Bloodhound Step is one of the most powerful and popular Ashes of War in Elden Ring. It provides players with the ability to quickly dash in a direction while avoiding enemy attacks, making it ideal for both evasive movement and repositioning in combat. This high-speed teleport-style dodge consumes very little stamina and can be used in rapid succession, offering a huge advantage in PvP and PvE encounters alike. Because of its usefulness and effectiveness, many players aim to unlock it as early as possible in their playthrough. Knowing exactly how to get Bloodhound Step will give you an edge and open up more creative ways to build your character.
Where to Find Bloodhound Step
Location of Bloodhound Knight Darriwil
To acquire Bloodhound Step, players must defeat an optional field boss named Night’s Cavalry, not Bloodhound Knight Darriwil as many might first assume. The item does not come from a regular NPC or quest reward but instead drops from this particular enemy located in a specific region of the Lands Between.
Bloodhound Step is dropped by the Night’s Cavalry found in Dragonbarrow, an area in Caelid. Specifically, this boss spawns on the bridge near Lenne’s Rise, which lies in the northern part of Caelid. The bridge itself crosses a ravine that separates Dragonbarrow from the rest of the region. However, this boss only appears at night, so players will need to rest at a nearby Site of Grace and pass time until nightfall to engage the fight.
Getting to Dragonbarrow
If you haven’t yet unlocked the Dragonbarrow region, you can reach it by using the teleporter trap in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins found in the Agheel Lake area of Limgrave. This trap will send you to the Sellia Crystal Tunnel, and from there, you can explore northeast to reach Dragonbarrow.
Alternatively, you can gain access by crossing the bridge near the Bestial Sanctum after being teleported there by D, Hunter of the Dead, or after progressing through certain parts of the game.
Preparing for the Night’s Cavalry Fight
Recommended Level and Gear
The Night’s Cavalry that guards Bloodhound Step is a tough opponent, especially if you go after it early. It’s recommended to be at least level 50 or higher, although it is possible to defeat the boss at a lower level with good movement and timing. Because this enemy is mounted, bringing a spirit summon is not an option. You’ll need to fight alone, and using Torrent to keep pace with the boss is essential.
Bring weapons that can strike fast and reliably land hits during the brief windows after his attacks. Also, consider weapons that cause bleed, frostbite, or stagger damage. A greatshield or a quick-rolling build with light armor will help you avoid heavy damage.
Combat Strategy
The Night’s Cavalry in Dragonbarrow is faster and more aggressive than his counterparts in other regions. He uses a halberd with long reach and can deal massive damage. Here are a few tips for defeating him:
- Wait for nighttime and approach the bridge near Lenne’s Rise on Torrent.
- Use the open space to your advantage by circling and baiting his attacks.
- Dodge sideways or backward to avoid the halberd swings and follow up with a light combo.
- Use hit-and-run tactics if you’re on horseback. Get one hit in, then back away to avoid retaliation.
- Watch his patterns carefully. Once he starts repeating, you can safely counter after each sweep.
Patience and precision are key. You don’t need to land every attack just enough over time to whittle his health down.
Receiving the Bloodhound Step
Post-Fight Reward
Once you defeat the Night’s Cavalry boss on the bridge at Dragonbarrow during the night, he will drop the Bloodhound Step Ash of War. It is a guaranteed drop, so you won’t need to worry about RNG or multiple attempts. Once obtained, you can equip this Ash of War at any Site of Grace.
It is best used with light weapons or curved swords, though it can be applied to most melee weapons that allow Ashes of War. Bloodhound Step is especially useful on dexterity-focused builds or PvP characters who need to dodge quickly and often.
Applying the Ash of War
To use Bloodhound Step, do the following:
- Rest at a Site of Grace.
- Select the Ashes of War menu.
- Choose a compatible weapon, usually light weapons or katanas.
- Select Bloodhound Step and apply it with your preferred affinity Keen for dexterity scaling works well.
Once equipped, pressing the Ash of War button while not attacking will cause your character to vanish briefly and reappear several feet away, evading almost all attacks.
Why Bloodhound Step is So Effective
Advantages in Combat
Bloodhound Step excels in both PvP and PvE thanks to several benefits:
- Invincibility Frames: The dodge provides longer invincibility than a regular roll, making it ideal for dodging spells, boss attacks, or incoming strikes.
- Speed and Distance: It covers more ground than a standard dodge, allowing you to escape or reposition instantly.
- Low Stamina Cost: You can use it multiple times in succession without exhausting your stamina bar.
- Interrupts Targeting: The move makes it harder for enemies and even players to track your movement or land combos.
It pairs incredibly well with hit-and-run builds, bleed weapons, or any strategy that involves fast movement and evasive gameplay. It also lets you quickly close distance with ranged enemies or retreat from dangerous situations.
Comparison to Other Ashes of War
While there are many useful mobility options in Elden Ring, Bloodhound Step stands out for how reliably it avoids damage. Compared to Quickstep or regular dodging, it’s faster, covers more ground, and is easier to chain during fights. The only downside is that it doesn’t deal any damage itself, so it must be paired with a solid offensive plan.
Can You Miss Bloodhound Step?
Time-Sensitive or Missable?
Thankfully, Bloodhound Step is not permanently missable. As long as you defeat the correct Night’s Cavalry during the nighttime in Dragonbarrow, you will get the reward. However, if you kill the boss during the day by accident or miss the chance while the event is active (for example, during a patch where the area is bugged), you may need to wait until the boss respawns during a future night.
New Game Plus Availability
If you’ve missed it in your current run or want to use it on a different build, you can obtain it again in New Game Plus. All enemies and their drops reset in NG+, so you’ll have another opportunity to defeat the Night’s Cavalry and re-earn the Ash of War if needed.
Bloodhound Step is widely regarded as one of the most valuable Ashes of War in Elden Ring, especially for players who prefer agility, speed, and tactical movement. By defeating the Night’s Cavalry near Lenne’s Rise in Dragonbarrow at night, you’ll earn this skill and be able to apply it to your favorite melee weapon. It enhances survivability, enables creative playstyles, and gives you a significant edge in challenging encounters. Whether you’re preparing for PvP or want an easier time dodging boss attacks, mastering how to get Bloodhound Step will elevate your gameplay and give you more freedom on the battlefield.