Bleed builds in Elden Ring are some of the most devastating options available, thanks to their ability to rapidly shred through enemy health using Hemorrhage. This effect scales with the target’s max HP, making it deadly against both PvE bosses and PvP opponents. When paired with the right weapons and Ashes of War, bleed builds can stagger, pressure, and overwhelm even the toughest enemies. The following weapons are some of the most effective choices for bleed-focused characters, selected for their natural bleed scaling, synergy with buffs, and upgrade potential.
Rivers of Blood
Weapon Type: Katana
Scaling: Primarily Dexterity and Arcane
Bleed Buildup: 50 (base), scales with Arcane
Location: Corpse-Stench Shack, Mountaintops of the Giants (dropped by Bloody Finger Okina)
Rivers of Blood has become infamous for its weapon skill, Corpse Piler, a flurry of bloody slashes that applies Hemorrhage rapidly. It scales well with Arcane and does not require Bleed infusion, freeing the build to focus on levelling offensive stats. Despite post-release nerfs, it remains top-tier due to the speed and reliability of its skill.
Ghiza’s Wheel
Weapon Type: Colossal Weapon
Scaling: Strength and Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 70 (base)
Location: Volcano Manor, dropped by Inquisitor Ghiza
This monstrous wheel functions like a walking buzzsaw. Its Spinning Wheel weapon art pins enemies in place and deals rapid multi-hit damage, triggering Hemorrhage quickly. While slow and heavy, it excels in strength builds and has niche dominance against bosses vulnerable to bleed and poised to withstand its weight class.
Nagakiba
Weapon Type: Katana
Scaling: Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 45 (base)
Location: Can be acquired from Bloody Finger Hunter Yura or his questline
Nagakiba has an exceptional range for a katana, allowing for safer engagements in PvP. It supports bleed infusions well, particularly with Seppuku or Bloody Slash Ashes of War. Its adaptability and reach make it a favourite among dexterity and hybrid Arcane builds alike.
Reduvia
Weapon Type: Dagger
Scaling: Dexterity and Arcane
Bleed Buildup: 50 (base)
Location: Limgrave, defeated Bloody Finger Nerijus early in the game
Reduvia’s fast attack speed and ranged Reduvia Blood Blade skill let players apply bleed at a distance. Its early availability makes it one of the strongest weapons for starting bleed builds and remains relevant when dual-wielded or paired with another fast weapon.
Bloodhound’s Fang
Weapon Type: Curved Greatsword
Scaling: Strength and Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 55 (base)
Location: Limgrave, Forlorn Hound Evergaol
This weapon blends high base damage with a powerful bleed effect and agility. Its Bloodhound’s Finesse skill grants evasive movement and a punishing follow-up, perfect for hit-and-run tactics. While it cannot be infused with Ashes of War, its innate bleed and strength scaling make it ideal for heavy-hitting dex builds.
Hookclaws
Weapon Type: Claws
Scaling: Strength and Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 60 (base)
Location: Stormveil Castle
These lightweight weapons apply Hemorrhage rapidly through flurries of attacks. When dual-wielded and infused with Blood and Seppuku, the build can outpace most enemies’ ability to react. Their low weight and stamina use suit fast, evasive playstyles.
Bandit’s Curved Sword (Dual-Wielded)
Weapon Type: Curved Sword
Scaling: Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 45 (base)
Location: Dropped by bandits in the Altus Plateau or found in Leyndell
When used in pairs with Blood infusion, these swords become one of the most efficient ways to stack bleed quickly. They work particularly well with Arcane-focused characters and can outperform katanas in pure DPS when properly buffed with Bloodflame Blade and Seppuku.
Eleonora’s Poleblade
Weapon Type: Twinblade
Scaling: Dexterity and Arcane
Bleed Buildup: 33 (base per blade hit)
Location: Second Church of Marika, Altus Plateau
This Twinblade’s speed and multi-hit attacks synergise perfectly with bleed scaling. Its Bloodblade Dance is not only visually impressive but also staggeringly effective, applying multiple bleed triggers with one execution. It’s well-suited for aggressive Arcane builds and scales quickly in damage as Arcane increases.
Uchigatana
Weapon Type: Katana
Scaling: Dexterity
Bleed Buildup: 45 (base)
Location: Starting weapon for Samurai or Deathtouched Catacombs
The Uchigatana offers strong performance from early to late game. Once infused with Blood and paired with Seppuku or other custom Ashes, it becomes a high-tier bleed weapon. Its versatility and accessibility make it a core choice for many builds.
Key Tips for Optimising Bleed Builds
- Arcane scaling boosts bleed buildup, especially on weapons with Blood infusion or those that scale naturally with Arcane.
- Seppuku significantly increases bleed application and can be used on most weapons that allow Ash of War infusions.
- Bloodflame Blade adds fire and bleed buildup simultaneously, stacking with native effects.
- Dual-wielding two bleed weapons maximises buildup rate, especially when mixing fast weapons like daggers or curved swords.
Bleed builds reward speed, pressure, and timing. With the right weapons and buffs, they can dominate PvE bosses and PvP duels alike. Properly spec’d, a bleed character becomes a persistent threat capable of turning the tide of battle in seconds.
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