If you’re looking for a build in Elden Ring that combines quick, aggressive combat with a touch of fire-infused magic, then the Faith-based Earth Steel Dagger and Fire Knight Shortsword combo might be the perfect choice. In this guide, we’ll dive into how to make the most of these two daggers, along with some essential strategies and tips to maximize your damage output and survivability in both PvP and PvE encounters.
At first glance, the Earth Steel Dagger and Fire Knight Shortsword might seem like unlikely contenders for a powerhouse build, but their utility shines when used correctly. Both weapons are infused with Flame Art, meaning they already carry fire damage out of the box. This synergy with Faith makes them an excellent pick for those who want to lean into elemental magic while maintaining high-speed combat.
The real strength of these daggers lies in their quick heavy attacks. Unlike slower, heavier weapons, the Earth Steel Dagger has excellent forward momentum, allowing you to chain multi-hit attacks that can overwhelm opponents. The Fire Knight Shortsword has a slightly longer range, which can be a game-changer in certain situations, though its overall damage is slightly lower than the Earth Steel Dagger’s.
Since this is a Faith build, your primary stat focus will be Faith itself. Both the Earth Steel Dagger and Fire Knight Shortsword benefit from the Flame Grant Me Strength incantation, which provides a significant damage boost. When you activate this incantation, the AR (Attack Rating) of your weapons increases from 502 to 603, and with the added Flame Shroud and Crack Tier boosts, you can reach an impressive 667 AR with the Earth Steel Dagger. This makes your attacks extremely potent, especially when you chain multiple hits in quick succession.
For incantations, aside from Flame Grant Me Strength, you might also want to incorporate Flame, Grant Me Strength into your rotation, as it gives you extra buffs for your weapon’s fire-based damage. And don’t forget about Quickstep, which is essential for mobility in close-range combat. You can also add Sword Dance to mix up your heavy attacks, making it more unpredictable and difficult for opponents to counter.
When it comes to armor, you’ll want something that doesn’t sacrifice too much mobility but still offers decent poise defense. Since you’ll be in close-quarters combat, you don’t want to be staggered easily. Opt for armor sets that give you solid poise while maintaining a stylish appearance (it’s Elden Ring, after all!). The talismans you choose will also play a big role in maximizing your damage output.
Key talismans include:
Dagger Talisman: Perfect for increasing your backstab damage, which can be a game-changer in PvP.
Shard of Alexander: If you’re using an Ash of War with your weapons, this will further boost your weapon's attack power.
Radagon’s Scarseal: This increases your overall attack power, allowing you to deal more damage when you’re two-handing your weapon.
Millicent’s Prosthesis and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: These are great for boosting consecutive attack damage, a vital component when using daggers.
As you’re likely going to be up close and personal with enemies, this build thrives in quick bursts of damage. The Earth Steel Dagger excels at crit fishing, so quickstep is a solid choice for mobility.
Playing a Faith-based dagger build revolves around controlling the tempo of the fight. Since your heavy attacks come out fast and can chain multiple hits, you’ll want to look for opportunities to land quick combos or roll catches. Keep an eye on your opponent’s movements and try to predict their next move, setting up your heavy attacks accordingly. For instance, when you land an initial hit with the Earth Steel Dagger, you can follow up with a Sword Dance or even go for a backstab if they’re too slow to react.
Invading as a Faith Dagger Build:
When it comes to invasions, this build shines in close-range duels. You’ll want to get in close and play aggressively but smartly. As your heavy attacks hit multiple times in quick succession, quickstep and backstabs should become your go-to tactics. Don’t be afraid to mix in the occasional Sword Dance to keep your enemies guessing. If you find yourself in a tough spot, you can always retreat a little to get some space and heal up.
When fighting in tougher areas or against other players in PvP, the main challenge for this build is long-range enemies or opponents with powerful AOE (Area of Effect) spells. To mitigate this, you’ll need to be mindful of your positioning. Don’t hesitate to use cover or keep moving to avoid being hit by spells. When facing opponents with high damage output, quickstep is essential for dodging attacks, while Endure can help you tank a hit or two if necessary.
On the flip side, if you’re in an invasion where you're up against multiple foes, don’t panic. You can still be effective if you focus on taking down weaker targets first and using your agility to avoid the brunt of their attacks. The quick heavy attack combos can help you get the drop on slower, heavier builds, so always be on the lookout for an opportunity to strike.
The Earth Steel Dagger and Fire Knight Shortsword build in Elden Ring is all about speed, mobility, and precision. By combining fire-infused Faith incantations, quick heavy attacks, and strategic backstabs, you can create a fast-paced, fun, and effective playstyle. Whether you’re invading other players or grinding through tough dungeons, this build has the tools to succeed.
For players looking to speed up their progression, you might find it tempting to buy Elden Ring runes to increase your stats more quickly, allowing you to unlock the weapons and talismans that complement this build. Just be sure to buy Elden Ring runes from a reliable site like U4GM to avoid any issues with account safety or game integrity.
