UPDATE: We have integrated two interactive maps into this guide that clearly indicate the locations of all items specified in the Elden Ring Impenetrable Thorns build, facilitating easier item retrieval.
Introduction to the Elden Ring Impenetrable Thorns Build
The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring has enriched the game with an array of new weapons, talismans, and spells, delighting fans who favor either Faith-based gameplay or the ability to inflict severe Bleed damage on adversaries. The Impenetrable Thorns build harnesses the power of Arcane and Intelligence to create a particularly potent and relatively easy-to-master approach.
This build excels at dealing Bleed damage instantaneously, making quick work of enemies. However, to fully optimize its potential, additional equipment is necessary. Below is a thorough guide to crafting the finest Impenetrable Thorns build in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Item Locations for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
To simplify your item-finding process for the Impenetrable Thorns build, we’ve included two interactive maps. The first highlights items from The Lands Between:
Next, explore the items from the DLC area, The Land of Shadow:
Creating the Optimal Elden Ring Impenetrable Thorns Build
Designing a build around a singular spell in Elden Ring can be challenging, especially when considering the vast preparation and Intelligence stat requirements for powerful spells like Comet Azur. Fortunately, the new Sorcery from the Shadow of the Erdtree, Impenetrable Thorns, offers a more accessible setup.
You will need to acquire the spell itself and two suitable staffs, along with a significant investment in Arcane to enhance blood loss on your targets. This simplicity allows for more advanced equipment combinations, and having a backup weapon is advisable for situations when your FP is low or using Impenetrable Thorns proves too risky.
This build emphasizes the repetitive use of a single powerful spell. Despite its effectiveness, it does not quite match the destructive capability of Comet Azur. The strategy was inspired by Youwy’s video on overpowered builds.
Essential Stats and Class for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
Your choice of starting class may be less significant by the time you unlock Impenetrable Thorns, especially for players progressing into New Game+.However, opting for the Confessor class to leverage its Faith stat for early access to the spell is a solid strategy.
Regarding your Flask distribution, a balanced ratio of 10 to 11 Crimson flasks paired with 3 to 4 Cerulean flasks strikes a good compromise, particularly considering the HP cost associated with casting Impenetrable Thorns.
As you approach late-game stages, aim for the following stats, allowing for some flexibility:
- Vigor: 55+
- Mind: 20+
- Endurance: 20+
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 15
- Intelligence: 21
- Faith: 27+
- Arcane: 60
A strong Vigor of 60 is advisable to endure against the more significant foes in the Realm of Shadow. With appropriate Talismans, such as the Crimson Seed Talisman or Crimson Amber Medallion, slightly lower values can still be viable.
Consider investing at least 20 in both Mind and Endurance. While Strength and Dexterity are not essential unless using a specific weapon, a Dexterity rating of 15 allows for easy access to the Uchigatana as a secondary weapon if desired.
To utilize the equipment for this build effectively, you need at least 21 Intelligence for casting spells. If you wish to explore additional high-level Intelligence spells alongside Impenetrable Thorns, consider raising this stat further. Similarly, a minimum of 25 Faith is essential, ideally aiming for around 27 to use supplementary Faith Incantations while still being able to access the Golden Vow Incantation with 20 Faith and the Two Fingers Heirloom.
Finally, Arcane is the most critical statistic for this build, amplifying the blood loss damage inflicted by Impenetrable Thorns, which is essential for quickly decimating enemy health bars. The soft caps for Arcane are 24, 45, and 60, and while this build remains effective with an Arcane level of 45, striving for 60 is optimal to maximize your build’s potential.
Weapons for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
To effectively utilize Impenetrable Thorns, you will require a staff that scores well on Arcane scaling to enhance your Bleed damage achievements. Your choices are the Albinauric Staff or the DLC-exclusive Maternal Staff.
Though the Albinauric Staff has lower stat requirements and superior Arcane scaling at +25, this build favors the Maternal Staff due to its novel design and aesthetic appeal. You can offset any damage limitations by equipping the Staff of the Guilty in your off-hand.
Alternatively, pursuing a pure Intelligence build with a different staff, such as the Carian Glintstone Staff, remains a possibility. This path still allows for the effective use of Impenetrable Thorns if you possess at least 25 Arcane along with 60 or 80 Intelligence, although you will experience a noticeable drop in Bleed damage output.
