Group

Once you've defeated the Elden Beast and seen one of Elden Ring's many endings, Journey 2—commonly referred to as New Game Plus—awaits. This is where the real fun begins for many players. You keep most of your gear, stats, and spells, but enemies hit harder and offer more Elden Ring Runes. It’s the perfect time to experiment with new builds and make use of powerful Elden Ring Items you may have skipped the first time.

Whether you’re diving back in for the challenge or to explore alternate endings, here are 13 builds worth trying in Journey 2.

1. Bleed Samurai

Still one of the most effective builds in the game. Equip Rivers of Blood or Nagakiba, stack Arcane, and watch bosses melt under hemorrhage procs. Use the White Mask and Lord of Blood’s Exultation for full synergy.

2. Strength Colossus

Journey 2 enemies have more health, so why not hit harder? Equip the Greatsword (yes, the Berserk tribute), invest in Strength, and use buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength for devastating results.

3. Madness Prophet

Focus on Faith and Mind to maximize madness incantations like Frenzied Burst. This build thrives in PvP and can break enemy composure quickly in PvE too. Pair with the Frenzied Flame Seal for bonus scaling.

4. Dexterity Duelist

Fast weapons like the Scimitar or Godskin Peeler shine here. Use Quickstep or Bloodhound’s Step for mobility, and scale up DEX for high-speed combat. A good pick for those who enjoy an agile playstyle.

5. Intelligence Battlemage

Combine sorcery with melee using weapons like the Dark Moon Greatsword or Moonveil. Journey 2 gives you access to more Elden Ring Runes, so investing in both INT and VIG won’t be as punishing.

6. Arcane Assassin

Use occult weapons, poison knives, and stealth talismans. This build excels in taking out enemies silently. Journey 2’s tougher mobs can still fall easily when they don’t see you coming.

7. Faith Dragon Cultist

Harness the power of dragon incantations like Ekzykes’s Decay and Rotten Breath. While these were situational in Journey 1, a strong Faith pool and high rune income make this a deadly option for clearing zones quickly.

8. Dual Wield Twinblade

Pick up two Twinblades, enchant them with bleed or frost, and use jump attacks for massive damage output. It’s stylish and effective, especially when combined with talismans like the Claw Talisman and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia.

9. Paladin Tank

Combine high VIG, END, and Faith for a defensive support build. Use heavy armor, the Erdtree Greatshield, and buff allies (or yourself) with defensive incantations. This build shines in co-op and keeps you alive in NG+’s deadlier encounters.

10. Rot & Poison Buildup

With Elden Ring Items like the Antspur Rapier and the Scorpion’s Stinger, you can build dual status effects on enemies. Use Kindred of Rot’s Exultation and the Mushroom Crown to amplify your damage over time.

11. Hybrid Sorcerer Knight

Infuse your melee weapons with magic, use Glintblade Phalanx or Carian Greatsword to supplement close combat, and play as a true magic knight. With enough Elden Ring Runes, you can keep VIG, INT, and STR/Dex all well-rounded.

12. Pure Sorcery Glass Cannon

Go all-in on Intelligence, use Lusat’s Glintstone Staff, and obliterate foes with Comet Azur or Stars of Ruin. You’ll be vulnerable, but the burst potential is unmatched. Uplifting Aromatics and Mimic Tear can help balance survivability.

13. PvP Invasion Specialist

Journey 2 is a great time to test your skills in PvP. Build around mobility, status procs, and unpredictability. Equip situational talismans and spells, and keep your rune farming solid with areas like Mohgwyn Palace—or restock via U4GM if needed.

Journey 2 opens the door for creative experimentation. With access to more Elden Ring Runes and upgraded Elden Ring Items, you’re no longer bound by early-game constraints. Whether you want to crush the game’s toughest bosses with sheer power or test quirky status builds, there’s no better time to switch it up. Try one—or all—of these builds and keep your Elden Ring journey fresh and brutal.