Elden Ring's expansive DLC has brought a host of new weapons, strategies, and ways to dominate PvP encounters. One of the more unique and entertaining setups I've experimented with recently is a build centered entirely around the Rabbi's Cannon. If you're looking for a high-impact, long-range snipe setup that combines raw physical power with magical versatility, this build is one you won't want to miss.

 

In this guide, I'll break down everything you need to know-from weapon stats, Elden Ring Items and talismans to armor choices and invasion strategies-so you can make the most of this unusual but powerful setup.

 

Why the Rabbi's Cannon?

 

The Rabbi's Cannon stands out among ranged options in Elden Ring. Unlike typical cannons, it features both innate physical and magic damage, which makes it ideal for using the Rabbath's Great Bolt. These bolts deal magic damage, and the cannon's slight tracking when locked on allows for precise long-range attacks.

 

While the weapon does have tracking, I often prefer manual aiming to maximize damage with the Sharpshot Talisman. This flexibility allows you to adapt your strategy depending on whether you're sniping at long range or buffing your damage for close encounters. Another notable trait is that cannons don't scale, meaning you only need to meet the minimum Strength and Dexterity requirements to wield them effectively. This opens up interesting stat allocation options for a tanky, hybrid build.

 

Stats and Build Focus

 

For this setup, I went with a Strength-Intelligence hybrid build. Here's a breakdown of key stats and reasoning:

 

 Strength: 40-While the cannon itself only requires 28 Strength, I opted for 40 to allow for strong damage with other weapons when needed. This flexibility is useful in PvP when you might need a quick swap or follow-up attack.

 

 Intelligence: 20-Required for Terra Magicka, which greatly enhances the damage of Rabbath's Great Bolt. The magic damage component is essential for maximizing the cannon's output.

 

 Health and Endurance: After meeting weapon requirements, the rest of your points should be allocated here. Since the cannon has a slow reload time, you need a tanky build that can endure punishment while lining up your shots.

 

This combination allows you to consistently deal high damage while staying resilient against aggressive opponents.

 

Talismans for Maximum Damage

 

Talismans are crucial in optimizing this build. My preferred setup focuses on damage amplification, piercing boosts, and full-health buffs:

 

1.Arrow Soaring Sting & Arrow Sting Talismans-These increase the damage of each bolt, essential for making the slow shots worthwhile.

 

2.Sharpshot Talisman-Enhances damage when manually aiming, perfect for precise snipes.

 

3.Magic Scorpion Charm-Lowers defense but boosts magic damage, useful for locked-on shots at range.

 

4.Ritual Sword Talisman-Provides a damage bonus at full HP. If you take hits and lose the full-health buff, you can swap to the Spear Talisman, which benefits pierce damage like the Rabbath's Bolt.

 

This talisman setup ensures that each shot hits hard, whether you're sniping from afar or using the cannon as a deterrent at mid-range.

 

Armor and Buffs

 

Since the cannon has long reloads, your survivability depends heavily on armor and buffs. For this build, I prioritize tankiness without exceeding your weight load:

 

 Armor: Choose pieces that maximize poise and defense while keeping you below your equip load threshold for medium roll. The cannon's slow attack rhythm means getting staggered can be fatal.

 

Buffs:

 

 Uplifting Aromatic and Exalted Flesh-Increase overall damage output.

 

 Magic Shrouding Cracked Tier-Boosts damage for magic attacks, synergizing with the Rabbath's Great Bolt and Terra Magicka.

 

With all buffs active, the cannon's damage can reach 1,434 per hit, and with talisman optimization, it can spike to 1,577. This makes even a single well-placed shot devastating.

 

PvP Strategy: Invasions and Engagements

 

Now that the build is fully set up, the real test comes in PvP. I've taken this cannon on multiple invasions, and it shines in long-range suppression, AoE zoning, and punishing aggressive players. Here's a breakdown of tactics and observations:

 

1. Positioning is Key

 

High ground is your friend. From elevated positions, you can maximize cannon range and blast radius while avoiding close-range rushers. During invasions, I often find strategic spots in areas like the Academy of Raya Lucaria or Bellerat Tower, where narrow pathways and elevation allow me to control movement.

