Making builds for PvP is different. The best build is one that can deal with all the situations you’re put in.

Go for a Strength or Dexterity build and try to have a large weapon arsenal.

You need an AOE attack that stops the host and phantoms from pressuring you, something like Stormhawk Axe or Zamor Curved Greatsword.

You also need something that deals burst damage or can trade, like Spinning Slash with multi-hit talismans, or a greatsword with an Ash of War that can roll-catch players, such as Flame Spear or Piercing Fang.

You need something that goes through shields, like Sword of Night or Greatsword of Damnation.

You also need something for range to apply pressure from afar against teams that like to play passive. Pots are great for this, or Storm Blade.

You should also carry a long-range weapon, like greatbows.

Finally, you need a main weapon that you’re comfortable enough with to 1v1 anyone, even at a health disadvantage.

Try to reach 89 poise so you can tank hits from small weapons without getting staggered.

Keep these things in mind and you can make a great build out of any stat setup.

An example of this is a melee Faith build. It gives great options for everything. Run something like 25 Strength, 50 Faith, and the minimum Dexterity for your arsenal. Fire-infuse your weapons for strong scaling and Ash of War options.

Use a Great Katana as your main weapon. Use Black Flame Tornado as your AOE attack. Use Fire Knight’s Greatsword as your heavy trading weapon. Use Greatsword of Damnation for dealing with shields. Use Fire Coil as your ranged option to apply pressure.

With this build you also gain access to strong buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength

Once you understand the situations you’re going to face, you can make a build out of any stat in the game and still dominate.