Elden Ring offers a vast array of build options, but if you prefer to overwhelm your enemies with devastating single strikes rather than prolonged combos, this guide is for you. Builds focused on maximizing single-hit damage allow you to end fights quickly and efficiently—perfect for those who favor precision and power over attrition. Below, I’ll share 15 builds designed around delivering crushing single strikes, helping you capitalize on Elden Ring’s combat mechanics to dominate both PvE and PvP.

1. Greatsword Heavy-Hitter

With a focus on strength scaling and critical damage, this build uses the colossal Greatsword paired with heavy armor for survivability. Maximize your poise to ensure you can land that one powerful strike without interruption.

2. Bleed Katana Assassin

This build leverages katanas infused with bleed effects, prioritizing quick but lethal hits that deliver devastating single strikes amplified by bleed buildup. Dexterity and Arcane are key stats here.

3. Colossal Hammer Crusher

Focusing on colossal hammers with pure strength investment, this build aims for one-shot potential, especially against bosses and heavily armored foes. Equip buffs and talismans that boost critical and raw damage.

4. Critical Daggers Build

Built around fast daggers with high critical modifiers, this setup excels at backstabs and ripostes. Dexterity is essential, and using cheap Elden Ring Items that boost stealth can help set up perfect openings.

5. Moonveil Spellblade

By combining Intelligence scaling with the Moonveil katana’s unique weapon art, this build delivers powerful magic-infused single strikes. It requires careful FP management but punishes enemies hard when timed right.

6. Heavy Greatsword with Buffs

Pairing strength-heavy weapons with buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength can push single-hit damage to new heights. Investing in endurance helps maintain poise and equip heavy armor for survivability.

7. Dragon Slayer Build

Utilizing dragon-themed weapons and incantations, this build mixes raw physical power with elemental damage to create devastating single blows. Faith and Strength stats are balanced here.

8. Poison Spear Striker

Spears with poison infusion deliver damage-over-time effects, but the spear’s poke and critical damage let you also land lethal single hits before the poison finishes the enemy.

9. Twinblade Burst

Maximizing dexterity and critical hits with twinblades, this build focuses on burst damage, landing one or two precise strikes that can incapacitate opponents instantly.

10. Great Axe Powerhouse

Invested heavily in strength, the great axe’s massive damage per hit makes it perfect for those who prefer fewer but more impactful strikes. Pair with buffs and talismans that increase strength scaling.

11. Magic-infused Greatsword

A hybrid build using sorceries to buff greatsword attacks, enhancing the damage of single strikes with magical power. Intelligence is key, and cheap Elden Ring Items that restore FP help maintain pressure.

12. Faith-based Hammer Smiter

Using faith scaling to enhance weapon buffs, this build pairs sacred weapon incantations with a hammer for strong, single powerful hits that can stagger most enemies.

13. Crossbow Sniper

While technically ranged, a crossbow build with heavy bolts and high dexterity can deliver single-strike damage with great precision, especially in PvP scenarios.

14. Heavy Bow Build

Focusing on bows that scale with strength and dexterity, this build favors charged shots that can one-shot or severely cripple enemies from a distance.

15. Frost-infused Greatsword

Combining frost infusion and heavy weaponry, this build deals massive single-hit damage along with frostbite buildup for additional burst damage.

Mastering single-strike builds in Elden Ring is all about maximizing the damage of each hit, timing attacks carefully, and using buffs and gear that amplify your raw power. If you find farming runes time-consuming, you might consider options to buy Elden Ring runes to speed up leveling. Additionally, cheap Elden Ring Items that boost damage or restore your resources can complement these builds effectively. Whether you prefer colossal weapons, nimble katanas, or magic-infused strikes, focusing on single-hit power can make you a formidable force in the Lands Between.