Best Vagabond Builds in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Vagabond Builds in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
The Vagabond is one of the most popular starting classes in Elden Ring, and for good reason. This class excels in melee combat, offering a balanced mix of strength, dexterity, and endurance. However, building a powerful Vagabond requires careful planning, as the game’s vast array of weapons, armor, and talismans can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Vagabond builds to help you dominate the Lands Between.
Understanding the Vagabond Class
Before diving into builds, it’s essential to understand the Vagabond’s strengths. This class starts with high strength and moderate dexterity and endurance, making it ideal for players who prefer a balanced playstyle. The Vagabond’s versatility allows it to wield a wide variety of weapons, from greatswords to twin blades, and can even incorporate magic or faith for hybrid builds.
1. Pure Strength Build
The Pure Strength Build is a classic choice for Vagabond players. This build focuses on maximizing strength to wield the heaviest weapons in the game. Here’s how to structure it:

Stats Focus: Strength (primary), Endurance (secondary), Vigor (tertiary)
Weapons: Greatsword, Claymore, or Lordsworn’s Greatsword
Armor: Heavy armor like the Knight Set or Bull-Goat Set for high defense
Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman (for stamina recovery), Erdtree’s Favor (for health and stamina), and Radagon’s Scarseal (for strength boost)

This build is perfect for players who enjoy a slow, methodical playstyle, relying on powerful swings and high defense.
2. Quality Build
The Quality Build balances strength and dexterity, allowing the Vagabond to use a wider range of weapons. This build is ideal for players who want flexibility without sacrificing damage output.

Stats Focus: Strength and Dexterity (equal priority), Endurance (secondary)
Weapons: Claymore, Bloodhound’s Fang, or the Twinblade
Armor: Medium armor like the Chain Set or Leather Set for mobility and defense
Talismans: Blue Dancer Charm (for stamina and damage boost), Green Turtle Talisman, and Radagon’s Scarseal

This build is great for players who enjoy a mix of strength and agility, allowing for both heavy attacks and quicker, more precise strikes.
3. Tank Build
The Tank Build is designed for players who want to absorb as much damage as possible. This build focuses on high vigor and endurance, making the Vagabond nearly unkillable.

Stats Focus: Vigor (primary), Endurance (secondary), Strength (tertiary)
Weapons: Greatsword or any heavy weapon with a high defense stat
Armor: Heavy armor like the Bull-Goat Set or Raging Wolf Set
Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman, Erdtree’s Favor, and the Claw Talisman (for poise)

This build is perfect for players who enjoy playing defensively, using their high health and stamina to outlast enemies.
4. Hybrid Build
For those who want to experiment with magic or faith, the Hybrid Build is an excellent choice. This build combines strength with either intelligence or faith, allowing for powerful melee attacks and elemental enhancements.

Stats Focus: Strength (primary), Intelligence or Faith (secondary), Endurance (tertiary)
Weapons: Greatsword, Lordsworn’s Greatsword, or any weapon with a high magic scaling
Armor: Medium armor like the Chain Set or Knight Set
Talismans: Green Turtle Talisman, Blue Dancer Charm, and the Magic Scorpion Charm (for magic damage boost)

This build is ideal for players who want to add an extra layer of strategy to their gameplay, using spells or incantations to complement their melee attacks.
5. Bleed Build
The Bleed Build is a high-risk, high-reward option that relies on inflicting massive damage through bleed effects. This build is perfect for players who enjoy aggressive playstyles.

Stats Focus: Strength (primary), Dexterity (