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The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has breathed new life into Elden Ring, particularly for fans of status-effect builds. One of the most fun, albeit niche, approaches is the Eternal Sleep build. This build capitalizes on the new Eternal Sleep status effect, an enhanced version of the traditional Sleep mechanic that can incapacitate weaker enemies almost permanently, making dungeon clearing and Rune farming an absolute breeze. While bosses often resist Sleep, the sheer utility against regular mobs is enough to make this build worth experimenting with.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to set up the ultimate Eternal Sleep build, including stats, weapons, talismans, and strategies for maximizing the effect in both regular gameplay and DLC content.

Understanding Eternal Sleep in the Shadow of the Erdtree

Before diving into the build, it's important to understand how Sleep and Eternal Sleep work in Elden Ring.

Sleep is a status effect that incapacitates enemies, making them temporarily vulnerable. In base game encounters, standard Sleep has a limited duration, often breaking as soon as the enemy takes damage.

Eternal Sleep, introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, is a buffed version:

· Regular enemies fall into a deep slumber and remain asleep until multiple hits or a critical strike wake them.

· Bosses and elite enemies react differently: they may be staggered or briefly incapacitated, depending on their resistances. Some bosses are fully immune, so a backup weapon or spell is essential.

The core benefit of Eternal Sleep is crowd control. It allows you to effectively neutralize multiple mobs, giving you openings to deal massive damage, reposition, or farm Runes safely. It's particularly fun in large dungeons, where managing large enemy packs can otherwise be tedious.

Class and Stats for Eternal Sleep Builds

Since Sleep builds up scales with Arcane, similar to Bleed or Frostbite, the key stats for this build are Arcane, Dexterity, and Vigor, along with enough Mind and Endurance to support sustained combat.

For those starting in Shadow of the Erdtree or on New Game Plus, we recommend the Bandit class:

· Dexterity: 13

· Arcane: 14

This provides a strong foundation for weapons that scale with these stats and synergize well with Sleep effect accumulation.

Recommended Stats

For an optimal endgame Eternal Sleep build, aim for the following distribution:

· Vigor: 60 - Maximum survivability, crucial for DLC zones with high-damage enemies.

· Mind: 20 - Enough FP to sustain buffs and special skills.

· Endurance: 30 - Stamina for dodging, rolling, and sustained weapon combos.

· Strength: 12 - Minimum for weapon requirements.

· Dexterity: 22 - Required for key Sleep weapons like Thiollier's Hidden Needle.

· Intelligence: 21 - Optional, for supplemental sorceries or utility spells.

· Faith: 25 - Optional, useful for buffs and healing incantations.

· Arcane: 45-60 - Core stat to maximize Sleep build-up and status effect application.

Prioritize Vigor, Endurance, and Mind first to survive mid- and endgame content, then invest heavily into Arcane for maximum Sleep efficiency. Dexterity is secondary but necessary to wield your main weapons effectively.

Weapons for the Eternal Sleep Build

A Sleep build relies on weapons with Sleep infusion, Ashes of War, or inherent Sleep effects. In Shadow of the Erdtree, several weapons excel in this regard.

1. Thiollier's Hidden Needle

· Scaling: Dexterity and Arcane

· Effect: Inflicts Sleep buildup on enemies with rapid, precise strikes.

· Strategy: Focus on quick, successive attacks to maximize Sleep gauge accumulation. Excellent for clearing mobs in narrow corridors.

2. Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Sleep Katana (DLC Exclusive)

· Scaling: Dexterity and Arcane

· Effect: Innate Sleep buildup on heavy strikes, with additional stagger potential.

· Use: Great for mixed builds where you might need to stagger larger enemies while maintaining Sleep accumulation on surrounding mobs.

3. Spear or Dagger Alternatives

· Smaller weapons that allow for high mobility and rapid attacks can also be effective. Pair them with Sleep Ashes of War to increase the Sleep gauge per strike.

Backup Weapons

Because bosses often resist Sleep, always carry a high-damage secondary weapon like a Greatsword or Bow for raw damage. The Eternal Sleep build excels at crowd control but cannot reliably end fights against bosses alone.

