One of the most devastating early-to-mid game weapons in Elden Ring is the Bloodhound’s Fang. Known for its high bleed buildup, strong scaling, and versatile move set, this curved greatsword can carry players through massive chunks of the game with the right setup. An OP Bloodhound Fang build takes advantage of the weapon’s natural strengths dexterity scaling, bleed, and unique weapon skills to create a playstyle that is aggressive, agile, and efficient. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to try something powerful and stylish, this guide breaks down how to maximize the potential of an optimized Bloodhound Fang build.
Understanding the Bloodhound’s Fang
Bloodhound’s Fang is a curved greatsword that deals high base physical damage with an added bleed effect. It scales primarily with strength and dexterity, favoring dexterity slightly more. Its signature weapon skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse, is a dynamic leaping slash followed by a quick backward dodge, giving it excellent mobility and offense in a single motion.
Base Stats and Scaling
- Weapon Type: Curved Greatsword
- Base Damage: 141 Physical (at +0)
- Passive Effect: 55 Bleed buildup
- Scaling: D in Strength, C in Dexterity (at base), improves with upgrades
- Requires: 18 Strength, 17 Dexterity
Because of these requirements and scaling, the weapon is ideal for quality or dex-focused builds that can also take advantage of bleed mechanics, which are powerful throughout Elden Ring.
Stat Distribution for Maximum Efficiency
To create an OP Bloodhound Fang build, your focus should be on Dexterity first, followed by Strength and Vigor. Endurance is also key to allow for heavier armor and more dodges. Below is a recommended stat distribution for players around level 100120:
Recommended Stats
- Vigor: 40 For survivability and health pool
- Endurance: 20 For stamina and equip load
- Strength: 20 To meet requirements and boost scaling
- Dexterity: 40 The main damage stat for this weapon
- Mind: 10 Minimal, just for weapon skill usage
- Faith/Intelligence/Arcane: 810 No investment needed unless hybridizing
This setup ensures that your attacks hit hard, you can swing and roll comfortably, and you benefit from the weapon’s full bleed potential.
Weapon Upgrades and Infusion
Bloodhound’s Fang cannot be infused with Ashes of War, but it can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. This makes your upgrade path straightforward and efficient. Fully upgrading the weapon to +10 dramatically increases its damage and scaling, making it deadly even in late-game areas.
Upgrade Priority
- Focus early Somber Smithing Stones on this weapon exclusively
- Upgrade to +10 as soon as possible to push damage to its peak
- Upgrade in tandem with stat increases to feel the difference in damage output
Because this weapon is so strong even at +5, it’s viable for boss fights and PvP from early on. Full upgrades only make it even more threatening.
Armor and Equipment Choices
With the Bloodhound’s Fang being a heavy weapon, you’ll need a balance between mobility and protection. Medium rolls are ideal, so aim for armor that provides good defense without pushing your equip load into heavy territory.
Suggested Armor Sets
- Raging Wolf Set Balanced protection and mobility
- Blaidd’s Set High poise with solid weight efficiency
- Radahn’s Set Great defense, but may require higher Endurance or a Great-Jar’s Arsenal talisman
Recommended Talismans
- Erdtree’s Favor Boosts HP, Stamina, and Equip Load
- Green Turtle Talisman Speeds up stamina regeneration for aggressive play
- Claw Talisman Increases jump attack damage, perfect for Bloodhound’s playstyle
- Radagon’s Scarseal/Sourceal Temporarily boost Strength, at a defensive cost
Your talisman choices will depend on your playstyle whether you prefer all-out aggression, more stamina, or defensive options. Adapt based on boss fights or PvP encounters.
How to Use Bloodhound’s Finesse
One of the standout features of this weapon is the Bloodhound’s Finesse weapon skill. It’s both an offensive and defensive move. The initial upward slash can stagger enemies, while the backward leap puts distance between you and the opponent, allowing you to reposition safely.
Combat Tips with Bloodhound’s Finesse
- Use the skill as an opener or escape tool in tough fights
- Time your dodge after the leap to chain into another strike
- Can be used to bait out attacks from bosses and punish
This skill is extremely effective in PvP, catching opponents off guard while also giving you room to breathe or recover stamina.
Bleed Synergy and Status Effects
The bleed effect on the Bloodhound’s Fang builds up quickly, especially when used in combination with certain talismans and buffs. Bleed damage scales with enemy HP, making it effective on tanky bosses and invaders alike.
Enhancing Bleed Damage
- Use the Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman Boosts attack power when blood loss occurs nearby
- Incorporate Blood Grease Temporarily boosts bleed buildup
- Pair with a bleed-inflicting summon like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear equipped with a bleed weapon
This synergy can cause massive bursts of damage when the bleed bar fills, often melting enemy health bars in seconds.
Ideal Playstyle and Strategy
The Bloodhound Fang build is all about timing, aggression, and maneuverability. Its quick movement options and high damage output make it ideal for a hit-and-dodge style that can control the pace of any fight. By using heavy jump attacks, weapon skill combos, and well-timed dodges, you can maintain pressure while staying relatively safe.
Combat Strategy
- Start with jump attacks to break enemy posture
- Use Bloodhound’s Finesse to create space and punish whiffs
- Roll-catch enemies in PvP by chaining normal and heavy attacks
- Apply buffs pre-fight (Flame, Grant Me Strength or Blood Grease)
Patience and spacing are key. Don’t overextend; let your bleed buildup and raw power do the work.
Late-Game and PvP Viability
This build remains powerful into late-game and is also highly competitive in PvP. The mobility, damage potential, and bleed synergy give you multiple tools to adapt to different situations. In PvP, opponents may struggle to punish Bloodhound’s Finesse, while in PvE, the weapon still dishes out incredible damage against tough bosses.
If you want to dominate invaders, deal massive bursts of damage in co-op, or solo challenging encounters, this Bloodhound Fang build will not let you down. Combined with careful timing and knowledge of your opponent’s moves, this build becomes one of the most well-rounded and overpowered setups in Elden Ring.
The OP Bloodhound Fang build is an excellent choice for players who enjoy aggressive, agile combat with high damage payoff. With strong base stats, effective bleed synergy, and a versatile weapon skill, this curved greatsword can handle anything the Lands Between throws at you. Whether you’re slicing through mobs or dueling in PvP, mastering this build turns your character into a formidable force. Invest in the right stats, gear, and playstyle, and Bloodhound’s Fang will carry you far in Elden Ring’s brutal world.