What build or respec should I use for the Elden Ring DLC boss?

[AveryQA]

I just hit the first major boss in the Elden Ring DLC and my usual strength build feels completely useless. I can't seem to find a safe opening to attack without trading massive damage, and my spirit ashes get shredded in seconds. I'm wondering if I need to completely respec for this fight or if I'm just missing a specific tactic.

[Nathan_G]

That boss is a wake up call. I stuck with a faster weapon, learned to bait the big swing, and poke in the tiny windows instead of going full bore. My ashes felt useless as a shield, so I kept them for a late, safe moment rather than relying on them every attempt.

[PaisleyRR]

I did try respeccing once, but it didn’t fix it. It felt like spacing and tells mattered more than raw stats; even with more vitality I still got melted if I misread the move. Maybe this one isn’t a numbers problem.

[PaisleyPJ]

I tried a defensive rhythm: shield up, roll through the sweeps, strike during the recovery, then back off. It’s slow and not flashy, but it let me land a couple of clean hits without trading huge damage.

[Camila.H]

While wandering between bonfires I started wondering if the issue isn’t the boss so much as the setup around you—the arena, camera, or even lag in co op. Do you think the real problem isn’t the timing but the overall setup?