In the world of Elden Ring, few things are as satisfying as successfully landing a devastating strike on an invader or fellow player. With the rise of various weapons, builds, and strategies, one particular combination stands out in the community — the blood weapon build. Utilizing the mighty Flamberge and the deadly Bloody Slash Ash of War, players are turning the game's PvP landscape on its head. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into this build, exploring its power, mechanics, and some tips on how to dominate your foes in the Lands Between.

The Blood Weapon Build: Flamberge and Bloody Slash

First things first, let's break down the core components of this build — the weapon and the Ash of War. The Flamberge is a unique greatsword that boasts impressive scaling with both Dexterity and Arcane, making it an ideal candidate for a blood-based build. With a 99 Arcane stat and 37 Dexterity, the weapon hits like a truck and can deal insane damage, especially when combined with the Bloody Slash Ash of War.

Bloody Slash, an Ash of War that imbues the weapon with a powerful blood-infused attack, has been a game-changer for many players in Elden Ring. When activated, the weapon slashes the air in a wave of blood, inflicting not just physical damage but also bleed buildup, which, in turn, deals damage over time to enemies. As players increase their Arcane stat, the effectiveness of Bloody Slash becomes even more pronounced, allowing them to potentially deal over 1800 damage with a single hit. For players utilizing the Flamberge, this means that one well-placed Bloody Slash can wipe out most of your enemies in seconds, and with the right talismans and buffs, you can achieve this with terrifying consistency.

Maximizing Damage: Scaling with Arcane and Dexterity

One of the standout features of the Flamberge, when paired with the Bloody Slash, is its scaling. Arcane boosts the blood effect's damage, while Dexterity enhances the overall attack speed and damage output of the weapon. This combination allows the build to thrive in both fast-paced PvP encounters and longer, drawn-out fights.

The Flamberge has C scaling with Dexterity and B scaling with Arcane at its maximum potential, which is a fantastic synergy for a blood weapon build. This synergy lets you stack significant damage potential while also benefiting from the natural bleed buildup that comes with the Flamberge's unique properties.

The real power lies in the ability to consistently apply bleed to enemies. Once the bleed buildup reaches a threshold, the target is inflicted with a burst of damage, which can often kill opponents outright, especially in PvP duels. This makes the Flamberge and Bloody Slash combo highly effective in both one-on-one combat and larger multiplayer engagements.

Key Talismans for the Blood Weapon Build

To maximize your damage output and effectiveness in PvP, the right selection of talismans is critical. The following talismans are highly recommended for this build:

• Radagon's Scarseal: Increasing your Arcane and Dexterity stats even further, this talisman boosts your damage significantly but at the cost of increased damage taken. However, the trade-off is well worth it when combined with the Flamberge's already impressive base damage.

• Bloodhound's Step: A must-have for any PvP build, this talisman allows you to perform an evasive roll with a dash that confuses opponents. Perfect for maintaining control of the fight while dodging incoming attacks, Bloodhound's Step is a lifesaver in intense one-on-one duels.

• Lord of Blood's Exultation: This talisman is tailored for bleed builds. When an enemy's bleed status is triggered, your attack power increases, allowing you to stack even more damage. This is ideal when you're spamming Bloody Slash, as it gives you a substantial damage boost every time you cause an enemy to bleed.

• Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces the FP cost of Ashes of War, which is crucial for a build that relies heavily on Bloody Slash. You'll be able to use this powerful attack more often without worrying about running out of FP mid-fight.

By combining these talismans, you'll further enhance your blood weapon build, ensuring that your damage output reaches its maximum potential.

The Blood Weapon Build in PvP: Invasion Strategies

Now that we've established the core components of the build, it's time to talk about putting it into practice. The invasion mechanic in Elden Ring is one of the most exciting aspects of the game, allowing you to enter other players' worlds and challenge them directly. Here's how to use your Flamberge and Bloody Slash combo to dominate as an invader:

1. The Element of Surprise: As an invader, one of the best advantages you have is the ability to surprise your opponent. Most players aren't expecting a weapon that deals massive bleed damage, especially not from a seemingly innocuous-looking greatsword. This gives you the element of surprise, allowing you to quickly get in a Bloody Slash before your opponent can react.

2. Aggressive Playstyle: The combination of high damage and bleed buildup allows you to be more aggressive than most builds. Don't be afraid to rush in and use your Bloody Slash to finish off opponents quickly. Use your mobility and evasive tactics to close the gap, then unleash the devastating attack.

3. Mind Games: Like many other builds in Elden Ring, your playstyle in PvP will also benefit from psychological warfare. By repeatedly landing smaller hits and forcing your opponents to focus on dodging or healing, you can create openings to land the massive Bloody Slash when they least expect it. This strategy is especially effective against more defensive players, who tend to rely on blocks and passive healing.

4. Utilizing Terrain: The environment plays a massive role in Elden Ring's PvP. Take advantage of narrow pathways, cliffs, and the many obstacles the game's world offers. By forcing opponents into a corner, you can easily land a Bloody Slash, which not only deals damage but also builds bleed. Watch your surroundings and capitalize on the terrain to control the pace of the fight.

Invading Specific Areas

Certain areas of Elden Ring are prime targets for invasions with a blood weapon build, thanks to their narrow corridors and ambush-friendly environments. Here are some areas where the Flamberge and Bloody Slash shine:

• Leyndell, Royal Capital: The tight corners and long hallways in this area make it a perfect place to utilize Bloody Slash. Most players will be cautious when moving through these areas, but with the speed of the Flamberge and the bleed buildup, you can catch them off guard.

• Caelid: The chaotic and hazardous environment of Caelid, with its poison buildup and aggressive enemies, creates a perfect storm for blood-based builds. Invading here allows you to overwhelm unsuspecting hosts with quick, high-damage strikes.

• Miquella's Haligtree: Known for its labyrinthine design and numerous hiding spots, Haligtree offers many opportunities to set up surprise attacks with Bloody Slash. Be sure to use the environment to your advantage, especially in areas where the terrain forces enemies into tight spaces.

The Fun of Blood Weapon Invasions

Ultimately, the joy of using a blood weapon build in Elden Ring lies in its effectiveness and the sheer fun of PvP combat. There's something uniquely satisfying about watching an enemy's health bar steadily drop as the bleed damage stacks up. And while the Flamberge isn't the easiest weapon to master, once you've learned to wield it with precision, it becomes an unstoppable force.

The blood weapon build also offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive play, where you can dish out massive damage while also dodging and weaving to avoid taking too many hits yourself. Whether you're ambushing unsuspecting hosts or participating in more evenly matched duels, the Flamberge and Bloody Slash combo provides a thrilling and rewarding experience for any player who loves high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

Conclusion: A Dominant Blood Build

In conclusion, the Flamberge and Bloody Slash build is one of the most exciting and powerful setups in Elden Ring for both PvE and PvP. With its massive damage potential and bleeding effects, it's no surprise that this combo has become a fan favorite for players who enjoy the rush of high-stakes invasions and the sheer satisfaction of watching enemies succumb to their wounds.

With the right Elden Ring Items, talismans, and strategies, you can harness the full power of this build and become a true terror in the world of Elden Ring. Whether you're looking to dominate in invasions or take down bosses in style, this build has the power to do it all. Embrace the blood, wield the Flamberge, and let the invasions begin!