Both bleed and Scarlet Rot excel against bosses with large HP pools. Bleed deals burst percentage damage on proc. Scarlet Rot deals sustained percentage damage over time. Which melts bosses faster?
Bleed
Burst percentage damage
Strengths
- Hemorrhage deals instant HP chunk
- Multiple procs in one fight for huge total damage
- Active player control (proc when you want)
- Works alongside regular weapon damage
- Faster total kill time if you're aggressive
Weaknesses
- Requires sustained melee pressure
- Bleed-immune bosses exist
- Nerfed buildup rates
- Must keep attacking to maintain buildup
VS
Scarlet Rot
Passive damage while kiting
Strengths
- Apply once, then play safe while DoT works
- Can apply from range with Rotten Breath
- Damage continues while you dodge and heal
- Some bosses die entirely to Rot DoT
- Requires minimal player risk
Weaknesses
- Slower total damage than active bleed
- Many endgame bosses resist Rot
- Only damages over time, no burst
- Single application may not kill
- Rot-immune bosses exist
Verdict
Bleed kills bosses faster if you're aggressive. Scarlet Rot is safer and requires less skill. For the hardest bosses (Malenia, Fire Giant), bleed's active damage is more effective. For mid-tier bosses, Rotten Breath and patience is the lazier but viable option.