With the release of the latest Elden Ring DLC, the community has seen a wave of creative and thematic builds that push the game’s mechanics to their limits. One standout among them is the Dragon Warrior build, showcased by ChaseTheBro—a build that combines the elegance of martial arts with the raw power of dragon-inspired combat. This setup takes full advantage of the hand-to-hand weapon class, emphasizing aggressive gameplay and high burst potential.

The Core Concept: Low Weight, High Reward

At the heart of this build lies the Blue Dancer Charm, a talisman that increases attack power the lower your equip load is. To maximize its potential, ChaseTheBro uses the Dryleaf Arts, a weapon that weighs only one unit. This allows the Dragon Warrior to achieve minimal weight while still hitting hard.

With the Blue Dancer Charm equipped, the attack rating (AR) jumps from 441 to 504, a notable boost considering the lightweight nature of the setup. Combine this with talismans like Shard of Alexander and Godfrey Icon, and the resulting synergy amplifies both weapon damage and Ash of War output, particularly the devastating Palm Blast.

For players looking to maximize their efficiency, this is where having extra resources can help. Whether you’re experimenting with new setups or refining existing builds, having the flexibility to buy elden ring runes can make testing and upgrading much smoother.

The Dragon Form Advantage

The Dragon Form isn’t just a cosmetic choice—it’s an integral part of the build’s optimization. Unlike regular armor, the transformation provides defensive stats and resistances without adding any equip load. That means you can enjoy the full Blue Dancer Charm bonus while maintaining better protection than going entirely armorless.

In essence, you’re playing a true martial artist with draconic resilience—light, mobile, and deadly.

Stat and Gear Breakdown

This is a pure Strength build, with points poured heavily into Strength and Vigor for higher damage and survivability. Since defense is naturally lower due to the lack of armor, consumables like Exalted Flesh, Uplifting Aromatic, and Opaline Hardtear help bolster both offense and defense during fights.

The Palm Blast Ash of War is the centerpiece here. When fully charged, it delivers immense poise damage and can break through even the toughest defenses. Its animation also grants hyperarmor, allowing players to tank through lighter attacks and punish opponents trying to interrupt.

Alternative talismans like the Shattered Stone Talisman or Rotten Winged Sword Insignia are great for players who prefer to focus on running or combo-heavy attacks instead of relying on Palm Blast. The key is to match talismans with your chosen playstyle—whether that’s burst aggression or sustained DPS.

For newcomers or returning players who want to skip some of the early grind, there’s no shame in choosing to buy elden ring runes to quickly reach optimal stat thresholds. Many players also look for cheap elden ring runes options to fine-tune builds or test different setups without spending hours farming.

Combat Strategy and Playstyle

The Dragon Warrior thrives on momentum and timing. The hand-to-hand class rewards aggressive positioning and tight spacing, with fast attack recovery and strong roll-catch potential. The running heavy attack in particular can pressure opponents effectively, chaining into roll catches that few can escape.

The Palm Blast, meanwhile, acts as both a finisher and a tool for crowd control. In invasions, it can clear multiple enemies caught in its blast radius, while in duels it serves as a high-risk, high-reward option that punishes predictable movement.

Because this setup favors minimal equipment, positioning and mobility are critical. Staying unpredictable—mixing light attacks, heavy attacks, and Ash of War usage—keeps your opponent guessing and maintains pressure throughout the fight.

Why This Build Works in the DLC

The DLC environments reward adaptability, and this build’s lightness allows for quick repositioning in tight areas or complex terrain. The Dragon Form also adds thematic flair that fits beautifully within the DLC’s tone of mythic power and ancient beasts.

Moreover, ChaseTheBro’s gameplay highlights just how versatile this setup can be in both PvE and PvP. From dueling Moonveil users to invading in Volcano Manor, the Dragon Warrior demonstrates the balance between mobility and raw striking power.

The Dragon Warrior build is more than a gimmick—it’s a demonstration of how Elden Ring’s mechanics reward creativity and precision. Whether you’re a PvP enthusiast or a PvE conqueror, this build offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Strength setups. Its synergy between talismans, minimal load, and high-risk, high-reward gameplay makes it one of the most stylish and effective builds in the current meta.

For those looking to refine their own variations, a little experimentation—and perhaps a few cheap elden ring runes—can go a long way in perfecting your dragon-fueled fighting style.