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Counterattacking in Elden Ring is a rewarding playstyle that requires precise timing, solid knowledge of enemy patterns, and the right build to maximize your window of opportunity. Whether you enjoy punishing aggressive foes or prefer a calculated approach that turns enemy strikes against them, there are plenty of ways to tailor your character for effective counterplay.

Here are 15 builds designed to help you master the art of counterattacking. These setups focus on weapons, stats, and gear that improve your ability to dodge, parry, and retaliate with punishing force.

1. Greatsword Counter Build

The Greatsword’s strong charge attacks and wide arcs make it ideal for punishing missed enemy strikes. Pair it with high Endurance and Vigor to survive counterattacks, and use the Magic Scorpion Charm for extra damage.

2. Rapier Riposte Specialist

Rapiers excel in precise parrying and fast counterattacks. Focus on Dexterity and use light armor to stay agile. The Rapier’s weapon skill, Riposte, is perfect for capitalizing on enemy mistakes.

3. Halberd Counter Striker

Halberds have long reach and powerful guard counters. Invest in Strength and Dexterity for scaling and use the Carian Regal Scepter to supplement with sorcery buffs.

4. Claw Weapon Fury Build

Weapons like the Beast Claw allow for quick, aggressive counter combos. Combine with high Dexterity and the Radagon’s Soreseal talisman for faster casting speed if you add incantations.

5. Whip and Parry Build

Whips offer unique moves for catching enemy attacks off guard. Use a light armor setup with a focus on Dexterity and invest in timing skills to punish overextensions.

6. Bow and Counter Build

Counterattacking isn’t just melee. Use a high Dexterity build with bows that have fast draw times, then close in for melee counters when opponents close distance.

7. Faith Buffed Counter Build

Use incantations like Blessing of the Erdtree to boost survivability and strength, then counterattack with heavy weapons. Faith also allows access to healing during fights.

8. Twinblade Spinning Counter

Twinblades have rapid attacks and can quickly punish enemies after dodging. Boost Dexterity and endurance for survivability, and combine with a talisman that speeds up casting if you use buffs.

9. Katana Counter Build

Katanas like Uchigatana excel at quick counters and bleed buildup. High Dexterity with some Arcane investment lets you capitalize on status effects in your counterattacks.

10. Spear Guard Counter

Spears allow you to keep enemies at bay and riposte with a powerful thrust. Invest in Strength and Dexterity, and consider pairing with sorceries that can stagger opponents.

11. Caestus Fist Counter

Caestus offers the ability to parry and riposte with one hand while using a shield or another weapon. Focus on Dexterity and Endurance to maximize stamina for aggressive counters.

12. Colossal Weapon Stagger Build

Using colossal weapons combined with heavy armor and poise lets you trade hits and counterattack with devastating charged attacks. High Strength is essential here.

13. Crossbow Quick Counter

Fast-firing crossbows paired with quick melee weapons create opportunities for ranged counter harassment. Focus on Dexterity and invest in FP to maintain constant pressure.

14. Sorcery Counter Hybrid

Use sorceries that stagger or slow enemies, then close in for quick melee counters. Invest in Intelligence and Dexterity and equip talismans that boost casting speed and spell potency.

15. Shield Bash Counter Build

Some shields have a shield bash skill that stuns enemies. This build centers around Endurance, Strength, and high poise to absorb hits and counter with shield bash combos.

Counterattacking is all about patience, skill, and the right setup. If you’re struggling to get started, consider stocking up on cheap Elden Ring runes to quickly level the stats needed or browse Elden Ring Items for sale to find that perfect weapon or talisman. Experiment with these builds to find the one that fits your playstyle and start turning your opponents’ aggression against them.