UPDATE: We have added an interactive map to this Elden Ring Black Flame build to assist in locating the diverse items required for its optimization.
An Overview of the Elden Ring Black Flame Build
Initially favored in the original Elden Ring, the Black Flame build presents a formidable offensive approach by leveraging the strengths of both Faith and Dexterity. This combination results in a deadly playstyle, particularly suited for players who prefer to engage enemies up close and personal.
This build excels in dealing substantial damage over time, especially against high-health foes, courtesy of the unique Black Flame damage properties. Although it may not be the pinnacle of Faith builds, its diverse statistics and powerful incantations make it remarkably adaptable in various scenarios.
To effectively harness the potential of this build, players must invest early in not just Faith but also critical secondary stats to gather essential items and high-tier incantations. Once these foundational elements are acquired, users will discover the remarkable flexibility and personalization options available to them within their build.
To facilitate your efforts in collecting the necessary items, we have embedded an interactive map pinpointing the locations of relevant gear for the Black Flame build.
Optimal Starting Class and Stats for Black Flame
For any Faith-focused build, particularly the Black Flame variation, prioritizing three core statistics is essential: Mind, Faith, and Vigor.
- Mind: This attribute is vital as it governs the FP needed for casting spells. Given that the primary damage source, Black Flame Blade, requires quick and consistent casting in boss encounters, a higher Mind stat ensures you’re able to maintain offensive pressure without needing frequent FP refills.
- Faith: Required at a minimum of 17 for Black Flame Blade and 20 for Black Flame itself, this stat is crucial for scaling your incantations. As such, players should focus on investing points in Faith early on to maximize damage output and meet the essential thresholds.
- Vigor: Due to the melee combat style of the Black Flame build, investing in Vigor is fundamental to ensuring survivability in engagements, especially since heavy armor is not a focal point of this build.
- Strength and Dexterity: Both attributes are necessary to meet the requirements of various powerful weapons that complement the build.
Secondary stats to consider are Endurance for armor flexibility and Intelligence, especially if you plan on utilizing certain Faith weapons that require INT. Additionally, if you intend to incorporate Dragon Incantations, allocating at least 10 points in Arcane can be beneficial.
Be mindful that as you level up, you may encounter diminishing returns on your stats. For instance, both Faith and Intelligence experience decreased effectiveness post-level 50, and focusing primarily on Mind beyond level 60 yields limited benefits.
Starting Class Recommendations
For those looking to pursue a Black Flame Faith build, we suggest starting as a Prophet. This class provides early Faith points and access to the Catch Flame incantation, which can be particularly useful against early-game enemies in Limgrave.
Alternatively, beginning as a Samurai can also be effective despite lower initial Faith. The Samurai offers decent Strength and Dexterity, allowing swift weapon usage such as the Winged Scythe and providing a strong early-game weapon with the Uchigatana while working to develop your Faith.
Stat Progression for Black Flame Build
Level 30+: Early Game Stats
For players aiming to wield the Winged Scythe swiftly, here are the recommended stats:
- Vigor: 12
- Mind: 11
- Endurance: 13
- Strength: 16
- Dexterity: 16
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 24
- Arcane: 8
Level 80+: Mid-Game Stats
As you progress, transition to the Godslayer’s Greatsword while maintaining sufficient stats for combat. Recommended stats include:
- Vigor: 30
- Mind: 20
- Endurance: 20
- Strength: 20
- Dexterity: 22
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 30
- Arcane: 8
Level 120+: Late Game Stats
In the late game, prioritize Dexterity as your main offensive stat, while bolstering Vigor and Mind to counter tougher enemies:
- Vigor: 40
- Mind: 28
- Endurance: 22
- Strength: 20
- Dexterity: 42
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 30
- Arcane: 8
Level 150+: Shadow of the Erdtree Stats
Upon entering areas associated with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, aim for a minimum of 50 Vigor and cap your main offensive stat at 60 to handle formidable DLC foes:
- Vigor: 50
- Mind: 28
- Endurance: 22
- Strength: 20
- Dexterity: 60
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 32
- Arcane: 8
Selecting the Best Weapons for Your Build
Several powerful weapons can complement the Black Flame Faith build. Here are some key options:
The Godslayer’s Seal is essential for enhancing Godslayer Incantations, including your Black Flame spells. It necessitates 4 points in Strength and 27 in Faith, making it a pivotal component of your arsenal.
Located in Stormveil Castle, you can find the Seal by navigating to the courtyard at the top of the main access path, where you’ll face hostile projectiles. A room in the far corner holds both the Seal and a prayer book for Black Flame spells, which you can then take to Corhyn at the Roundtable Hold to learn the associated incantations.
