Unleashing the Power of the Blasphemous Blade: A Speedrunner's Dream
The Blasphemous Blade is one of the most sought-after weapons in Elden Ring, and for good reason. Its unique Ash of War, "Taker's Flames," deals devastating area-of-effect fire damage and heals the wielder upon hit, making it incredibly powerful in both PvE and PvP. However, acquiring this legendary sword typically involves progressing deep into the game, defeating formidable bosses, and delving into a late-game area. But what if you're a player who likes to live dangerously, or perhaps a speedrunner looking to optimize their build? This guide is for you. We'll break down the specific steps to get the Blasphemous Blade as early as possible in your Elden Ring journey.
Understanding the Blasphemous Blade's Origins
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly cover the "what" and "why" of the Blasphemous Blade. This massive curved greatsword is the weapon of Sir Gideon Ofnir's brother, Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. To obtain it, you'll need to defeat him in his boss arena, the Volcano Manor, and then trade his Remembrance with Enia at the Roundtable Hold.
The Road to Volcano Manor: Essential Early Game Progress
Getting to Rykard early requires a significant leap in progression, bypassing many of the game's intended steps. Here's what you absolutely need to accomplish:
- Reach Leyndell, Royal Capital: This is the most crucial hurdle. You need to gather at least two Great Runes and activate the Grand Lift of Dectus.
- Gather Two Great Runes: The most accessible Great Runes early on are from Godrick the Grafted (Stormveil Castle) and Starscourage Radahn (Redmane Castle, Caelid).
- Navigate Stormveil Castle: This is a mandatory dungeon. You'll need to defeat Godrick.
- Traverse Caelid: Radahn is in Caelid. While Caelid is a dangerous area, there are ways to reach Redmane Castle without excessive combat if you're careful.
- Activate the Grand Lift of Dectus: This requires obtaining the Dectus Medallion, which is split into two halves: the left half in Fort Haight (East Limgrave) and the right half in Fort Faroth (Dragonbarrow, Caelid).
The "Early" Strategy: Infiltrating Volcano Manor
Once you have access to the Altus Plateau via the Grand Lift of Dectus, your goal shifts to reaching Volcano Manor. Here's the shortcut:
Option 1: The "Escape Artist" Method (Requires Some Sneaking)
This method relies on exploiting the game's mechanics and a bit of luck, or careful observation of enemy patrol routes. The key is to reach the area directly behind Volcano Manor, where the boss entrance is.
- Reach the Altus Plateau: As mentioned, this is via the Grand Lift of Dectus.
- Head East towards Mt. Gelmir: You'll need to navigate the treacherous landscapes of the Altus Plateau and then make your way into the Mt. Gelmir region. This area is filled with tough enemies, including those pesky Man-Serpents.
- Locate the "Bridge of Sacrifice" area: From the Altus Plateau, you'll want to head towards the western edge of the plateau and descend into the Mt. Gelmir region. Look for a large, broken bridge that leads further into the mountainous terrain.
- The Hidden Path: Instead of crossing the main bridge, look for a path that goes underneath it, or a winding path that leads you to a lower elevation. This is where the real challenge begins. You'll be navigating a labyrinth of caves and treacherous cliffs.
- The "Prison Town Ruins" and Serpent Camps: You'll eventually find yourself in an area with lots of Serpent-like enemies and ruins. This is a critical juncture. Your objective is to find a specific path that leads you to the boss arena's entrance.
- The Magma Wyrm Makar Boss: To access Rykard's chamber, you'll first need to defeat the Magma Wyrm Makar. This boss is located in a hidden tunnel within Mt. Gelmir, often accessed by carefully descending the cliffs or navigating through specific cave systems. Finding this tunnel can be the trickiest part. Keep an eye out for shimmering effects or unusual rock formations.
- The "Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy" Boss Arena: After defeating Magma Wyrm Makar, you'll enter a special "fog gate" that teleports you directly to the boss arena for Rykard.
Option 2: The "Volcano Manor Questline" Shortcut (Requires Trusting NPCs)
This method is a bit more "legit" in terms of progression within Volcano Manor itself, but it still bypasses the *intended* route to Rykard.
