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Elden Ring already had a wide variety of weapons, but with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, players can now enjoy even more types of weapons, including some completely new types, such as melee combat and fantastic katanas. Of all the new weapons, Backhand Blade has become a fan favorite for multiple reasons. The Backhand Blade is available fairly early, can be upgraded using normal smithing stones, and has access to a powerful Ash of War called Swift Slash.
The Backhand Blade already comes with the Blind Spot ability, which is similar to
but continues with an attack behind the target. While this is an excellent ability, Ash of War: Swift Slash may be a better choice. The Swift Slash ability launches the character towards enemies, slicing them and creating a slashing void. The distance traveled by the skill is impressive, as it can help you close the distance quickly and is easy to spam. This is how you can get the
in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Related
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: Backhand Sword Build Guide
One of the newly added weapon types in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is the Backhand Blade and it can be very powerful if built correctly.
Elden Ring Swift Slash Skill Location Guide
To get Ash of War: Swift Slash, you will have to help Hornsent defeat Needle Knight Leda in Shadow Keep.. Upon defeating her, Hornsent will reward you with Ash of War: Swift Slash. You will need to progress through the Hornsent and Needle Knight Leda questlines to activate this event. In a blind match, you may lose the option to participate in this invasion or you may not be able to obtain Ash of War: Swift Slash.
Fortunately, you only need to do a few things in order to help Hornsent and get the Swift Slash ability. Follow these steps to get the Ash of War: Quick Slash:
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Defeat Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, to move Hornsent from Gravesite Plain to Scadu Atlas.
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Approach Shadow Keep to break Miquella’s spell.
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Talk to Needle Knight Leda near the Highroad Cross Grace Site.
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Suggest Hornsent as your target.
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Talk to Hornsent near the Highroad Cross Grace Site.
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Talk to Needle Knight Leda again to hear her decision to kill Hornsent.
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Help Hornsent defeat Leda, the Needle Knight, in Castle of Shadows.
Defeating the memory boss, Rellana, is necessary to advance the Hornsent quest line. Once you’ve defeated her, you’ll find Hornsent just outside the boss arena exit. You will also find Needle Knight Leda here, who asks you to head to the Shadow Keep, which is located north of the Highroad Cross grace site.
As you approach Shadow Keep, a message will appear stating that a large rune has been broken. This also breaks Miquella’s charm with her followers. Next, Miquella’s group of followers will begin to flee, while a few decide to stay. As Miquella’s charm wears off, Needle Knight Leda worries about the faith and truth of other followers and wants to eliminate suspects. You will have to talk to Needle Knight Leda and suggest Hornsent as the suspected target.
After suggesting Hornsent to Leda, talk to Hornsent and exhaust all dialogue. Now, she rests at the Place of Grace and speaks to Needle Knight Leda again to hear her decision to attack Hornsent.
Next, you will have to enter the Shadow Keep and defeat the Golden Hippopotamus boss to unlock the Shadow Keep Main Gate grace site. From here, follow the path west all the way to the end to reach a bridge with burning ships. Next to this bridge, there will be a staircase leading down to a giant door that leads back to the Shadow Keep Main Gate grace site.
You will find the summoning signs to help Hornsent or Needle Knight Leda in front of this staircase. Choose to help Hornsent and defeat Needle Knight Leda to obtain Ash of War: Swift Slash as a reward.
Defeating Messmer the Impaler before progressing through the Hornsent questline will prevent you from receiving Ash of War: Swift Slash.
Is Ash of War: Swift Slash good or not?
Ash of War: Swift Slash is a powerful weapon skill that only applies to
and
. Unfortunately, this ability is exclusive to the Backhand Blades weapon class, which only has two normal weapons and one shadow weapon. The Backhand Blade is the best weapon for Swift Slash, as it can be obtained quite early and easily in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Ash of War: Swift Slash can be upgraded in several ways. Like almost all Ashes of War, Swift Slash gains additional damage from the Shard of Alexander talisman. Since it is a multi-hit skill, you can use
either
to gain an attack bonus from successive hits. When fighting enemies prone to bleeding, you can also opt for blood infusion and use it.
Exaltation of the Lord of Blood
for an attack impulse when blood loss occurs.
Swift Slash was incredibly strong in the launch of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. However, it has since been weakened and is now a slightly above average skill. You can still use Ash of War: Swift Slash in PVP and PVE, but it’s not as good as it used to be.