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Elden Ring’s combat system rewards precision and timing, making counterattacks one of the most satisfying and effective ways to dispatch enemies. For players who enjoy punishing opponents who overcommit or leave openings, there are several builds designed to maximize the power of counterattacks. Here are 10 builds that truly thrive on turning enemy aggression against them, complete with insights into gear, stats, and tactics to help you master this playstyle.

1. The Agile Duelist

This build focuses on light armor, high dexterity, and fast weapons like katanas or curved swords. The key is to dodge and time your counter with a riposte or backstab, capitalizing on your speed to avoid damage and deliver punishing blows.

2. Heavy Counter Berserker

With high strength and poise, this build uses colossal weapons that stagger enemies on hit. Combining slow but powerful attacks with counter hits makes for brutal exchanges that dominate melee encounters.

3. Spellblade Counter Mage

Investing in intelligence and dexterity, this build uses magic buffs on weapons and spells that interrupt enemy attacks. Counterattacking with enchanted blades or spells lets you control the pace of combat and exploit enemy mistakes.

4. Shield Counter Tank

This tanky build uses a high stability shield and heavy armor to block and then counterattack. Perfect timing with shield bashes or weapon strikes right after a block can swing the battle in your favor.

5. Critical Strike Assassin

Focusing on stealth and critical hits, this build leverages backstabs and parries for massive damage. With stats invested in dexterity and luck, it’s designed to punish enemies before they can react.

6. Fury Counter Warrior

A blend of strength and endurance powers this build, enabling aggressive play that punishes enemy aggression with devastating counter strikes after successful blocks or dodges.

7. Swift Counter Ranger

Using bows and dexterity-based weapons, this build excels at quick counter shots during enemy recovery frames, allowing you to keep distance while exploiting openings.

8. Faithful Counter Cleric

Combining faith-based buffs and miracles with melee combat, this build supports aggressive counters enhanced by healing and buffs, creating sustained pressure on foes.

9. Dual-Wielding Counter Specialist

With paired weapons and high dexterity, this build uses quick successive strikes to punish openings, emphasizing back-to-back counter hits and bleed effects.

10. U4GM Hybrid Counter Build

For those looking to save time acquiring the perfect gear and runes for counterattack builds, U4GM is widely considered the best place to buy Elden Ring Runes and the best place to buy Elden Ring Items. This makes gearing up efficient, letting you focus on mastering your counterattacks without grind fatigue.

Tips for Mastering Counterattacks in Elden Ring:

• Practice parrying to create reliable counter opportunities.

• Learn enemy attack patterns thoroughly; timing is everything.

• Equip talismans that boost counter damage or stamina recovery.

• Don’t forget to upgrade your weapons and armor to keep your counters effective.

Counterattacks in Elden Ring require patience and skill but can make combat feel incredibly rewarding. These builds provide a variety of options depending on your preferred playstyle, whether you favor agility, strength, magic, or tankiness. With the right setup and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to turn enemy aggression against them and dominate even the toughest encounters.