The Putrescent Cleaver inElden Ringis a unique and powerful weapon that perfectly combines physical damage with the deadly Scarlet Rot status effect. Many players have found immense success by building around this weapon, leveraging its fast moveset, innate rot buildup, and respectable scaling to decimate foes both in PvE and PvP. The Putrescent Cleaver build focuses on maximizing damage output while effectively spreading Scarlet Rot, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy aggressive, tactical combat infused with poison-like effects. In this topic, we will dive deep into how to create the optimal Putrescent Cleaver build, covering stats, talismans, armor, and strategies to maximize its potential.
Why Choose the Putrescent Cleaver?
The Putrescent Cleaver is distinctive because it not only deals significant physical damage but also applies Scarlet Rot rapidly to enemies. Scarlet Rot is one of the most dangerous status effects inElden Ring, gradually draining health once fully applied. This makes the Putrescent Cleaver extremely valuable for taking down tough bosses and high-health enemies. Its weapon skill, Rot Dance, unleashes a rapid, multi-hit combo that further increases rot buildup and pressure on opponents.
Another reason this weapon shines is its solid scaling with Strength and Dexterity, allowing flexibility in stat allocation. This makes it a perfect fit for quality builds or hybrid melee characters who want both raw power and status effect utility.
Optimal Stats for Putrescent Cleaver Build
To maximize the efficiency of the Putrescent Cleaver, it’s essential to invest stats carefully. Here are the primary stats to focus on:
- Strength (STR): The Putrescent Cleaver has strong Strength scaling, so raising STR increases base damage and scaling effectiveness.
- Dexterity (DEX): Dexterity also contributes to scaling, enhancing attack speed and damage.
- Endurance (END): Boosting Endurance improves stamina pool and equipment load, letting you wear heavier armor and sustain longer fights.
- Vigor (VIG): Vital for survivability, higher Vigor increases HP, which is crucial when you’re on the frontlines dealing with enemies.
- Arcane (ARC): While not necessary to max out, a moderate investment in Arcane can improve the buildup rate of Scarlet Rot and status effects, making your rot application more efficient.
Recommended stat distribution around level 100-120 might be: 40 STR, 20 DEX, 25 END, 30 VIG, and 15 ARC, but this can be adjusted based on your playstyle and armor preferences.
Weapon Upgrades and Ashes of War
Upgrading the Putrescent Cleaver is key to enhancing damage and rot buildup. The weapon uses Heavy infusion well due to its high Strength scaling but can also benefit from Quality infusion if you want a balanced STR/DEX build.
Applying Heavy infusion increases raw physical damage, while Quality infusion improves both Strength and Dexterity scaling. If you lean into Arcane to boost rot buildup, an infusion that increases elemental damage can synergize well.
Best Ashes of War for Putrescent Cleaver
- Rot Dance: The built-in weapon skill, Rot Dance, is excellent for rapidly applying Scarlet Rot and dealing multiple hits. Use this to quickly stack rot buildup on bosses and enemies.
- Flame of the Redmanes: Adds fire damage and can increase overall burst damage.
- Bloodhound’s Step: Not an Ash of War for the weapon, but equipping this Ashes of War on a talisman or using the skill alongside the build enhances dodging and mobility, critical for staying alive in close combat.
Talisman Choices
The right talismans can significantly boost your damage and survivability with the Putrescent Cleaver. Consider these options:
- Rot Scourge Talisman: Boosts damage dealt to enemies affected by Scarlet Rot, perfectly synergizing with your rot application.
- Radagon’s Scarseal/Sourceal: Increases Strength and Dexterity, enhancing your weapon’s scaling.
- Green Turtle Talisman: Improves stamina regeneration, allowing for more swings and weapon skill usage.
- Flame, Cleanse Me: While not a talisman, this incantation is recommended to manage the rot buildup in prolonged fights.
- Claw Talisman: Boosts attack power when you have low health, which pairs well with aggressive playstyles.
Armor Recommendations
Since this build focuses on aggressive melee combat, balancing defense and mobility is important. Medium armor sets that provide good poise without sacrificing too much agility are ideal.
- Lionel’s Set: Offers great poise and defense for mid-weight armor.
- Bull-Goat Set: Excellent for high poise, allowing you to trade hits when necessary.
- Radagon’s Set: Good balance of poise and mobility, with respectable defense.
- Mushroom Set: Provides resistance to Scarlet Rot, helpful if you’re fighting rot-heavy enemies or using the weapon skill often.
Gameplay Tips and Combat Strategy
The Putrescent Cleaver excels in close combat and relies on constantly pressuring opponents with rapid attacks and rot buildup. Here are some key gameplay tips:
- Use Rot Dance to initiate combos and quickly apply Scarlet Rot buildup, forcing enemies on the defensive.
- Keep stamina high to chain attacks and dodge enemy counters efficiently.
- Take advantage of the weapon’s medium range and speed to strike before enemies can retaliate.
- Be mindful of your positioning; staying aggressive but not reckless is key.
- Use Ashes of War or incantations that boost stamina regeneration or health recovery to sustain longer fights.
- Pair the cleaver with a shield or quick weapon in the offhand for versatility in defense and offense.
Best Enemies and Bosses for the Putrescent Cleaver
This build shines particularly well against bosses and enemies susceptible to Scarlet Rot, where sustained rot buildup can drastically shorten the fight. Examples include:
- Maliketh, Black Blade
- Radagon of the Golden Order
- Bosses in the Lake of Rot region
- Rot-heavy enemies in the Haligtree
- PvP opponents who underestimate the rot pressure
The Putrescent Cleaver build inElden Ringis a potent combination of raw physical damage and debilitating Scarlet Rot effects. By focusing on the right stats, talismans, and armor, players can create an aggressive, pressure-heavy playstyle that dominates both PvE and PvP encounters. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, experimenting with the Putrescent Cleaver build offers a refreshing and deadly approach to combat in the Lands Between. With practice and proper strategy, this build can become one of your favorite tools for clearing difficult foes and conquering tough bosses.