Armor and Talismans

Since Eternal Sleep is status-effect reliant, gear that boosts Arcane, Dexterity, or status effect buildup is essential.

Armor Recommendations

· Light or Medium Armor Sets: These allow for faster dodging while maintaining decent protection.

· Arcane-boosting Accessories: Some DLC armor pieces specifically increase Sleep buildup effectiveness.

Talismans

· Sleep-boosting Talismans: Increases the speed at which Sleep builds up on enemies.

· Dexterity or FP-Enhancing Talismans: Maintain offensive capability without draining FP too quickly.

· Survivability Talismans: Boosts to health, stamina, or resistance ensure you can safely maintain your status-effect strategy in high-risk areas.

Flasks and Consumables

For a build reliant on status effects and dexterous attacks:

· Crimson Flasks: Minimum 10 for healing.

· Cerulean Flasks: At least 4 to maintain FP for weapon skills or buffs.

· Consumables that Increase Arcane: Elden Ring Items like the Lurker's Arcane Draught can temporarily boost your Sleep buildup potential during high-density mob encounters.

Playstyle Tips for Eternal Sleep Builds

1. Prioritize Mob Control

Your main strength is the ability to incapacitate enemies. Target large groups first, allowing weaker mobs to fall asleep before engaging mid-tier enemies.

2. Stagger When Necessary

Even enemies partially resistant to Sleep will often stagger. Use this opening to land heavier strikes or reposition strategically.

3. Alternate Between Status and Raw Damage

Bosses often require raw damage. Transition seamlessly from Sleep to a backup weapon to avoid wasted time and effort.

4. Positioning is Key

Since Eternal Sleep builds excel in crowd control, always look for chokepoints or narrow passages in dungeons to maximize the number of enemies affected at once.

Advanced Strategies for Eternal Sleep Builds

1. Maximize Arcane Scaling

Sleep effectiveness scales directly with Arcane, so any gear, buffs, or consumables that increase this stat should be prioritized.

2. Use Weapon Skills Wisely

Many Sleep weapons have Ashes of War that further enhance Sleep buildup or stagger potential. Timing these skills can put multiple enemies into slumber simultaneously, creating safe opportunities to attack or reposition.

3. Combine With Summons or Spirit Ashes

Eternal Sleep builds well with Spirit Summons. While enemies are asleep, your summons can safely attack or tank, increasing Rune gains without risking your health.

4. Rune Farming Efficiency

Use Eternal Sleep in densely populated dungeons or overworld areas. Mobs remain incapacitated, allowing you to farm Runes safely and quickly. This is one of the build's most practical applications.

5. Backup Strategies for Immunity

Always buy Elden Ring Items, at least one weapon or spell that bypasses Sleep immunity. Bosses like Godskins may resist Eternal Sleep entirely, so a ranged weapon or raw-damage melee option is critical.

Sample Skill and Ashes of War Setup

· Thiollier's Hidden Needle Ashes of War: Sleep infusion for normal attacks.

· Secondary Weapon Skill: High-damage, stagger-focused attack to deal with Sleep-immune enemies.

· Utility Spells: Buffs or heals, e.g., Flame, Grant Me Strength for survivability in DLC zones.

Summary

The Eternal Sleep, built into Shadow of the Erdtree, is a highly entertaining and effective method for crowd control, Rune farming, and managing high-density mob encounters. While it's not designed to dominate boss fights, its utility in exploration and dungeons makes it a strong secondary playstyle.

Key Takeaways:

· Focus on Arcane and Dexterity for maximum Sleep efficiency.

· Use Sleep weapons like Thiollier's Hidden Needle or DLC-exclusive options.

· Maintain backup weapons or spells for boss encounters.

· Prioritize Vigor, Mind, and Endurance early to survive extended fights.

· Combine Sleep with summons, choke points, and tactical positioning for optimal crowd control.

With proper stat distribution, gear selection, and strategy, the Eternal Sleep build provides one of the most unique and enjoyable ways to experience Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree. Whether clearing dungeons for Runes, managing hordes of mobs, or experimenting with new DLC content, this build guarantees a fun, status-effect-driven adventure in The Lands Between.