Bloodhound's Finesse is a dynamic and versatile weapon skill in Elden Ring, primarily utilized as the default skill for the Bloodhound's Fang curved greatsword. It allows players to combine an upward slash with a swift backward somersault, creating distance from foes while setting up a potent follow-up attack.
Understanding Bloodhound's Finesse Mechanics
This skill is designed for both offensive pressure and defensive repositioning, offering a unique blend of combat utility.
The Initial Attack
When you activate Bloodhound's Finesse, your character will slash upwards with the Bloodhound's Fang. Immediately following this strike, you will use the momentum of the strike to perform a backwards somersault. This somersault is crucial as it allows you to gain some distance from foes, effectively dodging incoming attacks or creating space to heal or reassess the situation.
The Follow-Up Attack
The true finesse of this skill comes with its optional follow-up. After performing the initial upward slash and backward somersault, you can follow up with a strong attack. This strong attack will execute the Bloodhound's Step attack, which is a quick, agile dash that can further reposition you or close the distance you just created, often with a damaging strike.
Key Features & Benefits
Bloodhound's Finesse offers several advantages in combat:
- Exceptional Mobility: The backward somersault provides quick evasion, helping you avoid direct hits or dangerous area-of-effect attacks.
- Strategic Repositioning: It allows you to create distance or, with the follow-up, quickly re-engage from a more advantageous position.
- Combined Offense and Defense: You deal damage while simultaneously gaining safety, making it efficient for aggressive playstyles that also prioritize survival.
- Momentum Utilization: The seamless transition from slash to somersault feels fluid and can throw off enemy attack patterns.
When to Employ Bloodhound's Finesse
Mastering Bloodhound's Finesse involves understanding its optimal use cases:
- Evading Close-Range Combos: If an enemy is in the middle of a lengthy attack chain, use the somersault to quickly disengage and avoid damage.
- Creating Space for Healing or Buffs: When you need a moment to use a Flask of Crimson Tears or apply a combat buff, the quick distance gained can provide that essential window.
- Punishing Enemy Openings: After an enemy finishes a slow attack, you can use the initial slash to deal damage and then decide whether to somersault away or follow up with Bloodhound's Step to continue the pressure.
- Dodging Area-of-Effect (AoE) Attacks: The backward movement can quickly move you out of an AoE's radius, protecting you from significant damage.
- Initiating Engagements: Sometimes, the quick dash of the Bloodhound's Step follow-up can be used to surprise an enemy and close the gap for your first strike.
Mastering the Skill
To effectively use Bloodhound's Finesse, consider these tips:
- Practice Timing: The somersault has a brief window of invincibility (i-frames), so practice timing it to pass through enemy attacks rather than just evade them.
- Stamina Management: Both the initial skill and the strong attack follow-up consume stamina. Ensure you have enough stamina to execute the full move, especially if you plan to roll immediately afterward.
- Awareness of Surroundings: The backward somersault moves you backwards. Be mindful of your environment to avoid rolling into walls, off cliffs, or into other dangers.
- Decide on the Follow-Up: Don't automatically use the Bloodhound's Step follow-up. Sometimes, simply creating distance is the better option. Assess the situation before committing to the second part of the attack.
Summary of Mechanics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Weapon | Default skill for Bloodhound's Fang. |
| Initial Action | Slash upwards with the Bloodhound's Fang, using the momentum to perform a backwards somersault, creating distance from foes. |
| Follow-Up | Press the strong attack button immediately after the initial action to execute the Bloodhound's Step attack, allowing for quick re-engagement or further repositioning. |
| Primary Use | High-mobility combat, blending evasion, repositioning, and offensive strikes to control distance and pressure in various combat scenarios. |
By understanding and practicing Bloodhound's Finesse, players can significantly enhance their combat versatility and survivability with the Bloodhound's Fang, making it a formidable tool in the Lands Between.