As your primary melee weapon, opt for something that also inflicts Bleed. The Uchigatana is a reliable choice, but other cutting-edge options include Rivers of Blood, Eleonora’s Poleblade, and the Reduvia Dagger. The DLC’s offerings also feature compelling weapons like the Backhand Blade.
Including a Sacred Seal alongside the Staff of the Guilty in your off-hand allows for the use of Incantations. The Dragon Communion Seal is ideal for Dragon Incantations (highly recommended for this build), while the Golden Order Seal is perfect for amplifying the Golden Vow buff. Both can be carried in the off-hand, but remember to ensure the Staff of the Guilty remains equipped during the use of Impenetrable Thorns.
Enhancing Your Impenetrable Thorns Build with Ashes of War
Given that this build centers heavily on spellcasting, Ashes of War are less emphasized. Yet, if you have chosen a secondary weapon, enhancing it with the right Ashes can be beneficial.
For instance, if you utilize the Uchigatana, consider equipping Ashes like Impaling Thrust. Alternatively, abilities like Lion’s Claw, Beast’s Roar, and Vacuum Slice also work well, but for maximizing Bleed accumulation, Bloody Slash is your best choice.
Talismans for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
This build benefits significantly from a selection of Talismans. While some are essential, equipping damage negation Talismans can also be wise, depending on your upcoming challenges.
- Crimson Seed Talisman+1: Increases HP recovery from flasks, crucial since Impenetrable Thorns consumes some of your HP.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Provides substantial physical damage negation.
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Boosts attack power when blood loss is close by.
- Graven-Mass Talisman: Enhances sorcery effectiveness.
- Beloved Stardust: Decreases casting speed of Sorceries and Incantations while increasing damage taken; pair it with damage negation Talismans for balance.
- Radagon’s Icon: Reduces spell-casting time.
The core Talismans for the build are undoubtedly Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Graven-Mass Talisman, and Radagon’s Icon for their synergistic benefits to the primary attack. Pairing these with the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for damage mitigation ensures you are well-prepared for your journey.
Spells and Incantations for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
- Impenetrable Thorns: The main Sorcery that forms the foundation of this build.
- Golden Vow: A pre-buff spell that critically enhances attack power, available at the Corpse-Stench Shack.
- Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns: This thorn-themed Incantation synergizes perfectly with your build and is dropped by the Golden Hippopotamus at Castle Ensis.
- Borealis’s Mist: A frost-based Dragon Incantation, invaluable due to its efficacy, obtainable from Borealis in the Freezing Lake in the Mountaintops of Giants.
- Pest Threads: An exceptionally powerful Incantation known for its tracking ability, effective for boss encounters. Can be unlocked from Gowry after advancing in Millicent’s quest.
- Bloodboon: A quickly cast Bleed Incantation ideal for crowd control.
- Mantle of Thorns: Inflicts damage on nearby opponents upon dodging, dropped from the Ulcerated Tree Spirit in the Church District after draining the water.
While Mantle of Thorns meshes with the theme of the build, I do not advocate frequent use of this spell as its damage output is minimal and can occupy a valuable Memory Slot unnecessarily.
Do not forget to explore options like Flame, Grant Me Strength (located behind Fort Gael) for additional attack buffs, or damage negation Incantations tailored for specific encounters.
Armor and Gear Suggestions for the Impenetrable Thorns Build
When it comes to armor in Elden Ring, style plays a key role, although a notable set boosts this build: the Alberich’s Set.
The Alberich’s Set amplifies the effectiveness of thorn sorceries with each piece worn. Also, consider the White Mask, an item that enhances attack power provided blood loss nearby, echoing the effects of Lord of Blood’s Exultation.
While the Briar Set does not offer specific buffs, its aesthetic appeal complements the build nicely, available for purchase from Roundtable Hold following a victory against Elemer of the Briar at The Shaded Castle. It also offers minimal damage to enemies when dodging, aligning well with the Impenetrable Thorns theme.
For more insights into Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, be sure to check our detailed guides on the Dryleaf Arts build, the Lightning Milady build, and our comprehensive Perfumer build.
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