What is the Best Early Game Bleed Sword?

The absolute best early game bleed option for those looking to inflict Blood Loss on their foes is undoubtedly the Reduvia Dagger. While technically a dagger and not a sword, its early accessibility, Arcane scaling, and potent bleed effect make it a superior choice compared to trying to force a bleed build on other weapons early on in Elden Ring. It provides a very quick and effective way to apply bleed buildup to a target and the damage is respectable enough to take you through the early to mid game.

Why the Reduvia Dagger Reigns Supreme

Let’s break down why the Reduvia is such a standout choice, even when compared to trying to infuse other swords with bleed:

• Early Accessibility: You can acquire the Reduvia Dagger very early in the game. It’s dropped by Bloody Finger Nerijus, an invader encountered in the riverbed north of the Agheel Lake in Limgrave. This means you can get your bleed build rolling almost immediately after starting the game.
• Innate Bleed: The Reduvia comes pre-equipped with a passive bleed effect. This is crucial because early game bleed infusions on other weapons often require resources you might not have access to or are better used elsewhere.
• Arcane Scaling: The Reduvia scales with Arcane, a stat that directly impacts bleed buildup. While early game stats are limited, investing even a few points into Arcane will noticeably improve the dagger’s bleed effectiveness. Plus, building toward Arcane sets you up for more powerful bleed options later in the game, such as the Rivers of Blood katana.
• Unique Weapon Skill – Reduvia Blood Blade: This weapon skill launches a projectile that also inflicts bleed buildup at range. This is a game-changer, allowing you to apply bleed safely from a distance, especially against tougher early game enemies.
• Dexterity Requirement: For a build already focused on dexterity, the Reduvia Dagger scales well with Dexterity.
• Low Stat Requirements: The dagger requires 5 Strength, 13 Dexterity, and 13 Arcane to wield. This makes it accessible to a wide variety of builds early on.

Alternatives and Considerations

While the Reduvia is the top choice, it’s worth considering some alternatives:

• Uchigatana: If you choose the Samurai class, you start with this katana, which already has bleed. It’s a solid alternative, but requires Smithing Stones to upgrade.
• Twinblade: Obtained relatively early, you can find the Twinblade in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins, located southwest of the First Step Site of Grace. This can be infused with bleed, but you need to get to a Whetstone Knife first.

However, these options either require more investment in upgrade materials or are not immediately available with innate bleed, making the Reduvia the most straightforward and effective choice for early game bleed.

Building Around the Reduvia

Here’s a basic strategy for building around the Reduvia early on:

1. Focus on Dexterity and Arcane: Prioritize leveling these stats to increase the Reduvia’s damage and bleed buildup.
2. Upgrade the Reduvia: Use Smithing Stones to upgrade the dagger whenever possible to maximize its damage output.
3. Utilize the Weapon Skill: Master the timing and range of the Reduvia Blood Blade weapon skill to apply bleed from a safe distance.
4. Find Bleed-Boosting Talismans: Look for talismans that boost bleed buildup or increase damage against bleeding enemies.
5. Explore Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula: Focus on exploring these early game areas to find upgrade materials, useful talismans, and other helpful gear.

Transitioning to Mid-Game

As you progress through Elden Ring, you’ll eventually find more powerful bleed weapons. The Reduvia remains a viable option for its speed and weapon skill, but you might consider transitioning to weapons like:

• Hookclaws: These claws offer incredibly fast attacks, making them excellent for rapidly building up bleed.
• Bloody Helice: A unique halberd that scales with Arcane and inflicts bleed.
• Rivers of Blood: The ultimate bleed katana, but acquired much later in the game.
• Morgott’s Cursed Sword: Another exceptional option obtained from a Remembrance.

The Reduvia is just a launching point for the game’s many options. Check out the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions players have about bleed builds and early game options:

What stat is most important for bleed in Elden Ring?

Arcane is the most important stat for bleed. It directly increases the amount of bleed buildup applied with each hit. While Dexterity and Strength also contribute to weapon damage, Arcane is the key to maximizing the effectiveness of a bleed build.

Can I dual-wield Reduvia daggers?

Yes, you can dual-wield Reduvia daggers if you acquire a second one in New Game Plus. Dual-wielding daggers significantly increases attack speed and bleed buildup.

Where can I find Smithing Stones to upgrade the Reduvia?

Smithing Stones can be found throughout Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. Early on, check mines and tunnels, as well as corpses and chests scattered throughout the world.

Is the Reduvia effective against all enemies?

No, some enemies are resistant or immune to bleed. These include certain bosses, constructs, and enemies with inherently high health pools. It’s always good to have a backup weapon or strategy for dealing with these enemies.

How does bleed work in Elden Ring?

Bleed (or Blood Loss) is a status effect that builds up with each hit from a weapon that inflicts it. Once the buildup reaches a certain threshold, the enemy suffers a burst of damage and is briefly staggered. The amount of bleed buildup required varies depending on the enemy.

What are some good talismans for a bleed build?

Some excellent talismans for a bleed build include:

• Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Increases attack power after inflicting bleed.
• Marika’s Soreseal: Increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane, but also increases damage taken.
• Claw Talisman: Enhances jump attacks, which can be useful for applying bleed quickly.

What is the best armor for a bleed build?

Armor choice is less critical than weapon and stat allocation for a bleed build. Focus on armor that provides a good balance of protection and weight, allowing you to maintain a medium equip load for better mobility.

How do I respec my stats in Elden Ring?

You can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear. These are rare items found throughout the game. You’ll also need to defeat Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Raya Lucarian Academy.

Can I apply bleed to my weapon if it doesn’t have it innately?

Yes, you can apply bleed to weapons that don’t have it innately by using Ashes of War with bleed affinity. However, this requires finding the appropriate Ash of War and having the Whetstone Knife to change the weapon’s affinity.

Is the Reduvia still viable in the late game?

While the Reduvia might not be your primary weapon in the late game, it can still be useful in certain situations. Its fast attacks and weapon skill make it effective for quickly applying bleed to enemies with low health or for interrupting enemy attacks.

What are some other weapons that scale with Arcane and inflict bleed?

Besides the Reduvia, other notable Arcane-scaling bleed weapons include the Rivers of Blood katana, Eleonora’s Poleblade, Morgott’s Cursed Sword, and the Occult infused weapons.

What’s the difference between Blood Loss and Frostbite?

Both Blood Loss and Frostbite are status effects that trigger after a certain buildup. Blood Loss deals a burst of damage, while Frostbite deals damage and reduces the enemy’s damage absorption for a short time.

What is the best way to farm runes early in Elden Ring?

One of the best early game rune farming methods is to kill the sleeping dragon in Caelid. This requires a bit of travel, but it provides a large number of runes very quickly.

Can I use bleed against bosses?

Yes, you can use bleed against many bosses in Elden Ring. However, some bosses are highly resistant or immune to bleed. Experimentation is key to determining which bosses are vulnerable.

What should I do if I’m struggling to defeat Bloody Finger Nerijus?

If you’re struggling to defeat Bloody Finger Nerijus, try summoning the NPC summon, Yura. You can also use ranged attacks and spells to keep your distance.

What are occult infusions?

Occult infusions increase a weapon’s Arcane scaling and often add bleed buildup. They are a powerful option for bleed builds, but they require finding the Occult Whetblade.