Among the many weapon buffs available in Elden Ring, Bloodflame Blade stands out as a powerful incantation that inflicts bleed buildup and adds fire damage to your melee weapon. Equipping and using it properly can drastically improve your damage output, especially against enemies vulnerable to blood loss. However, many players struggle with how to equip Bloodflame Blade due to its specific weapon requirements, stat prerequisites, and the need for a sacred seal. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn step by step how to unlock, equip, and use Bloodflame Blade efficiently in various combat scenarios.
Requirements to Use Bloodflame Blade
Understand the Incantation
Bloodflame Blade is a Faith-based incantation that requires a certain level of stats and the proper equipment. Unlike weapon arts or ashes of war, incantations need to be memorized at a Site of Grace and cast using a sacred seal.
Stat Requirements
To equip Bloodflame Blade, your character must meet the following stat requirements:
- Faith: 12 or higher
- Arcane: No direct requirement, but higher Arcane increases bleed buildup
Make sure to level your Faith appropriately. If you don’t meet the requirement, the incantation will be grayed out and unusable even if you equip it.
Obtain a Sacred Seal
To cast incantations like Bloodflame Blade, you’ll need a sacred seal equipped in either your main hand or off-hand. You can obtain the Finger Seal early in the game by purchasing it from a merchant in Roundtable Hold.
Where to Find Bloodflame Blade
Location of the Spell
Bloodflame Blade is located in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. Specifically, you need to defeat a Teardrop Scarab found near the Rose Church, west of the Fallen Ruins of the Lake Site of Grace. The scarab drops the incantation upon defeat.
Preparation Before the Fight
The scarab is mobile and disappears if not defeated quickly. Use ranged attacks or fast melee strikes to take it down before it escapes. Summoning Spirit Ashes can help distract enemies while you focus on the scarab.
How to Equip Bloodflame Blade
Step 1: Rest at a Site of Grace
Go to any Site of Grace and select the Memorize Spell option. This will bring up your available incantations and sorceries. Bloodflame Blade must be in your inventory, and you must have enough memory slots to equip it.
Step 2: Allocate the Spell
Select Bloodflame Blade and confirm your selection. If you don’t have enough memory slots, consider equipping a memory stone, which adds additional spell slots. These stones can be found across the Lands Between or earned from certain bosses and dungeons.
Step 3: Equip a Sacred Seal
Go into your equipment menu and place the sacred seal into one of your weapon slots. You must actively hold the seal when casting Bloodflame Blade. Make sure it’s not overburdening your weight limit if you’re using heavy armor or a large weapon.
Step 4: Select the Incantation
Cycle through your available spells using the up button on the D-pad (or equivalent key/button). With the sacred seal equipped, select Bloodflame Blade so it becomes your active incantation.
Step 5: Apply the Buff to Your Weapon
Now, simply press the casting button while holding the sacred seal to apply Bloodflame Blade to your melee weapon. Your weapon will glow red with a fiery aura, indicating the buff is active. The enchantment lasts for a limited duration, so time your use wisely in combat.
Compatible Weapons and Limitations
Weapons You Can Buff
Bloodflame Blade only works on weapons that are compatible with standard buffs. This includes:
- Straight swords
- Daggers
- Spears
- Curved swords
Make sure the weapon is not already infused with an elemental or magic affinity. Unique weapons, boss weapons, and elemental-infused weapons cannot be buffed by Bloodflame Blade.
Weapon Types That Are Incompatible
The following weapon types generally cannot be buffed:
- Greatswords with elemental infusions
- Weapons with built-in status effects (e.g., Rivers of Blood)
- Legendary armaments and special boss weapons
To ensure compatibility, stick with standard or quality-infused weapons that remain buffable.
Strategies for Using Bloodflame Blade
Timing Your Buff
Since the buff duration is limited (around 20 seconds), it’s best to cast Bloodflame Blade right before you engage in combat. Avoid casting it too early, or you may waste the effect before making contact with your target.
Synergizing with Bleed Builds
Bloodflame Blade is excellent for characters focused on bleed builds. When combined with a fast-striking weapon, you can rapidly trigger bleed procs while also dealing fire damage over time. Consider weapons like:
- Uchigatana
- Scimitar
- Reduvia (if using off-hand attacks)
Using Bloodflame Against Bosses
This incantation is highly effective against bosses susceptible to bleed. The initial buildup stacks quickly, and the fire DoT (damage over time) continues to tick even after bleed procs. Combine this with talismans that boost incantation damage or status buildup to maximize its effectiveness.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
Invest in Supporting Stats
While 12 Faith is the minimum, increasing your Faith and Arcane stats will significantly boost your incantation power and bleed effectiveness. A balanced build with high Dexterity, Faith, and Arcane can become lethal with this spell.
Use Buff-Enhancing Gear
Equip gear that increases spell potency and buff duration. Items like the Flock’s Canvas Talisman, Fire Scorpion Charm, and Faith-based armor can make a noticeable difference in damage output.
Avoid Wasting the Spell
If your weapon is incompatible, the buff will not apply and you will still lose FP. Always double-check that your weapon can be enchanted. Try testing the spell at a Site of Grace or against a nearby weak enemy to ensure it activates correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to Use Without a Seal
Many new players forget to equip a sacred seal. Without it, incantations cannot be cast, even if properly memorized. Always check your equipment before heading into battle.
Overlooking Memory Slots
Another common issue is not having an available memory slot. If Bloodflame Blade doesn’t show up in your memorization list, you may need to remove another spell or use a memory stone.
Applying to Unbuffable Weapons
Even if you meet all other conditions, some weapons just can’t be buffed. Unique weapons and those with special affinities are locked out of enchantments. Try switching to a standard version or remove the infusion using Ashes of War.
Equipping Bloodflame Blade in Elden Ring involves more than just casting a spell. You must ensure your stats, gear, and weapon are all compatible with the incantation. Once equipped properly, it becomes a powerful tool for enhancing your weapon with bleed and fire damage. Use it strategically in combat, especially against bleed-weak enemies and bosses, and combine it with the right build for optimal performance. Mastering Bloodflame Blade not only improves your combat efficiency but also opens up new ways to approach enemy encounters in the Lands Between.