As a passionate Dark Souls 3 player with over 1000 hours logged, I‘m always seeking new build ideas to try out. One of my favorite builds is the "Guts" build, modeled after the main character from the manga Berserk.
Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Dark Souls, has cited Berserk as a major inspiration for the Souls games. As a result, there are several references to Berserk throughout the games, including weapons, armor sets, and enemies that pay homage to elements from the manga. The Guts build allows you to emulate the protagonist‘s appearance and fighting style within Dark Souls 3.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to create the optimal Guts build, including detailed stat allocation advice, equipment suggestions for different eras of Guts‘ journey, and tips for mastering the ultra greatsword playstyle.
Overview of the Guts Build
Guts is depicted in the manga as a strong and agile warrior who wields an oversized ultra greatsword in battle. As such, the Guts build in Dark Souls 3 focuses on high Strength and Dexterity to wield these heavy weapons effectively, while still maintaining enough equip load to roll properly.
The build uses ultra greatswords like the Astora Greatsword or Greatsword as the main armament, similar to Guts‘ iconic Dragonslayer sword. The moveset of ultra greatswords allows you to unleash devastating charged heavy attacks, fitting for Guts‘ raw power and rage in combat.
In terms of armor, the build uses sets that resemble Guts‘ various looks throughout Berserk, like the Undead Legion set or Black Knight set. These provide reasonable absorption and poise while keeping your equip load in check.
Overall, the Guts build epitomizes the ultra greatsword playstyle – trading speed for sheer destructive force behind each swing. Properly executed, this build can crush even the mightiest foes in your path through brute strength alone.
Stat Spread
Here are the recommended stats for a SL120 Guts build:
- Vigor: 35-40
- Attunement: Base (for requirements)
- Endurance: 30-35
- Vitality: 29-35
- Strength: 40-66
- Dexterity: 16-20
- Intelligence: Base
- Faith: Base
- Luck: Base
Vigor and Endurance give you the survivability and stamina to wield an ultra greatsword properly in combat. Level those stats to 35-40 first.
Strength is your main damage stat and takes priority next. Get it to 40 first to meet the requirements of most ultra greatswords, then continue leveling to 66 for max damage.
You‘ll need 16-20 Dexterity to meet requirements on some greatswords. Vitality increases your equip load so you can wear heavier armor sets while still mid-rolling.
Intelligence, Faith and Luck are unused for this build. Put any extra levels into Vigor or Endurance for more durability.
Weapons
These ultra greatswords best fit the Guts build:
Astora Greatsword
- Found in Cathedral of the Deep
- Scales well with Dexterity
- Moveset includes wide horizontal swings
This weapon matches Guts‘ pre-Eclipse Dragonslayer in size and scale. It works great on a quality build by leveling both Strength and Dex.
Greatsword
- Obtained from Farron Keep
- Highest pure physical AR of ultra greatswords
- Vertical moveset lets you smash foes
With monstrous base damage and Strength scaling, the regular Greatsword fits for replicating Guts‘ post-Eclipse Dragonslayer blade.
Profaned Greatsword
- Transposed from Pontiff Sulyvahn‘s soul
- Comes with fire damage buff
- Horizontal moveset useful in groups
The fiery glow matches the Dragonslayer‘s rage mode. Its wide swings let you cleave multiple enemies at once.
Lothric Knight Greatsword
- Found in Lothric Castle, dropped by knights
- Inbuilt Lightning damage
- Allows use of weapon arts
Probably the most versatile ultra greatsword. Its weapon skill Stomp boosts poise to tank through attacks.
Armor Sets
Aim for medium rolls and high physical defense with your armor choices:
Golden Age Arc
- Helm: Northern Helmet, Lothric Knight Helmet
- Chest: Herald Armor, Knight Armor, Eastern Armor
- Gauntlets: Knight Gauntlets
- Leggings: Knight Leggings
These basic knightly sets represent Guts‘ early Band of the Hawk days. Mix and match lighter pieces to stay below 70% equip load.
Conviction Arc
- Helm: Fallen Knight Helm
- Chest: Undead Legion Armor
- Gauntlets: Knight Gauntlets
- Leggings: Alva Leggings
The dark Undead Legion set matches Guts‘ post-Eclipse look. The Fallen Knight Helm adds to the rugged appearance.
Fantasia Arc
- Helm: Lapp‘s Helm, Black Knight Helm
- Chest: Havel‘s Armor, Black Iron Armor
- Gauntlets: Havel‘s Gauntlets, Black Knight Gauntlets
- Leggings: Havel‘s Leggings, Black Knight Leggings
Late-game Guts dons imposing black armor sets. These provide poise and defense to match his towering presence.
Prioritize absorption, poise and resistances over appearance to survive. Mix lighter and heavier pieces to stay below 70% equip load for medium rolls.
Rings
These rings complement ultra greatsword gameplay:
- Chloranthy Ring – boosts stamina regen
- Ring of Favor – raises HP, stamina and equip load
- Havel‘s Ring – increases equip load to wear heavier armor
- Prisoner‘s Chain – all-around stat boosting ring
Having extra stamina and equip load is crucial when swinging around massive swords. Steel Protection, Knight/Hunter Rings also help by increasing defense and Dex/Str.
Playing as Guts
Here are some tips to adopt Guts‘ signature fighting style:
- Relentlessly attack at every opportunity but don‘t get greedy
- Use charged strong attacks to flatten enemies and bosses
- Stomp weapon art adds poise so you don‘t get interrupted mid-swing
- Learn to toggle escape out of enemy combos
- Keep some throwing knives to pull enemies from range
- Carry a crossbow to pick off weaker foes
- Use vertical attack moves to smash down on enemies
The key is to always stay on the offensive. React to enemy attacks by toggling through them then counterattacking. Never allow yourself to become surrounded or backed into a corner.
Conclusion
And there you have it – everything you need to know about creating the optimal Guts build in Dark Souls 3. Whether you‘re a Berserk fan or simply enjoy overwhelming enemies with devastating ultra greatswords, this build delivers that immense satisfaction. With the right stats, gear, rings and tactics, you‘ll be roleplaying the Black Swordsman himself in no time. Give it a try on your next playthrough!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions for the Guts build. I hope this guide encourages you to step into the boots of Guts and start cleaving your way through Lothric‘s fiercest warriors. Struggle on!
