Elden Ring: Flamberge Build Guide - Stormblade

Below is an in-depth guide to the Elden Ring Flamberge Stormblade build, designed for players looking for a versatile and efficient Dexterity-based melee setup that works from early game into NG+.

Overview

The Stormblade build is crafted for warriors who want to dish out rapid melee strikes while also enjoying a ranged option through the Storm Blade Ash of War. Ideal for players at any level-from beginners to seasoned veterans-this build excels in quickly melting bosses at point-blank range, while still offering utility and damage from afar. It's a highly adaptable setup that you can use throughout your playthrough without having to overhaul your build later.

Core Build Specifications

Class: Any (this build is flexible enough to start from any class)

Flask Spread: Split FP & HP

Primary Weapon: Flamberge

Shield: None

Armor: Any that allows you to medium roll (mobility is key)

Talismans:

Shard of Alexander

Ritual Sword Talisman

Millicent's Prosthesis

Carian Filigreed Crest or Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

Primary Stats: Dexterity & Vigor

Secondary Stats: Mind & Endurance

Skills: Storm Blade

Spells: Golden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength, Electrify Armament, Bloodflame Blade

The Power of Storm Blade

At the heart of this build is the Storm Blade Ash of War-buffed in patch 1.07 to boost its speed, projectile range, and even add damage detection to the weapon's attack. This means that when you connect with both the weapon and the accompanying projectile, you're dealing damage twice. The result is an exceptionally versatile skill: you can engage enemies from a distance, or get in close and dish out heavy damage at point-blank range.

Importantly, the damage output of Storm Blade isn't overly sensitive to the base weapon's stats. Whether you're wielding a quick weapon or a heavier one, the attack speed of Storm Blade remains constant. However, slower, high-damage weapons like the Flamberge tend to excel when combined with this skill, especially when you consider additional effects like bleed.

Why the Flamberge?

The Flamberge is an ideal choice for this build due to its natural bleed buildup. When paired with Bloodflame Blade, each swing can trigger significant bleeding-vital in close-range encounters with bosses. If you prefer alternatives, weapons like the Nagakiba or even certain greatswords can work, but the Flamberge's blend of speed, bleed, and the added benefit of Storm Blade makes it the weapon of choice.

Buffs, Spells, and Seals

Buff Spells:

Golden Vow: Enhances your overall damage and defense.

Flame & Grant Me Strength: These early-use buffs require around 15 Faith and provide that necessary extra punch in your melee and magic interactions.

Electrify Armament: Excellent for when you're roaming the landscape or facing foes resistant to bleed damage, often resulting in quick, decisive kills.

Bloodflame Blade: Pairs perfectly with the Flamberge's bleed build-up, turning every hit into a potential source of massive damage.

Seal:

For this build, the Finger Seal is recommended. With just 25 Faith, you can cast your buff spells without needing to invest heavily in Faith-allowing you to focus more on Dexterity, Vigor, and Mind.

Offhand Backup and FP Management

A critical aspect of this build is sustaining your FP for continuous use of Storm Blade. The Sacrificial Axe serves as a reliable offhand backup weapon. After applying your buffs, switch to the Sacrificial Axe while two-handing your Flamberge to use Storm Blade effectively. Each enemy kill with Storm Blade refunds a small amount of FP (4 FP per kill normally, increased to 7 FP with the Ancestral Spirit's Horn). Additionally, equipping the Carian Filigreed Crest further reduces FP costs (reducing the primary cost to 8 FP and follow-up costs to 5 FP), making it easier to spam Storm Blade during extended engagements.

Gameplay Strategy

Engage at Range, Close the Gap When Needed:

Use Storm Blade's ranged capability to soften up foes, but don't hesitate to get close-especially when fighting bosses where the dual damage (weapon + projectile) is most effective.

Capitalize on Bleed

The native bleed effect on the Flamberge, when combined with Bloodflame Blade, can quickly trigger massive bleeding, especially in prolonged, close-quarters battles.

Buff Management

Regularly cast your buff spells before entering challenging encounters. Golden Vow, Electrify Armament, and your other buffs are crucial in turning the tide of battle, particularly during boss fights.

FP Sustainability

Keep an eye on your FP levels. The offhand Sacrificial Axe, combined with Elden Ring items like the Ancestral Spirit's Horn and Carian Filigreed Crest, ensures you maintain enough FP to keep spamming Storm Blade.

Flexibility and Adaptation

As you progress and your Mind stat increases, consider swapping out some equipment for alternatives that further optimize your build. The beauty of this build is its adaptability-from early game challenges to NG+ content, you can tweak it without major overhauls.

Final Thoughts

The Elden Ring Flamberge Stormblade build is designed to be a versatile, all-level solution for players who favor a Dexterity-based melee approach enriched by powerful buffs and effective FP management. With its strong focus on both close and ranged capabilities, it allows you to face down any enemy-be it regular foes or colossal bosses-with confidence and style.

Whether you're new to Elden Ring or returning for NG+, the Stormblade build offers a seamless blend of offensive might, tactical depth, and the flexibility to adapt as the game's challenges evolve. Embrace the power of your chosen Elden Ring items and Elden Ring runes, and let your journey through the Lands Between be defined by your personal triumphs and memorable victories.