With a menacing appearance, the Serpentbone Blade in Elden Ring is crafted from the bone of a serpent and brims with lethal poison. This katana is favored by the assassins from Volcano Manor, who wield it to dispatch their foes in excruciating fashion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of acquiring the Serpentbone Blade by following a distinct questline, and we’ll also show you how to utilize this weapon to create a powerful strength-based build in the game.
Where to Find the Serpentbone Blade
To get your hands on the Serpentbone Blade, you must progress through Tanith’s questline until the second assassination.
To initiate Tanith’s quest, head over to Volcano Manor and speak with her in the throne room. Accept her invitation to join Volcano Manor and you’ll receive the Drawing-Room Key.
Next, go to the room where Rya is located. Interact with the letter on the table to unveil your first assassination target, Old Knight Istavan.
After you take down Istavan near the Divine Bridge in Stormhill, return to Volcano Manor and chat with Tanith to receive the Magma Shot.
Now, head to the room that houses Knight Bernahl. Read the second letter to discover who your next target is.
Locate and eliminate Rileigh the Idle on the Altus Plateau. Then, return once more to Volcano Manor to meet with Tanith. She will then reward you with the coveted Serpentbone Blade.
You’ve earned this powerful weapon, but you can choose to continue Tanith’s story to gain insight into her motivations.
Stats and Requirements for the Serpentbone Blade
The Serpentbone Blade demands 22 Dexterity and 11 Strength to wield. It has a C rating for Dexterity scaling and an E rating for Strength scaling.
This katana boasts a unique skill known as Double Slash. Being a special weapon, it cannot be infused with Ash of War or any consumables like Grease, nor can it be enhanced with magic.
You can upgrade the Serpentbone Blade to +25 using Smithing Stones. At its maximum level, it deals 294 Physical damage and has a passive ability that causes a deadly poison buildup on enemies.
This weapon weighs 6 units, and you can sell it to any merchant for 200 Runes.
Optimal Build for the Serpentbone Blade
This end-game build is centered around Dexterity, so allocate your stat points as follows:
- Vigor: 40
- Dexterity: 80
- Faith: 35
For maximum effectiveness, dual wield the upgraded Serpentbone Blade +25 alongside the Finger Seal +25 to cast essential incantations.
When it comes to armor, opt for the White Mask of Varre for the head and the Scaled Armor set for the rest of your gear.
Utilize the following talismans:
Combine the following crystal tears in your Flask of Wondrous Physick:
- Opaline Hardtear
- Thorny Cracked Tear
With this Serpentbone Blade build, you’ll be able to inflict poison on your adversaries, dealing over 1000 damage with each combo.
