Table of Contents

Is Black Flame Dark Damage? Unraveling the Mystery in Elden Ring and Beyond

The answer, in short, is complicated. Black Flame, as presented across various FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring, occupies a peculiar space within the damage type spectrum. It is not explicitly dark damage, but its effects often mimic, or are tangentially related to, the concept of dark magic or damage found in these games. Primarily, Black Flame deals fire damage on initial impact, often coupled with a percentage-based damage-over-time (DoT) effect. This DoT effect is where the confusion often arises, as it saps an enemy’s health in a manner that can feel similar to dark or vitality-draining attacks.

In Dark Souls 3, the “Black Flame” miracle does indeed inflict dark damage directly. However, in Elden Ring, the mechanics shift. While it visually resembles a dark or corrupted fire, the actual damage calculation involves fire damage plus the unique HP-scaling DoT. This DoT cannot be directly boosted by fire damage buffs, further separating it from pure fire damage. Instead, its power lies in its ability to deal substantial damage to high-HP enemies, making it particularly effective against bosses. Thus, Black Flame’s identity is multifaceted, blurring the lines between fire, health drain, and the thematic elements often associated with dark magic. The context of the game being played drastically changes the effects of the Black Flame.

Demystifying Black Flame: A Comprehensive Guide

The nature of Black Flame extends beyond simple categorization. Its unique mechanics and lore implications make it a fascinating element in FromSoftware’s games. Understanding its nuances is crucial for effective gameplay and appreciating the worldbuilding.

Black Flame’s Dual Nature: Fire and HP Drain

As previously stated, Black Flame in Elden Ring primarily functions as a combination of fire damage and a percentage-based health drain. The initial hit deals fire damage, scaled by the user’s Incantation Scaling. Crucially, this part is affected by buffs to fire damage. The subsequent DoT effect, however, ignores these buffs. This damage is calculated as a percentage of the target’s maximum health, making it incredibly effective against enemies with large health pools. This DoT effect delivers a consistent threat regardless of traditional damage resistances.

The Lore of Black Flame: Godslaying Power

The lore surrounding Black Flame is deeply intertwined with the themes of rebellion and godhood. In Elden Ring, Black Flame incantations are associated with the Godskin Apostles and Nobles, beings who once served a powerful, now-dead god. Their purpose was to slay other gods and maintain a certain order. This history imbues Black Flame with a sense of heresy and forbidden power, further enhancing its mystique. Its effectiveness against powerful entities, including the Elden Beast, reinforces this lore connection. This makes its damage output against powerful bosses extremely useful throughout the game.

Black Flame Builds and Strategies

Creating an effective Black Flame build requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some tips:

Prioritize Faith: Black Flame incantations scale with Faith. Invest heavily in this stat to maximize both the initial fire damage and the DoT effect.
Consider Incantation Scaling: Use seals with high Incantation Scaling to boost the initial fire damage. The Godslayer’s Seal is a particularly good choice, but requires high Faith (27).
Manage FP: Black Flame incantations can be FP-intensive. Manage your FP carefully, especially during prolonged encounters. Use talismans like the Cerulean Amber Medallion to increase your FP pool or the Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce skill FP cost.
Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: While Black Flame’s DoT is effective against most enemies, some are more resistant to fire damage. Utilize other damage types when necessary.
Combine with Other Incantations: Black Flame works well with other incantations that provide utility or crowd control. Consider using spells like Flame, Cleanse Me or Heal to support your Black Flame damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Flame

Here are some frequently asked questions about Black Flame, addressing common misconceptions and providing further clarity:

Does Black Flame scale with anything besides Faith? No, the initial fire damage scales with Faith and Incantation Scaling. The DoT effect doesn’t scale, but its effectiveness is tied to the enemy’s max HP.
Can I boost the DoT effect of Black Flame? No, the percentage-based DoT effect cannot be directly boosted by any buffs or talismans.
Is Black Flame Blade worth using? Yes, Black Flame Blade is a valuable incantation, especially early game, for adding extra fire damage and a DoT to your weapon. It’s particularly effective against enemies with high HP.
Does the Fire Scorpion Charm increase Black Flame damage? Yes, the Fire Scorpion Charm increases the initial fire damage component of Black Flame incantations.
Is Black Flame effective against all bosses? Black Flame is exceptionally effective against bosses with high health pools. It can be very useful in the fight against the Elden Beast. Some bosses are more resistant to fire, reducing the initial hit’s damage.
What’s the difference between Black Flame and Scouring Black Flame? Scouring Black Flame is a more powerful version that creates a larger explosion and applies a stronger DoT.
Does Black Flame stack? The DoT effect of Black Flame does not stack. Applying Black Flame again will simply refresh the duration of the existing DoT.
Can I use Black Flame Blade on any weapon? You can use Black Flame Blade on most standard weapons. There are some exceptions, such as weapons that already have an infusion or a unique weapon skill.
How do I get Black Flame incantations? Most Black Flame incantations are found in various locations throughout the game, including defeating bosses and looting chests. Black Flame Blade is obtained by getting the Godskin Prayerbook and giving it to an incantation teacher.
Is Black Flame considered a ‘holy’ attack? The Black Blade weapon deals Holy damage. Black Flame itself is generally not considered a holy attack, despite being associated with the Godslayer’s Seal.
Does Black Flame work on PvP opponents? Yes, Black Flame works in PvP. The DoT effect can be particularly effective in wearing down opponents over time.
Is there a Black Flame Ash of War? Yes, the Black Flame Tornado Ash of War can be used to grant polearms and twinblades with flame affinity.
What seal is best for casting Black Flame? The Godslayer’s Seal is generally considered the best seal for casting Black Flame incantations due to its scaling with Faith.
Is Bloodflame Blade better than Black Flame Blade? They serve different purposes. Bloodflame Blade is useful for bleed-based builds, while Black Flame Blade is effective on any Faith build and scales well into higher levels.
How does Black Flame compare to other fire incantations? Black Flame’s unique DoT effect makes it distinct from other fire incantations. While other fire spells might deal higher initial damage, Black Flame excels in sustained damage, especially against high-HP targets.

Black Flame is not as simple as just being dark damage.

Final Thoughts

Black Flame’s unique combination of fire damage and health-draining DoT makes it a potent tool in the hands of skilled players. Understanding its mechanics, lore, and optimal usage allows you to harness its godslaying power effectively. While not explicitly dark damage, its effects and thematic implications add a layer of depth to its identity, making it one of the most intriguing and versatile damage types in FromSoftware’s repertoire. To further your understanding of the impact of games on learning and society, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. We can learn much from games like this!

Is Black Flame dark damage?