content is vast and varied and he puts a lot of time into a lot of games. It’s not a knock or any kind of negative statement. I meant it as a compliment that he puts the time and effort into these games to help others understand how to play them.

[@FightinCowboy]

I do play a lot of souls like but I agree that I wouldn't classify myself strictly as a soul's streamer and definitely variety. Souls is certainly one of my primary genres though.

[@ParacelsusCaspari]

great vid. the whole point of roleplaying games is to ROLE PLAY. if everyone was a 209 everyman running around with rivers of blood/moonveil and fingerprint while bloodhound stepping that would get boring so fast. there's so many hundreds of weapons in this game because there's something for everyone. i think the biggest thing new players struggle with is the idea that they can only win with broken meta shit, as opposed to the idea that almost everything at max upgrade level is good enough to win with. but here we see even the basic cleanrot sword kicking ass.

[@vellexander4422]

I use a 'mule' character as well, although it's RL251 and while I enjoy the RL150 duels a lot more, RL250s are still fun and fresh enough to be enjoyable - lot of heavy blood builds though. Great video :D

[@Scullcat]

is it a mule character you downloaded like cowboy mentioned? if so do you know where i can find more info on how to do all that

[@HailDarkseid]

The game should just have a hard cap for levels

[@GNOME_666]

Players should know the basic mechanics by now, but the games been out 3 months and most ppl have no idea what’s going on. And don’t care to learn

[@Arcelux]

I was about to say " RIP since I'm 168 " but I still get duels and invasions and it's my comfy build spot! So it all works out! Also did you download a save file and use that as a mule? And there haven't been any issues with that online?

[@almightytowerdiveking4636]

If it's a bleed build that everyone is running or a tank mage always remember to point downwards after you kill them. Show no honor or respect to meta nerds. That is how you pvp as well 😂😂

[@goldengames6731]

Quick someone tag IGN so they can get their shit together.

[@johnnyjay6959]

Lmfao I knew this video was coming soon as I saw ign made a build vid. Lmfao. Shit my phone doesn’t respect ign won’t even auto capitalize their name. lol

[@whatsyourmax223]

Hit that like button 🌟👍🌟

[@Joepwithagen]

Great video and I learned a lot. The thing I’m still wondering about tho is if you want to create a PVP build you got to start from scratch and work your way towards end game for a specific weapon or so. That takes loads of hours and hours right?

[@jdccarl3321]

U sure we should not watch GQ? I feel their video is perfect and has no flaws whatsoever.

[@DipanGhosh]

IGN should retitle their video: How to make an everyman.

[@themadham4836]

After 600 hours of elden ring never expected another video.

[@RichardsJasonGuy]

Level 301 is the break point for invading up to max level hosts for those of you who want an extremely challenging invasion experience

[@kagamitsubaki2191]

Ty for Poise Table. You're great. Love all your content and are very agreeable on discussion You provide information plus proof. Please continue to keep up the excellent analysis.

[@Iceprintworks]

Man this made my day, you probably didn't see my Comment on your ign vid, but this is exactly what I had hoped you would make!

[@jrice3387]

Don’t know if you know but patches shows up back at murkwater cave after you beat the game. Or after you beat rykard. You fight him again like at the beginning

[@RevinSOR13]

I have characters from 30-250 and the funny thing is that, up to and, including 150, Most people are doing the exact same thing and wearing the exact same thing. My 250, believe it or not, I run in to a LOT more creativity. Now, I can only play overnight because of my work schedule and, I know that has a lot to do with it.

[@loneshinobi2682]

This. I have a starscourge radahn build that’s level 248. I get summoned with almost zero downtime at the main academy gate and see TONS of variety. I almost never fight the same setup twice unless someone summons me for a rematch for example

[@MrPickleEdits]

The second i opened the poise breakpoints sheet i saw how poise as a strategy is completely dead. EVERYTHING does more than 133 poise damage

[@Kravenrogue]

Some things I wish they do in Elden Ring or other Soulsborne game If they come out: *"Transmog", that would make more interesting, more diversity in style without sacrificing Stats, maybe stats be linked in other items dont know *I think making some limitations on stats would be good, like if you put X amount of points o HP you would not be able to put too much on mind and vice versa, in a balanced way, that would make sense and be more imersive, and you would have to think more in builds, you would have to sacrifice some things, some things would not have that, like Strengh and HP could be high, but not Max Strengh and Dexterity for example, it one or the other, or a middle Ground, but a hybrid would never be as good in a specific stats as a focused build, if that makes sense *Would be good to have more Armor and weapons customization option, change collors, put things or remove, etc

[@thatoneguy4254]

Cowboy is the Bob Ross of Elden Ring guides....I find his videos almost peaceful...lol . With his calm demeanor and attention to detail. Good stuff.

[@SirGuidemere91]

Lol he’s calm until the chat asks him about meta, vaping, or bloodborne remakes..

[@hissenguinho]

i am following your playthrough in Elden ring too see if i missed anything and been great help. then your name reminded of something and i noticed you're the one that done the template for my old IG build in MHR haha. great stuff dude

[@alexandrezolla4959]

Learn from players IGN, not editors that do not play the game.

