Elden Ring offers a staggering variety of builds, from spellcasters to melee specialists. But not every player wants to rely on magic to dominate the battlefield. For those who prefer raw physical power, stealth, or pure skill, zero-magic builds provide a refreshing, challenging, and highly rewarding experience. In this article, I’ll share 17 Elden Ring loadouts that completely avoid magic yet remain incredibly effective throughout your journey in the Lands Between.



Why Go Magic-Free?

Choosing to forgo magic in Elden Ring isn’t just about limiting yourself; it’s about mastering the fundamentals of combat, positioning, and timing. These builds emphasize weapon skills, buffs from items, and tactical gameplay, making every encounter feel visceral and earned. Plus, with plenty of cheap Elden Ring items to enhance your survivability and offense, you don’t have to rely on sorcery or incantations to succeed.



1. Greatsword Juggernaut

Wielding a colossal greatsword with high strength scaling, this build focuses on staggering enemies with heavy hits. Pair it with poise-boosting armor and stamina management for a tanky, hard-hitting fighter.



2. Daggers and Dexterity

Fast, nimble, and deadly, this loadout revolves around quick strikes and evasion. Using twin daggers or katanas, players can exploit enemy openings without a single spell.



3. Quality Build (Strength + Dexterity)

Balanced in stats, this versatile build uses weapons like the Claymore or Uchigatana. It focuses on adaptability with powerful weapon arts and minimal reliance on buffs or magic.



4. Pure Strength Berserker

Heavy weapons like the Great Club or Giant-Crusher deliver massive damage, while high vigor and endurance ensure you can absorb hits and keep fighting.



5. Twinblade Assassin

Dual-wielding twinblades offers fluid combos and fast damage output. This build leans on dexterity and critical hits without any magical enhancements.



6. Shield and Sword Defender

A classic tank setup focusing on blocking, counterattacks, and stamina management. It’s reliable in both PvE and PvP, making magic unnecessary.



7. Halberd Polearm Specialist

Halberds and polearms provide excellent reach and versatility. This build leverages precise spacing and weapon skills to control fights.



8. Fist Combatant

Using weapons like the Caestus or even bare fists, this build emphasizes speed, status effects like bleed, and aggressive, up-close combat.



9. Bow Sniper

For ranged physical damage without spells, bows paired with dexterity stats allow players to pick off enemies from afar.



10. Greatshield Tank

High poise, heavy armor, and a greatshield make this build a wall of defense that relies on patience and punishing mistakes.



11. Katana Samurai

Focused on precision and speed, the katana’s moveset and bleed buildup create devastating effects with zero magical input.



12. Claw and Talon Fighter

Utilizing weapons like the Beast Claw, this build thrives on aggressive combos and relentless offense.



13. Greathammer Crusher

The sheer brute force of greathammers can stagger bosses and clear mobs alike, relying purely on strength and timing.



14. Whip Duelist

Whips offer unique reach and can interrupt enemy attacks, perfect for a physical-only build focused on finesse.



15. Crossbow Marksman

Crossbows provide fast, consistent physical ranged damage, great for players who prefer steady DPS without magic.



16. Spear and Shield Tactician

Combining reach and defense, this setup excels at poking and retreating, perfect for tactical playstyles.



17. Heavy Greatsword Berserker

An ultra-heavy greatsword with minimal magic use but maximum power, this build punishes enemies with slow but crushing strikes.



How to Support Your Build

Even without magic, you’ll want to optimize your equipment.Cheap Elden Ring items such as stamina-boosting consumables, resistances, and weapon-enhancing buffs can give you an edge. If you’re running low on resources, consider ways to buy Elden Ring runes to afford the best gear upgrades and replenish your stocks efficiently.



Zero magic builds might appear restrictive, but they open up a wealth of playstyles focused on skill, patience, and precise execution. These 17 loadouts demonstrate that you don’t need spells to conquer Elden Ring’s toughest challenges. Whether you prefer brutal strength or agile finesse, there’s a pure physical build that fits your style perfectly.