The Elden Ring Carian Cleaver Build is an NG+ Intelligence build that takes place after level 150. If you’ve been looking for an Axe build that cleaves through anything and everything in the game, then you might want to check this build-out. For this build to work you'll need to acquire the Iron Cleaver for melee combat and set it to magic infusion to acquire that high damage value, the reason why we picked this weapon apart from its high damage value is its R2 attack which allows the character to charge and lunge forward to close the gap when attacking an enemy. To further boost the weapon's attack, pairing it with the Royal Knight's Resolve skill makes it seamless to damage and kill enemies.

As for the spellcasting aspect of this build, the Carian Regal Scepter is the primary staff weapon for this build, but early on, you can use the Meteorite Staff or Academy Glintstone Staff, then switch out to the Regal Scepter once you have it. Carian Regal Scepter is a must for this build since the character has high Intelligence, making it a good pair with the magic-infused Iron Cleaver. When it comes to spells, you can use what you prefer but the Greatblade Phalanx is one of the spells we recommend for this build just for added offense and defense. The effect of this spell can follow up with a combo such as casting the spell, then using the R2 charge attack from the Iron Cleaver, and by closing the cap with the melee move, it triggers the spell, resulting in stance breaking, high damage, or just killing the target quickly.

For shields, this build uses the Jellyfish Shield. It's a good addition for defense and countering enemy attacks but the main highlight is using the shield's skill "Contagious Fury" to further buff your damage by 20%. The best way to do this is to equip your scepter and axe weapons > use Royal Knight's Resolve > switch the scepter to the shield > and then use Contagious Fury. When it comes to Armor, you can use what you prefer, but for this build, the following pieces are used (Carian Knight Helm, Carian Knight Armor, Banished Knight Gauntlets, Banished Knight Greaves) for added poise value and to take as much hits if I'm put in a tricky situation and when spamming attacks.

This build also recommends the following Talismans (Ritual Sword Talisman, Axe Talisman, Magic Scorpion Charm) to raise the attack power of the axe weapon, melee attacks, and magic damage. And the last slot for the talisman depends on the situation or your preference: If you are fighting a boss Rotten Winged Sword Insignia or Millicent's Prosthesis are good alternatives, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for increased Physical Defense, Dagger Talisman to increase Critical Hits, and even Curved Sword Talisman to increase the guard counter damage.