Explain to me why am I physically unable to play anything that isnt a STR build

>but with less viable options
nigga have you seen the magic in this game

and no I don't just mean kamehamea

>192 days of bethesda shillingwake me up

Elden Ring is literally the first game where magic is actually interesting instead of just projectile spells being the only ones worth using.

I seek damage/reward for said damage and prioritize it over recovery frames in some cases. That being said ER dex is better with bleed weapons because with high arcane you essentially have all the benefits of STR builds against bosses with alittle less stagger damage but 1/3rd the recovery frames.

I should have added the Ruins Greatsword : 917 AR, deals 889 damage, slightly less than the hammer.

The WA kinda makes up for it of course, dealing 1600 dmg in a long aoe ligne.

Split damage is higher damage when weak and still decent but weaker damage when the enemy is neutral to it, and all you need are the minimum requirements for your weapon, and then just put the rest into the stat of your choice. It makes sense, Strength and Dexterity get full physical damage and a higher variety of weapons which is only resisted by a handful of enemies but get none of the benefits of Intelligence and Faith.

big sword is fun

I've had the same sentiment too for ages. What's the point in doing 2x the damage a swing if the faster weapon has 3x as many safe opportunities to apply damage. And gets a free 25% chunk of the lifebar once in a while.

Split damage seems to be almost always way higher in general if points are spread evenly for the comparison. My greatsword was like 650 AR before swapping to faith now at 800 AR
I think it will always be better PvP wise but most bosses at the end game resist holy and fire which may make the pure str better for them. Haven't tested extensively,

Resistances and weaknesses are really important too. You should use elemental weapons situationally or for their weapon arts.