Can You Infuse Bloodhound’s Fang in Elden Ring?

The short answer is no, you cannot infuse the Bloodhound’s Fang with Ashes of War to change its scaling or add new affinities. This is a crucial point for players building around this popular weapon in Elden Ring. The Bloodhound’s Fang is a unique weapon, and like all unique weapons, it has a fixed moveset and scaling that cannot be altered through traditional infusion methods.

Understanding Weapon Infusion in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, many weapons can be infused with Ashes of War. These ashes allow you to imbue a weapon with various affinities, such as Magic, Fire, Lightning, or even Bleed, changing the weapon’s stat scaling and adding unique special abilities. This system provides a high degree of customization, allowing players to tailor weapons to their builds. However, unique weapons like the Bloodhound’s Fang, which are often tied to boss fights or significant events, cannot be infused in this way.

Why Can’t Bloodhound’s Fang Be Infused?

The inability to infuse the Bloodhound’s Fang stems from its unique status as a special weapon. These weapons are designed with specific stat scaling, abilities, and a default Weapon Skill known as Bloodhound’s Finesse. Their unique nature is balanced by their inability to be customized via infusion. This design choice helps ensure that certain weapons remain distinct, with strengths and weaknesses that must be worked around rather than changed. It also maintains the identity of boss weapons and keeps their value as rewards from overcoming challenges.

How Can You Enhance the Bloodhound’s Fang?

Although you can’t infuse the Bloodhound’s Fang, there are ways to make it even more potent. Here are a few options:

• Somber Smithing Stones: The primary method to enhance the weapon is through upgrades using Somber Smithing Stones. These stones are used to fortify unique weapons, increasing their base damage and scaling.
• Magic Enchantments: You can enchant the Bloodhound’s Fang with Magic spells or items, such as Scholar’s Armament, for a temporary damage boost.
• Consumables: Various consumables like Greases can be applied to the Bloodhound’s Fang to add elemental or status effects, further enhancing its power. This includes applying Blood Grease to boost its already present Bleed build-up. Note that these consumables are temporary and not a permanent change like an infusion.
• Buffing Weapon Skills: Some Ashes of War like War Cry, Barabric Roar, and Royal Resolve function as weapon buffs. You can use these to buff Bloodhound Fang, though they will replace any other buffs you have on the weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bloodhound’s Fang

1. Can Bloodhound’s Fang be upgraded?

Yes, absolutely! The Bloodhound’s Fang is upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. This is the primary way to increase its damage output and scaling as you progress through Elden Ring.

2. Is Bloodhound’s Fang better with Strength or Dex?

The Bloodhound’s Fang is a Quality weapon, meaning it scales with both Strength and Dexterity. However, it leans more heavily towards Dexterity scaling. Prioritizing Dexterity will provide more benefit, although investing in both stats can be a very viable option.

3. Can you grease Bloodhound’s Fang?

Yes, you can! Applying Greases such as Blood Grease can add further status effects like bleed to the already existing bleed effect for increased damage.

4. Can Bloodflame Blade be used on Bloodhound’s Fang?

Yes, Bloodflame Blade can be used on the Bloodhound’s Fang. If your Arcane stat is high enough, it is a great option to add more damage and the Fire damage of Bloodflame Blade complements the physical damage and bleed of the Bloodhound’s Fang.

5. What is the best way to use Bloodhound’s Fang?

Utilize the Bloodhound’s Finesse Weapon Skill effectively. This skill allows you to attack, then somersault backward for distance, then immediately follow up with a teleport strike. This combination is effective for dealing damage while staying mobile.

6. Can you use Bloodhound’s Fang to endgame?

Yes, the Bloodhound’s Fang is considered one of the best weapons to use throughout the entire game, even in the late game. Its consistent damage output, Bleed build-up, and mobility make it reliable against most enemies and bosses.

7. Can Bloodhound’s Fang be enchanted with Magic?

Yes, you can enchant it with Magic, such as with the Scholar’s Armament spell or other temporary magic buffs. This provides a temporary boost to its damage output.

8. What does Bloodhound’s Fang scale best with?

The Bloodhound’s Fang scales best with Dexterity, though it also benefits from Strength. Investing in both will maximize its damage potential.

9. Is there a better weapon than Bloodhound’s Fang?

While the Bloodhound’s Fang is excellent, whether it’s “the best” depends on personal preference and playstyle. Weapons like the Claymore are more versatile due to their ability to be infused and customized, but the Bloodhound’s Fang shines through its mobility and innate Bleed. It’s also important to note that there are many amazing weapons in the game that perform incredibly well at the higher levels that are just as good or even better than the Bloodhound’s Fang, and that some weapons are much better in specific situations (for instance, the Sword of Night and Flame can excel against certain enemies).

10. Does the Claw Talisman work with Bloodhound’s Fang?

Yes, the Claw Talisman, which boosts jump attack damage, works well with the Bloodhound’s Fang. Using jump attacks in tandem with the weapon’s mobility can create powerful openings and burst damage.

11. Is Moonveil Katana better than Bloodhound’s Fang?

Whether the Moonveil Katana is better depends on your build and playstyle. Moonveil has magic scaling and a ranged ash of war which is good for casting, while the Bloodhound’s Fang has better physical damage and mobility. The Bloodhound’s Fang has better utility due to its low FP cost and its bleed effect, but the Moonveil katana does have better range. Both are very strong weapons and it comes down to which is better for you.

12. Does Bloodhound’s Fang scale with Arcane?

No, the Bloodhound’s Fang does not scale with Arcane. It solely scales with Strength and Dexterity, so investing in Arcane won’t improve its damage.

13. Is Bloodhound’s Fang a Quality weapon?

Yes, the Bloodhound’s Fang is a Quality weapon because it scales with both Strength and Dexterity.

14. How do you upgrade Bloodhound’s Fang to level 4?

Upgrade the Bloodhound’s Fang to level 4 by finding and using four Somber Smithing Stone [4].

15. What Dex do you need for Bloodhound Fang?

You need 17 Dexterity to wield the Bloodhound’s Fang, as well as 18 Strength.

Conclusion

While you can’t infuse the Bloodhound’s Fang with Ashes of War, its unique traits make it a powerful choice for many builds. Its mobility, base damage, bleed build-up, and the ability to be buffed with temporary consumables and spells make it a formidable weapon for all parts of Elden Ring. Remember to upgrade it with Somber Smithing Stones and leverage its strengths, and you’ll find the Bloodhound’s Fang to be a very effective companion in your journey through the Lands Between.