Elden Ring: Unleashing the Power of the Backhand Blade Build (501)

Introduction

In the vast and unforgiving realm of Elden Ring, players embark on epic quests where every edge can determine victory or defeat. Amidst an arsenal of formidable weapons, the Backhand Blade Build stands as a testament to the unconventional and devastating potential hidden within the game's mechanics. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of this unique build, empowering players to wield its raw power and dominate the challenges that lie ahead.

Weaponry: The Backhand Blade (107)

At the heart of this build lies the enigmatic Backhand Blade, an unassuming weapon with a distinctive reverse grip that belies its deadly capabilities. With a base physical damage of 107 and an innate Skill Scaling of "B," this blade excels in the hands of skilled combatants who master its unique moveset.

Attributes and Scaling: A Balancing Act (125)

To fully harness the Backhand Blade's potential, players must invest wisely in their attributes. Dexterity and Strength play crucial roles in maximizing damage output. A balanced approach, targeting 50 Dexterity and 40 Strength, provides a substantial boost to the blade's scaling. Furthermore, allocating 15 Faith unlocks access to the Incantation "Golden Vow," which further enhances both Physical and Magic Damage.

Ash of War: Spinning Strikes (180)

The Backhand Blade's Ash of War, Spinning Strikes, is a whirlwind of devastation capable of shredding through multiple enemies with relentless speed. It inflicts 180 Physical Damage and possesses a generous range, making it ideal for crowd control and area clearing. As the blade spins, it also applies a stacking Bleed effect, weakening opponents and setting the stage for critical strikes.

Talismans: Synergizing Attributes (30%)

Talismans play a pivotal role in enhancing the Backhand Blade Build's effectiveness. The "Dexterity Knot Crystal Tear" boosts Dexterity by 10, maximizing physical damage. The "Strength Knot Crystal Tear" adds 5 Strength, further increasing the blade's base damage. The "Erdtree's Favor +2" talisman provides a 30% boost to maximum HP, Stamina, and Equipment Load, granting players greater survivability and endurance.

Incantations: Enhancing Utility (16%)

Incantations offer versatility to the Backhand Blade Build. "Flame, Grant Me Strength" and "Golden Vow" enhance Physical and Magic Damage by 16% and 15%, respectively. "Bloodflame Blade" grants a Bleed effect to the weapon, increasing its lethal potential against bosses and tough enemies. "Flame, Cleanse Me" removes status effects, ensuring uninterrupted combat flow.

Armor: Achieving a Balance (25%)

When selecting armor for the Backhand Blade Build, prioritize a balance between defense and mobility. Medium armor, such as the Lion's Set, provides substantial protection while maintaining a comfortable weight for agile maneuvers. The Raven's Set and Black Knife Set offer excellent resistances against various damage types, ensuring survivability against different enemies.

Playstyle: Aggressive and Calculated (80%)

The Backhand Blade Build demands an aggressive playstyle, utilizing its high damage output and crowd control capabilities to dominate encounters. However, recklessness often leads to swift defeat. Calculated movements, precise timing, and a keen eye for enemy patterns are essential for success. Players must maintain a close range, unleashing Spinning Strikes upon vulnerable foes and capitalizing on Bleed effects to secure critical hits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (5)

1. Overreliance on Spinning Strikes: While powerful, Spinning Strikes can leave players vulnerable to interruptions. Use it strategically and switch to other attacks to maintain unpredictability.
2. Neglecting Attributes: Underinvesting in Dexterity and Strength will significantly diminish the Backhand Blade's damage potential. Prioritize these attributes to optimize performance.
3. Inadequate Defense: Sacrificing defense for mobility can lead to untimely deaths. Strike a balance between protection and agility to ensure survivability in prolonged confrontations.
4. Poor Positioning: Getting caught in the middle of multiple enemies can overwhelm the Backhand Blade Build. Maintain strategic positioning to isolate foes and avoid getting surrounded.
5. Lack of Versatility: Sticking exclusively to the Backhand Blade limits adaptability. Incorporate additional weapons or spells into your arsenal to handle different situations and overcome enemy resistances.

Why the Backhand Blade Build Matters (100%)

1. Dominant Damage Output: With its high physical damage, Bleed effect, and versatile Ash of War, the Backhand Blade Build excels at slaying enemies quickly and efficiently.
2. Crowd Control Mastery: Spinning Strikes effortlessly dispatches multiple opponents, clearing areas with devastating speed and precision.
3. Agile Combatant: The Backhand Blade's lightweight nature allows for nimble movements, enabling players to outmaneuver and outpace enemies with ease.
4. Adaptability to Situations: The inclusion of Incantations and additional weapons provides the build with versatility to adapt to various challenges and overcome enemy resistances.
5. Accessible to All: The Backhand Blade is an easily obtainable weapon, making this build accessible to players of all levels.

Pros and Cons: A Comparative Analysis (125)

Pros:

• Massive physical damage and Bleed effect
• Excellent crowd control capabilities
• Agile and versatile playstyle
• Accessible for all players

Cons:

• Vulnerable to interruptions during Spinning Strikes
• Requires investment in multiple attributes
• May lack range against ranged enemies
• Can be less effective against enemies with high Bleed resistance

Conclusion: The Path to Triumph (105)

The Elden Ring Backhand Blade Build stands as a testament to the game's depth and the boundless potential for player creativity. By mastering its unique mechanics, synergizing attributes and equipment, and adopting an aggressive yet calculated playstyle, players can unleash the devastating power of this unconventional build and conquer the unforgiving challenges that lie ahead. The journey to triumph in Elden Ring may be arduous, but with the Backhand Blade in hand, victory becomes a distinct possibility within reach.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Essential Attributes and Scaling

Table 2: Recommended Talismans

Table 3: Effective Incantations

Table 4: Optimal Armor Choices