Does the Blackflame Monk Drop His Sword? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Flame Weaponry
The short answer is no, Blackflame Monks do not drop their iconic Monk’s Flameblade. Despite wielding this distinctive weapon in combat, defeating a Blackflame Monk will only reward you with pieces of their armor set. This can be confusing for many players, especially given how prevalent the Monks are throughout certain areas of Elden Ring. This article will explore the nuances of obtaining the Monk’s Flameblade, the Blackflame Monk Set, and related items, clearing up any confusion along the way.
The Elusive Monk’s Flameblade
Many players initially assume that defeating an enemy wielding a specific weapon means that enemy has a chance of dropping it. However, Elden Ring frequently throws curveballs. In the case of the Monk’s Flameblade, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not a standard drop from Blackflame Monks. Instead, it is obtained from a different type of enemy entirely, Fire Monks.
Where to Find the Monk’s Flameblade
The Monk’s Flameblade is specifically dropped by Fire Monks found in the Mountaintops of the Giants. One particularly good farming location is inside the Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave. These Fire Monks, unlike their Blackflame brethren, are the key to acquiring this coveted curved greatsword. Keep in mind, however, that the drop rate isn’t guaranteed, so some persistence and farming may be required.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion regarding Blackflame Monks and the Monk’s Flameblade stems from the similar names and the fact that both types of monks use fire-based attacks and attire. However, the distinction between the two is critical to understand the Elden Ring loot system. Blackflame Monks are primarily associated with the Godslayer Incantations and wear a specific armor set, while Fire Monks are the sole source of the Monk’s Flameblade.
The Blackflame Monk Set
While they may not drop the sword, Blackflame Monks do provide another valuable set of items: the Blackflame Monk Set. This complete attire set includes the following pieces:
- Blackflame Monk Hood
- Blackflame Monk Armor
- Blackflame Monk Gauntlets
- Blackflame Monk Greaves
These pieces are dropped individually and randomly from Blackflame Monks. This means you’ll need to farm these enemies to complete the full set.
Farming Locations for the Blackflame Monk Set
Two optimal farming spots for the Blackflame Monk Set are:
- Divine Tower of Caelid: Basement site of grace: Head down the stairs from this grace to encounter a single Blackflame Monk that’s easy to isolate and defeat repeatedly.
- Temple of Eiglay site of grace: Head northwest, go outside, and walk down the temple stairs. You will encounter multiple monks but they can be handled one at a time.
These locations offer relatively easy access to Blackflame Monks and allow for quick resets for efficient farming.
Blackflame Monk Set Attributes
The Blackflame Monk Armor is considered a Heavyweight armor set, providing a decent balance between Physical and Magical Defense. It does not offer any passive bonuses to Godslayer Incantations, but it is a stylish and practical armor for those aiming for a Black Flame-themed build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify any questions about Blackflame Monks, the Monk’s Flameblade, and related elements in Elden Ring:
1. What does the Monk’s Flameblade Scale With?
The Monk’s Flameblade scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity, with some scaling also coming from Faith. This makes it a versatile weapon for a variety of builds. It’s notable for having the best blood scaling out of all curved greatswords.
2. What is the Best Weapon for a Black Flame Build?
While the Monk’s Flameblade is a viable option, the Godslayer’s Seal is considered a cornerstone for a Black Flame build. It boosts all Godslayer Incantations, which include Black Flame spells.
3. Where Do I Find Fire Monks to Farm the Monk’s Flameblade?
The best farming location for the Monk’s Flameblade is in the Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave in the Mountaintops of the Giants, where Fire Monks are abundant.
4. Is the Black Flame Blade Incantation Good?
The Black Flame Blade is an excellent incantation. It temporarily coats your right-hand weapon in black flame, adding fire damage and applying a damage-over-time effect, dealing a percentage of enemies’ total HP.
5. Where do I get Black Flame Blade?
The Black Flame Blade is purchased from an incantation teacher after obtaining the Godskin Prayerbook, found behind an imp-sealed door in the Stormveil Castle wine cellar.
6. Is Black Flame Damage Considered Fire Damage?
Yes, Black Flame damage is considered Fire damage but with a unique element. It has an initial fire damage component and then applies a percentage-based damage over time effect.
7. Does the Fire Scorpion Charm Boost Black Flame?
Yes, the Fire Scorpion Charm boosts the fire damage component of Black Flame, Black Flame Blade, and other similar incantations.
8. What is the Drop Rate of the Monk’s Flamemace?
The Monk’s Flamemace has a base drop rate of 4% (at 100 Discovery).
9. Is the Blackflame Monk Set Good?
The Blackflame Monk Set offers good Physical and Magical defense, making it a practical choice for players seeking a balance of protection. It is a Heavyweight armor.
10. Does the Black Flame Monk Armor Have Passive Bonuses?
No, the Blackflame Monk Armor does not provide any passive bonuses to Godslayer Incantations or other abilities. It is solely for defense.
11. Where can I farm the Fire Monk Set?
You can farm the Fire Monk Set from Fire Monks found in Liurnia of the Lakes and the Mountaintops of the Giants. The best area is typically considered the Mountaintops of the Giants.
12. What is the Rarest Weapon in Elden Ring?
Some of the rarest weapons in Elden Ring include the Noble’s Estoc and Noble’s Slender Sword, as well as the Celebrant’s Cleaver, Celebrant’s Sickle, and Celebrant’s Rib-rake, all with a drop rate of 0.5%.
13. Where do I find the Zamor Curved Sword?
The Zamor Curved Sword is dropped by the Ancient Hero of Zamor at the Giant-Conquering Hero’s Grave in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
14. What does Black Flame Blade Scale With?
Black Flame spells scale primarily with Faith. The Godslayer Seal is the ideal seal for this magic due to its boost to this type of incantation.
15. What is the Meteoric Ore Blade?
The Meteoric Ore Blade is a katana in Elden Ring that scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. It deals both melee Slash and Pierce damage.
Conclusion
While the allure of obtaining the Monk’s Flameblade from the Blackflame Monks is understandable, it’s vital to understand that this weapon comes from the Fire Monks found in the Mountaintops of the Giants. The Blackflame Monks, on the other hand, are the key to acquiring their distinct armor set. By understanding these key differences and where to find each of these items, players can enhance their builds and delve deeper into the rich loot system of Elden Ring. Armed with this information, you are well equipped to embark on your own flame-fueled journey in the Lands Between.