Bloodhound's Fang — Location & Build Guide
Bloodhound's Fang is one of the best early unique weapons in Elden Ring. Grab it from Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave, upgrade with Somber stones, and it can carry you through Margit, Godrick, and deep into mid-game.
Why It's Worth Getting Early
- High damage curved greatsword with innate bleed buildup.
- Unique skill Bloodhound's Finesse — dash in, hit hard, then leap back safely.
- Available in Limgrave before Stormveil if you have a Stonesword Key.
- Uses Somber Smithing Stones (separate upgrade path from normal weapons).
Location — Forlorn Hound Evergaol
- Travel to southwest Limgrave, near the coastal cliffs south of the Agheel Lake area (Forlorn Hound Evergaol on the map).
- Bring a Stonesword Key (common keepsake, or buy / loot early).
- Unlock the evergaol imp statue and enter the fog.
- Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil.
- Loot Bloodhound's Fang from the reward.
Tip: If Blaidd is available for this fight in your quest state, his help makes Darriwil much easier. Solo is still doable with summons / careful spacing.
How to Beat Darriwil Quickly
- Stay mid-range; bait his long dash combos, then punish the recovery.
- Do not greed after his first slash — he often chains a second or third hit.
- Summon a spirit ash if you have one unlocked (see the spirit ashes guide).
- Level Vigor into the high teens / 20s before the attempt if he one-shots you.
Requirements & Early Stats
| Stat | Target (early–mid) |
|---|---|
| Strength / Dexterity | Meet requirements first (18 Str / 17 Dex), then push both for Quality scaling |
| Vigor | 30–40 before hard mid-game bosses |
| Endurance | 20+ so you can swing and still medium-roll |
| Mind | Enough FP for 2–4 Bloodhound's Finesse uses per fight |
Samurai and Vagabond reach the requirements fastest. Other classes can two-hand or invest a few levels to equip it.
Upgrade Path (Somber Stones)
- Upgrade at a smith (Smithing Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold once unlocked).
- Use Somber Smithing Stones, not regular ones — see the smithing stones guide.
- Aim for +3 to +5 before / around Margit, then keep investing as you find higher sombers.
- Unique weapons cap at +10 (somber), so every stone counts.
How to Use Bloodhound's Finesse
- Use the skill to close gaps safely, then let the follow-up hit land.
- The leap-back portion helps you exit after a punish — great vs Margit delayed swings.
- Do not spam it when FP is empty; keep a few Crimson flasks and a Physick for boss buffs.
- Pair with bleed-friendly play: hit, reset, let buildup proc.
Recommended Early Gear Pairings
| Slot | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Talismans | Green Turtle, Erdtree's Favor, damage charms as found — see early talismans |
| Spirit ash | Wolves / Jellyfish early; Mimic Tear later |
| Physick | Damage + stamina / defense mix for fog-wall fights |
| Armor | Stay medium load; poise helps, but rolling matters more early |
When to Swap Off Fang
Fang stays strong deep into the game if upgraded. Swap only when you commit to a dedicated late kit such as Rivers of Blood bleed, a colossal strength setup, or a faith unique. Until then, one upgraded Fang beats five half-upgraded weapons.
Bloodhound's Fang Checklist
Next Steps
Compare other Limgrave options in the early weapons guide, then take Fang into Margit and Godrick. Full route: progression hub.