To secure the Winged Scythe, venture to the Tombsward Ruins located in the northwest of the Weeping Peninsula to retrieve it from a cellar right from the early game.
For primary melee combat, players have multiple approaches. For an all-in Black Flame commitment, consider the Godslayer’s Greatsword, earned by defeating the Godskin Apostle in the Caelid Divine Tower, or the Godskin Peeler obtained from the Godskin Noble in Volcano Manor. These options allow for significant damage output and the application of the Black Flame debuff, defining a ‘true Black Flame build.’
The Godslayer’s Greatsword has requirements of 20 Strength, 22 Dexterity, and 20 Faith, providing excellent scaling with both Dexterity and Faith. Its skill, The Queen’s Black Flame, delivers a sweeping attack of Black Flame damage. Conversely, the Godskin Peeler is less Faith-focused but an excellent option for players concentrating solely on Dexterity.
If you prefer a hybrid Black Flame / Bleed build, consider incorporating weapons like the Wakizashi dagger, Nagakiba, or Bloodhound’s Fang, which offer inherent blood loss effects. This combination allows you to maximize damage output while applying both Bleed and Black Flame effects, essential for consistent engagement. While experimenting with these weapons, aim for the Godslayer’s Greatsword for long-term effectiveness.
For those inclined towards Strength-based weapons, the Nightrider Glaive is an option requiring 26 Strength and 10 Dexterity. Alternatively, the Treespear necessitates 15 Strength, 22 Dexterity, and 18 Faith, offering balanced scaling across all three stats.
Essential Talismans for the Build
In terms of talismans, equipping the Green Turtle Talisman is highly beneficial. Its enhanced stamina regeneration rate aligns perfectly with the aggressive playstyle demanded by this build. Newer players can find an upgraded double-headed version in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansions.
Using talismans like the Ancestral Spirit’s Horn can help recover FP lost during battles. In boss encounters, substitute it for universally advantageous talismans like the Crimson Amber Medallion, which boosts HP or healing capabilities.
The Faithful’s Canvas Talisman is also highly recommended, enhancing the effectiveness of incantations by 4%.For more robustness, consider the Old Lord’s Talisman, which extends spell durations by 30%, maximizing your incantation utility.
For those willing to engage with Talismans more deeply, the Shard of Alexander can be obtained by completing a quest involving Alexander, providing a significant boost to your powerful Ash of War.
Since Dexterity is crucial for your build, pairing your talismans with options like the Prosthesis Heirloom or Millicent’s Prosthesis can enhance your effectiveness. The Rotten Wing Insignia is another viable choice if you’ve adopted a specific path.
Don’t overlook the Godfrey Icon which enhances incantation potency; this talisman is acquired from the Evergaol variant of Godefroy the Grafted found in Altus Plateau.
Finally, for those seeking a thrill, the Radagon’s Soreseal located at Fort Faroth or the Fire Scorpion’s Charm from Fort Laiedd on Mt. Gelmir are excellent options for increasing damage output at the expense of total health.
Core Incantations for the Black Flame Build
This build revolves around a potent set of incantations that embody its core gameplay. Most notably, two critical incantations are the Black Flame Blade and Black Flame.
The Black Flame incantation, requiring 20 Faith, enables you to hurl a sphere of Black Flame towards your enemy, while Black Flame Blade requires 17 Faith and enchants your weapon with Black Flame damage, enhancing its lethality.
These incantations can be acquired from a prayer book located in Stormveil Castle.
As you navigate through the game, you may also discover additional valuable Black Flame incantations. The Scouring Black Flame, requiring 28 Faith, is superb for dealing with groups of foes or delivering multiple hits to stronger opponents.
Though perhaps underrated, Noble Presence, acquired from the Godskin Noble, necessitates 26 Faith and can be effective in PvP scenarios, punishing players trying to evade your attacks.
Black Flame’s Protection provides damage negation against physical strikes but reduces healing efficiency by 20%, making it ideal for encounters against high-physical damage threats. Deploy this alongside corresponding talismans for optimal survivability.
Recommended Armor for Black Flame Build
While armor choice may seem less crucial, a few pieces can enhance your Black Flame Faith build remarkably. Begin with the Ruler’s Mask, located near the Abandoned Coffin Site of Grace in the Atlas Plateau, which increases your Faith by 1 point.
If you’re adept at evading strikes, opt for the Incantation Scarab, obtained from the Homing Instinct Painting puzzle in Limgrave. This offers a minor reduction in all types of damage when equipped.
Additionally, consider the Godskin Noble Robe, acquired by defeating the Godskin Noble, which amplifies damage from the Noble Presence incantation significantly, making it essential for those utilizing this spell.
That concludes our comprehensive guide on the Elden Ring Black Flame Faith build. Happy adventuring in the Lands Between!
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