Best hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

During your journey across the mysterious Land of Shadow in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, you will eventually obtain Dryleaf arts, which will give you access to the hand-to-hand combat style. It may seem counterintuitive to use your fists in a game where all manner of beasts are out to get you. However, with the right hand-to-hand arts build, the DLC can quickly become a lot more fun and easier to play.

This article highlights one of the best hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the opinions of the writer

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What is the best weapon hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

Dryleaf arts is one of the best additions of Shadow of the Erdtree (Image via FromSoftware)

Dryleaf arts will be the main weapon for this hand-to-hand arts build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. You can get your hands on this item by defeating Dryleaf Dane, who can be found near the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace. When you obtain the Dryleaf arts weapon, upgrade it to +25.

This build uses the Braggart's Roar Ash of War, which can be found on the Blackguard's melee weapon in Liurnia. This will boost your damage, stamina recovery, and damage negation, thus leaving you free to string combos together.

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Best stats for Hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The main stats you should be investing in for this build are Vigor, Endurance, Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. All four should be at least 40+ if you want to get the most out of your fists.

Here's a look at the stats you should be investing in for the Hand-to-hand Arts build:

• Vigor: 50
• Mind: 25
• Endurance: 40
• Strength: 40
• Dexterity: 40
• Intelligence: 70
• Faith: 9
• Arcane: 8

Enemies in the DLC deal a ton of damage, so your stats can only take you so far. You will also have to pay close attention to the fight and dodge accordingly if you want to be successful.

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How to create the best hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Ice affinity on Dryleaf arts will help you deal bonus damage (Image via FromSoftware)

Now, let's put everything together and take a look at one of the best hand-to-hand arts (Dryleaf arts) build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree:

Weapon

• Dryleaf Arts (+25)
• Great Turtle Shell

Talismans

• Great-Jar's Arsenal
• Green Turtle Talisman
• Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
• Godskin Swaddling Cloth

Incantations

• Flame, Grant me Strength
• Golden Vow

Armor Set

• Solitude Armor set

Before you head into battle, use your Ash of War and Incantations for buffs. Now, you're ready to throw hands with the hardest enemies that Elden Ring has to throw at you.

Your main approach in combat should be to land jumping heavy attacks, as they can deal a ton of poise damage. Moreover, since you'll be landing a lot of combos, the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia will boost your attack power, and the Godskin Swaddling Cloth will heal you.

You are now ready to take on the Land of Shadow with your fists.

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Check out our other articles covering Shadow of the Erdtree:

• All Elden Ring weapon buffs and nerfs for Shadow of the Erdtree
• Best Dexterity-Arcane build to use for ER Shadow of the Erdtree
• What level should you be for ER DLC Shadow of the Erdtree?
• Best Intelligence-Dexterity build to use for ER Shadow of the Erdtree