STR Build Tips?

So, I've done Dex/Pyro, Int/Sorcery, Str/Faith and a few 'mish-mash of everything' builds. I've usually had a soft spot for the faster weapons as I felt like I could control them more. Although, after playing around with the Claymore on my str/faith build, and also the Moonlight Great Sword on my int build - I'm starting to enjoy some of the heavier weapons (although I still find the Zwiehander annoying to use).

The other night, decided to roll up a STR Focused build (and may forgo using any type of spells at all), so likely focusing in STR/END/VIT.

Just looking for some tips on how to use some of the heavy hitters in PvE and PvP. Been starting to use the kick more often to give me openings for attacks, and also the basic 'lure out a strong attack and hit in the recovery portion', and back-stab and a strong R2 attack while they are getting up that connects just as the invincibility frame goes away.

Seems like a common tactic is to have your shield up - then quickly switch to 2H to actually try and land a blow -- anything else I should be keeping in mind?

Thinking of keeping this character maybe in the late 30s / early 40s for soul-level and try some mid-level PvP - most of my other characters seem to sit in the 70s-80s.

Currently using a Black Knight Sword at +5, just opened Sens and got the Man-Serpent Great Sword which I'll probably work on upgrading later tonight, as from what I gather - it's one of the better STR-based weapons and scales very well.

Or, if I'm planning on sticking in the 30s/40s - should I have an elemental weapon as a backup?

no, str weapons require heavy end investment due to their weight, but only a modest str investment. 2 handing one at 27 str will just about max your damage.

the large/great clubs work very well too.

Trading (hitting the opponent at the same time as they hit me to prevent them dodging or parrying) is one of my most common and most successful tactics, but i gather that others fight differently.

what forum said, making a str build in the lower levels is a pain to make and itlimits the weapons you can use, you could go with the large club or the msgs depending on where youre invading. maybe something like this http://tinyurl.com/8ndloze

I am a fan of fast wepons but I have this thing with srengt wepons where if I charge straight at them they become scared so my only advice becoust I do not know much about scaling is to rush throw them ofguard and beat them to a bloody pulp

you can parry then switch to two handing the stone gs and riposte.

I rather like the Golem Axe, as you don't forsake a ranged option in your str build. Just make sure to carry alot of repair powder.

Yes, have a elemental as backup. Something like the shotel. Use it to surprise your opponents. When people see a STR weapon, they instantly think:

"Okay, parry-riposte easy kill"

Use that! Mix your attacks, make them spam parries and punish with a backstab (more for invasions than duels...) or just kick them like you said and go for the stunlock.

Switch to shotel if you find a turtle, and having a crossbow can really help finishing people.

I'm a fan of the Demon Great machete, a really hard-hitting weapon with 40 Str. It's not as slow as the hammers and axes, and has a great, wide attack arc that lets you dead angle and fight unlocked. I agree with whoever said to keep a Golem Axe as backup though, there's a great mixup there between fast and slow, and the ranged attack on it is actually pretty good.

I like keeping an elemental Pike as backup, though you need to switch it through menu swap due to its large weight. It works wonders for that final poke finish off or if your opponent is a dodging monkey.

Thanks for the tips, seems like keeping this guy as a lower-level PvP one won't be that viable. Just beat Sens, so looking forward to trying out the Golem Axe soon. After playing so many light-weight builds, rather fun doing something a little tankier and hard hitting.