One of the announced features of the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is its inclusion of more than 100 new weapons and eight new weapon types, each seemingly fit for a variety of new and interesting playstyles. The Backhand Blade is one of these new weapon types, and the name of one of the earliest weapons of this category that players can find in the Gravesite Plain.

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The Backhand Blade itself is a very fast curved sword-like weapon that is held with a reverse grip, and can be dual-wielded with just one equipped. This guide details the quirks and uses of the Backhand Blade and its very unique moveset, and explains how to get the Backhand Blade in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC as soon as possible.

Backhand Blade Overview: Stat Requirements, Effects, & Skill

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Backhand Blade

Curved blade wielded with a backhand grip.

A type of weapon long used within the tower.

The style of combat associated with this weapon is marked by spinning slashes and goughing thrust attacks.

In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Backhand Blade is a new weapon of the eponymous Backhand Blade weapon type, a new weapon category in the DLC. It is wielded with the blade pointed backward, and is exceptionally tailored for fast, in-your-face Dexterity-based builds.

Like the Bloodhound Claws and Starscourge Greatsword, you only need one Backhand Blade to dual-wield this weapon. Just two-hand the Backhand Blade and you will draw a second in your off-hand.

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The Backhand Blade can be upgraded using Smithing Stones to +25, and can benefit from spell-based or consumable weapon buffs. You can imbue new status effects onto the Backhand Blade to quickly build up Status (like Bleed, Frost, Poison, etc) on enemies and bosses susceptible to it as you rapidly attack them.

Backhand Blade Stat Requirements

STR

DEX

INT

FAITH

ARC

10

13

0

0

0

Backhand Blade Damage & Scaling

Scaling (Base)

Scaling (+25)

STR

D

STR

C

DEX

D

DEX

C

Backhand Blade Weapon Skill: Blind Spot

The Backhand Blade Ash of War is Blind Spot, which can be changed. When used, the Tarnished will dash to the side of their target (corresponding to input direction when initiated) and strike them from the flank. This works very well in close combat, but can be difficult to time and aim correctly against fast enemies. The initial dash is essentially a Quickstep and has I-frames, so it can be used to avoid incoming damage, if you're precise.

The Backhand Blade weapon skill Blind Spot costs 9 FP to cast, and cannot be chained into a follow-up attack.

Leap into close quarters to take advantage of the enemy's blind spot and gore them from the side.

Inputs determine which side you strike from.

The attack slips below the opponent's guard.

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Where To Find Backhand Blade Location

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Backhand Blade Location

To get the Backhand Blade in Shadow of the Erdtree, you must head almost directly northwest from the Scorched Ruins near the DLC spawn location to reach a small mausoleum. From the start of the game, head towards the Scorched Ruins, then continue almost on the exact same trajectory behind the Ruins to reach this area.

From the Three-Path Cross site of grace, head east until you reach the cliff's edge, then head south to find the mausoleum.

Be careful not to attract the attention of the Furnace Golem in the middle of the plain.

The Backhand Blade location is on top of one of the graves in this area, and should be visible from a distance as a purple-tinged item on the ground. There aren't too many enemies here, but it's better to be safe than lose Runes, so ride up to it on Torrent, pick it up, then ride away and teleport back to Roundtable Hold to get it upgraded as soon as possible.

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Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Tag Page Cover Art
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
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Released
June 21, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Base Game
Elden Ring
Developer(s)
FromSoftware
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer