Bloodhound’s Fang is one of the most powerful early-game weapons available inElden Ring, and it remains a fan-favorite throughout a full playthrough. This curved greatsword scales excellently with Dexterity and Strength, delivering high bleed buildup and swift, heavy-hitting attacks. Its unique weapon skill adds extra mobility and damage, making it ideal for both boss fights and general exploration. For players aiming to create a bleed or dexterity-focused build, knowing the exact Bloodhound Fang location is key to unlocking a serious advantage early in the game.
Overview of Bloodhound’s Fang
The Bloodhound’s Fang is a curved greatsword that delivers a perfect blend of speed, damage, and mobility. Its design, resembling a giant, serrated fang, fits well with the weapon’s aggressive nature. What makes it stand out is not just its power, but also its accessibility in the early hours of the game, allowing players to commit to a high-damage melee build quickly.
Key Features
- Weapon Type: Curved Greatsword
- Base Damage: Physical with bleed buildup
- Scaling: Strength (D), Dexterity (C) at base
- Special Skill: Bloodhound’s Finesse
- Weight: Moderate for a greatsword
The Bloodhound’s Finesse skill allows the player to perform a wide slashing attack followed by a backward somersault, which can then chain into a powerful follow-up attack if timed correctly. This makes it incredibly useful for hit-and-run tactics, especially against tough bosses or large enemies.
Where to Find Bloodhound’s Fang
Location: Limgrave – Forlorn Hound Evergaol
The Bloodhound’s Fang can be obtained by defeating the optional boss Bloodhound Knight Darriwil inside the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave. This location is accessible early in the game, and the fight is manageable with proper preparation.
Steps to Reach the Evergaol
- From the starting area, head south past the Gatefront Ruins.
- Cross the bridge leading to the Weeping Peninsula.
- Just before reaching the bridge to the peninsula, look to the east.
- You’ll find the Forlorn Hound Evergaol a large circular platform surrounded by stones.
- Approach the glowing sigil and interact to enter the boss fight arena.
Once you enter the Evergaol, you will face Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, a fast-moving enemy with a similar weapon style. Defeating him will grant you the Bloodhound’s Fang immediately.
Tips for Beating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil
Prepare for Fast Movement
Darriwil is incredibly agile, dashing around the arena and dealing quick, powerful attacks. It’s essential to learn his patterns and dodge accordingly. Shields are less effective due to his speed and stamina pressure.
Summon Blaidd for Help
If you’ve progressed a bit in the questline involving the NPC Blaidd, you can summon him to assist in this fight. To do this, speak to Blaidd after hearing his howls near the Mistwood Ruins, then use the Finger Snap gesture. He will mention Darriwil and offer to help with the fight.
Use Bleed or Magic
Darriwil is not resistant to bleed or magic attacks, so using spells, bleed weapons, or spirit ashes (in other fights) can help you manage the fight more efficiently. However, note that Evergaol fights typically do not allow summoning, so you’ll need to rely on NPCs or go solo unless the quest is active.
Is Bloodhound’s Fang Worth Using Long-Term?
Absolutely. The Bloodhound’s Fang is more than just an early-game weapon it can be upgraded to remain viable throughout the game. With proper Smithing Stones and scaling investments, this weapon continues to deal high damage and remains competitive even in mid-to-late game encounters.
Advantages of Bloodhound’s Fang
- High base damage with bleed buildup
- Excellent scaling with Dexterity
- Fast for a greatsword, with great reach
- Low stat requirement (Str 18 / Dex 17)
- Mobility-enhancing skill for evasive play
Thanks to its unique weapon skill and powerful damage potential, it’s often considered one of the best early-to-mid game weapons for dex-focused builds, and many players use it all the way through the final bosses with full upgrades.
Upgrade Path and Smithing
Unlike most weapons, the Bloodhound’s Fang is classified as a unique weapon and thus requires Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade. This means you can’t apply custom Ashes of War, but its unique skill more than makes up for the lack of customization.
Somber Smithing Stones Required
- Somber Smithing Stone [1] to [9] for upgrades up to +9
- Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for +10
These stones are found throughout the world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from merchants after giving specific bell bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks. With just a few upgrades, the weapon quickly becomes a reliable choice for challenging fights.
Best Builds for Bloodhound’s Fang
While the weapon can fit into several builds, it shines brightest in Dexterity-focused setups. Its bleed effect also makes it suitable for hybrid builds that focus on status effects and mobility.
Recommended Stats
- Dexterity: At least 2530 for solid scaling
- Strength: 18 minimum to wield it properly
- Endurance: Moderate investment to manage weight and stamina
- Vigor: Important for survivability, especially in melee
Playstyle Tips
- Use dodge rolls over blocking to conserve stamina
- Time Bloodhound’s Finesse for hit-and-run tactics
- Pair with talismans that boost dexterity or enhance bleed buildup
- Buff with spells like Flame, Grant Me Strength for extra attack power
Alternate Weapons to Consider
If for some reason you miss the Bloodhound’s Fang or want a backup, consider other curved greatswords or dexterity-scaling bleed weapons like:
- Nagakiba: A katana with superior reach and bleed
- Uchigatana: A great early-game weapon for bleed builds
- Godrick’s Greatsword: Higher strength requirement, more damage
Still, few weapons match the versatility and efficiency of Bloodhound’s Fang, especially in the early and mid-game.
Bloodhound Fang Is a Must-Get Weapon
For players looking to gain a serious edge early inElden Ring, the Bloodhound’s Fang is an excellent weapon that delivers power, speed, and utility. Its location at the Forlorn Hound Evergaol makes it accessible within your first few hours of exploration. With strong bleed buildup, an amazing weapon skill, and top-tier scaling, it can carry you from Limgrave to the final boss and beyond. Beating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil may require some patience, but the reward is more than worth the effort. Whether you’re building a dex-heavy warrior or just want a dependable melee option, don’t miss the chance to claim one of Elden Ring’s best early-game weapons.