Elden Ring Best Builds In Patch 1.12.3

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring was released on June 21 and shortly afterward, the game received several patches. At the time of writing this article about Best Builds for Elden Ring, patch 1.12.3 is "installed" in the game.

With patch 1.12.3, which was released on July 4, FromSoftware introduced several balance changes aimed at nerfing the most powerful weapons and improving those that didn't work very well. After evaluating all the fixes, I offer you a selection of the Best Builds for patch 1.12.3 that will be suitable for both the main game and the SotE DLC.

5. Fire Knight Greatsword Faith Build

The Fire Knight Greatsword Build is perhaps one of the most underrated builds in Elden Ring, but at the same time, one of the strongest. FromSoftware was well aware of the power of this build and even nerfed it, but this nerf affected the PvP properties of the build.

The Fire Knight Greatsword has the classic greatsword moveset typical for Elden Ring, meaning you won't need to "get used" to using this build. The build focuses on enormous fire damage from the sword thanks to the primary attribute Faith.

Fire Knight build requirements

Personally, for me, the Fire Knight Greatsword Build is the best DLC build, but it is in fifth place because getting this sword is not that easy. The thing is, it drops from Messmer Knights located in the Shadow Keep area. To get it, you need to teleport to the Storehouse, First Floor Site of Grace, and from there, use the lift down. You can see the farming location for this sword in the screenshot below.

In addition to the sword, you also need the Flame Skewer Ash of War. You can obtain it by defeating Fire Knight Queelign twice. The first time in Belurat, in the arena with the tree, and the second time in the Church of the Crusader location on the way to Shadow Keep.

4. Backhand Blade Dexterity Build

If you enjoy a fast playstyle and want to create a build based on Dexterity, with the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, I recommend the Backhand Blade Build. This is a very fast and effective build that is fun to play. Moreover, it is quite easy to assemble—the Backhand Blade is available right at the start of the DLC, north of the Scorched Ruin Site of Grace.

Backhand Build Requirements

The main problem with the build is the relatively low defense, which might prevent you from experiencing the full power of the Backhand Elden Ring Build, especially at the start of the DLC.

3. Great Katana Storm Blade Hybrid Build

Next on the list is the first and probably the only hybrid build for the Elden Ring main game + Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The Great Katana Storm Blade allows you to unleash the full fury of the new talisman while also combining gameplay styles by mixing basic attacks and the Storm Blade Ash of War.

Great Katana Storm Blade Build Requirements

Great Katana, like Backhand Blade, can be obtained quite early. It is in the lake with the first Ghostflame Dragon, west of Greatbridge, North Site of Grace.

2. Impenetrable Thorns Arcane Bleed Build

What would a top list of the best Elden Ring builds be without a "magic" build? With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the spell Impenetrable Thorns appeared in the game, which somehow did not get nerfed in patch 1.12.3. Therefore, you can use this build to add an "Easy Mode" to Elden Ring.

Impenetrable Thorns Build Requirements

This build is incredibly strong and very effective, especially against Promised Consort Radanh, but it is not easy to assemble. First, you need to get the Impenetrable Thorns spell, which is located on one of the balconies in Shadow Keep. First, you need to teleport to the Shadow Keep Seventh Floor Site of Grace, then pass through the book-reading spirits and activate the lever.

After that, you will be able to run past the statues (you need to keep to the right side until you reach the room with the statue of Marika) and find yourself on a balcony from which you need to jump down. The Impenetrable Thorns spell is located there.

Another important part of the quest is Ymir's quest, after which you can obtain the Material Staff, which enhances thorn spells.

1. Bloodfiend's Arm Bleed Build

At the top of the best Elden Ring Builds in patch 1.12.3 is the Bleed Bloodfiend's Arm Build. Despite the nerf from FromSoftware in patch 1.12.3, this weapon remains one of the deadliest in all of Elden Ring, and the build based on it is one of the easiest to assemble, making it my favorite among all the best builds.

Bloodfiend`s Arm Build Requirements

As mentioned above, the Bloodfiend's Arm is very easy to obtain. This weapon is guaranteed to drop from a group of Bloodfiends in Prospect Tower.

That’s it, my list of Best Elden Ring Builds in Patch 1.12.3 is complete. It would be nice to read about your builds in the comments, and if you haven't tried the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC yet, read about how to start playing Shadow of the Erdtree and who Messmer The Impaler is.