Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide | Damage Build with Sword Lance

Here's a guide on how to make a damage build with Sword Lance in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Aug 20, 2025

The Sword Lance is one of the most versatile weapons in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

This thrusting sword is a unique mix of classic thrusting weapons and lance-style combat. It works well in both regular fights and high-level PvP situations.

Weapon Overview and Mechanics

Your Sword Lance functions with the standard heavy thrusting sword moveset for all light attacks in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

The standard light attack, jumping light attack, and running light attack all mirror those of other heavy thrusting swords in the game.

This consistency makes the weapon immediately familiar if you have experience with similar attack styles.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Guide, Damage Build, Sword Lance

The strong attack is what makes this weapon stand out. Unlike other heavy thrusting swords, your heavy attack gains Hyper Armor properties similar to traditional Lances.

This piercing damage attack gives you a significant edge in trading situations because you may take damage while you hit back in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

The heavy attack seamlessly combos into a follow-up light attack, creating a proper combo that becomes devastating when executed properly.

Trading and Poise Requirements

You can successfully trade using the Hyper Armor heavy attack in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Armor providing 116 poise allows you to trade effectively against weapons like the Great Stars.

Being able to trade into your genuine combo makes it much easier to deal with aggressive opponents.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Guide, Damage Build, Sword Lance

Recommended Build Setup

Your strength build should make 80 strength the primary damage stat. Put points into health to make sure you can tank, and then put the other points into endurance to take enemy hits in combat.

This distribution does the most damage and keeps you alive in long fights in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Setting Up Your Talisman

The Spear Talisman is very important for your Sword Lance setup. Because your combat approach is based on landing powerful hits to start combos, you will often find yourself in trade situations where the Spear Talisman greatly increases your damage output.

Your Two-Handed Sword Talisman provides additional damage when wielding the weapon with both hands, which should be your primary stance.

The extra damage justifies the Talisman slot since you will rarely use a shield with this weapon. The Bull-Goat's Talisman and Erdtree's Favor serve as foundation pieces for your build.

These Talismans work the same way in all combat circumstances, so you should always have them on.

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Guide, Damage Build, Sword Lance

Combat Strategy and Applications

With the Sword Lance, you can do the heavy attack trades in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

The Hyper Armor allows you to challenge opponents who might otherwise interrupt your attacks, while the proper combo follow-up ensures maximum damage from successful trades.

Position yourself to take advantage of the weapon's reach while preparing to absorb and counter incoming attacks through the Hyper Armor mechanic in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Also, check our Elden Ring Review, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review, and other guides below: