The release of Shadow of the Erdtree, the first DLC for Elden Ring, introduced a plethora of new content, including the intriguing Backhand Blade. This unique weapon has quickly become a favorite among players due to its versatile moveset and potential for high damage output. This article will delve into the intricacies of building around this weapon.
Understanding the Backhand Blade
Before diving into builds, let’s understand the weapon itself.
Unique Mechanics: The Backhand Blade is a dual-wielded weapon that offers a fast and aggressive playstyle. Its unique moveset includes a variety of slashes, thrusts, and overhead attacks, making it highly adaptable to different combat situations.
Scaling: Primarily scaling with Dexterity, the Backhand Blade excels in agility-based builds. However, it can also benefit from Strength for added damage, making it a versatile option for different playstyles.
Ash of War: The Backhand Blade comes with a unique Ash of War that complements its fast-paced nature. Experimenting with different Ashes of War can significantly impact the weapon’s performance.
Core Backhand Blade Build
A core Backhand Blade build focuses on maximizing Dexterity to boost the weapon’s damage output. Here’s a basic outline:
Attributes: Prioritize Dexterity, followed by Vigor, Endurance, and Mind for overall survivability and stamina management.
Talismans: Opt for talismans that enhance Dexterity, attack power, or increase critical hit chance to maximize damage output.
Armor: Lightweight armor is ideal for maintaining mobility and evasion, allowing you to capitalize on the Backhand Blade’s fast-paced nature.
Playstyle: Aggressive and mobile, focusing on quick attacks, dodging, and exploiting enemy weaknesses.
Build Variations
While the core build provides a solid foundation, there are several variations to explore:
Quality Build: Combine high Dexterity with Strength for a more balanced approach, allowing for increased physical damage output and better stamina management.
Bleed Build: Infuse the Backhand Blade with Blood and focus on building Arcane for increased bleed damage, making it a potent choice for weakening enemies.
Arcane Build: For a magical twist, infuse the Backhand Blade with Occult and focus on Arcane scaling, allowing for additional magical damage and status effect buildup.
Optimal Ash of War and Skills
The choice of Ash of War significantly impacts the Backhand Blade’s performance. Popular options include:
Blindspot: Offers excellent crowd control and damage, making it effective in both PvE and PvP.
Bloodhound’s Step: Increases mobility and evasion, allowing for better positioning and dodging enemy attacks.
Hoarfrost Stomp: Provides crowd control and status effect buildup, useful for controlling groups of enemies.
Additionally, mastering the weapon’s moveset and timing is crucial for optimal performance. Practice different attack combinations and learn to adapt to different combat scenarios.
Synergizing with Other Equipment
To maximize the Backhand Blade’s potential, consider using complementary equipment:
Shields: While the Backhand Blade is primarily an offensive weapon, a small shield can provide extra protection when needed.
Talismans: Choose talismans that complement your build’s focus, such as those that enhance critical hit chance, increase damage against specific enemy types, or improve stamina recovery.
Flasks: Crimson Flasks for healing and Cerulean Flasks for status effect removal are essential for sustained combat.
PvP Considerations
The Backhand Blade is a viable option for PvP, offering high damage output and mobility. However, it requires precise timing, adaptability, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics to be effective.
Aggressive Playstyle: The Backhand Blade excels in an aggressive playstyle, pressuring opponents and exploiting openings.
Master Parry and Roll: Defensive options like parrying and rolling are crucial for surviving against skilled opponents.
Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your playstyle based on your opponent’s weapon, moveset, and playstyle.
Conclusion
The Backhand Blade is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to various playstyles in Elden Ring. By carefully selecting attributes, talismans, and Ash of War, players can create powerful and effective builds. Experimentation and practice are key to mastering this weapon and achieving success in both PvE and PvP.
FAQs
General Questions
Q: What is the Backhand Blade? A: It is a unique weapon introduced in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. It’s a fast, agile weapon with a distinct backhand attack.
Q: What is a Backhand Blade build? A: A Backhand Blade build focuses on utilizing the Blade as the primary weapon, often paired with specific attributes, skills, and equipment to maximize its potential.
Build Focus and Attributes
Q: What attributes should I prioritize for a Backhand Blade build? A: Primarily, focus on Dexterity for increased damage and attack speed. Strength is also beneficial for increased physical damage output.
Q: What scaling does the Backhand Blade have? A: The Blade primarily scales with Dexterity, making it an ideal choice for Dexterity-focused builds.
Q: What kind of playstyle suits a Backhand Blade build? A: A Backhand Blade build is best suited for aggressive, fast-paced playstyles. It excels in close-quarters combat and rapid combos.
Weapon and Ash of War Choices
Q: What Ashes of War work well with the Backhand Blade? A: Ashes of War that enhance speed and agility, such as those that increase attack speed or provide additional mobility options, complement this Blade well.
Q: Can I infuse the Backhand Blade? A: Yes, you can infuse the Backhand Blade with different elements to change its damage type and scaling. Popular choices include Blood, Fire, and Holy infusions.
Armor and Talismans
Q: What kind of armor is recommended for a Backhand Blade build? A: Lightweight armor that prioritizes mobility and defense is ideal. Aim for armor with good physical and elemental resistance.
Q: What talismans are good for a Backhand Blade build? A: Talismans that increase attack speed, critical hit chance, or reduce damage taken are excellent choices. Consider talismans like the Radagon’s Soreseal for increased damage output.
Combat Strategy
Q: How should I approach combat with a Backhand Blade build? A: Focus on aggressive playstyle, utilizing the weapon’s speed and combos. Dodge enemy attacks and counter with rapid strikes.
Q: Are there any specific enemies or bosses that are particularly weak to the Backhand Blade? A: While the Blade is effective against most enemies, it excels against fast-moving targets and those with aggressive attack patterns.
Additional Tips
Experiment with different builds and playstyles to find what suits you best.
Consider using a shield for additional defense, especially in early game.
Practice your timing and dodges to maximize your damage output.
Remember: The Blade is a versatile weapon that can be adapted to various playstyles. Experimentation is key to finding the optimal build for your preferences.
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