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In Elden Ring, hybrid builds—those that combine multiple damage types or stats—can be some of the most versatile and rewarding to play. Whether you're blending Intelligence and Dexterity for sorcery-enhanced blades, or mixing Strength and Faith for holy-infused hammers, getting the most out of your rune allocation is key to making hybrid scaling truly shine.

Here are 19 smart rune allocation tricks that help you optimize performance across dual-scaling builds without spreading yourself too thin.

1. Pick a Primary, Then Complement

Always choose one stat to prioritize first. If you're going for a Strength/Faith build, commit early to Strength to handle early-game weapons, then invest in Faith to unlock its synergy later.

2. Use Scaling-Adjusted Weapons

Some weapons, like the Sword of Night and Flame, scale well with multiple stats. Identify weapons that scale decently across your chosen hybrid attributes.

3. Ashes of War Can Shift Scaling

Ashes of War like "Flaming Strike" or "Sacred Blade" not only add effects but also change your weapon's scaling. Use them to align weapons with your rune investment.

4. Hybrid Catalysts Save Stat Points

Certain staves and seals, such as the Golden Order Seal or Prince of Death’s Staff, benefit from two stats. These tools let you cast efficiently while supporting hybrid scaling without multiple casting tools.

5. Focus on Minimum Requirements for Weapons

Rather than overinvesting in all stats, hit the bare minimum to wield your weapon and funnel the rest into your main scaling stats.

6. Split Scaling Shields for Passive Offense

Some shields deal damage or buff attacks when infused with Ashes. For example, a Sacred infusion makes your guard counter scale with Faith, supporting hybrid builds defensively.

7. Level Up Vigor When Soft-Caps Hit

Once you’ve hit a soft cap on both of your hybrid stats, reinvest in Vigor or Endurance for survivability. This balances glass-cannon tendencies often found in hybrid builds.

8. Boost FP for Spellblade Roles

If you're running melee/magic hybrids, don’t forget to increase Mind to support frequent spellcasting between physical blows.

9. Reallocate Stats via Larval Tears

Experiment freely—if a hybrid scaling build doesn't feel right, respec using a Larval Tear and adjust your rune allocation.

10. Utilize Talisman Synergy

Talismans like the Radagon or Marika’s Scarseal/Scarseal give stat bonuses that can help smooth scaling gaps.

11. Stat Buffs from Gear

Armors like the Queen’s Crescent Crown (Int) or Crucible Tree Helm (Faith) can give bonus stats. These save runes and allow for more flexible hybrid scaling.

12. Mix Melee and Status Builds

Hybrid doesn’t always mean split stats. You can hybridize function by using Strength for damage and Arcane for bleed buildup, offering strong synergy.

13. Split Damage Types Confuses Enemies in PvP

Dual-scaling builds often result in mixed damage types—harder to defend against, especially when switching between elemental and physical damage.

14. Late-Game Hybrid Weapons Outperform Single-Stat Ones

Legendary weapons that scale with multiple stats, such as Maliketh's Black Blade or Death's Poker, unlock their full potential in hybrid builds.

15. Rune Efficiency Matters

If you’re aiming to level quickly, it's smart to buy elden ring runes ps5 or access farming options that support rapid stat progression in hybrid builds.

16. Cap Your Hybrid Stats Around 50/50

Aim for an even split only if both stats contribute to damage scaling or utility. Often 50/30 or 40/40 provides more practical results.

17. Infuse With Intention

Always match your infusion choice to your scaling. A Cold-infused weapon benefits from Intelligence, while a Flame Art infusion scales with Faith.

18. Build Around Weapon Art Scaling

Some Weapon Arts scale with a stat other than your weapon’s main damage. For example, Black Flame Tornado benefits from Faith regardless of weapon scaling.

19. Invest in Endurance When Hybriding Heavy Weapons

When combining melee damage and casting, weight management is crucial. More Endurance ensures you can wear heavier gear and cast efficiently.

Hybrid scaling builds allow you to play creatively and adapt to a wide range of encounters. They also tend to shine in both PvE and PvP due to their versatility. For players looking to experiment with dual-scaling weapons or multiple damage types, having the right rune investment is crucial.

For those who want to test new builds faster or skip some grinding, it can be helpful to buy elden ring runes ps5 or explore options to Buy Elden Ring items PS5 to kickstart hybrid setups and make adjustments on the fly.