Builds That Favor Backstab Chains – 16 Elden Ring Designs
Backstabbing in Elden Ring isn’t just a stylish way to drop enemies—it’s a core part of some of the most effective and satisfying builds in the game. From stealth-based assassins to agile PvP duelists, certain setups allow you to chain backstabs on unsuspecting enemies with precision and ease. Whether you're targeting AI mobs or invading other players, backstab-focused builds bring a rewarding level of control and lethality to every encounter.
Here are 16 carefully crafted builds designed to favor backstab chains and maximize the potential of critical strikes in Elden Ring.
1. Nightblade Rogue
Utilizing the Black Knife and Black Knife Armor, this build emphasizes stealth and mobility. The high dexterity and faith scaling let you hit fast and vanish just as quickly.
2. Critical Hit Gladiator
This setup centers around weapons like the Misericorde, which boasts the highest crit modifier in the game. Pair it with the Dagger Talisman and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia for brutal follow-ups.
3. Invisibility Hunter
Combine Unseen Form and the Concealing Veil to sneak up on both players and enemies. It’s especially effective in PvP scenarios or ambushing guards in legacy dungeons.
4. Dex-Faith Opportunist
Build around a scythe or dagger with high dex scaling and buff with faith-based spells like Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength. Great for opening fights with a backstab, then finishing with burst.
5. Twinblade Assassin
Use Eleonora's Poleblade or the Twinblade infused with bleed. While not a traditional backstab weapon, its fast moveset lets you spin behind opponents for quick positioning.
6. Shadow Monk
This hybrid build uses fists or claws combined with the Assassin's Cerulean Dagger and the Carian Filigreed Crest for continuous Ashes of War use after a backstab kill.
7. Raptor's Talon Ambusher
Raptor's Talons with the Raptor’s Black Feathers chest piece increases jump and crit damage—ideal for leaping into backstab chains against staggered foes.
8. Sleep-Dagger Chainmaster
Put enemies to sleep with Sleepbone Arrows or the Sword of St. Trina, then walk behind them and land guaranteed backstabs. It’s a niche but entertaining way to clear tough enemies.
9. PvP Chain Parrier
In duels, this build banks on parries that knock enemies down, allowing you to reposition and reinitiate with a backstab. Popular with bucklers and high-agility weapons.
10. Glass Cannon Slayer
This fragile but high-output build emphasizes crit stacking. Use the Lord of Blood’s Exultation and the Royal Knight’s Resolve buff to amplify backstab damage even more.
11. Dex-Luck Hybrid
Focus on boosting item discovery and status infliction while sneaking behind targets. Great for players farming or trying to maximize critical strike chains in long engagements.
12. Bone Collector
Wield the Reduvia or Bloody Helice with high arcane investment. Combine with Talismans that favor critical hits, and you’ll watch rune gains soar—especially useful if you're looking to buy Elden Ring runes for faster progress.
13. Perfumer’s Blade
Use the Perfumer’s Poison Spraymist to blind enemies, then maneuver behind them. Add in a crit-enhanced dagger for fast rune accumulation.
14. Beast Claw Vanguard
Less stealthy but no less effective, this strength-based backstab build uses the Beast Claw Greathammer and raw power to stagger enemies into repeated backstab opportunities.
15. Ghostwalker Build
With the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War and the Black Knife gear, this build lets you phase behind enemies with ease, triggering backstab chains before they can react.
16. Battle Mage Shadow
This intelligence-focused build uses Night Comet and Unseen Blade alongside a thrusting sword or rapier. The confusion caused by invisible projectiles gives you windows to slip behind your foes.
Backstab-centric playstyles benefit most from intelligent positioning, stamina management, and understanding enemy behavior. Try mixing and matching gear to find a setup that complements your reflexes and preferred combat pacing. And remember, farming runes through critical kills or rune-rich enemies is always more efficient when you're landing high-damage backstabs—especially when planning to buy Elden Ring runes or stock up on cheap Elden Ring Items to support your experimentation.
Whether you’re exploring deep catacombs, hunting in PvP, or taking on endgame bosses, these builds let you dominate the battlefield one backstab at a time.