If you’re the type of player who thrives on getting up close and personal in Elden Ring, melee builds offer some of the most satisfying and intense gameplay experiences. Whether you prefer fast, relentless strikes or heavy-hitting power moves, there’s an aggressive build out there that can help you dominate both PvE and PvP encounters. Below, I’m sharing 17 aggressive melee builds that will keep the pressure on your enemies and make the most of your runes.

1. Pure Strength BerserkerFocusing heavily on Strength, this build wields colossal weapons like greatswords or colossal clubs. High poise and heavy armor allow you to trade blows effectively while dishing out devastating damage.

2. Quality Warrior (Strength + Dexterity)Balanced investment in Strength and Dexterity lets you wield a wider variety of weapons with excellent scaling, perfect for aggressive players who want versatility without sacrificing damage.

3. Dexterity Katana DuelistFast, fluid attacks combined with bleeding effects make this build deadly in close quarters. Mastering parries and quick dodges complements the aggressive playstyle.

4. Quality Greatsword UserA blend of Strength and Dexterity allows aggressive strikes with the iconic Greatsword. The charged heavy attacks can stagger most foes, opening up lethal follow-ups.

5. Heavy Axe BerserkerPrioritize heavy axes with strength scaling for brutal stagger potential. This build focuses on breaking enemy poise to keep them on the defensive.

6. Dual-Wielding Dex FightersTwo fast weapons mean relentless assault and combos. This aggressive approach requires good stamina management but rewards with constant pressure.

7. Colossal Sword TankMaximizing poise and health, this build uses colossal swords to absorb hits and punish enemies with powerful swings.

8. Quality Spear AggressorSpears allow you to maintain a mid-range aggressive stance, poking and staggering enemies quickly.

9. Strength Great Hammer BuildThe great hammer’s high stagger and damage output make it ideal for players who want slow but crushing power attacks.

10. Dexterity Twinblades RushdownTwinblades offer fast attack chains and mobility, perfect for aggressive players who like to overwhelm foes.

11. Quality Halberd SlayerHalberds offer excellent range and versatility. This build allows aggressive spacing control and punishing counterattacks.

12. Strength Fist FighterUnarmed or with gauntlets, focusing on Strength for brutal melee combos, perfect for players who want to brawl up close.

13. Quality Whip UserWhips offer a unique aggressive playstyle with long reach and rapid attacks, surprising enemies who expect traditional weapons.

14. Strength Great Club BruiserA powerhouse build that maximizes raw damage with heavy weapon swings and tanky armor.

15. Dexterity Scimitar FlurryFast scimitars combined with aggressive rolling and quick strikes create a relentless offensive.

16. Quality Claymore WarriorClaymore’s balanced damage and moveset allow for aggressive play with powerful charged strikes.

17. Strength Greatsword and Shield HybridCombine a heavy greatsword with a sturdy shield to trade hits aggressively while maintaining some defense.

Tips for Maximizing Your Aggressive Builds

When playing these aggressive melee builds, managing your runes and equipment is crucial. You’ll need to invest in upgrading weapons and armor, so be mindful of how you spend your resources. While some players might consider shortcuts like purchasing elden ring runes for sale or hunting for cheap Elden Ring items, learning how to farm and manage your resources efficiently often yields better results.

Remember, aggressive builds rely heavily on stamina management and positioning. Knowing when to strike, block, or dodge can make the difference between victory and defeat. Mix in some well-chosen Ashes of War and talismans to further boost your damage or survivability.

In summary, Elden Ring offers a wealth of aggressive melee builds catering to various playstyles and weapon preferences. Whether you enjoy raw power or speed, these 17 builds provide solid foundations for players who want to dominate their foes with up-close combat. Experiment, find your favorite weapon, and embrace the thrill of melee combat in Elden Ring.