In Elden Ring, tank builds are all about durability, crowd control, and the ability to shrug off even the most punishing attacks. If you want to dominate in both PvE and PvP with a build that can take a beating while dishing out heavy damage, choosing the right gear is essential. Over the course of my playthroughs, I’ve discovered 19 Elden Ring Items that help create a truly formidable tank. Whether you’re just starting to invest in your build or looking to refine your setup, these items will maximize your survivability and effectiveness.

1. Bull-Goat Set

Known for its incredible poise and defense stats, the Bull-Goat Set is a staple for any tank build. It drastically reduces stagger, letting you trade hits with enemies and bosses alike.

2. Greatshield of Glory

This greatshield offers high physical damage reduction and excellent stamina regeneration, perfect for sustained blocking during tough fights.

3. Radagon’s Scarseal / Radagon’s Soreseal

Equipping these talismans boosts your strength and vigor, helping your tank build both survive and hit hard.

4. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman

This talisman raises your overall physical defense, which is invaluable for tanking hits from heavy-hitting bosses.

5. Lionel’s Set

A solid alternative for heavy armor, this set provides a great balance of defense and poise, letting you endure brutal assaults.

6. Erdtree Greatshield

This shield not only provides excellent protection but also enhances your resistance to holy damage, often critical in late-game scenarios.

7. Radagon’s Wheel

Boosts poise, helping your tank stand strong and avoid interruptions during attacks.

8. Great-Jar’s Arsenal

Increases your maximum equip load, enabling you to wear heavier armor and wield larger weapons without sacrificing mobility.

9. Lion’s Rune

This rune increases your maximum HP, which is a straightforward way to enhance tankiness.

10. Green Turtle Talisman

Improves stamina regeneration, letting you block, dodge, and attack more frequently.

11. Erdtree’s Favor

Increases HP, stamina, and equip load — a trifecta that perfectly complements any tank build.

12. Radagon Icon

Shortens the casting time of buffs, making defensive and offensive spells more viable even with a heavy build.

13. Greatshield Bash Weapon

A weapon with shield bash capabilities can stagger enemies and create openings without relying solely on attacks.

14. Lionel’s Club

A heavy, high-damage weapon that pairs well with tank armor for delivering powerful blows while soaking damage.

15. Flame, Cleanse Me (Incantation)

This spell removes scarlet rot and poison effects, keeping your tank build alive in hazardous areas.

16. Blessing of the Erdtree (Incantation)

Provides healing over time, ensuring sustainability during longer fights.

17. Gravel Stone Seal

Boosts the damage of defense spells, reinforcing your tank’s resilience.

18. Stoneplate Ring

Greatly increases poise, making it harder for enemies to knock you down.

19. Bolt of Gransax

While primarily an offensive weapon, this spear scales well with strength and can provide reach, allowing your tank to control the battlefield effectively.

Crafting a tank build in Elden Ring is about balancing heavy defense with sufficient damage and mobility. Collecting and upgrading these Elden Ring Items is key to your success. For players looking to speed up the process or supplement their gear, U4GM is a resourceful place to buy Elden Ring runes and Elden Ring Items, helping you invest wisely in your ultimate tank setup.

By focusing on these 19 items, you can create a build that can withstand punishing hits, control the battlefield, and deliver powerful counterattacks. Tanking in Elden Ring isn’t just about endurance; it’s about strategic defense and smart resource management — and these gear choices help you master all three.