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Unleash the Divine Storm: The Ultimate Dex/Faith Weapon in Elden Ring

The question plagues every Tarnished seeking to blend the swift grace of Dexterity with the potent power of Faith: What is the best Dex/Faith weapon in Elden Ring? While “best” is subjective and depends heavily on individual playstyle, the consensus, bolstered by both raw power and versatility, points to the Sacred Relic Sword. It’s a weapon that demands a significant time investment to acquire, being a reward for defeating the final boss, but its unique weapon skill and scaling make it an absolute powerhouse for a Dex/Faith build.

Why the Sacred Relic Sword Reigns Supreme

The Sacred Relic Sword shines for several key reasons:

Excellent Scaling: It boasts a solid D scaling in Strength, D in Dexterity, and E in Faith initially, but this improves significantly with upgrades. At +10, it features C scaling in Strength and Dexterity, with its Faith Scaling becoming D. This favorable scaling allows you to effectively capitalize on both stat investments, resulting in impressive damage output.
Unique Weapon Skill: Wave of Gold: This weapon skill unleashes a sweeping arc of holy energy, dealing massive damage to enemies caught in its path. More importantly, Wave of Gold is incredibly effective at clearing large groups of enemies, making it ideal for traversing open areas and tackling challenging dungeons. It also boasts impressive range, allowing you to engage enemies from a safe distance.
Holy Damage Output: The Sacred Relic Sword inherently deals Holy damage, which is particularly effective against undead enemies and those susceptible to holy incantations. This gives you a significant advantage in areas like the Mountaintops of the Giants and certain legacy dungeons.
Poise Damage: Beyond pure damage, the Wave of Gold weapon skill deals exceptional poise damage. With successive hits, even larger enemies can be staggered, allowing for critical strikes and follow-up attacks.
Fashion Souls Approved: Let’s be honest, the Sacred Relic Sword looks amazing. Wielding this majestic blade adds a touch of divine elegance to your Tarnished.

Building Your Dex/Faith Character Around the Sacred Relic Sword

To truly maximize the potential of the Sacred Relic Sword, consider these stat allocations and complementary items:

Stats:

Vigor: Prioritize this early on to ensure survivability. Aim for at least 40 Vigor, and eventually 60.
Mind: Increase Mind to have sufficient FP (Focus Points) for repeated use of Wave of Gold and other incantations. 30-40 is a good range.
Endurance: Enough to wear your desired armor while maintaining a medium equip load. This depends on your armor choices.
Strength: Meet the minimum requirement to wield the Sacred Relic Sword (14 Strength). Don’t invest further unless you plan on using other Strength-scaling weapons.
Dexterity: Your primary damage stat. Aim for 60-80 Dexterity.
Faith: Your secondary damage stat and key for casting incantations. Aim for 40-60 Faith.
Arcane: Leave this at its base value unless you intend to incorporate specific Dragon Communion incantations.

Talismans:

Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, Stamina, and Equip Load. Essential for survivability and build flexibility.
Radagon’s Soreseal/Scarseal: Provides a boost to Vigor, Endurance, Strength, and Dexterity (Soreseal has a downside by increasing damage taken, Scarseal has less stats but no penalty). Useful in the early to mid-game, but consider replacing it later as your stats naturally increase.
Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed, allowing for more frequent attacks and dodges.
Sacred Scorpion Charm: Increases Holy damage dealt. A must-have for maximizing the Sacred Relic Sword’s potential.
Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces the FP cost of skills, allowing you to use Wave of Gold more frequently.

Incantations:

Golden Vow: A powerful buff that increases attack power and defense.
Flame, Grant Me Strength: Boosts physical and fire damage. Stacks with Golden Vow.
Lightning Spear: A versatile ranged attack that can target specific enemies.
Heal Spells: Essential for survivability and self-sufficiency.
Black Flame Protection: Reduces physical damage taken, useful for tanking hits.

