In the vast and brutal world of Elden Ring, mobility and agility often mark the difference between life and death. Among the many Ashes of War available to players, the Bloodhound’s Step stands out as one of the most coveted. Its unique mechanic provides a high-speed dodge maneuver that can be used to evade enemy attacks or reposition in battle, and it’s especially useful in PvP and against high-damage bosses. Mastering the use of Bloodhound’s Step can transform the tide of combat, making it an essential tool for many builds in the game.
What is the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War?
Bloodhound’s Step is a special Ash of War inElden Ringthat allows the player to teleport a short distance in the direction they are moving. While it resembles a dodge roll in function, it is far faster and grants a brief moment of invincibility, making it superior to a regular dodge in many situations. The move leaves behind a shadowy blur as the player vanishes and reappears, mimicking the fast and evasive techniques of the Bloodhound Knights in the Lands Between.
Key Features of Bloodhound’s Step
- High mobility: The technique allows rapid repositioning in combat, making it ideal for dodging high-speed or area-of-effect attacks.
- Invincibility frames: The move grants enhanced i-frames compared to normal dodges, making it very reliable for escaping danger.
- Stamina efficient: While it consumes FP, its stamina cost is relatively low, allowing for consecutive usage when needed.
- Compatible with light and heavy weapons: Bloodhound’s Step can be applied to many weapon types, allowing for flexibility in builds.
This Ash of War is particularly favored in the PvP meta due to its speed and unpredictability. It can frustrate opponents by allowing the user to escape combos or punish whiffs with quick retaliation.
Where to Find Bloodhound’s Step
Obtaining Bloodhound’s Step is not overly complex, but it requires some preparation and a bit of hunting. It is dropped by a specific Night’s Cavalry boss that appears only under certain conditions.
Location of the Night’s Cavalry
To acquire Bloodhound’s Step, players need to locate and defeat the Night’s Cavalry that patrols near the Lenne’s Rise area in Dragonbarrow, in the northeastern part of Caelid. This mini-boss appears only at night, so players must pass the time at a Site of Grace until nighttime.
Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Travel to Lenne’s Rise in northeastern Caelid.
- Rest at a Site of Grace until nightfall.
- Locate the Night’s Cavalry on the nearby bridge.
- Engage and defeat the Night’s Cavalry to receive the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War.
The fight can be quite difficult due to the boss’s high mobility and damage output, but ranged attacks or mounted combat can offer a good advantage.
How to Use Bloodhound’s Step
Once acquired, Bloodhound’s Step can be applied to weapons through a Site of Grace using the Ashes of War menu. It can be paired with many weapon types, particularly light and fast weapons that benefit from hit-and-run tactics.
Best Weapons to Pair With Bloodhound’s Step
- Katanas: Ideal for bleed builds, especially with weapons like the Uchigatana or Rivers of Blood.
- Daggers: Fast, close-range weapons benefit greatly from the rapid positioning that this Ash of War offers.
- Straight swords and curved swords: Balanced options that pair well with agile movement in PvP.
After applying it to a weapon, the player must allocate FP wisely. While the cost is modest, overusing Bloodhound’s Step without managing FP can leave you vulnerable. It’s often best used as a tactical tool rather than a constant spam.
Bloodhound’s Step in PvP and PvE
The Ash of War has very different implications depending on whether you are facing NPCs or real players. In PvE, Bloodhound’s Step can trivialize certain boss mechanics, especially those involving slow but powerful attacks. In PvP, however, it becomes a key strategic asset, allowing for rapid movement to avoid enemy hits and counter with precision.
Strengths in PvP
- Dodging spells and telegraphed attacks with ease.
- Breaking lock-ons and confusing opponents with rapid movements.
- Escaping ganks or cornering situations during invasions.
Strengths in PvE
- Allows for perfect dodges against large bosses.
- Creates safe opportunities for healing or casting spells.
- Gives an edge in tight arenas or crowded dungeons.
Its versatility makes it one of the most recommended Ashes of War for players who value speed, control, and survivability.
Tips for Mastering Bloodhound’s Step
While powerful, Bloodhound’s Step does have a learning curve. Players must time their movements well and avoid over-reliance, as some foes can still track or punish poorly timed steps.
- Practice timing: Don’t mash the input. Use it at the right moment to dodge big attacks.
- Mix with light armor: Light armor improves stamina recovery and lets you dodge more frequently.
- Don’t spam: Bloodhound’s Step can drain your FP quickly if used excessively. Save it for critical dodges.
- Use it offensively: Step behind opponents and immediately follow up with a backstab or light combo.
With enough practice, Bloodhound’s Step can become a second instinct in fights, making your movement unpredictable and your character a difficult target to hit.
Is Bloodhound’s Step Overpowered?
This is a topic of debate in the Elden Ring community. Many PvP players consider it too strong due to how it can invalidate entire attack patterns and make players impossible to hit if used correctly. Some suggest that it has limited counters, especially when used in hit-and-run builds that rely on fast movement and bleed effects.
Despite its power, FromSoftware has not heavily nerfed it, indicating it is likely working as intended meant for experienced players looking to perfect evasive combat. Still, it’s important to balance your build and not rely solely on one mechanic to win fights, especially in competitive play.
The Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War is a standout mobility tool in Elden Ring, offering unparalleled speed and evasion in both PvE and PvP settings. Whether you’re looking to gain an edge against a powerful boss or outmaneuver opponents in online duels, this Ash of War delivers on all fronts. Though it may take time to master, those who learn to wield it effectively will find themselves slipping through enemy attacks with ease and striking from the shadows like a true Bloodhound Knight. In a game where timing and survival are everything, Bloodhound’s Step is an invaluable asset.