Barre By Emma Group

Tanking in Elden Ring isn’t just about slapping on the heaviest armor and hoping for the best. True tank builds require smart planning, gear synergy, and tactical awareness to absorb punishment and control fights. Whether you’re soaking up boss attacks in co-op or outlasting invaders, these 14 strategies will help you craft a durable, reliable, and powerful tank build.

1. Focus on Vigor and Endurance EarlyTo tank effectively, Vigor should be prioritized to at least 50 for a strong health pool. Endurance, equally important, increases your equip load and stamina, both vital for wearing heavy armor and shielding through combos.

2. Choose the Right Starting ClassThe Vagabond class offers the best foundation for tanking with high starting Vigor, Strength, and Endurance. It also comes with a strong shield and solid armor, giving you a head start in early game.

3. Maximize Equip Load Without Fat RollingEndurance raises your maximum equip load, but you’ll still want to stay below 70% weight to avoid slow rolls. Use talismans like the Arsenal Charm to equip heavier gear while keeping mobility intact.

4. Use Greatshields with 100% Physical BlockNot all shields are created equal. Look for Greatshields with high guard boost and 100% physical damage negation. The Erdtree Greatshield and Fingerprint Stone Shield are two top-tier options that pair well with tank builds.

5. Boost Guard with TalismansTalismans like the Greatshield Talisman and Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman significantly reduce incoming damage and stamina drain, keeping you standing longer in extended fights.

6. Infuse Weapons for Guard CountersColossal and great weapons like the Greatsword or Brick Hammer work well with tank builds, especially when used for guard counters. Use heavy infusion to scale with Strength and deal massive retaliatory damage.

7. Don’t Neglect PoisePoise lets you take hits without getting staggered. Armor sets like Bull-Goat or Lionel’s offer excellent poise, allowing you to continue attacking or blocking without interruption. Stack it wisely without sacrificing all mobility.

8. Utilize Buffs and IncantationsSpells like Blessing of the Erdtree, Flame Grant Me Strength, and Golden Vow can all increase your survivability. While you may not spec heavily into Faith, even minor investment can give you access to defensive buffs.

9. Invest in Stamina RecoveryStamina management is key for tanks. The Green Turtle Talisman and consumables like Pickled Turtle Neck help you recover stamina faster, letting you block, attack, and dodge more frequently.

10. Play Aggressively to Control the FieldA tank’s role isn’t just surviving; it’s creating pressure. Use your presence to draw aggro in co-op or PvP and punish overextending foes with heavy, poise-damage attacks or guard counters.

11. Learn Boss Patterns for Shield EfficiencyEven with the best shield, blindly holding block wastes stamina. Learn enemy move sets to selectively block or dodge, preserving stamina and maximizing effectiveness.

12. Experiment with Ashes of WarAshes like Shield Crash or Barricade Shield reinforce tank playstyles. Shield Crash lets you deal damage while maintaining defense, and Barricade Shield drastically boosts guard strength for a short time.

13. Keep a Backup Weapon for Elemental FoesSome enemies deal heavy elemental or status damage. Have an alternative weapon infused with elemental resistance or use consumables to compensate. Adaptability is crucial in tanking long-term.

14. Stay Rune-Rich Without RiskTanking can be expensive, especially when upgrading colossal weapons and top-tier gear. Many players turn to the Best Place to buy Elden Ring Runes to avoid grinding, or explore the Best site to buy Elden Ring Items to supplement their inventory and stay focused on optimizing builds.

Building a tank in Elden Ring is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the game, especially in co-op and PvP. It lets you dominate the frontlines, protect allies, and take control of the battlefield. With the right balance of stats, gear, and playstyle, your tank won’t just survive the Lands Between — it will thrive in it.