Elden Ring Builds: 19 Designed for Unarmed Combat Only
Unarmed combat in Elden Ring is often overlooked in favor of the game’s massive weapon variety. But for challenge seekers and creative players, fighting barehanded unlocks a unique and surprisingly viable path through the Lands Between. While the game doesn’t offer deep martial arts systems by default, it does leave room for some inventive unarmed builds that are more than just meme-worthy — they’re genuinely fun and, at times, powerful.
Here’s a breakdown of 19 build concepts specifically designed for unarmed combat, along with a few tips on how to make them viable in both PvE and PvP.
1. Strength-Based Fist Fighter
Investing heavily in Strength boosts your base unarmed damage. This build pairs well with high Endurance for poise and armor, letting you trade hits effectively with enemies.
2. Claw-Mark Seal Brawler
While technically not a fist, this Faith-focused build uses the Claw-Mark Seal to enhance Beast incantations. Cast from close range and follow up with barehanded punches for a thematic “beast monk” feel.
3. True Monk Build
No weapons, no armor, and only hand-to-hand combat. This is a pure roleplay experience — dump points into Vigor and Endurance, and play with extreme patience and dodging discipline.
4. Flame Monk Hybrid
Pair fire-based incantations with unarmed attacks. Cast Flame Sling and Black Flame spells, then rush in for punches. It’s a hot-headed, close-quarters build that rewards aggression.
5. Unarmed Bleed Build
With the right Talismans and Wondrous Physick mix, you can still proc Bleed status unarmed. Aim to inflict Hemorrhage through repeated punches, especially with buffs like Seppuku applied to phantom weapons.
6. Unarmed Faith Tank
Focus on high Faith and use defensive buffs like Barrier of Gold or Blessing of the Erdtree. Stack HP regen and armor to stay in the fight longer, punching enemies slowly into submission.
7. Quickstep Bruiser
Rely on the Quickstep Ash of War (via a dagger in the off-hand) to maintain mobility. This allows you to dance in and out of melee range, striking between enemy attacks unarmed.
8. Dragon Cult Grappler
Use Dragon Cult incantations like Lansseax’s Glaive and Lightning Strike, then get up close to finish enemies off with bare hands. High Dexterity and Faith are key here.
9. Scarlet Rot Wrestler
Utilize Rot-based incantations or items, then pressure infected enemies with sustained unarmed damage. Great for attrition-based gameplay in poison-heavy areas.
10. Ritualist Build
This build uses buffs from Godskin and Crucible incantations, treating fists as ceremonial weapons. High Faith and Dexterity offer speed and survivability while playing up the thematic angle.
11. Dual Buff Fist Build
Stack temporary buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength and Golden Vow before engaging. Even without traditional weapons, these dramatically increase unarmed damage and defense.
12. Endurance-Heavy Boxer
Max Endurance and Vigor, wear the heaviest armor possible, and punch your way through enemies with brute durability. It’s a war of attrition, but it works, especially with high Poise.
13. Wretch-Only Challenge Run
Start as a Wretch and avoid picking up any weapons or armor. Level up only with runes gathered naturally, or if you’re easing the process, consider getting elden ring runes for sale to experiment without hours of grind.
14. Bloodflame Monk
Buff your fists with Bloodflame Blade via off-hand weapon, then engage in melee. While the buff doesn’t show visually on bare fists, it still affects status buildup.
15. PvP Brawler
Use gestures, taunts, and unarmed-only fights in PvP invasions or duels. High Poise, great timing, and understanding of your opponent's moveset make this surprisingly effective — and fun.
16. Arcane Trickster
Arcane influences item discovery and some status effects. Combine this with consumables and status-inflicting tools to weaken enemies before engaging with fists. Pairing this with cheap Elden Ring Items helps offset the gear disadvantage.
17. Flask-Powered Boxer
Use Flask of Wondrous Physick with buffs like Greenburst Crystal Tear and Strength-knot Crystal Tear. Your window for heavy unarmed damage becomes small but explosive.
18. Intelligence Mystic
Use Gravity and Glintstone magic to control the field, then close in to deliver melee strikes. While unarmed attacks lack range, spells can pull or stagger enemies into your range.
19. Spirit Ash Companion Fighter
Choose tanky Spirit Ashes (like Banished Knights or Lhutel) to draw aggro while you fight unarmed. Let your summons distract while you pick off enemies from behind or interrupt spellcasters.
Unarmed combat in Elden Ring might not be the optimal choice for min-maxers, but it offers an entirely fresh gameplay style that focuses on timing, positioning, and creativity. Whether you’re diving into a themed run, experimenting with AI behavior, or just looking for a new challenge, these builds offer unique experiences across the game’s brutal landscape.
And if you're trying to make these runs smoother, particularly early on, using elden ring runes for sale or sourcing cheap Elden Ring Items can help you test these builds more efficiently — without compromising the thrill of the fight.