This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking the Bloodhound’s Fang, its scaling and requirements, the best builds to use it with, and strategies for maximizing its power.

1. Why Bloodhound’s Fang is Special

Before diving into how to get it, let’s cover why this weapon stands out:

Bleed Buildup: Like many curved greatswords, the Fang causes blood loss buildup. When bleed procs, it deals a percentage of an enemy’s max health, making it especially powerful against bosses and high-HP foes.

Great Moveset: Its heavy, sweeping slashes hit multiple enemies, while its speed is slightly faster than colossal weapons, keeping it versatile.

Unique Skill – Bloodhound’s Finesse: This skill allows you to perform a fast slashing attack followed by a backflip to evade counterattacks. It combines offense and defense seamlessly.

Longevity: The Fang can carry you from early game through endgame, as its upgrades scale very well.

2. How to Unlock Bloodhound’s Fang

You can obtain the Bloodhound’s Fang quite early, making it accessible to most builds.

Step 1: Head to Limgrave’s Southern Region

From the starting area, you’ll need to cross into southern Limgrave, near the Forlorn Hound Evergaol. The Evergaol is a circular stone platform located just south of the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace.

Step 2: Enter the Forlorn Hound Evergaol

Interact with the platform to enter the Evergaol. This will transport you into a boss fight arena.

Step 3: Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil

Inside, you’ll face Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, a fast-moving enemy armed with his own Bloodhound’s Fang.

Boss Tips:

Darriwil’s attacks are quick and can stagger you, so stay mobile.

His lunging combos leave him open to counterattacks.

Shields aren’t very effective here; dodging is safer.

Summons are disabled inside Evergaols, so you’ll need to fight him solo—unless you summon NPC help (see below).

NPC Ally: If you’ve met Blaidd, the half-wolf NPC, you can summon him for this fight after progressing his questline. This makes the battle much easier.

Step 4: Claim the Weapon

Defeating Darriwil rewards you with the Bloodhound’s Fang. Congratulations—you now have one of the best early-game weapons in Elden Ring!

3. Stats and Requirements

Weapon Type: Curved Greatsword

Base Requirements: 18 Strength, 17 Dexterity

Weight: 11.5

Passive: Causes Blood Loss buildup (55 base).

Scaling

Strength: D

Dexterity: C (improves with upgrades)

This makes the Fang ideal for Strength/Dexterity hybrid builds, leaning more toward Dexterity.

4. How to Upgrade the Bloodhound’s Fang

The Bloodhound’s Fang is a special weapon, meaning it requires Somber Smithing Stones instead of regular smithing stones. These are rarer but allow you to upgrade the weapon all the way to +10 instead of +25.

Early Somber Stones can be found in the Sellia Crystal Tunnel or bought from Smithing Master Iji later in the game.

Prioritize upgrading this weapon, as even a +3 or +4 Fang will significantly outclass most early-game options.

5. Best Builds with Bloodhound’s Fang

5.1. Dexterity-Focused Build

Since the Fang scales well with Dexterity, focusing on Dex stats will maximize its damage. Pair it with talismans like the Claw Talisman for jump attack damage or Lord of Blood’s Exultation for increased attack power when bleed procs.

5.2. Strength/Dex Hybrid

Investing in both Strength and Dexterity ensures you meet requirements and take advantage of scaling. This balanced build allows flexibility if you switch to heavier weapons later.

5.3. Bleed Synergy Build

Combine the Fang with bleed talismans, incantations, or other bleed-based weapons for devastating health chunking against bosses. Buffs like Bloodflame Blade can further enhance bleed buildup.

6. Combat Strategies

Using Bloodhound’s Finesse

This skill sets the Fang apart from other curved greatswords:

Attack + Evade: Strike with a heavy slash, then flip backward to avoid retaliation. Perfect for bosses with punishing counterattacks.

Follow-Up Lunge: If you press the heavy attack button after the backflip, you’ll lunge back in with another slash, keeping pressure on enemies.

General Playstyle

Jump Attacks: The Fang’s jump attacks are powerful and can stagger foes.

Bleed Management: Against bosses weak to bleed, maintain aggression to trigger bleed procs as often as possible.

Mob Control: Wide sweeps make it effective for clearing groups of smaller enemies.

7. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Accessible early.

Strong bleed passive.

Excellent weapon skill.

Stays viable into late game.

Weaknesses

Cannot be infused with Ashes of War.

Relies on Somber Smithing Stones, which can be limited early.

Requires good dodging skill to use effectively.

8. Is Bloodhound’s Fang Worth Using Long-Term?

Absolutely. Many players keep the Fang as their main weapon throughout Elden Ring. Its bleed buildup and reliable damage output make it useful against nearly all enemy types. Even in late-game areas, a fully upgraded Fang holds its own against colossal bosses.

If you enjoy an agile playstyle that balances power and mobility, the Bloodhound’s Fang is a weapon that can define your entire playthrough.

Final Thoughts

The Bloodhound’s Fang is more than just an early-game weapon—it’s a fan favorite that embodies what makes Elden Ring combat so satisfying. From the moment you defeat Darriwil to your final showdown in the Lands Between, this curved greatsword remains a faithful companion. With its powerful bleed synergy, unique weapon skill, and buy Elden Ring Runes accessibility, it’s a top choice for players who want to cut through enemies with style.

Unlock it early, upgrade it consistently, and master its finesse—you’ll see why so many Tarnished swear by the Fang.