Elden Ring Iron Ball Build - Blue Baller Guide (All Game Build)

Jun. 5, 2024

Elden Ring Iron Ball Build – Blue Baller Guide (All Game Build)

In this Elden Ring Iron Ball Build guide, I’ll be showcasing myBlue Ballerbuild. This versatile build utilizes theIron Ball, a Fist weapon that I explored in our Fist Weapons video. I thoroughly enjoyed using this weapon, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through how to effectively assemble and optimize this build.

Now, I can almost hear you asking, “Cas, why use theIron Ballinstead of theStar Fist?” The answer is simple: fashion. TheBlue Ballerbuild just wouldn’t have the same appeal withStar Fists. Besides, we’ve already done a build with theStar Fist, so I wanted to try something new. Hence, we’re using theIron Ball, or more specifically, theHeavy Iron Balls.

There are some great things about this weapon, even though it’s not theStar Fist. First of all, it does incredible damage. It’s probably second in terms of attack rating among Fist weapons, just behind theStar Fist. While it doesn’t have the bleed buildup of theStar Fist, which would be ideal for min-maxing, we’re not focused on that for this build.

You can also acquire theIron Ballearly in the game. It can be found inLiurnia of the Lakesby defeatingBlackguard Big Boggartthere, allowing you to pick these up quickly. What I love about these Fists is their boxing-like nature and the significant stance damage from their charged heavy attacks. You can often stance break tough enemies with just two charged heavy attacks.

When you use theStonebarb Cracked Tearto further increase your stance damage, you can stance break bosses with two charged heavy attacks, which is incredibly fast. Once they’re down, you can either go to town on them while they’re on the ground or follow up with a critical strike. I also love the running R2 attack chain combo of this weapon. The running heavy attack followed by heavy attacks is surprisingly fast and deals a lot of damage, so I highly recommend incorporating the running R2 into your playstyle with this weapon type.

In addition to theIron Ball, I’m using theAcademy Glintstone Staffto buff ourHeavy Iron Ballswith magic. UsingScholar’s Armamentadds more magic damage to your attacks, giving you a higher total attack rating than a purely physical infusion. While it’s split damage, I enjoy the aesthetic—something about blue balls has a nice appeal. So, you’ll buff your Iron Balls with this staff.

We’re using theAcademy Glintstone Staffbecause ourIntelligenceis around 50 for this build. If you go higher, you might want to consider a different staff. But at this point in the game, since we’re primarily focused on usingScholar’s Armament, this is the best staff for that purpose. However, if you decide to use other spells and find a particular set you like, you might be better off with a different staff. But if you’re following this build exactly, theAcademy Glintstone Staffis the optimal choice.

The general strategy for this build involves buffing withScholar’s Armament, then using the running R2 attack on regular enemies or attempting to stance break an enemy for a critical strike. For bosses or tougher enemies, you can run up to them, execute a combo, and then useEndurejust before they counterattack. This allows you to poise through their attacks and continue striking. You can either use another charged heavy attack to stance break them or maintain your assault with regular R2s or R1s.

Endureis particularly useful because it not only prevents interruptions but also significantly reduces the damage you take. With this build, you can tank through hits due to your high poise. Even if you wouldn’t be staggered, usingEndureallows you to mitigate damage and continue your attacks. It takes some practice, but once mastered, it’s incredibly effective.

Endureis anAsh of Waryou can acquire early from theWarmaster’s ShackinStormhill. This means you can obtain both theIron Ballweapon and thisAsh of Warearly in the game. All you need is a staff to get started, which you likely already have if you started as anAstrologeror a similar class.

For armor, you can use any set that provides at least 51 poise to avoid being interrupted during attacks. WhileEndureis helpful, there are times when you might not want to break your attack flow by using it, especially against regular enemies or bosses. Having sufficient poise allows you to keep attacking without interruptions. I chose an armor set that offers poise and has a knightly appearance. However, you can use any armor you prefer. I opted for a chest piece with a touch of blue to match the theme of the build.

For talismans, I’ve selected a combination tailored for this build’s playstyle. Firstly, theRotten Winged Sword Insigniais a must-have, as your rapid fist attacks quickly build up attack power, both in regular combat and against bosses.

If you opt for theKeeninfusion instead ofHeavy Iron Balls, consider usingMillicent’s Prosthesisfor itsdexterityboost and additional attack power buildup.

Next, theAxe Talismanenhances the already potent charged heavy attack of theIron Ball, useful for breaking enemy stances, including bosses. Alternatively, you could use theDagger Talismanfor increased critical strike damage if you find yourself frequently breaking stances.

TheDragoncrest Greatshield Talismanoffers added protection, complementing the build’s emphasis on durability through thick armor and Endure.

Lastly, while theAssassin’s Crimson Daggerisn’t essential, it provides healing after trading damage, particularly useful against tougher enemies. Alternatively, you could swap it for theGreen Turtle Talismanfor more stamina recovery or theRitual Sword Talismanfor increased damage output during aggressive play.

Attribute wise for this build, we have 50vigor, 25mind, 25endurance, 50strength, 12dexterity, 50intelligence, 7faithand 9arcane.

For theFlask of Wondrous Physick, you could use theStonebarb Cracked Tearfor stance breaking bosses quickly and follow with a combo for massive damage. TheThorny Cracked Tearincreases damage with successive hits, or you can use theStrength-knot Crystal Tearto boostStrengthfor charged heavy attacks. Stamina recovery options are also good.

ForGreat Runes, useRadahn’sfor more health and stamina.Godrick’s Great Runeis also an option early on but Radahn’s is generally better as the game progresses.

So that wraps up ourBlue Ballerbuild. I hope you guys enjoyed this one. It’s a really fun build with a unique style. As always, let us know if you have questions or other tips in the comments below. We have a ton more builds coming forElden RingandShadow of the Erdtreeso stay tuned for those. If you need help finding the spells, items, or equipment in this build, and securing some personal objectives, make sure to check theElden Ring Map.

Castielle

Senior Editor at Fextralife. I enjoy gaming, playing and watching sports, cooking yummy food, watching a good movie and hanging out with Fex.