Purpose
I wanted to distill the most efficient meta-adjacent invasion build possible at starting level (10). I believe that stat reliance in build making is a skill issue. Some of the best tools in the game are available in the first few minutes, and most of the challenge in this game is a knowledge check. If you agree, give my build a try! I named this build the Tax Collector because it collects the Invader Tax. 😉
Starting Class
I went with Hero over Vagabond because it starts at rune level 7 instead of rune level 9, and with higher strength. Dexterity is a dump stat because you get more damage two handing with a heavy infusion. Radagon’s Soreseal compensates for dexterity allowing you to carry Shamshir, Misericorde, and a two-handed Hand Ballista without any other buffs. Having two points more endurance over vagabond for one less in starting Vigor is also an advantage when it comes to equip load. Great Jar’s Arsenal is percent based, so having higher starting endurance compounds your gains. If you invest in 2 vigor and 1 endurance you will end up with 680 hp and 110 stamina exactly, with 69.98% equip load. My brain appreciates this greatly. Also take the Lands Between Rune so you have some runes to level up and buy the Beast Repellent Torch right away.
Great Rune
Largely irrelevant while invading. You can use Godrick’s to get enough arcane and faith to cast rot breath and carry you past Radahn at low level on horseback. After you defeat him make sure you grab Ghost Glovewort +6 and +7, and +10 from Ainsel River Main after starting Rani’s quest.
Physick
Strength Tear is right at the beginning of the game, and it’s an easy choice. Starting with 21 strength after talismans, this ups your level 10 character to 31 one handed strength, or 46 virtual strength while two handing your weapon. Having increased strength also increases your defense, which is a greater benefit early on than having higher negation due to the fact most of your opponents at this level will struggle to overcome your damage threshold with un-upgraded weapons.
The second tear I chose is Greenburst Crystal Tear because I found myself running out of stamina at this level quite fast, especially when facing multiple opponents. The Crimsonburst Crystal tear is also a good choice. I would not recommend the Opaline Hardtear or Crimson Bubbletear because your HP is already quite low at this level and they are difficult to acquire.
Armor
Other armors are acceptable, but 88 poise is mandatory to avoid hitstun on the second hit of a two handed curved sword like Shamshir. You also have to maintain medium equip load. The helm and Chestplate are farmed from enemies that wear them. The Tree Sentinel gear can be acquired without defeating any enemies. Simply buy the Beast Repellent Torch on your way to Fort Faroth to get the Soreseal, and equip it in Auriza Hero’s Grave to avoid all the basilisks. Use Margit’s shackle (acquired from Patches) to delete the chariots near the end of the dungeon and claim your prize. This combination of armor keeps you out of negative lightning negation while in water.
Talismans
The Soreseal comes first, I already explained how to get that. You can go down from Fort Faroth to grab the Bull Goat’s talisman from the cave, just sneak past the runebear. We need it to reach 88 poise.
When you explore the Siofra River, you can find Ghost Glovewort up to +5 then use a Stonesword Key to reach the Great Jar. After you complete the quests for the Beast Clergyman he will give you a Clawmark Seal and Bestial Vitallity. You should pick up Two Finger’s Heirloom and Flame Cleanse Me on the way. Buy Rejection at the Roundtable Hold, return to the Great Jar and summon his champions one by one. Hide near the edge and knock them off the cliffside to claim your prize.
Finally, I like either the Two-handed Sword Talisman for the increased damage with Shamshir, the Blessed Dew Blue Talisman for passive HP/FP regen while invading when combined with Bestial Vitallity, or the Two-Headed Turtle Talisman. Once you do Varre’s questline you can teleport to Mohg and claim Ghost Glovewort +8 and +9, completing your collection. Use the falling glitch to get past Mohg and keep his runes with a Sacrificial Twig. You’ll need them for spirit ash upgrades, bolts, string, and resin. You can now enter the DLC.
Talisman Pouches
Starting with one, you get your second pouch by defeating Margit, your third by defeating two Shardbearers, and fourth by defeating Godfrey Shade. You will be able to enter Leyndell after defeating Radhan, simply speedrun your way to Godfrey. You can fight him alone, but since you have all 10 Ghost Gloveworts and hopefully a bunch of runes, you can summon a powerful spirit to help you. NOTE: you may need Godrick’s Great rune to afford the FP cost, I do NOT recommend Mimic Tear as it will share your 680 HP. The best results have been with Nepheli’s spirit ash. It’s cheap, strong, and tanky. Make sure you give her the potion and talk to Selivus BEFORE you collect the Fingerslayer Blade for Ranni, or you will be locked out. Fight Goldfrey with Nepheli and a ranged weapon, you will unlock your final talisman pouch.
Weapons
I like Spinning Slash Shamshir, its fun to play, you can setup parries or use it to vortex scrub players to your hearts content. I like that It’s got a high skill ceiling. It’s really hard to unlock the Dragonbolt Grease recipe with 680 hp. I did it but it took a TON of effort. The Royal Grease recipe is much easier to get and to farm at Manus Metyr, so I recommend that one. Make sure to collect your bell bearings. You can swap the Two-Handed Sword Talisman for Milicents Prosthesis if you are willing to do her questline until Altus Godskin Apostle and then betray her after sitting at the grace, allowing you to swap your Shamshir for an Endure Urumi, which is fun in a different way. You may also have picked up a Cleanrot Knight’s Sword while farming for the chestpiece. You can use this with Bloodhound’s Step by tricking the Night’s Calvary off the Bridge in Dragonbarrow by throwing Kukri. You will need to exchange Misericorde for a regular Dagger to keep medium load.
Sidearm is for utility and critical hits. You’ll pop small shields with spinning slash, especially against parry kings as it’s non-parryable. I like Kick, Parry, Bloodhound Step, Thunderbolt, or Assassin’s Gambit. Lightning infusion performs the same as fire even with your high strength since you will likely be one-handing it.
Spiralhorn Shield is a 5th talisman first and foremost. It always stays on. You can use a variety of ashes with it including Parries, No Skill for faster sidearm swaps, or Holy Ground for infinite passive healing with the Blue Dew talisman.
Golden Order Seal is weightless and still works for our spells even though we do not meet the requirements. Swap to Two Finger’s Heirloom in a safe area to dispel rot or apply HP regen. Maybe even push a host off a ledge with Rejection. 😀
Swaps/Ammo
Bone bow and Hand Ballista can be sorted by weight to either side of your main weapon, making for quick hard swaps. You will heavy roll with the ballista so only use it if you have the distance. You will meet the requirements so enjoy full damage. If you defeat Morgott you can also enjoy Lightning Greatbolts, otherwise Explosive Greatbolts do just fine. Serpent arrows for the Bone Bow will make easy work of players who run away. Nepheli helped me get the Imprisoned Merchant’s bell bearing for Dwelling Arrows, but that is not necessary.
PVE/PVP
I have made it to Fire Giant with this build. I’m sure I could get past him using Latenna, but I just can’t be bothered.
EDIT: Make sure that you do not level your weapons past +3 Standard and +1 Somber for PVP matchmaking. If you do, you will not find any matches without leveling up your Tarnished!
Happy hunting! :3
