If you're looking for a PvP build in Elden Ring that feels genuinely unfair-in the best possible way-the Arcane-focused Banish Knight Greatsword setup might be one of the most terrifying options available in the DLC. Built around bleed procs Elden Ring Items, true combos, and layered damage buffs, this build turns short engagements into instant executions and lets you confidently trade into multiple opponents without flinching.

At the core of the build is the Banish Knight Greatsword, paired with the Seppuku Ash of War and heavy Arcane investment. What makes this weapon shine is its jumping light attack into light attack true combo, a rare and extremely powerful interaction that allows you to apply massive pressure while setting up guaranteed bleed procs. When everything comes together, opponents can be bled-and killed-in as few as two hits.

Let's break down exactly why this build works so well, how to optimize it, and why it excels in chaotic DLC invasions.

Why the Banish Knight Greatsword Is So Strong

Greatswords in Elden Ring are already a top-tier PvP weapon class thanks to their balance of range, damage, and hyper armor. The Banish Knight Greatsword takes that foundation and pushes it further with a uniquely strong moveset.

The standout feature is its jumping light attack into light attack true combo, which means if you land the first hit, the second is guaranteed. On a bleed-focused build, that's all you need. With Seppuku active and Arcane scaling doing the heavy lifting, that combo alone is often enough to proc blood loss immediately.

Beyond the combo, the weapon offers:

 Hyper armor, allowing you to trade hits confidently

 Wide horizontal heavy attacks, perfect for hitting multiple enemies

 Strong roll catch potential, especially against panic rolls

 Excellent mix-up options that punish passive play

This makes the weapon not just lethal, but flexible-capable of controlling space and punishing mistakes in both duels and gank scenarios.

Seppuku: The Engine Behind the Damage

The build fully revolves around Seppuku, and for good reason.

This Ash of War applies blood loss buildup to your weapon while also inflicting bleed on yourself. Normally, self-inflicted damage might seem like a downside, but here it's actually a massive advantage.

By proccing blood loss on yourself, Seppuku instantly activates multiple damage buffs, turning the setup into a self-contained power spike that requires no enemy interaction to get going. As soon as you apply Seppuku, your damage jumps dramatically.

This synergy is what allows the build to hit absurd numbers before you've even swung your sword.

Core Damage Buffs and Synergies

To fully maximize the bleed burst potential, the build stacks multiple effects that all trigger off blood loss in the vicinity.

White Mask

The White Mask is mandatory. It increases your attack power whenever blood loss occurs nearby-which includes Seppuku procs. The moment you activate your Ash of War, you're already benefiting from a damage boost.

Lord of Blood's Exultation

This talisman works exactly like the White Mask, further increasing your attack power when blood loss happens. Since Seppuku triggers instantly, this buff is always active during combat.

Sacred Bloody Flesh

Sacred Bloody Flesh pushes the build even further by granting +10 Arcane, directly increasing bleed buildup and damage scaling. The stat increase alone is strong, but it also provides yet another conditional buff when blood loss occurs.

To put this into perspective:

 Base weapon AR: 608

 Base bleed buildup: 124

 After Sacred Bloody Flesh: 666 AR and 134 bleed

 With all buffs active: Over 1,000 AR

 With additional buffs like Uplifting Aromatic: Nearly 2,000 damage potential

On a weapon with a guaranteed two-hit combo, that level of damage is borderline absurd.

Stats and Build Focus

The stat distribution is straightforward but highly effective.

 Strength: High investment to scale the greatsword's physical damage

 Arcane: Heavy investment to maximize blood loss buildup and scaling

 Vigor and Endurance: Enough to survive trades and maintain pressure

The goal is simple: hit hard, bleed fast, and win trades. This build doesn't rely on spellcasting or complicated setups-it's about raw efficiency and oppressive melee pressure.

Talismans Explained

The talisman setup complements the aggressive, two-handed playstyle perfectly.

 Lord of Blood's Exultation-Non-negotiable for bleed builds

 Two-Handed Sword Talisman-A free 10% damage boost to your main combo

 Erdtree's Favor +2-Improves survivability and stamina

 Bull-Goat's Talisman-Boosts poise, allowing you to trade confidently

Together, these talismans ensure you hit harder, survive longer, and maintain control even when outnumbered.PvP Performance: Why This Build Shines in Invasions

Where this build truly shines is in DLC invasions, especially against teams of two or three players. Unlike many setups that struggle when surrounded, this one thrives on chaos.

Because bleed procs are guaranteed in so few hits, trading into multiple enemies often works in your favor. Even if you take damage, a single successful combo can instantly remove a phantom-or outright kill a host.

Repeatedly throughout invasions, this build demonstrates:

 Two-hit bleeds against lightly armored players

 Reliable kill pressure even against tanky setups

 The ability to win trades through sheer burst damage

 Strong performance against shields and heavy armor

Even when facing spellcasters or ranged pressure, the greatsword's hyper armor and roll-catching capability make closing distance manageable.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

 Insane burst damage

 Guaranteed true combo into bleed

 Excellent in 1vX scenarios

 Strong synergy with buffs

 Simple and effective playstyle

Weaknesses

 Buff-dependent for maximum damage

 Requires good spacing to land the jump combo

 Heavy rolling opponents can slow engagements

Despite these minor drawbacks, the build remains one of the most oppressive bleed setups available in the DLC.

Final Thoughts

The Banish Knight Greatsword Arcane bleed build is a perfect example of how terrifying Elden Ring PvP can be when mechanics align just right. With Seppuku triggering multiple buffs, Arcane scaling pushing bleed to absurd levels, and a weapon that guarantees damage through true combos, this setup turns invasions into highlight reels.

If you enjoy aggressive melee combat buy Elden Ring Items, punishing mistakes instantly, and watching health bars evaporate in seconds, this build is absolutely worth trying. It's powerful, satisfying, and-most importantly-fun.

Whether you're invading deep into the DLC zones or dueling at high levels, this build delivers consistent results and reminds everyone exactly why bleed remains one of the strongest mechanics in Elden Ring.