Summary: The launch of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside the cross-platform release of Patch 1.17, has completely flipped the game's competitive landscape upside down. Old favorites have been rebalanced, and the inclusion of the Tarnished Pack DLC starting classes has introduced two new powerhouses into the meta: the Idus Knight and the Heavy Knight.
If you are a returning Elden Lord looking for the fastest way to clear content, or a new player playing on handheld for the first time, you need a definitive setup. Below is our definitive ranking of the best builds in the current meta and the exact weapon progression routes to make your character completely overpowered.
Tier S: The "Flowing Status" Idus Build (Best Dexterity/Faith Setup)
This is the #1 most recommended build for Patch 1.17. It utilizes the brand-new Idus Knight archetype, which is built entirely around speed, rapid successive attacks, and compounding status effects (Bleed and Frostbite).
For players looking to progress quickly and upgrade their character efficiently, Elden Ring Runes can help accelerate stat progression and weapon upgrades.
Core Weapon Progression
Early-Game: Idus Sword (Starting Weapon)
Why it's OP: This weapon belongs to the Light Greatsword category. It features a unique, flowing R2 heavy attack animation that hits twice in rapid succession.
How to Optimize: Apply a Blood Infusion using the Bloody Slash Ash of War early on. Because the weapon swings so quickly, it will trigger the "Hemorrhage" status effect on bosses twice as fast as a standard sword.
Mid-Game: Bloody Helice (Altus Plateau)
Why it's OP: Found in the Writheblood Ruins, this Heavy Thrusting Sword features the Dynast's Finesse skill. It allows you to execute a backstep avoid animation with generous invincibility frames (i-frames) followed by a devastating forward pierce. It is perfect for safely melting mid-game bosses.
Endgame: Euporia Twinblade (Shadow Realm)
Why it's OP: The undisputed pinnacle for Dex/Faith users. Successive attacks charge up the blade, allowing its weapon art to unleash a beam of holy energy that shreds endgame bosses in seconds.
Recommended Stat Priority (Level 80 Cap)
Vigor: 40 (Essential to avoid getting one-shot)
Dexterity: 35 (Main physical scaling damage)
Faith: 25 (Unlocks top-tier buffs like Golden Vow)
Tier A+: The "Unstoppable Juggernaut" Tank Build (Best Strength/Endurance Setup)
If you prefer to ignore dodging entirely, stand your ground, and bully bosses with posture-breaking staggers, the Heavy Knight Guard Counter Build is your best choice.
Core Weapon Progression
Early-Game: Hefty Scimitar & Gilded Greatshield
Why it's OP: You start with this massive curved greatsword, which deals incredible poise damage.
How to Optimize: Buy the No Skill Ash of War from Knight Bernahl and apply it to your shield. This allows you to hold your shield up indefinitely and immediately trigger the Heavy Scimitar's skill without awkwardly shearing your defensive stance.
Mid-Game: Golden Halberd (Limgrave)
Why it's OP: Dropped by the Tree Sentinel in Limgrave. It requires 30 Strength but scales phenomenally into mid-game, letting you poke enemies from behind the safety of your greatshield.
Endgame: Blasphemous Blade (Mt. Gelmir)
Why it's OP: Consistently ranked as the easiest way to beat Elden Ring. Every time you use its Taker's Flames skill, it unleashes a wave of fire that heals a massive chunk of your HP upon hitting an enemy, rendering healing flasks almost obsolete.
Recommended Stat Priority (Level 80 Cap)
Vigor: 35
Strength: 40 (To wield the heaviest shields and colossal weapons)
Endurance: 25 (To maintain stamina while blocking heavy boss combos)
Tier A: The "Night Funeral" Ghost Build (Best Intelligence/Sorcery Setup)
For players who prefer a traditional, high-damage ranged caster style, Patch 1.17's cosmetic update introduced the Night's Funeral Torrent Skin, which perfectly matches this thematic, frost-and-gravity sorcerer setup.
Core Weapon Progression
Early-Game: Meteorite Staff (Caelid)
Why it's OP: Found in the Swamp of Aeonia, this staff cannot be upgraded but starts with an S-Tier Intelligence scaling. It passively boosts gravity sorceries like Rock Sling, allowing you to stagger bosses from safely across the arena.
Mid/Endgame: Dark Moon Greatsword (Ranni's Questline)
Why it's OP: The legendary FromSoftware weapon. Its unique skill coats the blade in frost-magic, allowing you to fire heavy magic waves without consuming FP after the initial cast. It provides maximum intelligence damage with zero resource management.
Final Build Tier List Summary
For Patch 1.17, the Flowing Status Idus Build is the best overall choice, followed by the Heavy Knight Tank Build and Night Funeral Ghost Build. Choose based on your preferred playstyle: fast status damage, defensive strength, or ranged sorcery.
Players looking to complete their builds and optimize their equipment can also consider cheap Elden Ring Items when building out their setup.
Current Tier Ranking
Tier S: Flowing Status Idus Build - Best overall Dexterity/Faith setup
Tier A+: Unstoppable Juggernaut Tank Build - Best Strength/Endurance setup
Tier A: Night Funeral Ghost Build - Best Intelligence/Sorcery setup
