GamesRPGMy favorite weapon from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is even more powerful than I thought, letting you completely juke legendary boss Malenia’s Waterfowl DanceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesRPGMy favorite weapon from Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is even more powerful than I thought, letting you completely juke legendary boss Malenia’s Waterfowl DanceWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: FromSoftware)

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s backhand blades were already a new favorite weapon for me, but the underhand assassin curved swords have an incredible depth of movement tech I wasn’t even aware of, like being able to completely no-sell the most devastating boss attackFromSoftware’s ever created.
Curiously-named Elden Ring YouTuberSax Slave Gaelexplains the blades' anti-Malenia properties in avideo overview lauding their moveset. It all comes down to the Swift Slash ash of war, which can only be paired with the base backhand blades or throwable Smithscript Cirque version. Swift Slash is just sick as hell, a chargeable anime dash attack with a slightly delayed blade explosion at the end.
The Best Dex Weapon & Ash of War in ððððð ðððð - YouTubeWatch On
The Best Dex Weapon & Ash of War in ððððð ðððð - YouTube
The Best Dex Weapon & Ash of War in ððððð ðððð - YouTube

It’s already developed a strong following and attending backlash in Elden Ring’s PvP, where the ability’sgotten a small, mode-specific nerf—thoughit still seems like a winneragainst other players. Swift Slash remains untouched in PvE, where its quick activation, versatility, as well as high damage, stagger, and status build up lend it to taking on Elden Ring’s hardest bosses.
Gael wonders if the ability might get a nerf down the line, but I hope not: Shadow of the Erdtree’s extreme challenge demands tools that are up to the task, and I want to go ninja dashing all the way through New Game Plus at some point in the near future.
If you want to grab Swift Slash for yourself, you’ll want to followHornsent’s Questin the DLC and side with him when conflict arises with another character. As for the backhand blades themselves, you can find them right at the beginning of the DLC in the northeast of the Gravesite Plain. Bleed or Frost infusion seem like the way to go, and Swift Slash benefits greatly from both the Shard of Alexander and Godfrey Icon talismans.
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TOPICSFromSoftware
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PRODUCTSElden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeElden Ring
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