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Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces over 100 new weapons and eight new weapon types, but few are as stylistically unique or unexpectedly effective as the Dryleaf Arts. Transforming the Lands Between into your personal martial arts dojo, this hand-to-hand weapon brings high-speed combos, crowd control, and powerful Bleed synergy all in one tight, high-damage package.

Whether you're boxing Tree Sentinels into submission or drop-kicking Shadow bosses, the Dryleaf Arts build offers an exhilarating, fast-paced way to play that's as deadly as it is entertaining.

Here's everything Elden Ring Items you need to dominate with the best Dryleaf Arts build in Shadow of the Erdtree.

What Are Dryleaf Arts?

Dryleaf Arts are one of the two new Hand-to-Hand weapons introduced in the DLC, and they focus on up-close, rapid-fire unarmed combat. Unlike Claws or Fists from the base game, Dryleaf Arts are pure martial expression, drawing inspiration from Eastern martial arts and offering stylish kicks, punches, and explosive Ashes of War.

By default, they come with the Palm Blast skill-a short wind-up shockwave punch that can interrupt enemy attacks, deal high AoE damage, and trigger Bleed procs. But their true power lies in custom builds focused on Dexterity and Arcane, letting you stack Bleed damage insanely fast.

Best Stats and Starting Class

Any class can run Dryleaf Arts effectively, but to make the most out of it, you'll want to respec or level into the following late-game stat priorities:

Stat Breakdown and Why It Matters:

1. Vigor: 55-60

· High Vigor is essential to survive the burst damage from tough Shadow of the Erdtree DLC bosses, many of whom can kill you in one combo without this much HP.

2. Mind: ~30

· Around 30 Mind gives you enough FP to consistently use Ashes of War and support Incantations like buffs without running dry mid-fight.

3. Endurance: 30+

· Endurance is crucial for two reasons: it lets you perform stamina-hungry attack chains with Dryleaf Arts, and it allows you to equip heavier armor without fat rolling.

4. Strength: 12+

· Just enough Strength is needed to meet the minimum requirement to wield any offhand or utility weapons you might be carrying (like a seal or shield).

5. Dexterity: 50-60

· This is your primary damage scaling stat. Dryleaf Arts scale incredibly well with Dexterity, so investing heavily here maximizes DPS.

6. Intelligence: 17

· This is the bare minimum required to equip the Golden Order Seal, which boosts buffs like Golden Vow when casting with it.

7. Faith: 20+ (or 15 with the Two Fingers Heirloom)

· Needed for buffing Incantations like Golden Vow and Blessing of the Erdtree. With the heirloom talisman, you can hit the requirement more efficiently.

8. Arcane: 45

· Arcane increases Bleed buildup, which synergizes well with fast multi-hit setups like Dryleaf Arts, allowing frequent Bleed procs for massive burst damage.

Soft Caps:

· Arcane: 25 / 45 / 60

· Dexterity: 20 / 60 / 80

If you buy Elden Ring Runes and let the Runes get Level 150-180, prioritize Dex/Arcane and lean into Vigor/Endurance as needed. High Mind and Endurance will let you stay aggressive without pauses.

Weapons: Main and Secondary

Primary Weapon: Dryleaf Arts

· Infuse with Blood to scale with Arcane.

· Base Dexterity scaling becomes C at +25.

· Works best with Palm Blast or Dryleaf Whirlwind for AoE or fast hits.

Secondary Weapon Options

Backup weapons for ranged or situational encounters:

1. Rivers of Blood

· Amazing synergy with Dex/Arcane

· Corpse Piler skill has great reach

2. Milady (Lightning/Thunderbolt infusion)

· Lightweight with a strong ranged Ash of War

3. Fallingstar Beast Jaw

· Gravity Bolt lets you harass bosses from range.

4. Smithscript Cirque

· Throwable hand-to-hand weapon

· Scales with Dex and gives versatility

Ashes of War: Best for Dryleaf Arts

Top Picks:

1. Palm Blast (default)

· Short charge → big AoE blast

· Easy Bleed trigger + great stagger

2. Dryleaf Whirlwind

· Multiple spinning kicks

· Lower FP cost, faster animation

· Fantastic for status build-up

3. Beast's Roar

· Long-range roar projectile

· Optional for secondary weapon use

Bleed-focused players should always apply a Blood Affinity to maximize Arcane scaling.

Talismans: Best Options

Core Talismans:

1. Lord of Blood's Exultation - Increases attack power on Bleed trigger

2. Millicent's Prosthesis - Boosts Dex and rewards combo hits

3. Two-Headed Turtle Talisman - Crucial for faster stamina regen

Optional Talismans:

· Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (swap with Millicent's if Dex is capped)

· Two Fingers Heirloom - Add 5 Faith for Golden Vow

· Shard of Alexander - Boosts Ash of War damage by 15%

· Claw Talisman - Boosts jumping attacks (very useful here)

· Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman - Physical defense boost

Buffs and Incantations

While not required, a few well-placed Incantations can boost damage and survivability:

Recommended Seal:

Golden Order Seal - Best for buffing builds; requires 17 Intelligence.

Buff Spells:

· Golden Vow - Boost attack and defense (must-have)

· Flame, Grant Me Strength - For even more AR

· Blessing of the Erdtree - Optional HP regen

· Flame, Cleanse Me - Cleanse status like Scarlet Rot

Only slot what you have FP for. Palm Blast + Golden Vow is often enough.

Playstyle Tips

· Stay aggressive: Dryleaf Arts rewards non-stop pressure.

· Use Palm Blast to interrupt slow enemies or AoE groups.

· Start fights with buffs: Golden Vow + Flame, Grant Me Strength.

· Jump attacks are especially effective with the Claw Talisman.

· Use quick backrolls and dodge-cancels to stay nimble in boss fights.

· Poise-break enemies using successive hits or Ash of War combos.

Flask & Wondrous Physick Suggestions

1. 10 Crimson / 4 Cerulean Flasks - Good balance for FP and healing

2. Physick Mix:

· Bloodboil Crystal Tear - Boosts Strength temporarily (helps damage)

· Greenburst Crystal Tear - Faster stamina regen

Why Play Dryleaf Arts?

Dryleaf Arts brings something few weapons in Elden Ring offer: pure style and substance. It's fast, satisfying, and effortlessly carves through late-game content. With the right balance of Dexterity, Arcane, and smart buffs, you'll punch, kick, and bleed your way through the toughest bosses in Shadow of the Erdtree-all while looking like a master of martial arts.