Elden Ring 1.17 has given Tarnished plenty of reasons to jump back into the Lands Between, especially with several new weapons bringing fresh mechanics and playstyles to the game. If you're looking for something new to play in Elden Ring 1.17, this article is for you.
Elden Ring 1.17 Most Fun Builds (Top 5)
In this guide, we're focusing on the 5 most fun Elden Ring 1.17 builds, featuring weapons that offer something genuinely different from the usual meta setups. From the spellcasting convenience of the Carian Sorcery Sword to the stylish sidestepping attacks of Leontiel's Greatsword, these builds are designed around unique mechanics, satisfying combat loops, and plenty of room for experimentation. You'll also find the highly mobile Reverse Blade, the aggressive Frost-focused Regalia Katana, and the fast-paced Icerind Hatchet build.
1. Carian Sorcery Sword
Carian Sorcery Sword is a strong candidate for one of the most fun Elden Ring 1.17 weapons, but the key selling point is not raw DPS—it’s convenience and hybrid gameplay. The Carian Sorcery Sword is a thrusting sword that can also cast sorceries, letting you fight in melee and cast spells without constantly swapping weapons. Its Intelligence scaling now boosts both its magic and physical damage. At 80 INT, its weapon damage is around 30% higher than before the patch. You can poke enemies with fast thrusting attacks and immediately follow up with sorceries when they create distance.
Recommended Build
Main Hand
Carian Sorcery Sword +10
Off-Hand
Medium Shield
Spells
-Night Comet
-Ranni's Dark Moon
-Adula's Moonblade
-Founding Rain of Stars
Talismans
-Graven-Mass Talisman
-Magic Scorpion Charm
-Godfrey Icon
-Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Physick
-Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear
-Opaline Hardtear
Stats
60 VIG / 25 MND / 25 END / minimum STR / 60 DEX / 80 INT
2. Leontiel’s Greatsword
Leontiel's Greatsword = potentially the #1 Most Fun Elden Ring weapon. Its damage isn't what makes it special. Its sidestepping Ash of War, massive talisman synergy, stylish animations, boss-specific punish windows, and high skill ceiling combine to create a combat loop that feels fundamentally different from normal Greatsword gameplay.
Recommended Build
Main Hand
Leontiel's Greatsword +10
Talismans
-Rellana's Cameo
-Shard of Alexander
-Godfrey Icon
-Spear Talisman
Physick
-Spiked Cracked Tear
-Opaline Hardtear
Buffs
-Golden Vow
-Flame, Grant Me Strength
Stats
70–80 DEX
60 VIG
30–35 END
20 MND
3. Reverse Blade
If Leontiel's is about precision, Reverse Blade is about speed and movement. The Blind Spot Ash of War gives the weapon its identity, allowing you to rapidly reposition while attacking. The weapon has a very different rhythm from conventional swords. You're constantly moving around the enemy instead of standing in front of them trading attacks. It takes some time to master because players accustomed to normal rolling have to learn the Blind Spot timing. That's actually part of its appeal.
Recommended Build
Main Hand
Keen Reverse Blade +25
Talismans
-Shard of Alexander
-Millicent's Prosthesis
-Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
-Blade of Mercy
Physick
-Thorny Cracked Tear
-Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Buffs
-Golden Vow
-Flame, Grant Me Strength
Stats
80 DEX
60 VIG
25-30 END
15-20 MND
Minimum STR
4. Regalia Katana
This is the most immediately satisfying of the three. Instead of relying on a complicated gimmick, you're getting: Great Katana moveset + Powerstance + Frost + Spinning Weapon. The result is extremely fast and aggressive. The key advantage is that you don't need to heavily invest in Intelligence for Frostbite. DEX is still your main damage stat, while Cold affinity provides the Frostbite buildup.
Recommended Build
Main Hand
Cold Regalia Katana +25
Offhand
Cold Great Katana +25
Talismans
-Shard of Alexander
-Millicent's Prosthesis
-Claw Talisman
-Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Physick
-Thorny Cracked Tear
-Bloodsucking Cracked Tear
Buffs
-Golden Vow
-Flame, Grant Me Strength
Stats
70-80 DEX
60 VIG
30 END
15-20 MND
Minimum STR
20-30 INT
5. Icerind Hatchet
Unlike Leontiel's Greatsword, which rewards precise dodging, this build rewards constant aggression. You basically want to keep attacking until the boss can't keep up Attack → attack → attack → Frostbite → Wing Stance → attack again. The combination of fast Light Greatsword animations + Cold affinity + successive-hit bonuses makes every combo feel impactful.
Main Hand
Icerind Hatchet + 25
Offhand
Millicent's Prosthesis / second Light Greatsword
Talismans
-Shard of Alexander
-Millicent's Prosthesis
-Claw Talisman
-Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Physick
-Thorny Cracked Tear
-Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear
Stats
60 VIG
30 END
20 MND
Minimum STR
70-80 DEX
20-30 INT