What Does Dexterity Do in Elden Ring? Answered

In Elden Ring, statistics play a crucial role in determining your character’s abilities and how they respond to different situations, both in and out of combat. These statistics can be influenced by factors like your character’s level, the equipment they use, and any temporary enhancements or effects they have active. In this guide, we’ll answer the question: What does Dexterity do in Elden Ring?

What Does Dexterity Do in Elden Ring? Answered

The best way I can describe the Dexterity stat is this: it’s a main Attribute that allows you to wield Dexterity-based armaments (weapons). It also adds a modifier to the damage of these weapons. Armaments in Elden Ring have a stat requirement of either Dexterity or Strength for you to use them. They’re also given a Scaling Grade (A-E & S for the best), which indicates how well it’s suited for any given Attribute.

Dexterity is also responsible for the speed at which you can cast Sorceries and Incarnations. Each time the stat is leveled up, this speed will increase slightly. It also reduces Fall Damage and reduces the effect of Torrent. 

Related: Elden Ring Poise Stat Explained

How to Level Up Dexterity 

You can level up Dexterity after you talk to Melina in the beginning of the game. You can level up at any Site of Grace by using Runes. The amount of Runes necessary will increase for an Attribute with every level, and you can obtain them by defeating enemies and bosses. 

The Best Dexterity Build

If you want a strong Dexterity build, I recommend choosing the Warrior or Samurai class. The warrior will give you a boost in other stats like Arcane, but if you want a pure Dexterity build, then opt for the Samurai. 

When leveling up, you’ll want to focus on maxing out the Dexterity stat first before focusing on Vigor, which will increase your health. You can also put some points into Strength if you want your attacks to hit a little harder. 

Katanas are by far the best weapons for this build. They focus on midrange combat and are fast. They deal good damage and are versatile with shields. The best ones to use are the Uchigatana and the Hand of Malenia.

For your other gear, the Kaiden Armour set is perfect for Dexterity, and the Lord of Blood’s Exultation Talisman increases your attack power. I really like this build. It’s perfect for bosses like Godfrey in Leyndell, Ashen Capital since you can get multiple hits between combos. While there are multiple ways to make a good version of this build, focus your stats on that and Vigor. Dexterity doesn’t hit hard, but it’s fast and compliments Sorceries and Incarnations.

That’s what Dexterity does in Elden Ring. It’s an important attribute for specific builds and can mean the difference between joy and frustration. For more tips and tricks for FromSoftware’s open-world RPG, check out our guides hub.