One of the more underrated strategies in Elden Ring is lure-based combat. This approach focuses on manipulating enemy movement and aggro, setting traps, or baiting foes into unfavorable positions to gain the upper hand. It’s a playstyle that rewards patience, observation, and creativity—perfect for players who like to control the battlefield rather than rush headfirst into fights.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 21 builds that emphasize lure-based tactics, whether you’re navigating tough PvE encounters or outsmarting opponents in PvP. These builds combine stealth, ranged options, and clever use of items or abilities to keep enemies guessing and off-balance.
Why Focus on Lure-Based Combat?
Lure-based combat works well because it lets you control the tempo of a fight. Instead of direct confrontation, you bait enemies into traps, leading them into AoE spells, ambushes, or environmental hazards. This reduces risk and maximizes damage output from a safe distance. Plus, when paired with the right build, it can turn challenging fights into manageable encounters.
21 Builds Built Around Lure and Baiting
Shadow Assassin Build
Utilizes stealth mechanics and silent weapons to lure enemies into close-range traps or backstabs.Beast Tamer Build
Uses summons or companions to provoke foes, drawing them into deadly ambushes.Arcane Trapmaster
Combines ranged sorcery and trap spells to manipulate enemy paths.Ranged Poisoner
Inflicts poison from afar to lure enemies into chase while dealing steady damage.Bait-and-Switch Dex Build
Uses quickstep and decoys to confuse enemies, baiting them into overextending.Magic Sniper
A pure ranged Intelligence build that lures enemies from a distance using slow projectile spells.Firebomb Specialist
Throws firebombs or explosive items to bait enemies into fiery zones.Spirit Summoner
Leverages spirit ashes to provoke aggro, allowing the player to attack from safe spots.Bow and Trap Combo
Uses bows with trap setups like the Poison Mist to lure enemies into damage zones.Heavy Weapon Feint Build
Uses slow, powerful weapons to bait attacks and punish overzealous foes.Bleed Build with Lure
Inflicts bleed status while baiting enemies to chase, triggering devastating effects.Faith-based Bait and Heal
Uses incantations that both lure and heal, maintaining control while outlasting enemies.Dark Sorcery Controller
Manipulates enemy movement with dark magic spells and curse status.Poise Tank Lure
Absorbs hits to bait enemies into prolonged fights, then counters decisively.Dual Wield Lure Specialist
Quick strikes and baiting attacks to lure enemies into combos.Trap Master with Mine and Bombs
Places environmental traps and bombs to control the battlefield.Stamina Management Lure Build
Forces enemies to waste stamina chasing and attacking, creating openings.Windmill Scythe Lure Build
Uses wide-swing weapons to bait enemy aggression and capitalize on stagger.Bleed Bow Lure
Inflicts bleed from afar while baiting enemies into the open.Cold Damage Lure Build
Uses frost buildup to slow enemies and bait them into fatal zones.Hybrid Lure Build
Combines melee, ranged, and magic to adaptively bait and exploit enemy weaknesses.
Building Your Lure Setup Efficiently
When experimenting with lure-based builds, managing your resources is key. You’ll want to gather cheap Elden Ring runes so you can invest in leveling key stats and buying consumables. Many players find that shopping at their favorite elden shop helps quickly stock up on bait items like firebombs, poison knives, or other tools that can manipulate enemy behavior.
Keep in mind that the best lure builds rely on situational awareness and timing. The goal is to force your opponents into mistakes, setting up punishing counters or escapes.
Lure-based combat is a refreshing alternative to straightforward slugfests. It rewards creativity and strategic thinking, and when paired with the right weaponry and spells, it can dominate both PvE and PvP. If you want to explore this underused playstyle, these 21 builds are a solid starting point.
