Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Elden Ring Halberds: Strength vs Dexterity Builds (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic

Elden Ring Halberds: Strength vs Dexterity Builds



When it comes to weapon choices in Elden Ring, few options offer the balance of power, reach, and versatility that halberds do. Whether you prefer the weighty swings of a Strength-focused build or the agile precision of a Dexterity setup, halberds sit at a fascinating intersection of both playstyles. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how halberds perform in different builds, and which one might suit your journey through the Lands Between.

The Allure of Halberds

Halberds in Elden Ring are known for their hybrid nature. They’re not as slow as great hammers or colossal swords, yet they still pack significant impact per hit. The wide sweeping attacks are perfect for crowd control, while the thrusts can effectively punish single targets. This dual functionality makes them a favorite for players who enjoy both PvE exploration and PvP duels.

Some of the most popular halberds include the Banished Knight’s Halberd, Lucerne, and Pest’s Glaive, each catering to slightly different stat distributions and movesets.

Strength Builds: Raw Power and Poise

For players leaning into Strength, halberds can deliver devastating blows capable of staggering most enemies in just a few swings. A Strength-focused build benefits from weapons like the Glaive or Nightrider Glaive, which scale primarily with Strength. Infusing these with a Heavy affinity boosts their scaling even further.

The main appeal here is the ability to trade hits confidently. With enough Endurance and a solid shield, you can tank smaller hits and punish openings with immense counterattacks. The moveset also pairs nicely with buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Lion’s Claw for devastating results.

Dexterity Builds: Speed and Efficiency

On the other hand, Dexterity builds turn halberds into swift, precise instruments of death. Using a Keen infusion on a halberd such as the Lucerne or Golden Halberd enhances scaling with Dexterity, allowing for faster recovery times and reduced stamina consumption.

Dexterity players often favor mobility—rolling behind enemies, spacing carefully, and striking with calculated timing. The slightly quicker attack animations of halberds in this setup make them ideal for hit-and-run tactics. Combined with status effects like bleed or frost, a Dex halberd user can wear down even tanky foes over time.

Hybrid or Quality Builds: The Best of Both Worlds

If you can’t decide, a Quality build might be the sweet spot. With balanced investment in both Strength and Dexterity, you can wield almost any halberd effectively while maintaining versatility. This setup excels in adaptability, letting you switch between brute force and finesse depending on the situation.

The Banished Knight’s Halberd, in particular, shines here—it has great base stats and performs excellently with a Quality infusion.

Farming and Progression Tips

Halberds can be found early and upgraded throughout your journey, but optimizing them requires runes—and lots of them. If you’re short on time and want to experiment with multiple builds, some players prefer to buy Elden Ring runes to speed up their progress. It’s a convenient way to test new setups or respec without endless grinding. Just make sure to choose trusted sources that offer buy Elden Ring runes fast delivery, so you can get back into the action right away.

Halberds are one of the most balanced weapon classes in Elden Ring, providing a satisfying middle ground between speed and strength. Strength builds bring raw impact and durability, while Dexterity builds emphasize precision and control. Whichever path you choose, halberds reward patience, spacing, and timing—core elements of the game’s combat philosophy.