Elden Ring: Fortifying Yourself with the Tankiest Build

Introduction
In the unforgiving realm of Elden Ring, survival often hinges on one's ability to withstand the onslaught of formidable foes. This guide delves into the intricacies of crafting the tankiest build possible, empowering players to endure the most punishing encounters with unwavering resilience.

Understanding Defensive Stats
The cornerstone of a tank build lies in maximizing defensive statistics. The following attributes play a crucial role:

• Vigor: Directly increases HP, providing a larger health pool to absorb damage.
• Endurance: Boosts stamina, allowing for more dodges, blocks, and heavy armor.
• Strength: Scales with heavy armor weight, enhancing physical defense.

Choosing the Right Class
The starting class can significantly impact a tank build. The following classes offer a solid foundation:

• Warrior: High starting Vigor and Strength.
• Hero: Exceptional Strength and heavy armor proficiency.
• Vagabond: Balanced stats, including moderate Vigor and Endurance.

Optimizing Armor
Choosing the heaviest armor available is essential for maximizing physical defense. However, be mindful of the weight limit, as exceeding it will hinder mobility. Consider the following armor sets:

• Bull-Goat Armor Set: Provides the highest physical defense but is extremely heavy.
• Tree Sentinel Armor Set: Offers a balance between defense and weight.
• Lionel's Armor Set: Grants exceptional physical and fire resistance.

Wielding a Shield for Protection
A shield is a tank's primary tool for blocking attacks. Look for shields with high stability, which determines how much stamina is consumed when blocking. Here are a few noteworthy options:

• Greatshield of Artorias: Unmatched stability for maximum damage absorption.
• Golden Greatshield: Balanced stability and physical defense.
• Erdtree Greatshield: Provides a holy affinity, reducing damage from certain enemies.

Utilizing Defensive Talismans
Talismans can further enhance defensive capabilities. Consider equipping the following:

• Erdtree's Favor +2: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Boosts stamina recovery speed.
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Enhances physical damage negation.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Reduces incoming damage when HP is low.

Incorporating Heal and Buff Spells
Spells can provide additional survivability. Consider including the following:

• Sacred Tears: Heals a large amount of HP.
• Golden Vow: Grants a temporary buff, increasing HP, stamina, and defense.
• Barrier of Gold: Creates a magical barrier, reducing damage taken.

Additional Tips and Tricks
* Focus on upgrading Vigor first, ensuring a substantial health pool early on.
* Consider using a greatsword or colossal weapon for poise damage, allowing you to break enemy attacks while blocking.
* Utilize the environment to your advantage, utilizing cover and narrow passages to minimize enemy attacks.
* Practice your dodging and blocking techniques to minimize incoming damage.
* Don't be afraid to retreat if necessary, regrouping and replenishing health before re-engaging.

Sample Tank Build

• Class: Hero
• Stats:
  • Vigor: 60
  • Endurance: 30
  • Strength: 40
• Armor: Bull-Goat Armor Set
• Shield: Greatshield of Artorias
• Weapons: Zweihander
• Talismans: Erdtree's Favor +2, Green Turtle Talisman, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, Ritual Sword Talisman
• Spells: Sacred Tears, Golden Vow

Conclusion
Crafting the tankiest build in Elden Ring requires a meticulous optimization of defensive attributes, armor, shield, talismans, and spells. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, players can forge an indomitable fortress, capable of facing even the most formidable challenges the Lands Between have to offer. Remember, the path to becoming a formidable tank lies not only in impenetrable defenses but also in the mastery of survival techniques and the relentless pursuit of victory.