Elden Ring’s enemies are notoriously tricky, with some of the most complex AI pathfinding behaviors in recent gaming history. However, with enough knowledge and experimentation, players can design builds that take advantage of how enemies navigate the environment. Exploiting AI pathfinding not only makes combat more manageable but also lets you control encounters on your terms, minimizing risk and maximizing rune gains. Here, I’ll share 14 effective builds that capitalize on AI behavior quirks, perfect for those who want to turn the game’s challenges into opportunities.

1. Hit-and-Run Dexterity Build

Fast and agile, this build relies on quick strikes followed by immediate repositioning. Many enemies struggle to recalibrate their paths after you reposition, letting you kite foes around narrow corridors or obstacles.

2. Summoner Build

Using spirit ashes to distract enemies allows you to manipulate enemy positioning. Enemies will often path toward your summons, giving you openings to strike or farm Elden Ring Runes safely without taking much damage.

3. Polearm and Terrain Control

Polearms have great reach and can hit enemies before they close in. Positioning yourself near ledges or choke points forces enemies into predictable paths, making it easier to land hits or pull them into environmental hazards.

4. Magic Sniper

Long-range magic users can bait enemies into following them through confined spaces or around obstacles. Their limited AI pathfinding often results in enemies getting stuck or moving inefficiently, allowing you to pick them off safely.

5. Stealth Assassin

This build uses invisibility and quiet movement to lure enemies into traps or isolate them one-by-one. Since AI tries to pursue detected players, you can manipulate their patrol routes and avoid overwhelming groups.

6. Heavy Armor Tank

A tank build can draw enemy attention and lead groups through narrow paths or doorways. This lets you control which enemies engage and when, effectively separating fights and reducing the chance of getting swarmed.

7. Bow-and-Arrow Kiting Build

Using ranged attacks to provoke enemies and then retreating behind obstacles disrupts their pathfinding, causing delays in pursuit. This tactic can be used repeatedly to chip away at health safely while accumulating Elden Ring Runes.

8. Trap-Setter

With certain Elden Ring Items, such as traps or area-of-effect spells, you can create zones that enemies try to navigate around. This forces them into predictable routes where you can strike effectively.

9. Poison or Bleed Build

Applying damage-over-time effects encourages enemies to chase aggressively. You can lead them into narrow spots or environmental hazards, letting poison or bleed do the work as their AI tries to close in.

10. Shield and Wait

A defensive build using heavy shields allows you to bait enemies into predictable attack patterns. Their AI often commits to attacks, leaving them vulnerable to counters when their pathfinding focuses on closing the distance.

11. Mount Combat Specialist

Fighting on horseback lets you control enemy engagement distances and paths. You can exploit AI by circling around foes or running them into traps, using Elden Ring Runes gained to improve gear or skills.

12. Two-Handed Greatsword Build

This build forces enemies to navigate around your wide swings and often forces them into clumped paths, making it easier to target multiple foes or use area attacks efficiently.

13. Teleporting Sorcerer

With teleportation spells, you can confuse enemy AI, causing them to get stuck or backtrack. This is useful for farming runes in dangerous areas without risking your life.

14. Speedrunner’s Build

By optimizing for maximum movement speed and quick attacks, you can sprint past groups or lure enemies into loops where their pathfinding causes them to lose track of you, allowing for swift rune farming and exploration.

Why Exploiting AI Matters

Understanding enemy AI pathfinding turns difficult encounters into manageable challenges, letting you conserve resources and rack up Elden Ring Runes more efficiently. Pair these builds with strategic gear upgrades—consider options where you can buy Elden Ring Items that boost survivability or damage output to further optimize your performance.

If you’re looking to get ahead in Elden Ring, mastering AI manipulation through these builds is a smart path. Have you experimented with any of these tactics? Share your experiences to help fellow Tarnished thrive.