Bloodhound’s Fang is a Curved Greatsword in Elden Ring, one of the best early-game weapons, and still holds its own well into late-game builds. With its good mix of Bleed buildup, high Dexterity scaling, and a unique skill, this blade is the favorite of the majority of Elden Ring players. To get a strong/stylish Dex weapon, a PvE powerhouse, or a PvP dueling tool, this long blade earns its reputation. Our Elden Ring guide explains how to find Bloodhound’s Fang, its stats, and the best builds for it.
Bloodhound’s Fang Description:
Curved greatsword with a gently undulating blade wielded by Bloodhound Knights. A fearsome blade capable of brutal airborne attacks.
Where to Find Bloodhound’s Fang in Elden Ring
The Fang is locked behind one of the first optional Evergaols, the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in southern Limgrave, closer to the Bridge of Sacrifice that connects Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula. Open your map and look just south of the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace, you’ll see a circular arena, and that’s the location you need to visit.
You will encounter Bloodhound Knight Darriwil there, a fast and brutal mini-boss who moves like a blur. He punishes greedy swings, so you’ll need patience. Early players mostly struggle here since Darriwil’s bleed and aggressive moveset can shred through new Tarnished.
Here are a few tips for the fight:
- Spirit Ashes are disabled in Evergaols, so you’re on your own (or with a friend in co-op).
- Two-handing helps since you’ll need max damage to push him down.
- If you progress Blaidd’s questline and summon Blaidd the Half-Wolf (an NPC with link to Ranni’s questline), he can tank and deal heavy damage, making the fight much easier.
Once the boss is defeated, you will receive Bloodhound’s Fang as a reward.
Bloodhound’s Fang Weapon Requirements and Scaling
Bloodhound’s Fang comes with strong requirements for new Tarnished:
- Strength 18
- Dexterity 17
Base stats:
- Physical Attack: 141
- Passive Effect: 55 Bleed buildup (this only gets nasty with upgrade)
The bleed effect combined with its heavy Curved Greatsword damage, makes it a weapon that punishes both enemies and bosses with chunky damage and Bleed procs. Even if you don’t invest in Arcane, its innate Bleed build-up gives it incredible value.
The weapon upgrades with Somber Smithing Stone, it needs one stone for each level upgrade up to +9 and one Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to level up to +10. At this max level, it goes to over 400 base attack with strong Dexterity scaling.
Every great Elden Ring weapon has a defining trait, and for Bloodhound’s Fang, it’s the Bloodhound’s Finesse weapon skill. With a great backflip and sweeping slash, you not only strike hard but quickly reposition and dodge counters. It deals strong damage, costs little FP, and doubles as an evasive maneuver that can get you out of danger in the fight. You can further pair it with a follow-up Bloodhound Step or rush back in after the flip for more abilities.
Best Builds with Bloodhound’s Fang
If you want to get the most out of the Fang, lean into its Dexterity scaling and Bleed power. Here are a few tips you should follow:
- Stat Spread: Aim for high Dex (30+) with enough Strength to wield it. Vigor and Endurance are also necessary since you’ll be trading blows.
- Talismans:
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation for bleed synergy.
- Radagon’s Scarseal/Soreseal to come over early requirements.
- Green Turtle Talisman for stamina regen, since heavy swings eat stamina fast.
- Armor: Medium load is best, you’ll need mobility to complement Bloodhound’s Finesse.
- Ashes of War: The Fang comes with its skill locked, but you don’t need to swap it. Instead, focus on buffs from consumables or Elden Ring Incantations.
Should You Use Bloodhound’s Fang Late Game?
Yes, why not? While other weapons can outdamage it in niche builds, this sword stays relevant all the way through NG+. Many weapons fall off as the game gets harder, moving towards the mid to late storyline; this one doesn’t. To cleave through mobs in Caelid, move around Morgott, or test yourself in PvP invasions, Bloodhound’s Fang doesn’t disappoint you.