[@xenosayain1506]

Lol 125 tournaments suck. Almost all just the same pure builds over and over with samey weapons because you can only optimize so much at 125.

[@Sheesh7328]

I’m 115 the build is coming together nicely. It’s my first play through and I’m bout to see what’s incastle sol

[@voxstelarum]

No exploit abuse ? No recommending bullgoat and soreseal at 209 ? Worst guide ever

[@best-b-killer_hill678]

I'm glad you made this video! we need you here to much bullshit out there on this game

[@FireManiac58]

I'm glad you covered fashion

[@PhanthomKnight9]

I am a kind of a inteligence, faith and quality build

[@chumpydump]

i wouldnt use downloaded mule saves its possible to get banned unless they changed it from ds3-elden ring

[@shadowraziel69]

Hi there ! Thx a lot for this video really well explained, however i’m having difficulties to get a build i want to use. i tried to get something maybe in the just middle to be able to do everything with the black flame monk stuff to have 39 poise at least, medium roll lvl 150. Alexander shard, radagon icon, flock canva and erdtree favor +2 talismans. 40 or 60 22 or 24 24 or 25 20 55 or 22 09 50 or 60 09 I can’t use two weapons so i will equip it if need with menu swap, got the godslayer greatsword as main weapon, i will also use Godskin peeler with the black flame tornado AOW or Guardian Swordspear with Black flame Tornado AOW. The vulgar militia shotel with the Sword dance flame art against shield. I have on me both seals (godslayer/gravestone) and for spells, golden vow, flame grant me strengh, black flame protection, blessing of the erdtree, black flame, black flame ritual, scouring black flame, ancient lightning strike, fortissax, placidusax for the aoe burst to finish player. What do you think ^^, i am struggling with the stats cap…

[@saul290]

U can slowly make many characters with different builds

[@shadowraziel69]

@@saul290 yeap it’s easier that way, but what could you think about the build i shown ?

[@saul290]

@@shadowraziel69 looks good I’d go 60 vig and enough endurance for medium roll everything else is literally up to u

[@shadowraziel69]

@@saul290 thx ! I can already med roll but it’s for other stats, dex and faith, what do you think about the two possibilities i shown, which one could be the best for the weapons, spells i shown ? I doubt about the viability.

[@harleyhendricks7659]

Thanks 🤠 from ds1 to elden ring. Always here to help us all. Thanks for sticking with it. Even being a busy guy. Much appreciated 🙏

[@thefighterturgut]

Dont give me a ten fish, teach me how to catch one fish, and that's exactly what u did in this nice video. Thanks

[@jabberwock5863]

All the freaking builds is always 150 tf

[@OogaBBooga27]

I did a rapier build and in my research I saw some folks online (dont remember who) saying that the noble's estoc was actually the longest hit box for regular thrusting arms, despite its model being shorter than cleanrot knight's. Anyone who can verify or refute this? Also thank u cowboy this is an awesome guide

[@FightinCowboy]

I know the nobles straight sword is the best but it's rare to see a weapon with a hitbox longer than it's model, I would guess they mixed em up

[@OogaBBooga27]

@@FightinCowboy Makes sense. Sword from Malenia's knight should be better than sword from random noble on the road.

[@WarlordX7]

the disappointment was so much that he had to come back just to do it the right way.

[@xenosayain1506]

Hell hybrids are ap dogshit at 125 ithurts. Best o could do for. Str int optimized for great starts and a pocket grossmesser are 50 vigor 25 mind 18 end 23 str 12 dex 60 int Def faith Def arcane. Armor is lightweight and below all breakpoints because I cant have any endurance to have any strength. Mind is low and vigor is low. Scholars armamanet on the heavy setup seems better with cold grossmesser I use waves of darkness of mace Spinning slash on curved sword. Preceptora hat and gown plus night cavalry legs and a gauntlets for fashion Staff = academy glintstone staff. Spells do okay damage and same with melee. But dmg overall is so weak most fights are just ash of war 1 hitter quitters. I see much more of that in 125 vs 150 with +10 and 25 weapons.

[@FyterianTV]

disappointed you didn't call anyone a "Maidenless Tarnished" whilst abusing an exploit :p

[@sasanr1]

😄 i only started playing pvp duels "after NG+ at +200 lvl , now i know why i got brutally fucked for some good time till i gained some experience

[@NotTheHeroStudios]

This just in, cowboy enjoys beating up grandma's

[@slavkitsune7976]

Level 125 seems to low and it would be challenging for NG+, imo lvl 150 is ok but id root for lv 180 because of the availability for farming runes and NG+. But this is just my opinion and its higly unlikely itl go higher.

[@arbex8528]

Shit im 207 im not high to make Invasion

[@NastyKugogo]

i didnt knew that there a was a meta lvl so i wen past 150 :(

[@BlackBurrito9073]

wait... so he said that i use my first character as a Mule to test out my options and pick what i want to use in pvp... but does that mean that i have to make a new character and play through the normal game again until i gain those specific stats/level? or is it enough to just use a Larval Tear?. i play on console by the way, i ended my first playthrough a couple months ago and i reached level 160, but im thinking to come back and play again for the PvP aspect.

