Using a greatsword in Elden Ring can be one of the most satisfying combat styles, especially for players who enjoy high-damage melee attacks. From my personal experience, mastering a greatsword build opened up a whole new layer of gameplay depth and made boss fights feel both intense and rewarding. However, it’s not just about swinging a massive weapon—timing, positioning, and build choices matter a lot. And, of course, acquiring enough Elden Ring Runes is essential for upgrading your character to handle the weight and power demands of greatswords.

Below are nine tested and refined strategies for maximizing your effectiveness with a greatsword in Elden Ring. Whether you're new to the game or refining your melee build, these tips aim to help you dominate your enemies while preserving stamina and boosting rune farming efficiency.

1. Two-Hand for Maximum Damage Output
Two-handing your greatsword increases your strength scaling and grants bonus damage. I found that two-handing was especially useful when exploring dungeons or farming mobs for Elden Ring Runes. It gave me the edge needed to clear enemies faster, which ultimately boosted my rune collection rate.

2. Equip Light Armor for Faster Rolls
While greatswords are heavy, that doesn't mean you have to tank every hit. Equipping light or medium armor allows for quicker rolls. Early in my playthrough, I wore heavier armor and constantly got punished for slow dodges. Once I switched to lighter gear, my mobility improved drastically.

3. Use Charged Heavy Attacks Against Shields
One of the greatsword’s best features is its ability to break enemy posture. Charged heavy attacks work well against shielded opponents. I often used this technique to stagger enemies and follow up with critical hits.

4. Prioritize Stamina Management
Swinging a greatsword drains a lot of stamina. Managing this resource is key to survival. Always leave enough stamina for a quick dodge or block. I learned the hard way—overextending in combat often left me vulnerable to counters.

5. Choose Ashes of War Wisely
Ashes of War can change the flow of combat. "Lion’s Claw" and "Flaming Strike" were game-changers for my build. Customizing your greatsword with the right Ash of War can help you tailor your weapon to fit your specific playstyle and make rune farming even more efficient.

6. Farm Elden Ring runes for leveling up Strength and Endurance
To wield greatswords effectively, you’ll need high Strength and Endurance. Farming Elden Ring runes for leveling up these stats is crucial. I recommend farming near places like Mohgwyn Palace or the Windmill Village, where rune drops are generous and enemy density is high.

7. Make Use of Guard Counters
When blocking with a greatsword, follow up with a guard counter to deal heavy damage. It's a great way to punish overly aggressive enemies. In PvE especially, this tactic helped me control crowds and conserve health flasks.

8. Learn Enemy Patterns
Due to the slower swing speed of greatswords, understanding enemy behavior is essential. With practice, I started predicting when to swing and when to hold back. This strategy was especially useful during boss fights where timing is everything.

9. Buff Before Big Fights
Don’t forget to use incantations or consumables to buff your weapon before entering a boss arena. I regularly used Flame, Grant Me Strength to boost my attack power before critical encounters. This extra edge often made the difference between victory and a retry.

Using a greatsword in Elden Ring is not just about brute force. With the right techniques, gear, and investment in Elden Ring Runes, you can build a character that is both powerful and versatile. If you're looking for a playstyle that combines impact with tactical gameplay, greatswords are well worth mastering.

Latest Update: How Elden Ring Runes Affect Your Weapon Upgrades