How to make Bayle the Dread build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

Bayle the Dread is arguably the most spectacular boss in the entirety of Elden Ring, let alone Shadow of the Erdtree. Granted, he might not be as challenging as the likes of Malenia, Messmer, Promised Consort Radahn, or even Dragonlord Placidussax. However, if it's a boss with some of the most over-the-top designs and movesets is what you're looking for, Bayle is the one.

Being tied to one of the most entertaining and engaging NPC questlines in Shadow of the Erdtree makes the battle against Bayle the Dread even more memorable. Of course, this questline involves Igon, the fellow "Drake Warrior," aka, the best NPC in the entirety of Elden Ring.

And if getting to hear Igon shout "Curse you, Bayle!" at the top of his lungs against Bayle isn't enough to sell you on this boss fight, getting access to Bayle's Incantations will. What's even better is that you can transform into Bayle himself. With that said, here's a comprehensive guide on how to make the Bayle the Dread build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Disclaimer: This article is subjective and takes into account the writer's personal opinions.

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Breakdown of the Bayle the Dread build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

First things first, keep in mind that the Bayle the Dread build is primarily meant for PvP and Invasions. While you technically can use it for PvE, and perhaps even against some of the early-game Elden Ring bosses, it's not very effective in such scenarios. Since most of your primary attacks come courtesy of Dragon Incantations, they take a lot of time to charge.

The Bayle the Dread build in Elden Ring (Image via FromSoftware)

As such, they aren't viable against bosses, especially in Shadow of the Erdtree. However, if you're looking for a good PvP build, you won't be disappointed by the Bayle the Dread build. Here's a breakdown of the build:

Weapons:

• Death Knight's Twin Axes +10
• Dragon Communion Seal +10

Talismans:

• Erdtree's Favor +2
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
• Roar Medallion
• Talisman of the Dread

Incantations:

• Bayle's Flame Lightning
• Bayle's Tyranny

Armor:

• None (Dragon Priestess Heart for damage bonus on Dragon Communion Incantations)

The Priestess Heart grants a major buff to the Dragon Incantations, making it a good armor choice. However, you can also use the Rock Heart for this build instead. Your stats also are really important for this build. On that note, here's the breakdown of the stat allocation:

• Vigor: 60
• Mind: 35
• Endurance: 50
• Strength: 50
• Dexterity: 45
• Intelligence: 9
• Faith: 30
• Arcane: 60

Do note that we created this build on a Level 260 character, as is evident by the stats. However, you can technically make the Bayle the Dread build with even a Level 200 character. Just make sure to invest ample points into Arcane to be able to use the Dragon Communion Incantations.

The Talisman of the Dread is a very important part of this build (Image via FromSoftware)

Since the primary means of damage in this build is Bayle's Dragon Communion Incantations, the Talisman of choice are Roar Medallion and the Talisman of the Dread. As for Incantations besides Bayle's, we went for the usual suite of damage and mitigation boosting ones, i.e., Golden Vow, Black Flame's Protection, and Beastial Vitality.