The Secrets of Black Flame Blade in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
The Black Flame Blade incantation in Elden Ring is a potent tool for any faith-based build looking to add extra damage to their melee attacks. To get it, you need to find the Godskin Prayerbook, located in the Stormveil Castle wine cellar behind an Imp-sealed door, and give it to any incantation teacher in the Lands Between, specifically Brother Corhyn or Miriel, Pastor of Vows. Once you hand over the prayerbook, the Black Flame Blade can then be purchased for 7,500 Runes.
Understanding the Black Flame Blade
The Black Flame Blade incantation is a valuable addition to any Elden Ring player’s arsenal. It temporarily coats your right-hand weapon in black flame, adding both flat fire damage and a percentage-based health drain effect to your attacks. This makes it particularly effective against enemies with large health pools, such as bosses. The incantation scales with your faith stat, meaning the higher your faith, the more potent the black flame becomes.
Finding the Godskin Prayerbook: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing the Godskin Prayerbook is the first step in obtaining the Black Flame Blade. Here’s how to find it:
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Navigate to Stormveil Castle: Begin your journey to Stormveil Castle, the first major legacy dungeon in Elden Ring.
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Locate the Wine Cellar: Inside Stormveil Castle, you’ll need to find the wine cellar. This is located in the lower levels of the castle, accessible through various pathways and doorways.
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Find the Imp-Sealed Door: Within the wine cellar, search for a door sealed by an Imp Statue. You will need a Stonesword Key to unlock this door.
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Unlock the Door: Use a Stonesword Key to open the Imp-sealed door.
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Claim the Godskin Prayerbook: Once inside, you’ll find the Godskin Prayerbook. Pick it up to proceed.
Choosing Your Incantation Teacher
After obtaining the Godskin Prayerbook, you need to give it to an incantation teacher. Your options are:
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Brother Corhyn: He is initially located at the Roundtable Hold. After progressing through the game, he will eventually leave the Roundtable Hold and move to various locations depending on your actions in the main story.
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Miriel, Pastor of Vows: This NPC is located at the Church of Vows in Liurnia of the Lakes. Miriel is a large, friendly turtle and is generally considered an easier option to find consistently throughout the game.
Purchasing the Black Flame Blade
Once you’ve given the Godskin Prayerbook to either Brother Corhyn or Miriel, they will add the Black Flame Blade to their inventory. You can then purchase it for 7,500 Runes. Ensure you have enough runes before speaking to them.
Using the Black Flame Blade Effectively
To use the Black Flame Blade, you must have a seal equipped in your off-hand and meet the faith requirement for the incantation. Cast the spell, and your right-hand weapon will be temporarily infused with black flame. During this time, your attacks will deal additional fire damage and apply a health-draining effect.
Black Flame Blade and Character Builds
The Black Flame Blade is a valuable tool for faith-based builds, especially those focusing on melee combat. It adds significant damage and a health drain effect, making it effective against a wide range of enemies. When building a character around the Black Flame Blade, consider investing in faith, vigor, and endurance to maximize your damage output and survivability. This allows you to sustain your character while engaging in combat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What stats do I need to use Black Flame Blade?
You need to meet the Faith requirement displayed on the incantation. The exact amount varies, but generally, it is a moderate Faith investment, making it accessible to hybrid builds.
2. Does Black Flame Blade scale with Faith?
Yes, the damage dealt scales with your Faith stat, making it more effective as you invest more points into Faith.
3. Is Black Flame Blade good against bosses?
Absolutely. The health drain effect of the Black Flame Blade is particularly effective against bosses with large health pools.
4. Can I use Black Flame Blade on any weapon?
You can use the Black Flame Blade on most weapons, provided they can be enchanted. Some unique weapons cannot be enchanted.
5. Where can I find a Stonesword Key to open the Imp-sealed door?
Stonesword Keys can be found throughout the game world, often in chests, on corpses, or purchased from merchants. Check early game areas for easily accessible keys.
6. What is the difference between Black Flame Blade and Bloodflame Blade?
Black Flame Blade adds fire damage and a health drain effect, while Bloodflame Blade adds fire damage and applies a bleed effect. Black Flame Blade is generally more versatile, while Bloodflame Blade is specialized for bleed builds.
7. Is Black Flame Blade available early in the game?
Yes, you can acquire the Black Flame Blade relatively early in the game by progressing through Stormveil Castle and reaching the wine cellar.
8. Can I use Black Flame Blade with dual weapons?
Yes, the Black Flame Blade will enchant the weapon in your right hand when cast. This will work with dual wielding if the weapon in the right hand is enchantable.
9. What other Black Flame incantations are available in Elden Ring?
Other Black Flame incantations include Black Flame, Black Flame Ritual, and Black Flame Protection, each offering different effects and utility.
10. Does the health drain effect of Black Flame Blade stack?
No, the health drain effect does not stack. Applying the Black Flame Blade multiple times will refresh the duration of the effect but will not increase its potency.
11. Where can I find more Prayerbooks in Elden Ring?
More Prayerbooks can be found throughout the game world, often in dungeons or guarded by enemies. Each prayerbook unlocks new incantations or spells for purchase from your teachers.
12. What is the best seal for casting Black Flame Blade?
The Godslayer’s Seal is considered the best for Black Flame incantations as it boosts all Godslayer incantations, including Black Flame Blade.
13. How do I optimize my build for Black Flame incantations?
Optimize by increasing your Faith stat, equipping the Godslayer’s Seal, and wearing armor that boosts incantation damage. Experiment with different talismans to enhance your character.
14. Is there a Black Flame weapon in Elden Ring?
Yes, the Godslayer’s Greatsword has a unique skill called Queen’s Black Flame which deals heavy damage.
15. Does Black Flame Blade work on summons?
No, you cannot cast Black Flame Blade on summons or allies.
Conclusion: Mastering the Black Flame Blade
The Black Flame Blade is a powerful and versatile incantation that can significantly enhance your combat capabilities in Elden Ring. By following this guide, you can easily locate the Godskin Prayerbook, unlock the incantation, and integrate it into your faith-based build. Experiment with different weapons and playstyles to fully harness the potential of the Black Flame Blade and conquer the challenges that await you in the Lands Between.
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