As a long-time player, I‘ve extensively tested bleed focused character builds. Properly constructed, an Arcane/Dexterity bleed build easily dismantles the toughest bosses and PvP opponents through devastating blood loss.
In this advanced guide, I‘ll share extensive knowledge for creating the ultimate sanguine warrior.
Understanding Arcane Scaling
Arcane governs item discovery and bleed build up. Specifically, it improves hemorrhage by 2.5% per point invested. With 50 Arcane, your attacks inflict 125% more bleed!
This expands options for savage weapons and lethal spells to accentuate the crimson carnage.
Stats – Vigor for Surviving, Arcane for Shredding
For PvE, aim for:
- Vigor: 60 (1900 HP)
- Mind: 25
- Endurance: 45
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 45
- Intelligence: 10
- Faith: 15
- Arcane: 80
With 80 Arcane and weapons adding ~45 bleed build up, you‘ll melt bosses rapidly after 4-5 consecutive strikes.
In PvP at level 125, redistribute points from Vigor into Dexterity for more damage.
Top Weapons – Rivers of Blood Reigns Supreme
These inflict bleeding relentlessly:
Rivers of Blood
Without question, the Rivers of Blood Katana stands at the pinnacle with its unique Corpse Piler skill constituting the highest DPS in the game.
At +10 upgrade with 80 Arcane, it has a massive bleed rating of ~200. Just 3 hits can trigger blood loss. By incorporating jumping power attacks and dash attacks between skills, few enemies withstand the Rivers for long.
It‘s available from Yura‘s questline or Varre‘s questline.
Eleonora‘s Poleblade
A longer twinblade option offering fluid movement and reach. Its Blood Blade Dance art lets you close or escape from enemies rapidly. Occasionally awkward in narrow spaces.
Exchanged from Yura‘s remembrance if you‘ve completed his quest.
Talismans – Lord of Blood‘s Exultation & Ritual Sword
These talismans maximize damage:
- Lord of Blood‘s Exultation (raise attack by 20% after blood loss nearby)
- Ritual Sword Talisman (extends weapon skill effect by 10%)
- Claw Talisman (raise jump attack by 15%)
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (successive attacks raise damage)
Empowers your hemorrhaging power!
Best Spell Choice – Swarm of Flies
I‘ve rigorously tested all blood loss sorceries. Swarm of Flies pulls ahead for its tracking, low cost, and bleedApplication. Maintain distance, evade enemy attacks while directing the flies onto targets. Squish larger foes with rivers when the flies cluster.
Destined to Duel Wield
By incorporating a weapon like the Uchigatana in the off-hand, you can switch effortlessly between piercing foes from afar with your spells and katana skills, while shredding up close with double bleed attacks using power stance.
This flexible combo dismantles all manner of horrors while keeping gameplay exciting. Both the Rivers and Uchigatana scale well with Dexterity, boosting damage.
Conquering Colossal Enemies
Against massive foes with delayed attacks, like Fire Giant, swap to a Serpent Bow (Proc bleed from range) and clever utilization of your Mimic Tear spirit (apply bleed in melee). Dodge judiciously while bombarding with arrows and swarm of flies. Victory will come swiftly through hemorrhaging persistence.
Additional Melee Options
While Rivers of Blood remains ideal, these bleeding melee alternatives prove viable:
- Nagakiba – Essentially a longer Uchigatana with solid damage and reach
- Godskin Peeler – Wrecks groups rapidly with sweeping strong attacks
- Morgott‘s Cursed Sword – Strong against Holy enemies thanks to its innate curse effect. Found by exploring Leyndell.
I recommend carrying a secondary weapon suited for specific situations. Their special skills help apply bleeding in different ways.
Embrace the Bloodbath in NG+ Cycles
Upon completing the game and entering New Game+ cycles, enemies hit extremely hard but your upgraded bleed weapons retain their power. The key lies in evasion.
Equip lighter armor allowing faster dodges and use weapon skills for counter attacks. With 80 Arcane and +25 weapons, you can still shred adversaries rapidly through sanguine fluidity.
Conclusion: Let the Blood Flow Free
An Arcane/Dex bleed style build stands unmatched in its sheer hemorrhaging fury – felling mythical dragons and PvP opponents with equal ease.
I hope my hard-earned knowledge empowers you to assemble the ultimate crimson warrior. Now go forth and triumph against all manner of foes through visceral bloodbending arts!
Check my YouTube channel for more in-depth Elden Ring builds and PvP guides.
