Elden Ring Bloodhound's Fang Build Guide

May. 19, 2024

Elden Ring Bloodhound’s Fang Build Guide

In this Elden Ring Bloodhound’s Fang Build Guide, I’ll be showcasing my Bloodhound build, which is versatile enough to use from the start of the game all the way through New Game Plus. I’ll demonstrate how to effectively play this build with a single Bloodhound’s Fang or by dual-wielding them for enhanced combat prowess.

A Dexterity Build that focuses on the use of the Bloodhound’s Fang and its weapon skill Bloodhound’s Finesse.

We have over 110 Elden Ring builds. Each one is meticulously crafted to offer unique playstyles, strategies, and experiences, ensuring there’s something for every adventurer in the Lands Between. Whether you seek the raw power of heavy weapons, the finesse of spellcasting, or the versatility of hybrid builds, our collection has you covered. Explore the depths of the game’s mechanics and unleash your full potential with our diverse array of builds.

Let’s delve into theBloodhound’s Fang, the cornerstone of this build.

First, theBloodhound’s Fangis accessible early in the game. You can acquire it inLimgraveby defeating theBloodhoundKnightDarriwil. By beelining to this area, you can secure this weapon from the beginning of your journey, making it a reliable choice throughout your first playthrough and intoNew Game Plus.

TheBloodhound’s Fangboasts an impressive attack rating for its weight and early availability. Its phenomenal scaling ensures it remains effective through multiple playthroughs. Notably, this curved greatsword features nativebleed buildup, uncommon for its class. Additionally, it can be buffed with items likeblood greasefor enhanced bleeding orfirefor extra damage, providing versatility that few weapons inElden Ringoffer.

The weapon’s unique trait is its increasedjump attackdamage. Whether you wield it solo ordual-wield, this attribute makes it ideal for ajump attack-centric playstyle.Bloodhound’s Finesse, the weapon skill, allows for a slash followed by a quick dart away. A follow-upR2brings you back in for another strike, complete withiframesduring both animations, enabling strategic maneuvering during combat.

In boss fights, I typically begin with either ajump attackfollowed by anL2to dodge back and anR2to re-engage, or I initiate with anL2to evade an immediate boss attack, then counter with anR2. This tactic varies depending on the boss’s behavior and requires practice to master. TheL2attack swiftly gets you out of harm’s way, and the follow-upR2utilizesiframesto dodge and strike simultaneously, ensuring you avoid damage while connecting your attacks.

Whether using one or twoBloodhound’s Fangs, the strategy remains consistent: employjump attacksto initiate combat, then useL2andR2to navigate and deal damage.Dual-wieldingenhances thejump attackdamage, making it particularly effective against regular and easier enemies.

When it comes toarmorfor this build, one key piece is theRaptor’s Black Feathers. This armor increases yourjump attackdamage, complementing theBloodhound’s Fangto maximize yourjump attackdamage output. However, theRaptor’s Black Feathersoffer limited protection andpoise. To compensate for this, you’ll want to select sturdier pieces for the rest of your armor set.

For the rest of the armor, I use theBloodhound Knight Set, which fits thematically if you’re cosplaying as aBloodhound. While this set is effective, there are stronger options available. Ideally, you should opt for heavier armor pieces that provide greater protection andpoise. These will enhance your overall defense, allowing you to withstand more damage while still benefiting from the increasedjump attackdamage granted by theRaptor’s Black Feathers.

When it comes totalismansfor this Elden Ring Bloodhound’s Fang build, I use theShard of Alexanderto increase the damage ofBloodhound’s Finesse.

TheClaw Talismanfurther boostsjump attackdamage, stacking with theBloodhound’s FangandRaptor’s Black Feathersto maximize yourjump attackoutput.

Additionally, I use theDragoncrest Greatshield Talismanto reduce incoming damage and theBull-Goat’s Talismanto ensure sufficientpoise.

If you opt for heavier armor, consider using theGreen Turtle Talismanfor improved stamina recovery, which is crucial for this build. Alternatively, you can use theGreat Turtle Shellon your back for additional stamina recovery, especially if you’re on your first playthrough and have limited talisman slots.

As for weapon buffs, you can use variousgreasesdepending on your enemy. For instance, if facing an enemy weak tobleed,Blood Greasewill enhance your bleed buildup, making it more effective.

This is particularly useful inNew Game, where your damage output isn’t as high, allowingbleedto trigger more effectively. InNew Game Plus, you may find that enemies die before thebleedeffect triggers due to your increased damage.

Additionally, you can useFire Greaseagainst enemies likeCrucible Knights, who are immune tobleedbut vulnerable tofire. Adapt yourgreaseusage based on enemy weaknesses for optimal results. While regular enemies might not require these buffs, they can provide a significant edge in tougher encounters or boss fights. ByNew Game Plus, you should have all the necessary recipes, and inNew Game, you can acquirebleedandfiregreases early on.

When it comes toattributesfor this Bloodhound’s Fang build, I have 50Vigor, 21Mind, 25Endurance, 40Strength, 70Dexterity, 16Intelligence, 7Faith, and 9Arcane.Intelligence,Faith, andArcaneare not necessary for this build, so you can disregard those, as they are determined by the starting class.

One notable aspect of this build is its minimal reliance on buffs, apart from Grease, which can be used during boss fights if desired but isn’t mandatory. The build boasts high damage output and versatility across various combat situations, making constant buffing unnecessary.

In this Bloodhound’s Fang build, I’ve opted not to includeLord of Blood’s ExultationorWhite Mask, as I find thatBlood Lossisn’t triggered frequently enough to justify the attack power boost. While these items might be more relevant in a first playthrough, obtaining them later limits their effectiveness, especially in New Game Plus.

For selecting aGreat Rune, I highly recommendGodrick’s Great Rune. It benefitsVigor,Mind,Endurance,Strength, andDexterity, covering most of the essential stats for this build. Additionally, if you’re considering usingFlame, Grant and Strengthfor boss fights, investing a bit inFaithcould be beneficial. Another viable option isRadahn’s, which provides bonuses to FP, Stamina, and HP, all valuable for this build.

When it comes to theFlask of Wondrous Physick, prioritize theGreenburst Crystal Tearto improve Stamina Recovery. Given the high Stamina consumption, especially during the use ofBloodhound’s Finesse, quick Stamina recovery is crucial. For increasing damage output, consider theDexteritytier unlessDexterityis already maxed out at 80. In that case, focusing on Strength for additional scaling could be more beneficial.

That wraps up ourBloodhound build. As always, let us know if you have questions or other tips in the comments below. We have a ton more builds coming forElden RingandShadow of the Erdtreeso stay tuned for those. If you need help finding the spells, items, or equipment in this build, and securing some personal objectives, make sure to check theElden Ring Map.

Castielle

Senior Editor at Fextralife. I enjoy gaming, playing and watching sports, cooking yummy food, watching a good movie and hanging out with Fex.