There are a ton of builds that players can utilize in Elden Ring. Thanks to the myriad of weapons available and the many mechanics that From Software has added, players are free to center their build around whatever play style they see fit. There are many out there that have begun exploring the many status effects that are found throughout the Lands Between. Those that favor damage over time may want to opt for Poison damage, which requires a weapon that can cause Poison Buildup.
One of the best poison-based weapons is the Serpentbone Blade Katana, a fast-striking melee sword that is capable of stacking poison onto enemies quickly. To get it, players will first need to do a quest in one of the most interesting locations in Elden Ring. Here's where to find the Sepentbone Blade Katana.
How To Find The Serpentblade Bone Katana
The first step in obtaining this poisonous blade is to make it to the fiery Volcano Manor. There are multiple paths that players can take to reach the location near the top of Mt. Gelmir. Those that have yet to unlock the area can follow this handy guide and choose one of the routes to the area. It's recommended to do Rya's questline to gain entry, as her quest can be continued from the area once players speak to Tanith.
After arriving in Volcano Manor, players should speak to Tanith and join Volcano Manor. This will cause the NPC to give players the Drawing Room Key. Once players have the key, they can head down the nearby hallway and enter the second door on the left, giving them access to the Drawing Room, with some waiting NPCs and, most importantly, a letter from Volcano Manor on the nearby table. Grabbing this letter and accessing it in the inventory, will give players their first Mark.
To defeat Old Knight Istvan, players should head to the Warmaster's Shack (east of Stormveil Castle) and then head North to the colosseum on the edge of the cliffside. There, they will spot a red Summon Sign, allowing them to invade Istvan's world. Once the Old Knight is defeated, players will be returned to their world and receive his armor set. From there, they can return to Volcano Manor and speak to Tanith to receive another reward, Magma Shot.
Players should then head to the Drawing Room again to find another letter on the table. Opening up this one and reading it will point players towards their next Mark, Rileigh the Idle. This target can be found just South of the Bridge of Iniquity in Altus Plateau, but players should be aware that the invasion spot is under the bridge. The fastest way to get there is from the Erdtree-Gazing Hill Site of Grace. Heading North on the road from the Site of Grace will lead right to another red Summon Sign, which will transport players to Rileigh's world. Defeating this NPC will reward players with the Crepus's Vial Talisman (which muffles sounds the player makes while moving) and some Black-Key Bolts.
After defeating Rileigh, players can return to Tanith and speak to her. She will reward them with the Serpentbone Blade Katana for their trouble.
What Does The Serpentbone Blade Katana Do?
The Serpentbone Blade Katana is a Dexterity and Strength-based weapon that is perfect for poison builds as it stacks poison buildup quickly and effectively. It requires 22 Dexterity and 11 Strength to wield and uses Smithing Stones to upgrade, meaning it has 25 upgradable levels to unlock. It has a special Ashes of War weapon skill called Double Slash that produces a crossing slash and is capable of being "continued" by pressing additional inputs.