 

2. Punishing Aggression

 

The cannon's slow reload is a liability if opponents rush. I use AoE stuns and careful manual aiming to deter aggressors. For example, placing the blast radius at a player's feet can stun them while they approach, allowing for follow-up shots with Rabbath's Great Bolt.3. Combining Cannon with Minions

 

Minions can serve as distractions, drawing attention away from you while you line up high-damage shots. In several invasions, I used summoned allies to bait enemies into positions where a single cannon shot could deal heavy damage.

 

4. Managing Buffs and Timing

 

With this build, buff management is critical. Buff Ritual Sword or Spear Talisman at the right moment, and remember to use Terra Magicka for enhanced magic damage. Timing buffs and shots can make a single hit or combo completely swing the fight.

 

5. Handling Multiple Opponents

 

Facing multiple phantoms or a mix of hosts and summons can be tricky. The key is patience: hold positions, let enemies cluster, and target priority threats like wizards or heavily damaging melee opponents first. The blast radius may not be huge, but precise placement can finish off multiple foes in one shot.

 

Examples from the Field

 

During my invasions, several engagements highlighted the cannon's potential:

 

 Academy of Raya Lucaria: Engaged a Phantom and a Host simultaneously. Using careful blast placement, I dealt 900 damage to a River of Blood user, forcing them to retreat while minimizing my risk.

 

 Bellerat Tower: Positioned on the high ground and combined cannon shots with AoE attacks from minions. Aggressive players rushing up the stairs were stunned, allowing multiple follow-up hits and securing control of the tower.

 

 Cave of the Four Lords: Encountered wizards and melee users together. Careful positioning and prioritizing magic users first allowed for controlling the fight despite the slow reload, emphasizing the build's versatility.

 

These examples showcase that, while the cannon requires patience, its potential for high single-shot damage and strategic zoning is unparalleled when used correctly.

 

Tips for Success

 

To maximize this build in invasions and duels, consider the following tips:

 

1.Aim Manually When Possible: Although the cannon has tracking, manual aiming allows for full damage buffs and more precise shots.

 

2.Use Blast Radius Strategically: Don't hesitate to aim at your feet or near obstacles to stun approaching enemies.

 

3.Prioritize Buff Management: Swap between talismans depending on your health and enemy type. Full-health bonuses or piercing boosts can make the difference in key fights.

 

4.Control the Battlefield: Use elevation, choke points, and summons to manipulate enemy movement. Patience and positioning are your best friends.

 

5.Know When to Retreat: The cannon is slow. If enemies close the gap, a well-timed retreat can prevent unnecessary deaths and allow you to reload safely.

 

Pros and Cons of the Build

 

Like any specialized setup, the Rabbi's Cannon build has clear strengths and weaknesses:

 

Pros:

 Devastating single-shot damage

 Excellent long-range sniping capability

 AoE zoning potential with strategic blast placement

 Flexible talisman setup for full-health, piercing, and magic damage bonuses

 Works against both melee and ranged opponents

 

Cons:

 Slow reload time makes you vulnerable if rushed

 Requires careful positioning and high situational awareness

 Magic scaling requires investment in Intelligence

 Less effective in very fast-paced, close-quarters fights

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Rabbi's Cannon build is a high-risk, high-reward setup that rewards strategic thinking, patience, and precise execution. While it may not suit every PvP encounter, its ability to control space, punish overcommitment, and deliver staggering damage makes it one of the most unique and enjoyable builds in Elden Ring's DLC.

 

Whether you're looking to dominate invasions, more Elden Ring Runes, experiment with new weapon mechanics, or simply have fun with AoE zoning, this build offers a fresh and powerful approach to PvP. With the right stats, talismans, and positioning, the Rabbi's Cannon can turn even the most chaotic battlefield into a controlled, strategic fight in your favor.

 

Build Summary:

 

 Weapon: Rabbi's Cannon

 

 Stats: Strength 40, Intelligence 20, remaining points in Health & Endurance

 

 Talismans: Ritual Sword, Spear (swap as needed), Sharpshot, Magic Scorpion Charm, Arrow Sting, Arrow Soaring Sting

 

 Armor: Tanky and medium weight to stay mobile

 

 Buffs: Terra Magicka, Uplifting Aromatic, Exalted Flesh, Magic Shrouding Cracked Tier

 

 Playstyle: Long-range sniping, AoE zoning, patient positioning, careful buff management

 

If you're ready to take your Elden Ring invasions to a new level and dominate with style, give the Rabbi's Cannon build a try-you might just find yourself controlling the battlefield like never before.