Rivers of Blood Build

S-Tier Dexterity Build • Elden Ring
Rivers of Blood Build
  • White Mask
    Helm
    White Mask Increases attack power by 10% for 20 seconds after blood loss occurs in the vicinity
  • Raptor's Black Feathers
    Chest Armor
    Raptor's Black Feathers Strengthens jump attacks by 10%
  • Okina Mask
    Helm (Optional)
    Okina Mask Part of the Rivers of Blood quest line. Use any light gloves for mobility
  • Ronin's Greaves
    Legs
    Ronin's Greaves Focus on mobility over defense. Ronin's Greaves provide good balance
  • Rivers of Blood
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Rivers of Blood Legendary katana with blood affinity. Weapon skill: Corpse Piler - Unleash a bloody barrage that causes blood loss
  • Uchigatana +25
    Left Hand (Secondary)
    Uchigatana Blood-infused backup katana for dual-wielding when needed
  • Lord of Blood's Exultation
    Talisman
    Lord of Blood's Exultation Increases attack power by 20% for 20 seconds when blood loss occurs in vicinity
  • Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
    Talisman
    Rotten Winged Sword Insignia Greatly boosts attack power with successive attacks (up to 13%)
  • Carian Filigreed Crest
    Talisman
    Carian Filigreed Crest Reduces FP consumed by skills by 25%
  • Green Turtle Talisman
    Talisman
    Green Turtle Talisman Raises stamina recovery speed by 17.5/s
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 14
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Upgraded to +12 for maximum healing.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 1
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for weapon skills. Keep one for emergencies.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Windy Crystal Tear + Thorny Cracked Tear
    Effects
    Temporarily reduces equipment load
    Consecutive attacks increase attack power
  • Bloodboil Aromatic
    Bloodboil Aromatic
    Increases attack power but also increases damage taken. Use for boss fights.
  • Exalted Flesh
    Exalted Flesh
    Temporary attack power boost. Stack with other buffs for maximum damage.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Nerfed in patch 1.06 (reduced bleed buildup and Corpse Piler damage), but remains an S-tier choice due to excellent range, speed, and bleed synergy.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 60 (Soft cap for HP)
  • Mind: 20 (Sufficient FP for weapon skills)
  • Endurance: 25 (Good stamina pool)
  • Strength: 12 (Minimum for Rivers of Blood)
  • Dexterity: 40 (Primary damage stat)
  • Intelligence: 18 (Required for Rivers of Blood)
  • Faith: 20 (Required for Rivers of Blood)
  • Arcane: 45 (Blood scaling and status buildup)

How to Get Rivers of Blood

  • Complete Okina's invasion near the Church of Repose in Mountaintops of the Giants
  • Must be obtained before defeating the Fire Giant
  • Location: Church of Repose, Mountaintops of the Giants
  • NPC Invasion: Bloody Finger Okina must be defeated

Gameplay Strategy

  • Primary Attack: Use Corpse Piler weapon skill for massive bleed buildup and damage
  • Bleed Focus: Each hit builds hemorrhage - once procced, deals % max HP damage
  • Range Advantage: Corpse Piler has excellent reach for maintaining distance
  • Buff Stacking: Activate White Mask and Lord of Blood's Exultation after first bleed proc
  • FP Management: Use Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce skill costs
  • Positioning: Stay mobile, use the weapon skill's range to avoid close combat

PvP Notes

  • Opener: Corpse Piler catches many players off-guard with its range
  • Pressure: Constant bleed threat forces defensive play from opponents
  • Mixups: Alternate between weapon skill and regular attacks
  • Counters: Weak to greatshields and high-poise builds
  • Spacing: Excellent mid-range weapon, struggles in close quarters

Alternative Equipment

  • Helm: Okina Mask (if you prefer the aesthetic) or any light helm
  • Weapon: Nagakiba (blood-infused) for even more range
  • Talisman: Millicent's Prosthesis instead of Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
  • Shield: Brass Shield (blood-infused) for parrying opportunities