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Blog > Elden Ring: The Nightclaw Build Guide

Elden Ring: The Nightclaw Build Guide

Aug 17, 2024, 08:17:00 PST | Categories : Elden Ring |

In the realm of Elden Ring, the introduction of new DLC content always brings fresh excitement and new possibilities for character builds. One such exhilarating addition is the Nightclaw weapon, a unique claw weapon that has quickly become a favorite among players. This article delves into the intricacies of the Nightclaw build, highlighting its strengths, optimal usage, and how to make the most of this fascinating weapon.


Understanding the Nightclaw Weapon


The Nightclaw is a dexterity-scaling claw weapon introduced in the recent DLC. Its distinctiveness lies in its dual damage types: physical and magical. Unlike most weapons that scale with intelligence or arcane for magical damage, the Nightclaw relies solely on dexterity. This makes it a rare gem in the Elden Ring items arsenal, providing a blend of physical and magical damage without needing additional stats like intelligence or arcane.


Nightclaw Build Guide.jpg


Weapon Attributes


· Scaling: Primarily dexterity. It has a mild strength requirement but scales well with dexterity, making it ideal for dexterity-focused builds.

· Damage Types: Physical and magical damage. This unique combination allows players to exploit both physical and magical weaknesses of enemies.

· Bleed Build-Up: The Nightclaw comes with native bleed build-up, adding a layer of utility to its already impressive damage profile.

· Critical Rating: It features a 110 critical rating, making it effective for sneak attacks and critical strikes.


Weapon Mechanics and Usage


The Nightclaw's functionality is as intriguing as its attributes. It offers a blend of melee and ranged capabilities that can be leveraged in various combat scenarios.


Heavy Attacks and Throwing Mechanic


One of the standout features of the Nightclaw is its hybrid nature. When performing heavy attacks, the claws transform into throwing weapons. This transformation allows players to engage enemies at range, which can be especially useful during horseback combat or when facing multiple adversaries.


· Throwing Mechanic: The Nightclaw can be thrown in heavy attacks, functioning similarly to throwing knives. This provides a tactical advantage, allowing you to attack from a distance while maintaining mobility.

· Scattershot Throw: This ability is particularly effective for crowd control. It disperses multiple projectiles, causing substantial bleed build-up and making it easier to handle groups of enemies or inflict bleed damage on bosses.


Talismans and Enhancements


To maximize the Nightclaw's potential, equipping the right talismans is crucial. Here are some recommended talismans to enhance your build:


· Smithing Talisman: Boosts the damage of thrown attacks, including heavy and dual-wield throws. It enhances the effectiveness of the Nightclaw’s throwing mechanics.

· Axe Talisman: Increases damage for charged heavy attacks. Though the Nightclaw doesn’t excel in heavy attack damage, this talisman can provide a slight boost when fully charging the weapon.

· Crusading Signia: Ideal for boosting attack power after defeating enemies, useful for exploration and fighting multiple foes.

· Lord of Blood's Exaltation: Increases attack power when bleeding is triggered. This is especially beneficial during boss fights where blood loss can be consistently applied.


Combat Strategy


The Nightclaw build is designed for aggressive, fast-paced combat. Here are some strategic insights to help you optimize your playstyle:


Melee Combat


· Rapid Attacks: Focus on dual-wield R1 attacks to maximize damage output. The Nightclaw’s high attack rating and bleed build-up make it highly effective for rapid, successive strikes.

· Stance Damage: Be aware that the Nightclaw has lower stance damage, making it less effective for breaking enemy stances. Prioritize using its speed and bleed effects rather than relying on stance breaks.


Ranged Combat


· Throwing Claws: Utilize the heavy attack throwing mechanic to engage enemies from a distance. This is particularly useful during horseback combat or when dealing with enemies that require a more cautious approach.

· Scattershot Throw: Employ this ability to manage multiple foes or apply bleed effects from afar. It’s an excellent tool for handling groups of enemies or triggering bleed damage on tougher opponents.


Defensive Measures


While the Nightclaw excels in offense, integrating defensive strategies can enhance its effectiveness:


· Mesmer Soldier Shield: This shield complements the Nightclaw build by providing a balance between offense and defense. It’s useful for blocking attacks and provides a slight boost in guard strength.

· Armor: Opt for a combination of the Black Knight armor set and Lea’s armor for increased damage when rolling, dashing, or backstepping. This armor setup supports the build's aggressive playstyle and provides a boost to your offensive capabilities.


Attributes and Build


For a well-rounded Nightclaw build, here’s a recommended attribute distribution:


· Vigor: 55 (maximize health and survivability)

· Endurance: 40 (ensures ample stamina for attacks and blocking)

· Dexterity: 85 (optimized for scaling with the Nightclaw)

· Strength: 10 (sufficient for shield use)

· Mind: 30 (provides ample FP for weapon skills)

· Intelligence: 16 (minimal requirement, does not impact build)

· Faith: 7 (no significant benefit for this build)

· Arcane: 9 (minimal requirement, does not impact build)


Flask of Wondrous Physick


For optimal performance, consider these options for your Flask of Wondrous Physick:


· Thorny Crack Tier: Boosts damage with successive hits, synergizing with the Nightclaw’s rapid attack style.

· Winged Crystal Tear: Allows for light rolling in heavier armor, enhancing mobility during combat. Alternatively, the Greenburst Crystal Tear can be used for improved stamina recovery.


Final Thoughts


The Nightclaw build in Elden Ring is an exhilarating blend of dexterity-based melee and ranged attacks. With its unique combination of physical and magical damage, bleed build-up, and versatile throwing mechanics, it offers a dynamic and adaptable playstyle. Whether you're engaging in close-quarters combat or managing distance with ranged attacks, the Nightclaw provides a comprehensive toolkit for tackling the game's challenges.


Experiment with different talismans, armor, and attributes to tailor the build to your playstyle. As always, practice and adaptation are key to mastering this build and making the most of the Nightclaw’s capabilities.


Feel free to leave your thoughts or questions about the Nightclaw build in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help with any additional tips or clarifications!


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