Elden Ring Blood Build: Weapons, Armor, & Gear

An Elden Ring Blood Build is a type of playstyle that focuses on inflicting the ‘Hemorrhage’ status effect on enemies by attacking them as much as possible within a short period of time. This causes the Bleed bar to fill up, which then automatically causes the target to lose a massive percentage of their health.

To make things more convenient for you, here is the Blood Build Summary with all the best picks:

Build Requirements

In Elden Ring, the Starting Class choice primarily affects your initial gear and stats. You have the flexibility to create any character you want throughout the game.

However, some classes are more suitable for specific builds due to their starting equipment and stats. For example:

• If you’re aiming for a Faith weapons playstyle, the Confessor build is ideal as it starts with a Sacred Seal and some Incantations.
• The Samurai build is excellent for an Elden Ring Bleed Build because of its high starting Dexterity and the Uchigatana weapon, one of the best Katanas in the game. I would recommend going with the Samurai Class.

Blood Build Weapons

The following are the best weapons that go along with a bleed build, in my opinion:

Uchigatana

The Uchigatana is a versatile and ideal choice for an Elden Ring Bleed Build, so I would highly recommend choosing it for starters. You can obtain it early in the game, and it’s one of the earliest Bleed weapons available in the game; you can enhance its effectiveness with various Incantations. Ashes of War, like Seppuku, pair perfectly with it, increasing its blood loss rate.

Bloodhound’s Fang

The Bloodhound’s Fang is another excellent choice for your Elden Ring Bleed Build. Here’s what makes it a great option: It can be found in the Limgrave region within the first few hours. It possesses the Bleed Buildup ability, which is quite rare for a greatsword. 

Bloodhound Claws

If you prefer up-close, intense combat, the Bloodhound Claws are an ideal choice. These fist weapons allow for fast, close-quarter slashes. The Bloodhound Claws are perfect for those who enjoy close combat and want to maximize Blood Loss in their Blood Build.

Ghiza’s Wheel

The Ghiza’s Wheel is a unique and formidable choice for your Blood Build, but it comes with its own set of characteristics and requirements. It is a Colossal Weapon, which means it’s not the easiest to wield, and its attack animations are slower than other weapons on this list. Ghiza’s Wheel boasts the highest rate of Blood Loss Buildup in the game.

Due to its ‘Spinning Wheel’ skill, I would recommend giving it a try.

Rivers Of Blood

The Rivers of Blood katana became my favorite weapon for the build as soon as I obtained it. You can obtain it in the Mountaintops of the Giants, a region accessible dozens of hours into the game.

Its unique Corpse Piler skill can initiate a series of quick slashes infused with blood, boasting improved range. The unique skill it has deals massive amounts of damage along with blood loss.

Sacred Seals

The Sacred Seals in Elden Ring serve as catalysts for all Incantations. Most cast Faith-based spells with variations in their effects and scaling. 

• The Erdtree Seal does not boost any particular type of Incantation, but it reaches S rank with Faith scaling at the +5 upgrade level.
• Dragon Communion Seal boosts Dragon Communion type Incantations and reaches S rank with Arcane scaling at +7.
• Godslayer’s Seal enhances godslayer type Incantations and also reaches S rank Faith scaling at +14.

Blood Build Incantations

Several spells in the Elden Ring induce Hemorrhage on enemies. One buffs weapons, accelerating the Blood Loss meter, while others directly cause Blood Loss. To utilize these, invest points in Faith and Arcane, which won’t exceed 17 points.

These Incantations complement melee builds and should be paired with a melee weapon for optimal effectiveness.

• Bloodflame Blade
• Bloodboon
• Bloodflame Talons
• Swarm of Flies

Blood Build Armor

Armor selection varies, as players can tailor it to their preferences. Therefore, consider medium to heavy armor sets with strong Physical damage reduction for added protection. I would highly recommend you to get the White Mask for the blood build.

War Surgeon Set

The War Surgeon Set may not be visually appealing or offer significant damage reduction, but it provides a unique ability for dedicated Elden Ring Bleed Builds. The White Mask helmet grants a 10% attack power boost each time you inflict Blood Loss on an enemy.

The buff lasts for 20 seconds and doesn’t stack, but with continuous Hemorrhage, you can maintain the boost consistently.

Crucible Tree Set

For players seeking additional protection due to concerns about dodging, the Crucible Tree Set is a reliable choice. It can effectively endure substantial damage and serve you well throughout the game. Remarkably, this heavy armor set maintains a reasonable weight, allowing Medium Load without sacrificing dodge rolling ability. 

Raging Wolf Set

The Raging Wolf Set stands out as my personal favorite. It is perfect for players confident in their dodge and evasion skills. It maintains a low weight, allowing for Light Load when paired with lighter weapons like Katanas and even Medium Load with heavier Greatswords. I would advise going with it, even if I look a little biased here.

Blood Build Talismans

Choosing from the list available can be a bit daunting, but hopefully, our Best Elden Ring Talismans guide can help in that regard.

The following are the best Talismans, according to me, for the Blood Build:

• Lord of Blood’s Exultation: The Lord of Blood’s Exultation provides a 20% increase to your attack power anytime there is Blood loss in your character’s vicinity.
• Millicent’s Prosthesis: Millicent’s Prosthesis grants a +5 boost to Dexterity and increases attack power with each successive hit.
• Godskin Swaddling Cloth: The Godskin Swaddling Cloth functions a lot like Millicent’s Prosthesis, but instead of raising your attack power, successive attacks restore your health. 
• Erdtree’s Favor: The Erdtree’s Favor talisman offers a broad range of benefits, including increased Health, Stamina, and Equip Load—beneficial for all players. 

My Thoughts On The Bleed Build

Based on my experience, Blood or Bleed Build seems a little unfair, as it completely destroys most of the bosses with the perfect gear. I picked the Samurai Class in my first playthrough, and luckily, I stumbled upon the next Uchigatana. Two Uchigatanas made my early game easier than I had expected. So, as someone who has used the Bleed Build for a long time, I can tell you it is a lot of fun.

To make sure you have the best experience, get yourself some Ashes of War associated with blood loss; Seppukku is the most preferred one. After that, get the White Mask from Varé by doing his quest, and with some Talismans, you are good to go. If you don’t want Uchigatana as your weapon, you can also get River of Blood, Bloodhound Claws, or Ghuza’s Wheel. Bloodhound Claw’s range can be hard to grasp, so make sure to practice first if you are picking it.

And that’s all there is to my Blood Build. While you’re here, why not also check the Elden Ring Dragonlord Placidusax Location guide?

Next: Elden Ring Deathblight Build