Does Bloodhound’s Fang Scale with Arcane? The Definitive Answer and FAQ
No, Bloodhound’s Fang does not scale with Arcane. Its primary scaling attributes are Strength and Dexterity. While it has a small amount of scaling with Strength (D) and Dexterity (C), the weapon primarily benefits from upgrading these stats.
Understanding Bloodhound’s Fang Scaling
Bloodhound’s Fang is a unique curved greatsword in Elden Ring, renowned for its powerful weapon skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse, and its bleed build-up. Understanding how its scaling works is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness in combat. So, since it does not scale with Arcane, let’s explore what it does scale with.
Strength and Dexterity: The Primary Stats
The primary scaling attributes for Bloodhound’s Fang are Strength and Dexterity. This means that as you increase these stats, the attack power of the weapon will increase. The scaling grades (D for Strength and C for Dexterity, which eventually improve with upgrades) indicate the relative contribution of each stat to the weapon’s overall damage output. Dexterity generally contributes more than Strength.
- Strength: Affects the physical damage dealt by the weapon. A moderate investment in Strength is beneficial, especially if you plan on two-handing the weapon.
- Dexterity: Significantly impacts the weapon’s damage output and also affects your casting speed. Investing heavily in Dexterity is generally recommended for Bloodhound’s Fang.
Why No Arcane Scaling?
Arcane scaling is typically associated with weapons that deal status effects like bleed or poison and have innate Arcane scaling. While Bloodhound’s Fang does inflict bleed, its bleed build-up is fixed and doesn’t scale with Arcane. Weapons with Arcane scaling often have an Arcane stat displayed under their scaling attributes, which Bloodhound’s Fang lacks. Therefore, investing points into Arcane will not increase the damage or bleed build-up of Bloodhound’s Fang.
How to Optimize Damage Output
To optimize the damage output of Bloodhound’s Fang, focus on leveling Strength and, more importantly, Dexterity. As you level these stats, the weapon’s attack rating will increase. Furthermore, upgrading the weapon using Smithing Stones will significantly boost its base damage and improve its scaling grades. Upgrading is much more important than stat investment alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bloodhound’s Fang
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Bloodhound’s Fang, covering various aspects of its use and optimization.
1. What are the stat requirements to wield Bloodhound’s Fang?
The stat requirements to wield Bloodhound’s Fang are 18 Strength and 17 Dexterity. You must meet these requirements to effectively use the weapon without penalty. Failing to meet these requirements will result in reduced damage output and slower attack animations.
2. What is the best infusion for Bloodhound’s Fang?
Bloodhound’s Fang cannot be infused with Ashes of War. It is a unique weapon with a fixed moveset and damage type. Its unique nature prevents modifications like infusions.
3. How does Bloodhound’s Finesse work?
Bloodhound’s Finesse is the unique weapon skill of Bloodhound’s Fang. It involves a quick upward slash followed by a backward step, creating distance. It can be followed up with Bloodhound’s Step, a quick forward lunge that closes the gap and deals significant damage. These two moves together make Bloodhound’s Finesse exceptionally versatile and effective in both offense and defense.
4. Where can I find Bloodhound’s Fang?
Bloodhound’s Fang is obtained by defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil at the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave.
5. Is Bloodhound’s Fang good for early game?
Yes, Bloodhound’s Fang is an excellent weapon for the early game. Its readily available location, decent damage, bleed build-up, and unique weapon skill make it effective against a wide range of enemies and bosses.
6. How does bleed build-up work with Bloodhound’s Fang?
Bloodhound’s Fang applies bleed build-up with each hit. When the bleed meter fills, the enemy suffers a burst of damage. The bleed build-up amount is fixed for Bloodhound’s Fang and does not scale with Arcane.
7. Can I dual wield Bloodhound’s Fang?
No, you cannot dual wield Bloodhound’s Fang. It is a unique weapon, and only one can be obtained per playthrough (unless you trade with another player). To dual wield, you need two of the same weapon.
8. What talismans are best for Bloodhound’s Fang?
Several talismans can enhance Bloodhound’s Fang’s effectiveness:
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery.
- Erdtree’s Favor: Boosts HP, stamina, and equip load.
- Claw Talisman: Enhances jump attacks, which can be combined with Bloodhound’s Finesse.
- Shard of Alexander: Boosts the damage of weapon skills, including Bloodhound’s Finesse.
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Increases attack power when bleed is inflicted on nearby enemies.
9. What armor sets synergize well with Bloodhound’s Fang?
Armor sets that provide good poise and defense are beneficial. Consider the following:
- Blaidd’s Set: Offers a balance of poise and protection while looking stylish.
- Scaled Set: Provides high poise, allowing you to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered.
- Ronin’s Set: Lightweight and provides some Dexterity bonus through the helmet.
10. How do I upgrade Bloodhound’s Fang?
Bloodhound’s Fang is upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. These stones are rarer than regular Smithing Stones but provide a larger damage boost per upgrade level.
11. What is the maximum upgrade level for Bloodhound’s Fang?
The maximum upgrade level for Bloodhound’s Fang is +10.
12. Is Bloodhound’s Fang viable in the late game?
Yes, Bloodhound’s Fang remains viable in the late game, especially when fully upgraded and paired with appropriate talismans and armor. Its unique weapon skill and bleed build-up can be effective against many late-game bosses and enemies.
13. Does two-handing Bloodhound’s Fang affect its scaling?
Yes, two-handing Bloodhound’s Fang will effectively increase your Strength by 50% for the purposes of meeting stat requirements and damage scaling. So, it allows you to wield the weapon even with a lower Strength stat and will increase the weapon’s damage output if your Strength stat is already significant. However, Dexterity remains unaffected.
14. How does Bloodhound’s Fang compare to other curved greatswords?
Bloodhound’s Fang stands out due to its unique weapon skill and innate bleed build-up. While other curved greatswords might offer different damage types or scaling options, Bloodhound’s Fang provides a unique blend of mobility, damage, and status effect. It can be considered a top-tier weapon of this class.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and learning through games?
You can learn more about game design and learning through games by visiting the Games Learning Society website. The Games Learning Society promotes interdisciplinary research that advances the scientific understanding of games and learning. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This valuable resource will help you explore the educational potential of games.