In Elden Ring, choosing between raw power and agile precision can be tough—but what if you didn’t have to choose at all? Balanced Strength and Dexterity builds offer players the versatility to wield a wide range of weapons while maintaining flexibility in combat. Whether you prefer colossal greatswords or fast, sweeping twinblades, hybrid builds let you adapt to every situation the Lands Between throws at you.

Here are 8 tried-and-tested Strength and Dexterity builds that strike the perfect balance between brute force and nimble finesse.

1. The Quality Knight

A classic choice for veterans and newcomers alike, the Quality Knight focuses on scaling both Strength and Dexterity to 40/40. Weapons like the Claymore, Nagakiba, or the Bloodhound’s Fang shine with this stat spread. Pair with medium armor and a 100% physical shield to maintain defense while retaining agility.

Pro tip: This build is especially efficient for players who plan to buy Elden Ring Items for flexibility, as it supports a wide range of weapons.

2. Beast Claw Bruiser

Combining the Beast Claw Greathammer with high poise armor, this build capitalizes on staggering foes while still having decent roll speed. Investing 35 Strength and 25 Dexterity lets you deal heavy blows while punishing roll catches or shielded enemies.

It’s great for PvE boss fights where trading hits is viable. If you're farming efficiently, consider boosting progress with options to buy elden ring runes when needed.

3. Twinblade Slayer

The Godskin Twinblade or Eleonora’s Poleblade works beautifully in this 30 Strength / 30 Dexterity setup. The high attack speed, paired with bleed or fire infusions, makes this a PvP nightmare for slower builds.

Stay mobile with lighter armor, and use jump attacks or rolling L1s for optimal pressure.

4. Greatsword Duelist

Colossal weapons aren’t just for pure Strength builds. Using the Greatsword with a 40/30 Strength/Dexterity split gives you massive damage while reducing the typical swing delay.

You can powerstance with another greatsword or equip a parrying dagger for situational play. This build also benefits from talismans like Radagon’s Scarseal and Claw Talisman.

5. Versatile Ash Warrior

This build emphasizes weapon arts, or Ashes of War. Try pairing a Cold-infused Zweihander with Flaming Strike or Phantom Slash. With 30 Strength and 30 Dexterity, nearly all ashes scale effectively, and your damage output remains consistent across most encounters.

It’s a perfect build for those who like experimenting, and it’s even easier to tweak your arsenal if you occasionally buy Elden Ring Items to speed up your options.

6. Powerstance Destroyer

Equip two curved greatswords or greathammers for this powerhouse build. Split your stats roughly 40 Strength / 25 Dexterity. The dual-wielding move set is brutal in close range and deals massive poise damage, especially in PvP arenas.

Buff with consumables or incantations to maximize burst potential—though this build does require good rune management. To stay stocked, players often opt to buy elden ring runes to save time.

7. Dex-Heavy Gladiator

This build leans a bit more into Dexterity (40 Dex / 25 Strength) for faster weapons like the Nightrider Glaive or Godrick’s Greatsword. It’s excellent for roll-catching, zoning, and staggered pressure.

With the right talismans and buffs, you’ll be dancing around enemies while dishing out heavy stagger damage. Great for both solo runs and co-op.

8. Colossal Balanced Beast

Want to use a Great Club without losing speed? This build aims for 35 Strength / 30 Dexterity, allowing you to swing massive weapons while still equipping a medium load. Armor like Bull-Goat or Veteran’s Set gives you hyperarmor for trade-based combat.

It’s especially fun for NG+ and higher difficulty content, where bosses hit harder and longer trades are more viable.

Balanced Strength and Dexterity builds in Elden Ring offer unparalleled versatility. Whether you're facing off against Malenia, invaders, or clearing legacy dungeons, having access to both strong and fast weapons gives you a distinct edge.

If you're experimenting with new builds or want to skip some of the grind, many players choose to buy elden ring runes or buy Elden Ring Items to tailor their loadouts quickly. That said, half the fun is in trying things out for yourself—so take these build ideas and forge your own path through the Lands Between.