In Elden Ring, mastering the art of long-range combat can be a game-changer, whether you're playing solo or diving into co-op or PvP encounters. Long-range builds allow you to control the battlefield, picking off enemies from a distance while avoiding direct confrontations. These builds often rely on a mix of sorceries, incantations, bows, and crossbows, allowing you to engage from safety while dealing devastating damage. Here’s a look at 14 of the best long-range combat builds you can try out in Elden Ring.

1. Mage - Intelligence Sorcery Build

The classic mage build focuses on the powerful sorceries available in the game. These builds maximize Intelligence and can unleash devastating spells like Comet Azur and Glintstone Pebble. With high FP management and the ability to scale damage based on your Intelligence, this build excels in long-range combat. Players can also enhance their defense by using Glintstone Armor.

Tips: Consider pairing your sorceries with a strong staff like the Carian Regal Scepter to maximize damage. If you need extra protection, add a shield like the Blue-Feathered Branchsword.

2. Faith Sorcery Build

Faith-based builds are often overlooked but can be deadly from a distance. Combining Faith and Intelligence allows players to use both Incantations and sorceries. With spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength and Radagon's Scarseal, this build balances both offensive and defensive capabilities at range.

Tips: Use the Golden Order Seal for increased incantation scaling, and don't forget to use the Rune Arc for extra buffs when in need.

3. Archer - Dexterity Bow Build

If you're more into precision and consistency, a Dexterity-based bow build is perfect for long-range combat. Focus on building up your Dexterity and Endurance to increase your attack power and stamina for sustained bow attacks. Weapons like the Longbow and Composite Bow allow you to strike from afar with deadly precision.

Tips: Upgrading your bow to Erdtree Bow or Red Branch Shortbow makes all the difference. Don't forget to equip Poison Arrows or Explosive Arrows for variety.

4. Bloodborne-Inspired Build – Arcane Bow Build

For those looking for a twist on the traditional archer, the Arcane build provides an option to inflict status effects from a distance. With high Arcane, you can infuse your bow with Bleed or Poison effects, allowing for a more unique and dynamic approach to long-range combat.

Tips: Equip a Bow of Darkmoon to apply these effects more efficiently. The Magma Shot incantation can also deal additional ranged fire damage.

5. Cursed Shotgun Build

This build may sound strange, but it takes advantage of the Sacred Seal and the ability to stack Blood Loss and Fire Damage. The strategy here is to use fire-infused arrows while also benefiting from incantations like Swarm of Flies. These combined elements allow you to keep a safe distance while doing massive damage over time.

Tips: Make sure to build around high Faith and Arcane stats, and try using a Fire Scorpion Charm for boosted damage.

6. Pure Intelligence Sniper Build

This build is all about maximizing your ranged magical damage. Players using this build will focus on spells like Ranni’s Dark Moon and Frostbite Sorceries to slowly chip away at enemies from a safe distance. The sniper build emphasizes high Intelligence, making each shot incredibly powerful.

Tips: Pair it with the Carian Retaliation shield for added protection while casting from afar.

7. Moonveil Katana Build

While the Moonveil katana is typically seen as a melee weapon, its ability to unleash a devastating ranged magic attack makes it perfect for those who want to mix both close-range and long-range combat. Players can use the katana's Transient Moonlight special ability to deal quick, ranged magic damage while still being able to engage in melee when necessary.

Tips: Focus on Intelligence and Dexterity to make the most of this hybrid build.

8. Nightblade – Stealthy Assassin Build

For those who prefer a stealthier, more tactical approach, the Nightblade build excels at hitting from the shadows. Combining stealth, bow proficiency, and stealth sorceries, this build allows players to deal massive damage from long range without ever being seen. Consider using Night Comet for stealthy attacks and Silent Step to avoid detection.

Tips: The Radahn's Greatbow is a great weapon choice for taking out enemies from far away while staying hidden.

9. Crucible Knight Long-Range Shield Build

This shield-centric build focuses on defense while utilizing the long-range attacks of the Crucible Knight Shield. Using spells like Great Heal and Sacred Blade, you can support your team from a distance while still having the security of a strong defense.

Tips: The Crucible Knight Shield will help deflect incoming damage, leaving you free to cast healing or offensive spells.

10. Pyromancer Build

Pyromancer builds are highly versatile, utilizing fire-based spells for both offense and crowd control. The Fireball, Flame Sling, and Firestorm spells allow you to hit enemies from a distance while also causing intense damage over time. Pair this build with Fire Scorpion Charm to boost your damage output.

Tips: Ensure you have a high Faith and Intelligence to make your fire spells as deadly as possible.

11. Cleric – Long-Range Healing and Buffing Build

If you're more inclined to support your team, the Cleric build is the way to go. You can provide long-range healing and buffs to your party while staying out of direct combat. Consider using Heal, Blessed Weapon, and Golden Vow to enhance your team's combat effectiveness from afar.

Tips: Equip the Golden Order Seal to amplify your incantations and stay safe behind a shield while you support your team.

12. Light Sorcery Build

This build specializes in fast-moving, light-based sorceries that can deal quick damage from a distance. Spells like Light's Greatsword and Lucidity's Light can deal significant damage, especially against enemies weak to light-based attacks.

Tips: Prioritize casting speed and use Radagon's Scarseal to further boost your sorcery power.

13. Mage-Knight Hybrid Build

This build blends magic and melee for players who prefer flexibility. With a focus on long-range sorceries for initial damage, and a sword for closer encounters, this hybrid build provides a balanced and strategic approach to combat.

Tips: Equip a Sword of Night and Flame to take advantage of both sorcery and physical combat.

14. Divine Crossbow Build

The Divine Crossbow build uses the Divine Crossbow to shoot high-damage, ranged bolts while also providing healing and support buffs to your allies with divine incantations. The mix of ranged offensive and healing support makes this build ideal for longer battles.

Tips: Use Divine Fortification and Blessed Weapon to enhance your team's survivability while you engage from a distance.

Long-range combat in Elden Ring can be incredibly rewarding when done right. Whether you prefer sorcery, archery, or hybrid builds, there are plenty of ways to excel from a distance. With the right strategy, you can minimize your exposure to danger while maximizing your damage output. And, for those looking to enhance their gameplay, you can always consider ways to buy Elden Ring runes or buy Elden Ring items to improve your builds even further.