- Reach Altus Plateau: Again, via the Grand Lift of Dectus.
- Find the Volcano Manor Entrance: From the Altus Plateau, head north-west. You'll see a large, imposing structure: Volcano Manor.
- Speak with Tanith: Inside Volcano Manor, you'll find Tanith, the woman in the mask. She offers you a contract to join her "family." Accept her offer.
- The First Contract: Tanith will give you your first assassination contract. The target is Old Knight Istvan, located in the Warm-Blood's Funeral in Limgrave.
- Traveling to the Target: You'll need to travel back to Limgrave. This is where the "early" aspect comes into play. If you haven't been to Limgrave recently, you'll have to traverse through areas you might not normally visit this early.
- Defeat Istvan and Return to Tanith: Defeat Istvan. After his defeat, a red sign will appear on the ground. Use it to return to Tanith at Volcano Manor.
- Receive the Serpent-Hunting Blade: As a reward for completing the contract, Tanith will give you the Serpent-Hunting Blade. This is NOT the Blasphemous Blade, but it's a key item for this strategy.
- The Letter of Introduction: After receiving the Serpent-Hunting Blade, Tanith will also give you a Letter of Introduction. This letter allows you to be teleported directly to the entrance of Rykard's boss arena, bypassing the entire Mt. Gelmir traversal and the Magma Wyrm Makar fight!
Claiming Your Prize: Trading the Remembrance
Once you have defeated Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, you will receive the Remembrance of the Blasphemous. Here's how to turn it into your fiery prize:
- Travel to Roundtable Hold: This is your safe hub.
- Speak with Enia: Enia is the finger reader located in the chamber with all the statues.
- Select "Receive power from Remembrance": Interact with Enia and choose the option to trade your Remembrance.
- Choose the Blasphemous Blade: Select the Remembrance of the Blasphemous and then choose to exchange it for the Blasphemous Blade.
Important Considerations for an Early Blasphemous Blade
Getting the Blasphemous Blade early is a significant undertaking and comes with its own set of challenges and considerations:
- Leveling: While you can technically reach Rykard early, you will likely be under-leveled. Be prepared to grind for runes or utilize spirit ashes effectively. The Blasphemous Blade also has high Strength and Faith requirements (22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 21 Faith).
- Gear: You'll need good gear to survive the journey through Mt. Gelmir, especially if you're using the "Escape Artist" method.
- Boss Difficulty: Rykard is a tough boss, even for players further into the game. He has multiple phases and utilizes the environment to his advantage.
- Missed Content: By rushing to Volcano Manor, you will be skipping a vast amount of content, including many dungeons, bosses, and valuable items. This is a playstyle choice, and it's important to be aware of what you're foregoing.
- Spirit Ashes: If you're struggling with bosses, consider using any powerful spirit ashes you might have acquired early on, like the Mimic Tear (if you've progressed far enough in Nokron to find it, which is unlikely if you're going for this early).
"The Blasphemous Blade is not just a weapon; it's a statement. A testament to the fact that even in the darkest corners of the Lands Between, power can be forged through heresy and sacrifice."
FAQ: Your Early Blasphemous Blade Questions Answered
How difficult is it to get the Blasphemous Blade early?
It is very difficult. It requires significant exploration of dangerous areas, fighting challenging bosses, and potentially navigating complex environmental puzzles. You will likely be under-leveled for many encounters.
Why would someone want to get the Blasphemous Blade early?
Players often aim for an early Blasphemous Blade for the immense power it offers. Its strong damage, area-of-effect, and healing capabilities can make the rest of the game significantly easier, and it's a popular choice for speedrunners aiming for optimized builds.
What are the stat requirements for the Blasphemous Blade?
You need 22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 21 Faith to wield the Blasphemous Blade effectively.
Can I get the Blasphemous Blade without fighting Rykard?
No, you absolutely must defeat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, to obtain his Remembrance, which is then traded for the Blasphemous Blade with Enia.
What if I choose the wrong option when trading the Remembrance?
If you trade the Remembrance of the Blasphemous for another item (like the Sword of Night and Flame, which requires a different Remembrance), you will not be able to obtain the Blasphemous Blade in that playthrough unless you defeat Rykard again in New Game Plus.
