Elden Ring: The Metyr Guard Counter Build Guide
Hello everyone! Welcome to the latest installment of our Elden Ring DLC build guide series. Today, we’re diving deep into a build constructed entirely around the "Guard Counter" mechanic—and we’ll be doing so using a weapon you’d never expect to see used for blocking: Metyr.
"Metyr" naturally boasts a highly aggressive moveset, making it an excellent choice for landing multi-hit combos. But its true brilliance lies in this: it compels enemies to actively attempt to counterattack you. You land a heavy attack; the enemy attempts to swing back in retaliation; and you simply seize the moment to raise your shield and block—immediately following up with a Guard Counter. This playstyle not only allows you to maintain constant pressure against foes wielding slow, massive weapons, but it also catches them completely off guard—after all, who would ever expect you to use a curved sword to block? To further optimize this build and progression, many players choose to buy Elden Ring Runes to accelerate leveling and gear upgrades.
Why This Works
Strength | Explanation |
Pressure | Constant aggression forces mistakes |
Surprise factor | Enemies don't expect blocks from a Metyr |
Roll catching | Guard counter → Ash of War catches panic rolls |
Hyperarmor trades | Win exchanges you shouldn't |
The Metyr has low guard boost naturally, but we fix that with talismans and physic.
Talismans
Talisman | Why It's Here |
Curved Sword Talisman | Enhances guard counter damage (core) |
Two-Handed Sword Talisman | Boosts damage while two-handing (you'll always be two-handing to block) |
Greatshield Talisman | Boosts your guarding ability (essential for Metyr's low guard boost) |
Erdtree's Favor +2 | Extra equip load, HP, stamina |
Optional Swap
If you use Ashes of War frequently, swap Erdtree's Favor for Shard of Alexander. Spinning Slash on the Metyr is a fantastic mixup.
Physick Mix
· Deflecting Hardtear – Enhances your guard (non-negotiable for this build)
· Fill the second slot based on preference:
· Stamina regen
· Bubbletear for safety
· Strength-knot tear
Stats (Level 150 Recommendation)
Stat | Value | Notes |
Vigor | 60 | Survivability |
Mind | Base-15 | Enough for Ashes |
Endurance | 30-35 | Blocking consumes stamina |
Strength | 54 | Optimized for two-handing (hits 81 effective) |
Dexterity | Minimum for Metyr | |
Int/Fai/Arc | Base | Not needed |
Why 54 Strength? When two-handing, you get a 1.5x multiplier – 54 becomes 81, hitting the soft cap perfectly.
Armor
Choice is yours, but this setup gives 88 poise without Bull-Goat Talisman:
· Greathelm
· Lionel's Armor (Altered)
· Lionel's Gauntlets
· Lionel's Greaves
· 88 poise lets you tank through most attacks while setting up guard counters. Adjust as needed for fashion.
Ash of War Recommendations
Ash of War | Best Use |
Spinning Slash | Best overall. Great mixup, multi-hit, roll catch after guard counter |
Sword Dance | Excellent roll catch when they panic roll around you |
Key Tips
· You can guard counter Ashes of War – As shown against Moonveil and Waterfowl Dance
· Watch your stamina – Guard counters consume a lot. Don't get guard broken.
· Some attacks still chip – Dragon breath, frost buildup. Dodge these instead.
· Walls and floors are your enemy – The Metyr's guard counter bounces off surfaces easily. Be aware of your environment.
Matchup Notes
What You Can Guard Counter
· Moonveil's transient moonlight (yes, the wave)
· Waterfowl Dance (with proper timing and defense buffs)
· Most regular weapon R1/R2 chains
· Shield pokes (you can even guard counter a guard counter)
What You Cannot
· Dragon breath (stamina drains too fast, frost builds up)
· Long multi-hit ashes without stamina management
· Catch Flame spam (tested – not great)
Invasion Showcase Highlights
Vs. Malenia Cosplayer (Specimen Storehouse)
Blocked Waterfowl Dance into guard counter. The host had no idea what hit them. Key takeaway: You can absolutely guard counter boss Ashes of War with proper setup.
Vs. Moonveil + Dragon Breath (Consecrated Snowfield)
The Moonveil spammer learned the hard way – guard counter beats transient moonlight every time. The dragon breath? Less successful. Stick to dodging those.
Vs. Shield Poker (Deeproot Depths)
This was fascinating. You can guard counter a guard counter. The shield poker had no answer when I turned his own tactic against him.
Vs. Rivers of Blood (Mountaintop)
Rivers is scary – it locks you down and leaves you open to phantoms. The solution? Bait them close together, then spin to win. Guard counter into Ash of War wiped the phantom instantly.
Damage Numbers
In testing, guard counters were hitting for 1,200-1,900 damage depending on buffs and enemy defenses. That's without heavy optimization – this build has room to grow.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Incredible pressure | Low natural guard boost |
Catches players off guard | Stamina hungry |
Counters meta ashes | Bounces off walls/floors |
Roll catch potential | Requires good timing |
Fun and unique | Not for passive playstyles |
Final Thoughts
This build is legitimately powerful. The Metyr excels at close-range fighting – you're always in their face, always pressuring. Most players will attack back out of reflex, and that's exactly when you hit them with the guard counter. Nobody expects you to block with a curved sword. Use that surprise. Stats recap: 54 Strength, rest into Vigor/Endurance. Talismans: Curved Sword, Two-Handed Sword, Greatshield, Erdtree's Favor +2. Physic: Deflecting Hardtear. Ash: Spinning Slash. For players looking to optimize faster progression, many also look for trusted sources like MMOEXP, including offers such as Elden Ring Items for sale to quickly complete their setup and jump straight into endgame performance.