In the ever-evolving world of Elden Ring, players diving into NG+7 and beyond need to bring only the most refined, powerful builds to survive the increasingly punishing encounters. In 2025, with the addition of new content, weapons, and mechanics from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the meta has shifted to Elden Ring Runes favor certain powerhouse builds that combine high burst damage, survivability, and adaptability. We've ranked the top 10 builds that dominate the current NG+7 scene, from pure melee juggernauts to devastating hybrid casters.

1. Dual Hawkblade Build – King of NG+7
The undisputed champion of NG+7 content is the Dual Hawkblade Build, a dual-wield setup that masterfully combines slash and bleed mechanics to counter a wide range of bosses and mob types. The core of the build revolves around two +25 Gargoyle's Twinblades with Blood affinity and Seppuku, maximizing bleed buildup and raw DPS. Against enemies weak to slash, the Beastman’s Curved Sword can be swapped in for even better damage potential.

This build's synergy is further empowered by armor from the Rakshasa set and Gravebird’s Blackquill, which enhance aggression and bleed damage. When paired with talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation, this build becomes a relentless force that melts bosses in seconds.

Gear: Gargoyle’s Twinblade +25 (Blood, Seppuku), Beastman’s Curved Sword +25 (Blood, Seppuku)
Talismans: Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Millicent’s Prosthesis, Shard of Alexander
Stats: Vigor 50 / Endurance 40 / Strength 80 / Arcane 50

2. Blood Shinobi Build – Bleed Without Borders
This build uses dual Cross-Naginatas with Occult Affinity, capitalizing on their speed and piercing nature. Combined with Seppuku and a full bleed-focused loadout, this build is ideal for stacking bleed procs quickly, especially in PvE where stagger and health melt together.

The Twinblade Talisman excels here due to the unique move set of spears. The White Mask and Rakshasa Armor amplify bleed synergy, while buffs like Bloodboil Aromatic and stamina support like Pickled Turtle Neck maintain momentum through long fights.

Gear: Cross-Naginata +25 (Occult, Seppuku)
Stats: Vigor 50 / Endurance 40 / Dexterity 39 / Arcane 90

3. Ancient Sailor Build – Titanic Strength
If brute force is your game, the Ancient Sailor Build is the way to go. Wielding two Rusted Anchors or Large Clubs with Cragblade Ash of War, this Strength-focused monster decimates enemies with pure physical power. It also benefits from widespread boss vulnerability to pierce and strike damage.

The armor synergy (3x Rakshasa + Blackquill) provides a 26% boost to jump attacks. Add in Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength for monstrous burst damage.

Gear: Rusted Anchor +25 / Large Club +25 (Heavy, Cragblade)
Stats: Vigor 60 / Endurance 50 / Strength 99

4. Blasphemous Blade Build – Lifesteal Monster
The Blasphemous Blade is still one of the best PvE weapons in Elden Ring, especially in high-difficulty content. Its Ash of War dishes out massive fire damage and heals you on hit and on kill — offering a dual offensive and defensive mechanic that excels in long boss encounters.

When paired with the Shard of Alexander, Talisman of the Dread, and fire damage boosters like Fire Scorpion Charm, this build becomes an unkillable powerhouse.

Gear: Blasphemous Blade +10
Stats: Vigor 50 / Mind 30 / Endurance 40 / Faith 99

5. Fire Knight Build – DLC Meta Breaker
New to 2025 with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the Fire Knight’s Greatsword rivals all other colossal weapons. It boasts a fast and fluid R1 chain and strong piercing R2s. Infused with Flame Art or Sacred Affinity, and enhanced with Royal Knight's Resolve, this build becomes an AoE and boss killer alike.

Buffs like Golden Vow, Flame, Grant Me Strength, and even Bloodsucking Cracked Tear further ramp up the heat.

Gear: Fire Knight's Greatsword +25 (Flame Art/Sacred), Black Steel Twinblade +25
Stats: Vigor 50 / Endurance 40 / Faith 99

6. Night Witch Build – Ranged Slayer
For caster fans, the Night Witch Build remains viable in 2025. Night Comet cast through dual Staff of Loss remains devastating, especially when amplified by Terra Magica. For melee defense, the Dark Moon Greatsword offers scaling and Moonlight Wave utility.

It’s flexible in armor, with options like Spellblade for buffing Moonlight damage or Rykard’s Set for general magic power boosts.

Gear: Staff of Loss +25 x2, Dark Moon Greatsword +10
Stats: Mind 33 / Intelligence 80 / Faith 33 / Endurance 40

7. Bloodhound’s Fang Build – Bleed Explosions
This build centers around Bloodhound's Fang, using Blood Affinity and Cragblade to unleash rapid bleed procs and devastating AoE blood explosions. The synergy with Swarm of Flies and Flame, Grant Me Strength creates a build that thrives in both mob clearing and boss melting.

Heavy Strength and Arcane scaling make this a sleeper powerhouse.

Gear: Bloodfiend’s Blood Arm +25
Stats: Strength 66 / Arcane 66 / Vigor 50 / Endurance 40

8. Sword of Night and Flame Build – Hybrid Dominance
Once the meta, this build has slipped but remains potent with a proper setup. The Night and Flame Stance offers incredible fire and magic AoE. Combined with fire and sorcery buffs (e.g., Shard of Alexander, Fire Scorpion Charm), it's ideal for room-clearing and PvE bursts.

Not top tier, but still stylish and effective with smart execution.

Gear: Sword of Night and Flame +10
Stats: Intelligence 24 / Faith 99 / Vigor 60 / Endurance 35

9. Great Katana Build – Blood Tax Specialist
While overshadowed by more optimized bleed setups, the Great Katana Build using Blood Tax and Bloodflame Blade still holds up due to clever exploitation of motion values and persistent bleed pressure.

The Ansbach Set boosts Blood Tax by 15%, and talismans like Millicent’s Prosthesis and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia ensure high DPS.

Gear: Great Katana +25 (Quality, Blood Tax)
Stats: Strength 65 / Dexterity 70 / Vigor 50 / Endurance 37

10. Marais Executioner’s Sword Build – Style Over Meta
Closing out the list is the flashy Marais Executioner’s Sword build. Its Eochaid’s Dancing Blade skill is cinematic and powerful, but the reliance on multiple setup elements and slightly awkward scaling keeps it at the bottom tier.

Still, for those wanting unique flair and satisfying animations, it delivers.

Gear: Marais Executioner’s Sword +10
Stats: Strength 80 / Arcane 40 / Vigor 50 / Endurance 35

Final Thoughts
In 2025, Elden Ring builds have become more refined, with top-tier options focusing on bleed synergy, strength scaling, and hybrid utility. Whether you want toElden Ring Items for sale melt bosses in NG+7 with twinblades or dominate with colossal anchor slams, there’s a build here that fits your style. Adapt, optimize, and conquer – the Lands Between await.