Alternatives to the Sacred Relic Sword

While the Sacred Relic Sword is a top contender, several other weapons can excel in a Dex/Faith build:

Winged Scythe: A reaper weapon that deals both physical and Holy damage, boasting innate bleed buildup. Its unique weapon skill, Angel’s Wings, provides temporary invincibility and increased attack power.
Black Knife: A dagger with excellent Dexterity scaling and a unique weapon skill, Blade of Death, which deals percentage-based health damage to enemies. It also deals holy damage.
Godslayer’s Greatsword: A colossal sword that scales well with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith. Its weapon skill, The Queen’s Black Flame, unleashes a powerful black flame attack.
Cipher Pata/Coded Sword: This weapon deals holy damage, scales with faith and cannot be parried!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Dex/Faith a viable build in Elden Ring?

Absolutely! A Dex/Faith build is exceptionally strong, offering a blend of melee prowess and potent incantations. It allows you to adapt to various combat situations and provides excellent damage output. The GamesLearningSociety.org studies such builds as part of understanding player strategy.
What are the best stats for a Dex/Faith build?

Prioritize Vigor (60), Mind (30-40), Dexterity (60-80), and Faith (40-60). Invest enough in Endurance to maintain a medium equip load.
What are the best early-game weapons for a Dex/Faith build?

Consider the Winged Scythe, Twinblade, or a Keen-infused weapon that you can buff with Faith-based incantations like Lightning Armament or Bloodflame Blade.
What are some good early-game incantations for a Dex/Faith build?

Heal, Urgent Heal, Flame Sling, and Lightning Spear are excellent choices for early-game utility and damage.
Which Sacred Seal is best for a Dex/Faith build?

The Erdtree Seal scales exceptionally well with Faith, making it the best option for maximizing incantation scaling at higher Faith levels. For lower levels the Gravel Stone Seal might be a better choice, as it strengthens lightning incantations!
How do I increase my Faith stat early in the game?

Equip the Two Fingers Heirloom talisman to gain +5 Faith, or respec your stats at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her.
What are some good armor sets for a Dex/Faith build?

Choose armor that provides a good balance of protection and weight. Sets like the Confessor Set, Mausoleum Knight Set, or Raya Lucarian Sorcerer Set are solid options.
What are the benefits of using Holy damage in Elden Ring?

Holy damage is particularly effective against undead enemies and those susceptible to holy incantations, providing a significant advantage in specific areas of the game.
How does Dexterity affect incantation casting speed?

Dexterity slightly increases casting speed, but the effect is minimal. Consider using the Radagon Icon talisman to significantly boost casting speed.
What are some ways to improve survivability on a Dex/Faith build?

Invest in Vigor, equip defensive talismans like Erdtree’s Favor and Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, and utilize healing incantations to stay alive in challenging encounters.
Is it better to focus on Dexterity or Faith first?

It’s generally recommended to focus on Dexterity first, as it directly impacts weapon damage. Gradually increase Faith as you progress and unlock more powerful incantations.
What is the best way to farm runes for leveling up?

There are many rune farming spots in Elden Ring, but one of the most efficient is the Palace Approach Ledge-Road in Mohgwyn Palace. Use a ranged attack to aggro the sleeping Albinaurics and collect a large number of runes quickly.
What are some good Ashes of War to use on a Keen-infused weapon for a Dex/Faith build?

Consider using Ashes of War that provide elemental damage or utility, such as Lightning Slash, Sacred Blade, or Bloodflame Blade. These can be found throughout the Lands Between.
How can I optimize my FP consumption on a Dex/Faith build?

Equip the Carian Filigreed Crest talisman to reduce the FP cost of weapon skills, and consider using the Cerulean Amber Medallion to increase your maximum FP.
Can I use the Sacred Relic Sword effectively without leveling up Strength?

Yes, you can! The Sacred Relic Sword has lower requirements for strength. While the sword benefits most by leveling Dexterity, it has more base damage, and still deals an above average amount if you don’t invest in scaling stats.

By mastering the art of combining Dexterity and Faith, and wielding the Sacred Relic Sword (or one of its worthy alternatives), you can become a truly formidable force in the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your path be guided by grace!

What is the best Dex faith weapon in Elden Ring?