How Good Is Bloodhound Fang
In Elden Ring, few weapons stand out as much as the Bloodhound’s Fang. With its unique design, high damage output, and powerful scaling, this curved greatsword is a favorite among players looking for both style and strength. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls veteran or just beginning your journey through the Lands Between, understanding how good Bloodhound Fang is can significantly impact your build and gameplay experience. This weapon balances raw power with agility, making it a versatile and rewarding choice for many different playstyles.
Where to Find Bloodhound Fang
Early Access for Melee Builds
One of the key reasons Bloodhound Fang is so popular is that it can be obtained early in the game. You can find it in Limgrave by defeating the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, an optional Evergaol boss. While this enemy is quick and dangerous, players who conquer him are rewarded with a powerful weapon that scales excellently with Strength and Dexterity.
This early availability means players can build their entire character around the weapon, using it as a core part of their offensive strategy from the beginning to the endgame. Unlike many late-game weapons, Bloodhound Fang requires no arcane questlines or complex progression to acquire.
Weapon Stats and Scaling
Strength and Dexterity Hybrid Scaling
Bloodhound Fang scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity, making it an ideal choice for quality builds. It starts with a base damage of 141 physical and scales with D in Strength and C in Dexterity at standard upgrade levels. When fully upgraded, the weapon reaches excellent damage numbers, with B scaling in Dexterity and improved Strength contributions.
Because of this hybrid scaling, players can focus on leveling both stats to get maximum value, or lean more heavily into Dexterity for faster attack speeds and rolling advantages.
Weight and Requirements
The weapon weighs 11 units, which is moderate for a curved greatsword. Players need at least 18 Strength and 17 Dexterity to wield it effectively, which is achievable without heavily investing in any single attribute path. This accessibility makes it attractive even to new players experimenting with melee-focused builds.
Bloodhound’s Finesse Weapon Skill
A Unique Mobility Tool
Bloodhound Fang’s signature skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse, allows the user to perform a powerful upward slash followed by a swift backward dodge. This not only deals high damage but also gives the player a built-in evasive maneuver, making it a two-in-one offensive and defensive move.
Because this skill costs only FP and not stamina, players can rely on it during combat to safely attack and retreat. This is especially helpful against large enemies or bosses where positioning is crucial. The backward dash also has invincibility frames, which can help avoid dangerous counterattacks.
Combat Performance and Playstyle
High Damage with Bleed Buildup
One of the most notable advantages of Bloodhound Fang is its innate bleed buildup. Each strike contributes to hemorrhage, which, once triggered, deals a percentage of the enemy’s max health as bonus damage. This makes the weapon especially powerful against high-health enemies and bosses.
The curved greatsword move set combines reach, sweeping slashes, and heavy hits. When two-handed, the weapon can stagger enemies easily, and its charged attacks often break poise, making it easier to land critical hits. The bleed effect stacks well with fast follow-ups, and it synergizes with talismans and items that enhance hemorrhage.
Versatility in PvE
In PvE scenarios, Bloodhound Fang excels due to its raw damage output, scaling, and skill utility. Players can deal with hordes of enemies using its wide swings and punish slower bosses using Bloodhound’s Finesse. It also fits well into many types of builds, making it a weapon that can carry players across most of the game’s content without feeling underpowered.
Effective in PvP with Careful Use
In PvP, Bloodhound Fang can be a double-edged sword. Its long windups and big swings are powerful but punishable if missed. However, the backward dash from its skill makes it hard to punish when used intelligently. Players who master the weapon’s range and timing can dish out incredible burst damage while evading counterattacks.
The bleed buildup in PvP can force opponents to play defensively, especially when combined with talismans or buffs. The reach and damage make it difficult for lightweight opponents to outtrade, though faster weapons may outpace its slower moveset.
Upgrade Path and Infusions
Special Weapon with Somber Smithing Stones
Bloodhound Fang is considered a special weapon, meaning it uses Somber Smithing Stones for upgrades instead of regular ones. This simplifies the upgrading process, as players only need one of each tier of stone from +1 to +10. It also means the weapon cannot be infused with Ashes of War, so its unique skill cannot be changed.
Despite the lack of infusion, Bloodhound Fang’s built-in skill is one of the strongest among melee weapons, and its scaling ensures it remains viable even into New Game+ cycles.
Ideal Builds for Bloodhound Fang
Quality Build (Strength + Dexterity)
The most common and effective build for Bloodhound Fang is a quality build that levels both Strength and Dexterity. This allows the weapon to reach its peak damage potential. Supplement with talismans like Radagon’s Scarseal and Dexterity-boosting gear to optimize scaling.
Bleed-Focused Build
Players who want to enhance the weapon’s bleed potential can combine it with bleed talismans and incantations like Bloodflame Blade (though the weapon’s innate skill cannot be replaced, the weapon can still benefit from external buffs). Pairing with armor and talismans that increase bleed output will make the weapon even deadlier.
Mobility Build
Using light to medium armor and quickstep talismans allows players to fully take advantage of Bloodhound’s Finesse. This setup relies on agility and spacing to deal damage while avoiding retaliation, ideal for players who prefer a hit-and-run strategy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages
- High base damage and excellent scaling
- Built-in bleed buildup for extra damage
- Unique skill that combines attack and dodge
- Can be obtained early in the game
- Effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios
Drawbacks
- Cannot be infused with other skills
- Requires investment in both Strength and Dexterity
- Slower moveset can be punished in PvP
- Not ideal for magic or ranged builds
Final Verdict
Bloodhound Fang is one of the best early-game weapons in Elden Ring, and it remains viable well into the late game. With its impressive scaling, innate bleed, and powerful skill, it offers a balanced mix of power, utility, and mobility. Whether you’re looking for a reliable PvE tool or a formidable PvP option, Bloodhound Fang delivers strong performance across the board. While it may not offer the customization of some other weapons, its natural strength and versatility make it a staple in many builds. For players who enjoy aggressive melee combat with a stylish edge, Bloodhound Fang is a top-tier choice worth mastering.