[@joshuadoring8050]

Took one look at that spreadsheet and said peace out

[@isamm_1336]

This is why I primarily follow your guides. There is so much lunacy in the information department for elden ring. Another great video as always. My brother showed me your channel years ago. I think this was in the ds1 days

[@Sephiroth24681]

After watching IGNs video, Cowboy booting Elden Ring: "Fine... Im doing it myself"

[@Parkourjumper1]

Oh I always tought that the base is always level 120. Can you make a video about seting up a Pvp charakter? I played elden ring up to ng +2 and so I have to make a complete new charackter because my char is 180 and actually I want to do that as fast as possible.

[@AaronBronow]

Overlevelling is like painting your truck with Rhino liner. Nobody's gonna stop you but it's a huge waste of time and energy.

[@shaqtaku]

Hey Cowboy, first of all thanks for such a comprehensive video. Do you have any tips on how to speedrun through the game to get a finished build as early as possible? What is your average playtime to get to level 125? Do you kill Milicent at the very start of her quest to get her talisman?

[@FightinCowboy]

A lot of the time you get people to just drop you stuff for new builds

[@wolferegalia]

I did exactly what you were trying to do. I had my items all mapped out with what I wanted. The game is beatable at level 60, it is difficult, but it’s doable. I’d say it would take you 50-70 hours if you have all the items mapped out with what you want on your build. Obviously, the most efficient method is to have a buddy drop them for you.

[@shaqtaku]

@@wolferegalia thanks. I dont know anyone irl who plays ER and I am skeptical of trading items with strangers because of hacking. best bet is to get them on NG+

[@wolferegalia]

@@shaqtaku what item do you need two of? I’d just do a fresh play through

[@shaqtaku]

@@wolferegalia I need a giant crusher primarily

[@DeityofDank]

Never going past 150 again. Made that mistake.... twice.

[@WokeandProud]

You end up running into our unadulterated cancer lol.

[@Darealpokgai]

u might wanna tell ppl that upper level limit removal start at 306. so after reaching level 306, you can see sign from ppl whose level all the way up to 713. just like level 351 for dark souls 3 did.

[@LJAndrews1986]

Everyone should go and spam the link for this on the IGN excuse of a video. That way we may limit some of the damage they will do with it. Imagine actually endorsing cheating and insulting players with it too. What a joke they are

[@deathcrush79]

10:39 can't help but laugh at how he said "miser corde". Just say it like misery and you're good bro

[@aperson9847]

I'm very disgruntled by the fact that you put actually numbers on my screen and didn't just tell me to wear Bull Goat

[@derpyallan1435]

If I'm gonna fight in pvp I'm gonna fight in style (along with my favorite weapons)))))

[@cnug313217]

dose not compute lv200 bullgoat mage is meta. only savages level strength and only simps levle dex. intelligence and arcane are the only viable stats.

[@steve_exp]

this vid is optimal for learning pvp building, nice counter for that ign bulls**t

[@hdsantosdo]

Are you going to make a detailed walktrough for witcher 3 remastered in Q4? I became a fan after your super detailed bloodborne, elden ring and demon souls series.

[@smasherjt]

Fashion is the number 1 most important thing. Everything else comes 2nd

[@HailDarkseid]

That’s so dumb

[@alfie2295]

finally someone does it right and doesnt have a 50/50 or 10/90 dislike ratio lmao

[@xxcringe_lordxx1159]

i noticed in the IGN guide that when he’s talking about re-applying buff mid-fight he applies bloodflame blade and then immediately switches to fires deadly sin 😭

[@codyfoley8414]

my build is 250 and i get a good range of builds for duels and invasions my 2nd build is 175 aswell

[@vectorm3832]

Why does expansions matter with level?

[@alexandrezolla4959]

Learn from players IGN, not editors that do not play the game.

[@DaFuggster]

Poo poo pee pee

[@alexsmith3103]

Subb3d

[@NiceHaggs]

Cowboy not sure if it's something you would be able to do or not but I would love a quick tutorial on how to download a save file on PC? Like how to get a mule character save. I can't really find a definitive video on it. I played this initially on the Xbox and I finally got it for PC to play with some friends but I don't really have time to go through the whole game again lol.

[@Zable24]

Would love to see a guide for invasion builds as well, optimal levels, how weapon upgrades effect matchmaking, etc

[@dixnyomouff6982]

Then go look somewhere else

[@Gainoffuntion]

Iv put like 600 hours into this game and it just occurred to me that I can put the weapons I don't want to use in my chests.. I was always like how are people finding the weapon in the menu mid duel? Now I know! Thanks cowboy!

[@mr.madden5333]

wish i saw this before im at lvl 480 and i rarely get a match

[@srj5864]

does downloaiding a mule file result in a ban/softban?? (pc)

[@eattabagovdix7169]

Cowboy....are you on a desktop or consul?

[@indiansfever11]

"Now, if I went all the way to level 209..." Loool that got me good😅😅😅