Is There a Trident in Elden Ring? Unveiling the Secrets of the Seas
Yes, there is a weapon that closely resembles a trident in Elden Ring: it’s called the Ripple Blade. While technically classified as a spear, its distinct three-pronged design makes it the closest thing Tarnished warriors will find to wielding a true trident in the Lands Between. Prepare to delve into the depths of this unique weapon and its place within the vast arsenal of Elden Ring.
The Ripple Blade: Elden Ring’s Trident Equivalent
The Ripple Blade isn’t just another spear; it’s a statement. Its aesthetic alone sets it apart, harking back to mythical imagery of sea gods and powerful aquatic beings. Beyond its appearance, it boasts unique scaling that rewards players who invest in Arcane. Let’s explore what makes this weapon a worthy addition to any discerning Elden Lord’s armory.
Acquiring the Ripple Blade
Obtaining the Ripple Blade involves a bit of exploration and a willingness to brave the wilds. Specifically, you need to venture into the Liurnia of the Lakes region and seek out the Albinaurics found in the swampy areas. These docile creatures sometimes drop the Ripple Blade upon defeat, but the drop rate can be somewhat low, requiring patience and perhaps a boost to your Discovery stat.
Ripple Blade Stats and Scaling
The Ripple Blade’s strength lies in its Arcane scaling. Unlike most weapons that primarily scale with Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence, the Ripple Blade gains significant damage output based on your Arcane stat. This makes it a fantastic choice for builds that focus on bleed or other status effects, as Arcane also influences the buildup of these ailments. Its base stats are:
- Attack: Physical 108, Holy 70
- Critical: 100
- Scaling: Strength D, Dexterity D, Arcane C
- Requires: Strength 12, Dexterity 12, Arcane 18
Keep in mind that upgrading the weapon will improve these scaling grades, potentially reaching B or even A scaling with Arcane, making it incredibly potent at higher levels.
Best Builds for the Ripple Blade
The Ripple Blade shines brightest in builds that leverage its Arcane scaling and potential for inflicting status effects. Some recommended builds include:
- Bleed Build: Combine the Ripple Blade with spells like Bloodflame Blade to rapidly build up bleed on enemies.
- Dragon Communion Build: Integrate the Ripple Blade with Dragon Communion Incantations, which also scale with Arcane, for a versatile and powerful build.
- Occult Build: Infuse the Ripple Blade with an Occult Ashes of War to further enhance its Arcane scaling and bleed buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tridents (and the Ripple Blade) in Elden Ring
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about tridents and the Ripple Blade in Elden Ring, designed to provide comprehensive answers and clarify any lingering uncertainties:
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Is the Ripple Blade the only “trident” in Elden Ring? While there aren’t any other weapons officially labeled as tridents, the Ripple Blade is the closest in appearance and function. No other weapon shares its distinct three-pronged design.
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Can the Ripple Blade be infused with Ashes of War? Yes, the Ripple Blade can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing you to customize its weapon skill and add elemental or status effects. This versatility greatly enhances its utility in different builds.
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What is the best Ash of War for the Ripple Blade? This depends on your build. For a bleed build, Seppuku is a popular choice. For raw damage, Lion’s Claw can be effective. For more Arcane scaling, try an Occult infusion.
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Is the Ripple Blade good for PvP? It can be. Its speed and reach make it decent for spacing, and its potential for bleed buildup can quickly turn the tide of battle. However, it’s not considered top-tier due to its relatively low raw damage compared to other weapons.
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How do I increase my Discovery stat to farm the Ripple Blade? You can increase Discovery by increasing your Arcane stat, equipping the Silver Scarab talisman, or using a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot consumable.
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What are the weaknesses of the Ripple Blade? Its relatively low base damage and reliance on Arcane scaling can make it less effective in early game or against enemies resistant to bleed. It also struggles against heavily armored opponents.
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Does the Ripple Blade benefit from talismans that boost spear attacks? Yes, talismans like the Spear Talisman, which enhances counterattacks when using spears, will affect the Ripple Blade.
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Can I dual-wield Ripple Blades? Yes, you can dual-wield Ripple Blades. This amplifies the bleed buildup potential and allows for more aggressive playstyles.
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Where exactly in Liurnia of the Lakes can I find the Albinaurics who drop the Ripple Blade? Focus your search in the swampy areas south of the Village of the Albinaurics. They are generally docile and easy to spot.
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What is the lore behind the Ripple Blade? The lore surrounding the Ripple Blade is ambiguous. Its design suggests a connection to aquatic entities or perhaps a forgotten sea god. Its Arcane scaling hints at a deeper, perhaps forbidden, power. Players interested in exploring game lore might find resources at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).
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Does the Ripple Blade work with the White Mask? Yes, the White Mask increases attack power when blood loss occurs, and it is a great combination with the Ripple Blade when using a bleed build.
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How does the Ripple Blade compare to other Arcane scaling weapons? It’s generally considered less powerful than the Rivers of Blood katana but more versatile than weapons like Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear. Its strength lies in its availability and customization options.
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What is the best way to upgrade the Ripple Blade? Use Smithing Stones to upgrade the Ripple Blade at the blacksmith in Roundtable Hold or by using a Smithing Table found throughout the Lands Between.
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Does the Ripple Blade cause Frostbite or Madness? No, the Ripple Blade does not innately inflict Frostbite or Madness. However, you can apply these effects by using appropriate Ashes of War or spells.
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Is the Ripple Blade worth using in a late-game build? Yes, if you have invested heavily in Arcane and built your character around bleed or other status effects, the Ripple Blade can remain a viable and effective weapon even in the late game.