This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

With the arrival of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players have been handed a treasure trove of new weaponry, Elden Ring Items, and gear to experiment with- over 100 weapons and eight entirely new weapon types to be precise. Among the more unique and satisfying additions is the Dryleaf Arts, a martial arts-inspired Hand-to-Hand weapon that lets you pummel enemies into dust. Combined with the raw power of Bleed damage and the right build, Dryleaf Arts become not just viable, but devastating.

Why Use Dryleaf Arts?

Dryleaf Arts is one of two new Hand-to-Hand weapons added in the DLC, offering players a way to transform combat into a high-speed, close-quarters brawl. Unlike Fist or Claw weapons, Dryleaf Arts feel like true martial arts, with flashy combos and surprisingly potent scaling, especially buy Elden Ring Items when paired with Bleed.

Whether you're tearing through mobs or taking down massive bosses, Dryleaf Arts offers a highly mobile, stamina-driven combat style that rewards aggression and skillful dodging. And when infused with Bleed, it's capable of melting enemy health bars in seconds.

Build Foundation: Stats & Starting Class

Since Dryleaf Arts is a DLC weapon, your starting class doesn't matter much- you'll respec anyway. Instead, focus on maximizing Dexterity and Arcane to fuel both raw damage and Bleed procs.

Recommended Late-Game Stat Spread:

·Vigor: 55–60 (you'll be in melee range constantly)

·Mind: 30 (for incantations and Ash of War usage)

·Endurance: 30+ (to manage stamina and an equipment load)

·Strength: 12 (just to meet weapon requirements)

·Dexterity: 50–60 (primary damage stat)

·Intelligence: 17 (requirement for Golden Order Seal)

·Faith: 20+ (with Two Fingers Heirloom)

·Arcane: 45 (for Bleed scaling and procs)

Flask Spread:

·10 Crimson Tears

·4 Cerulean Tears

Adjust based on comfort and FP usage- Palm Blast doesn't consume much FP, but you'll still want juice for buffs.

Weapon Loadout

Primary Weapon:

Dryleaf Arts +25 (Bleed Affinity)

·Infuse with Blood Ashes of War for Arcane scaling and Bleed stacking. At +25, the weapon has C scaling in Dexterity, making it perfect for Dex/Arc builds.

Secondary Weapon Options:

·Rivers of Blood- Synergizes perfectly with Dex/Arc builds and has excellent range with Corpse Piler.

·Smithscript Cirque- A Dex-scaling throwing weapon for ranged engagement.

·The Milady- Use with a ranged Ash like Thunderbolt for a lighter, Dex-friendly option.

·Fallingstar Beast Jaw- Heavy but powerful, with Gravity Bolt for ranged stagger potential.

Best Ashes of War for Dryleaf Arts

·Palm Blast (Default)- Charges up and unleashes a powerful area-of-effect blast. Great stagger potential and surprisingly strong.

·Dryleaf Whirlwind- Quicker, lower FP cost, and triggers Bleed rapidly. Best choice for speed and effectiveness.

·Beast's Roar- Long-range, low FP cost roar that can keep enemies at bay. Consider equipping with a secondary weapon.

Talismans to Use

1. Lord of Blood's Exultation- Boosts attack power when nearby blood loss occurs (essential for Bleed builds).

2. Millicent's Prosthesis / Rotten Winged Sword Insignia- Raises Dexterity and attack power with successive hits.

3. Two-Headed Turtle Talisman- Greatly improves stamina regen for this stamina-hungry build.

4. Claw Talisman- Boosts jumping attacks if you rely on leaping punches.

5. Shard of Alexander- Enhances Skill damage by 15%, great if you favor Palm Blast or Whirlwind.

6. Two Fingers Heirloom- Grants +5 Faith, allowing you to meet minimum thresholds for buffs without spending levels.

7. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman- Offers excellent physical damage reduction- great for tanking during melee scrambles.

Incantations (Optional but Powerful)

While not mandatory, using Incantations for buffs can dramatically increase your survivability and damage output. Here are a few to keep in mind:

·Golden Vow- Increases attack and defense.

·Flame, Grant Me Strength- Boosts physical attack power.

·Blessing of the Erdtree- Slow but powerful healing over time.

·Bestial Vitality- Cheap healing over time, great for stamina-heavy builds.

·Bloodflame Blade- Adds Bleed effect to weapons (though not applicable to Dryleaf Arts directly).

Gameplay Tips

·Dryleaf Arts is all about speed and aggression. Use your stamina wisely and make full use of dodge rolls between flurries.

·Don't spam your Ash of War mindlessly- Palm Blast is best used when enemies are recovering or staggered.

·Open fights with buffs, strike fast, and back off to recover stamina. Use ranged secondary weapons when enemies become too dangerous up close.

·Mix jump attacks with your combos to keep pressure up and trigger Bleed more rapidly.

Final Thoughts

The Dryleaf Arts build in Shadow of the Erdtree is one of the most fun and stylish ways to engage with Elden Ring's brutal DLC content. With the right blend of Dexterity, Arcane, and tactical aggression, you'll be melting bosses before they even get a chance to fight back. And unlike some overtuned builds, this one strikes the perfect balance of viable and challenging.

So, if you're ready to punch your way through the Realm of Shadow with style, this is the build for you.