The Bloodhound’s Fang is one of the most powerful early-game weapons inElden Ring, and it remains viable well into the late game. With its high Dexterity scaling, innate bleed buildup, and powerful curved greatsword moveset, this weapon is beloved by many players looking for a strong yet stylish build. However, one common question arises: what is the best Ash of War for Bloodhound’s Fang? While the weapon comes with a unique skill, players often wonder if there are better alternatives or ways to complement its abilities. Understanding the nature of Ashes of War, weapon affinities, and synergy with player builds is crucial in optimizing the Bloodhound Fang for peak performance.
Understanding the Bloodhound’s Fang
Weapon Overview
The Bloodhound’s Fang is a curved greatsword dropped by the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Limgrave. This weapon scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength, with a bleed effect that applies quickly due to its fast sweeping attacks. It’s a heavy hitter with the added bonus of mobility and bleed damage, making it perfect for both PvE and PvP encounters.
Unique Ash of War: Bloodhound’s Finesse
By default, the weapon comes with its own unique Ash of War calledBloodhound’s Finesse. This skill performs a stylish backflip slash that deals heavy damage and instantly puts space between you and the enemy. It’s ideal for defensive spacing and hit-and-run tactics. Because it’s a unique skill, you normally can’t replace it with other Ashes of War unless you’re using cheat methods or mods. However, understanding what makes Bloodhound’s Finesse strong helps determine if other Ashes of War would ever be worth switching to on similar weapons or in theory.
Limitations of Customizing Bloodhound’s Fang
Can You Replace Its Ash of War?
No, not through normal means. Bloodhound’s Fang is classified as a special weapon, meaning its default skill is fixed and cannot be changed via Ashes of War. This is similar to other boss or unique weapons like the Moonveil Katana or Blasphemous Blade. That said, this doesn’t mean you can’t build your character to enhance or support the weapon’s natural playstyle. Also, the conversation about the best Ash of War for Bloodhound Fang often centers on similar curved greatswords that can mimic its role if customization is what you’re after.
Why It Still Matters
Although you can’t directly replace the Ash of War on Bloodhound’s Fang, understanding which Ashes of War pair well with your overall build or function similarly on other weapons can help you optimize your playthrough. Many players look for comparable setups or use Ashes of War that complement Bloodhound’s Fang in their secondary weapon slot.
Best Ashes of War for Similar Weapons
Bloodhound’s Step
If you want a skill that offers similar mobility and evasiveness,Bloodhound’s Stepis the go-to Ash of War. Though it can’t be placed on the Fang itself, it’s excellent for a secondary weapon or for quick repositioning in both PvP and PvE.
- Effect: Quick invisible dash that allows you to evade attacks with precision.
- Best For: Dex builds, evasion tactics, counterattacks.
- Synergy: Bloodhound’s Step allows you to reposition and return to combat with Bloodhound’s Fang effortlessly.
Flaming Strike
If you want elemental damage to supplement your curved greatsword attacks, Flaming Strike can be added to similar weapons (though not the Fang directly).
- Effect: Engulfs weapon in flame for additional fire damage and increases attack power.
- Best For: Strength-Dex hybrid builds, elemental stacking.
- Synergy: Fire damage combined with bleed pressure is lethal, especially on enemies with low fire resistance.
Seppuku
For players using other bleed weapons alongside Bloodhound’s Fang, Seppuku is an excellent Ash of War that significantly increases bleed buildup.
- Effect: Sacrifice a small amount of HP to drastically raise bleed buildup.
- Best For: Arcane builds or bleed-focused playstyles.
- Synergy: Use Seppuku on an off-hand weapon to double down on bleed pressure while still swinging the Fang as your main source of damage.
Alternative Weapons That Support Custom Ashes
Blood-Infused Curved Greatsword
If you’re determined to use a custom Ash of War while maintaining a similar feel to Bloodhound’s Fang, consider using a standard curved greatsword infused with bleed.
- Example: The Dismounter or Zamor Curved Sword.
- Ash Compatibility: You can equip Bloodhound’s Step, Flaming Strike, Seppuku, or others.
- Benefit: Full customization of skill and affinity while still maintaining high Dexterity scaling and curved greatsword speed.
Nagakiba or Uchigatana
While these are katanas, not greatswords, they offer excellent bleed potential and are fully compatible with various Ashes of War. Ideal for players focused on status build-up.
- Ash Options: Seppuku, Unsheathe, Bloody Slash.
- Advantages: Better bleed procs, faster attack rate, higher customization.
Tips for Optimizing Bloodhound’s Fang
Boosting Bleed Efficiency
Even though Bloodhound’s Fang has moderate bleed buildup (55), you can boost its effectiveness with talismans and incantations.
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Increases attack power when blood loss occurs nearby.
- White Mask: Helmet that boosts attack after bleed procs.
- Bloodflame Blade: Can’t be applied to special weapons like the Fang, but useful on secondary weapons.
Dual-Wield for Extra Power
Consider pairing Bloodhound’s Fang with a curved greatsword in your off-hand. Even though it requires some stat investment, the dual-wield curved sword moveset is fast, powerful, and hits multiple times ideal for applying status effects like bleed.
Use Jump Attacks
Bloodhound’s Fang benefits greatly from jump attacks due to its high poise damage. Equip the Claw Talisman to increase jump attack damage and use it to open fights or break enemy stances quickly.
Is Bloodhound’s Finesse Enough?
While the Bloodhound’s Fang cannot have its Ash of War replaced, its built-inBloodhound’s Finesseis already one of the best weapon skills for mobility, power, and style. For players seeking additional flexibility, consider complementing the Fang with other weapons that support customizable Ashes of War like Bloodhound’s Step, Flaming Strike, or Seppuku. These offer tactical advantages that enhance your playstyle without sacrificing the strengths of your main weapon. Whether you’re exploring dungeons, facing powerful bosses, or invading other players, a well-optimized setup revolving around Bloodhound’s Fang ensures both performance and flair in yourElden Ringjourney.