Elden Ring DLC Build Guide: One-Handed Ripple Blade Poison & Bleed Combo Build

Elden Ring's DLC continues to reward creative buildcrafting, and few setups feel as uniquely oppressive and satisfying as a one-handed Ripple Blade status build. Popularized through invasion gameplay, this build revolves around true combos, Arcane scaling, and the powerful interaction between poison and bleed buffs.

 

When executed correctly, it turns a small axe into a lethal status engine capable of overwhelming even coordinated groups.

 

This guide breaks down the Ripple Blade build in full: weapon mechanics, more Elden Ring Items, stat investment, talismans, armor choices, grease usage, and real combat applications in invasions and PvP-heavy DLC areas.

 

Why the Ripple Blade Is Special

 

The Ripple Blade stands out among axes for two major reasons:

 

1.Arcane Scaling-The weapon scales directly with Arcane, meaning both damage and status buildup increase simultaneously.

 

2.True Combo Access-When used one-handed, the axe class benefits from a heavy attack (R2) into light attack (R1) true combo. This guarantees multiple hits if the first connects, making it extremely effective for applying status effects.

 

On top of that, the Ripple Blade has a unique property: grease effectiveness scales with Arcane. This makes consumable buffs like Poison Grease and Blood Grease dramatically stronger than on most weapons.

 

In short, the Ripple Blade turns Arcane investment into raw pressure, buff synergy, and explosive damage windows.

 

Core Build Concept: Poison First, Bleed to Finish

 

The build operates in two distinct phases:

 

Phase 1: Poison for Self-Buffing

 

Poison isn't just damage over time here-it's a damage amplifier.

By poisoning either enemies or yourself, you activate multiple buffs:

 

 Kindred of Rot's Exultation-Increases attack power when poison is nearby

 

 Mushroom Crown-Boosts damage when poison is applied

 

 Poisoned Hand (offhand or situational use)-Further increases damage output

 

Once poison is active, your damage spikes significantly, setting up the second phase.

 

Phase 2: Bleed for Burst Damage

 

With buffs active, you swap to Blood Grease to capitalize on:

 

 Lord of Blood's Exultation-Damage bonus when blood loss occurs

 

 Sacred Bloody Flesh (optional consumable)-Temporary physical and bleed boost

 

Thanks to the Ripple Blade's true combo, bleed can proc extremely quickly, leading to devastating burst damage that often decides fights instantly.

 

Stat Distribution: Pure Arcane Power

 

This is one of the simplest stat spreads in Elden Ring:

 

Arcane: High Priority

 

 Boosts weapon damage

 Increases poison and bleed buildup

 Enhances grease effectiveness

 

Vigor: PvP-Appropriate

 Enough to survive trades and spell pressure

 

Endurance: Moderate

 Needed for stamina management and armor poise

 

Strength/Dexterity: Minimal

 Only enough to meet weapon requirements

 

Compared to a Strength-based axe build, this Arcane setup trades raw physical damage for vastly superior pressure through status effects-and in practice, it often performs even better.

 

Weapon Setup and Combat Flow

 

One-Handed Ripple Blade

 

The build relies on one-handed moveset access for the R2 → R1 true combo. This is non-negotiable.

 

Key strengths:

 

 Reliable hit-confirm combos

 Fast status application

 Excellent pressure in tight spaces

 Strong against passive or panic-rolling opponents

 

True Combo Execution

 

 R2 (Heavy Attack) to catch rolls or punish aggression

 R1 (Light Attack) guaranteed follow-up

 Often results in instant poison or major bleed buildup

 

This combo is especially effective in invasion environments where spacing is limited and panic reactions are common.

 

Talismans: Double Buff Synergy

 

This build revolves around stacking conditional damage buffs.

 

Core Talismans

 

 Kindred of Rot's Exultation

 Damage boost when poison is nearby

 Lord of Blood's Exultation

 Damage boost when bleed occurs

 Erdtree's Favor +2

 Extra HP, stamina, and equip load

 Bull-Goat's Talisman

 Increased poise for trading and combo security

 

With both poison and bleed active, your damage skyrockets-often catching opponents completely off guard.

 

Armor Choices: Mushroom Crown Is Mandatory

 

While most armor slots are flexible, one piece is essential:

 

Mushroom Crown (Helmet)

 

 Increases damage when poison is applied

 Synergizes perfectly with poison grease and self-poison strategies

 

The rest of your armor can be adjusted based on:

 

 Poise breakpoints

 Fashion preferences

 Equip load limits

 

This flexibility allows the build to adapt easily to different PvP environments.

 

Grease and Consumables: The Build's Engine

 

Poison Grease

 

 Primary buff tool

 Activates multiple damage bonuses

 Can be applied to enemies or self

 Ideal for neutral pressure and setup

 

Blood Grease

 Used once buffs are active

 Enables devastating bleed procs

 Best for finishing opponents quicklyOptional Consumables

 

 Sacred Bloody Flesh-Extra bleed burst

 Poison Pots-Safe poison application at range

 Throwables-Pressure and spacing control

 

The ability to swap greases mid-invasion gives the build incredible flexibility.

 

PvP Performance and Invasion Strengths

 

This Ripple Blade setup shines in chaotic invasion environments:

 

Strengths

 Excels in tight corridors and vertical areas

 Punishes aggressive ganks with true combos

 Forces respect in close range

 Scales well against high-poise builds

 Extremely effective against spellcasters once in range

 

Key Playstyle Tips

 Be patient in small areas

 Use terrain to block spells and AoE

 Apply poison early to activate buffs

 Switch to bleed only when ready to commit

 Don't tunnel vision-status damage wins attrition fights

 

The build rewards calm decision-making more than reckless aggression.

 

Poison vs Bleed: Which Is Better?

 

In practice, both status effects are powerful, but their value changes depending on circumstances:

 

 Poison

 Safer

 Activates buffs

 Strong in prolonged fights

 Bleed

 Faster kills

 High burst potential

 Riskier in bad trades

 

Connection quality, opponent armor, and spacing all influence which option performs better in a given fight. Mastery comes from knowing when to switch.

 

Final Thoughts: A Small Axe With Massive Impact

 

The one-handed Ripple Blade Arcane build is a perfect example of Elden Ring's depth. On the surface, it's a modest axe with limited range-but in practice, it becomes a terrifying tool that leverages true combos, stacked buffs, and status pressure to dominate PvP encounters.

 

With pure Arcane investment, poison-based self-buffing, more Elden Ring Runes and bleed-fueled burst damage, this build excels in invasions, duels, and DLC hotspots alike. It rewards patience, positioning, and timing-and when everything clicks, it feels unstoppable.