Quick Answer: The best DLC Light Greatsword build leverages the new weapon class introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree. Recommended stats: Vigor 50, Endurance 30, Dexterity 60, Strength 18. Top weapons: Milady, Rellana’s Twin Blades, Greatsword of Solitude. Light Greatswords have a unique R2-thrust moveset that punishes whiffed enemy attacks.
Light Greatswords are one of the standout new weapon classes introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree — fast, elegant two-handed blades with graceful thrusting movesets. This guide builds a complete character around them.
What Are Light Greatswords?
The Light Greatsword class debuted in the DLC. Despite the name, these weapons play far faster than traditional greatswords, with fluid combos and excellent thrusting attacks. They strike a sweet spot between the reach of a greatsword and the speed of a straight sword, making them a joy to wield.
Why Build Around Them?
Light Greatswords reward Dexterity-leaning builds with a moveset that flows beautifully — quick enough to punish openings, long enough to stay safe. They are an ideal fit for players who found traditional greatswords too sluggish but still want reach and impact.
Scadutree Blessing First
Like every DLC build, your power scales with Scadutree Blessing. Gather Scadutree Fragments through exploration before taking on major DLC bosses — they matter more than character levels.
Stat Priorities
- Vigor: 60 for DLC survivability;
- Dexterity: the primary scaling stat for most Light Greatswords — toward the soft cap;
- Strength: enough to meet weapon requirements;
- Endurance: enough for a medium roll;
- Mind: for weapon skills.
Our soft caps guide helps finalize the spread.
Best Light Greatswords
Milady is the standout Light Greatsword — available early in the DLC, elegant, and powerful, it is the perfect introduction to the class. Other Light Greatswords offer unique skills and scaling worth exploring. Our DLC weapons guide covers the full new arsenal.
Ashes of War and Skills
Many Light Greatswords come with strong unique skills. If your weapon accepts a swappable Ash of War, choose one that complements fast, mobile combat — a quick lunge or a damage-boosting buff both work well with the class’s rhythm.
Playstyle
Light Greatsword combat is fast and precise. Use the long thrusting attacks to poke safely, weave combos when you spot an opening, and stay mobile. The class rewards aggressive but controlled play — you are quick enough to punish, but a missed combo still leaves you exposed against DLC bosses.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Light Greatswords blend reach, speed, and solid damage with one of the most satisfying movesets in the game. Their weakness is modest poise damage compared to true colossal weapons — they stagger smaller enemies well but rely on consistent pressure against large foes. Keep your Scadutree Blessing high to keep damage competitive.
Final Thoughts
A Light Greatsword build is the perfect showcase for Shadow of the Erdtree’s combat. Stack Vigor and Dexterity, wield Milady or another Light Greatsword, gather Scadutree Fragments, and glide elegantly through the Land of Shadow.
Join the Tarnished
Get new Elden Ring builds, guides, and wiki updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Light Greatsword?
A: Light Greatswords are a new DLC weapon class — faster than Greatswords with thrust-based R2 attacks. Strong for Dexterity builds.
Q: Best Light Greatsword in DLC?
A: Milady is the meta pick — high damage, fast attack speed, and Keen-Affinity compatibility. Found in Castle Ensis.
Q: Are Light Greatswords good in PvP?
A: Yes. Their thrust attacks have excellent reach and tracking. Counter-attack focused playstyle works very well.