Elden Ring Sword of Night Build Guide: Patch Update & New Strategy

Welcome, Tarnished! I bring you an Elden Ring DLC build guide. We’re taking a deep dive into the Nightblade, a weapon that received a massive buff in the latest patch, making it even more deadly in both PvP and PvE. In this guide, I’ll break down the key changes, the best ways to wield the sword, and how to maximize its new strengths in an agile build. Before we get into the details of the build, let’s talk about how MMOexp can elevate your Elden Ring experience. Whether you're looking to enhance your character’s power or simply navigate the treacherous Lands Between with more confidence, MMOexp offers a reliable way to acquire Elden Ring Runes. With their secure transactions and dedicated support, you can quickly boost your resources and focus on mastering your build rather than grinding for hours. Elevate your gameplay and enjoy the journey through the stunning yet perilous world of Elden Ring with the help of MMOexp!

What's New?

The recent patch has improved the heavy attack speed for the entire katana weapon class, but the Sword of Night stands out due to its significant buff—it now executes heavy attacks six frames faster. This might not sound like much, but in Elden Ring, every frame counts. The sword now excels in turn-and-burn situations when you’re being chased by teams of enemies, or even in duels. The increased speed allows you to react quicker, catching your opponent off-guard with powerful counter-attacks.

Weapon Stats & Scaling

The Sword of Night scales entirely off dexterity, making it perfect for pure dex builds. You’ll want to pump your dexterity as high as possible to maximize the damage output. For this build, you’ll also want to focus on gear that complements your dexterity stat and enhances your consecutive attack combos, which are a key feature of this weapon.

Recommended Stat Allocation (at Level 150):

· Dexterity: 70-80 (for max scaling)

· Endurance: 30+ (to keep stamina up during long combos)

· Vigor: 50-60 (for survivability in PvP and PvE)

· Mind: 20-25 (to support frequent use of Ashes of War)

Ash of War & Combo Potential

The Sword of Night's Ash of War has excellent synergy with the newly buffed heavy attacks. If your opponent has less than 88 poise, the initial strike of the Ash of War will break their stance, leading into a true combo with your heavy attack. If they have higher poise, don’t worry—you can follow up with a light attack after the Ash of War, which also combos but deals slightly less damage.

The key here is to observe your opponent’s poise:

· Below 88 Poise: Go for the Ash of War + Heavy Attack combo.

· Above 88 Poise: Use the Ash of War + Light Attack to ensure consistent damage.

Best Talismans for Sword of Night Build

Since this weapon thrives on consecutive attacks, you'll want talismans that enhance this playstyle:

1. Millicent’s Prosthesis and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: These boost your attack power with each hit, perfectly complementing the Sword of Night’s combo potential.

2. Shard of Alexander: This will increase the damage of your Ash of War, which is essential for getting that burst damage in critical moments.

3. Green Turtle Talisman: To keep your stamina up during extended fights, this talisman boosts your stamina recovery speed, allowing you to stay aggressive.

Combat Strategy & Playstyle

In PvP, the key to mastering the Sword of Night is to leverage its speed and combo potential. The faster heavy attack is ideal for catching opponents off guard, especially when they’re in the middle of an animation or chasing you down. Here’s how to optimize your playstyle:

1. Turn-and-Burn Tactics: If you're being chased by multiple opponents, the new heavy attack speed allows for quick pivots. Turn around and surprise your pursuers with a fast heavy attack, then immediately follow up with the Ash of War for even more damage.

2. Poise Observation: As mentioned earlier, always keep an eye on your opponent’s poise level. Use the Ash of War to bait them into over-committing and punish them with the appropriate combo based on their poise.

3. Ranged Opponents: If you encounter wizards or archers, don’t be afraid to engage aggressively. The Sword of Night’s speed allows you to close the gap quickly, and the Ash of War’s burst damage can often catch ranged opponents off guard before they can react.

PvP & Invasion Highlights

· Invasions: I’ve had a blast using this weapon in invasions. In one memorable fight, I squared off against two bull-goat armor users. Even though they had high poise, I was able to switch to light attacks after the Ash of War, chipping away at their health until I finally downed both of them.

· Team Fights: This build shines in team fights. In a chaotic 3v3 situation, I was able to isolate the wizard of the group, using the faster heavy attack to roll-catch and finish them off before their team could react. The ability to combo from the Ash of War into both light and heavy attacks means you can adapt to any situation, whether it’s burst damage or sustained combos.

Tips for Maximizing Damage

· Use Heavy Attacks for Whiff Punishes: The buffed heavy attack is now quick enough to be used as a whiff punish. When your opponent misses an attack, use the heavy to catch them during recovery, and combo into your Ash of War for devastating damage.

· Be Aggressive, But Mind Your Stamina: With talismans boosting your consecutive attacks, it’s easy to get carried away. Make sure you’re managing your stamina well—overcommitting can leave you vulnerable to counter-attacks.

· Watch Out for Poise Breakpoints: Knowing the poise threshold is crucial. If you’re unsure about your opponent’s poise, try testing them early with a heavy attack. If they tank through, switch to light attacks after your Ash of War.

Conclusion

Thanks to a patch buff, the Sword of Night is now one of the top agility weapons in Elden Ring. With faster critical hits, true combos with Ashes of War, and excellent agility scaling, this weapon is a must-try for agility builds. Whether you're invading, dueling, or just exploring the Lands Between, this sword will carry you to victory. Be sure to try its combinations, and don't forget to have fun with it! Finally, if you're looking to gain an edge in your Elden Ring adventure, consider using MMOexp to buy Elden Ring Items that can truly transform your gameplay. Whether you need powerful weapons, rare armor, or unique consumables, MMOexp provides a seamless way to enhance your character and tackle even the toughest challenges in the game. Until next time, happy hunting!