Mastering Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with the Poleblade of the Bud

The latest DLC for Elden Ring, “Shadow of the Erdtree,” brings a wealth of content, including new weapons that present exciting opportunities for creative builds. Among these, the Poleblade of the Bud stands out for its unique mechanics and devastating potential. This guide delves into how to craft a character that fully capitalizes on the Poleblade of Bud’s strengths, honing in on talismans, armor, and stats to make you an unstoppable force.

Poleblade of the Bud Weapon Overview

The Poleblade of the Bud is a Halberd that marries raw power with the insidious threat of Scarlet Rot. Scaling primarily with Arcane, alongside Strength and Dexterity, this Halberd offers robust damage across various situations. The Scarlet Rot build-up remains at a fixed rate of 55, irrelevant to the weapon's level or any character stats. While delivering direct damage is its forte, the Scarlet Rot is an added benefit rather than a focus point, given the relatively slow build-up compared to faster weapons like the Antspur Rapier.

The centerpiece of this weapon is its unique skill, "Romina's Purification." This skill cloaks the blade in Scarlet Rot Butterflies and executes two sweeping slashes, lifting the wielder off the ground. This maneuver not only deals great damage but adds an element of agility and repositioning options, leaving a trail of explosive butterflies. However, the move demands precision and practice to master, especially when combined with Iron Jar Aromatics for added poise.

Recommended Stats for Optimal Performance

To maximize the Poleblade of the Bud’s capabilities, focusing on the right stats is crucial. Starting with the Wretch class at Level 150, here’s a breakdown of what to prioritize:

• Vigor: 60
• Mind: 15
• Endurance: 20
• Strength: 14
• Dexterity: 22
• Intelligence: 10
• Faith: 28
• Arcane: 60

These stats ensure that the character has the necessary Strength and Dexterity to wield the weapon, while Arcane boosts the weapon’s damage output significantly. High Vigor provides the endurance required to survive intense encounters and a moderate amount of Faith opens up essential incantation options, such as Golden Vow for buffs.

Armor and Complementary Weapons

Given the Poleblade’s offensive potency, selecting armor that complements its strengths is essential. The Rakshasa Armor provides a 2% damage bonus per piece at the cost of lower defensive stats. If more defense is desired, Maliketh’s Armor serves as an adequate substitute while maintaining a similar weight. The actual damage increase and the absence of a debuff make Rakshasa Armor particularly enticing for aggressive playstyles. For secondary weapons, the Dragon Communion Seal is recommended. It should be wielded in the left hand, allowing you to switch fluidly between two-handed Poleblade use and incantation casting. Additionally, equip the Antspur Rapier in your second right-hand slot. With the Ash of War: The Poison Flower Blooms Twice, this weapon not only inflicts Scarlet Rot more quickly but also offers a faster attack option. This diverse array equips you to handle various combat scenarios adeptly.

Essential Talismans

To maximize damage and efficiency, selecting the right talismans is vital. The following are highly recommended:

• Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Grants a 15% damage bonus when wielding the Poleblade two-handed.
• Kindred of Rot’s Exultation: Provides a 20% attack power boost for 20 seconds whenever Scarlet Rot is inflicted.
• Roar Medallion: Enhances Dragon Communion Incantations' damage by 15%, useful for spells like Ghostflame Breath.
• Defensive Talisman: Depending on the foe, either Golden Braid or Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman helps shore up defenses.

By synergizing these talismans, you can create an exceptionally versatile and formidable build. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman and Rakshasa Armor combined considerably amplify your offensive capabilities, while defensive talismans can be strategically applied based on the nature of the battle.

Optimal Incantations

This build benefits significantly from an array of incantations that bolster both offensive and defensive capabilities. Strong offensive incantations like Dragonclaw and Dragonmaw deal substantial physical damage and can stagger larger foes. Ghostflame Breath and Ekzykes's Decay apply Frostbite and Scarlet Rot, respectively. Frostbite, in particular, amplifies all subsequent damage, making it an invaluable addition to the toolkit. Supportive incantations like Golden Vow and Flame and Grant Me Strength further enhance offensive prowess, while Barrier of Gold and various other defensive spells protect against specific threats. For those who opt to push beyond level 150, raising Faith to 35 grants access to Black Flame's Protection and Scarlet Aeonia.

These incantations offer powerful defensive buffs and increased Scarlet Rot capability, respectively. In conclusion, building a character around the Poleblade of the Bud in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can transform your gameplay experience. The combination of strategic stats, armor choices, and a curated selection of talismans and spells ensures you can tackle any challenge with finesse and power. Whether you are engaging in PvE challenges or going against other players, this build provides robust versatility and devastating damage potential.