In this Shadow of the Erdtree Smithscript Dagger Build, I’m going to be showing you my Shadowblade build. This build focuses on using theSmithscript Dagger, a unique throwing blade amongSmithscript weapons. Every attack with this weapon—whether it’s a running attack, jumping attack, or heavy attack—throws its blades, making it the only weapon in the game with this feature.
In this Elden Ring Build Guide, I’ll be showing you my Smithscript Dagger build. This is aShadow of the Erdtreebuild that takes place after level 150. If you’ve been looking for a Throwing Blade build that rapidly attacks enemies from afar, then you might want to check this build-out.
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Elden Ring Smithscript Dagger Build - Equipment
First, let’s discuss theSmithscript Dagger, a unique throwing blade. All attacks with this weapon, including running attacks, jumping attacks, and heavy attacks, will throw the blade, making it the only weapon in the game with this mechanic. However, the damage is low compared to other melee weapons, as it allows you to attack from a greater range.
Despite its range, theSmithscript Dagger’seffective range is shorter than expected, and enemies can quickly close the distance. This makes it a challenging weapon to master. Still, the dagger works well on horseback, allowing for rapid, safe damage from a distance. It’s particularly effective against bosses that can be fought on horseback.
The weapon skillPiercing Throwis fantastic, offering more damage and range, making it ideal for picking off difficult enemies from a distance. While the FP cost is high, the added range and ability to make enemies flinch can be very useful, especially against spellcasters.
TheSmithscript Daggerdeals physical damage and has excellentDexterityscaling, reaching S scaling with theKeeninfusion. There are two main ways to set up this weapon: fullDexterityfor maximum damage per throw, orBloodinfusion, splitting points betweenDexterityandArcaneto leveragebleeddamage. If opting for theBloodsetup, useScattershot Throwto significantly increase blood loss buildup, especially effective against large bosses.
Deciding between these setups may depend on the situation. TheBloodsetup is better for general gameplay, while theDexteritysetup withPiercing Throwis better for picking off elite enemies safely. This weapon is best dual-wielded for faster attacks and higher damage. Using talismans that boost attack power with successive hits can enhance this further.
Fordefense, this build relies on dodging, with a light equip load for better rolling distance. TheShadow Militiaman Armorcomplements the ninja-like aesthetic of this build, but any light armor will work. A medium load with at least 51 poise can help avoid interruption during throws. TheBlue Dancer Charmcan further boost physical damage if the total equip load is kept very light.
Elden Ring Smithscript Dagger Build - Talismans
For this build, I recommend the following talismans:
Shard of AlexanderboostsPiercing ThroworScattershot Throw, making it universally useful for this build.
Arrow’s Sting Talismanis essential as it boosts the damage of all your thrown attacks, including weapon skills, ensuring a consistent damage boost.
When using the bleed setup,Lord of Blood’s Exultationis very effective, especially withScattershot Throw, as it easily triggers the talisman’s damage boost.
Crucible Knot Talismanis also beneficial, providing a damage boost upon enemy kills, which is handy in areas with many enemies or inlegacy dungeons.White Maskcan be a good armor piece to complement the bleed setup, giving an additional 10% attack power boost when bleeding is triggered.
TheSpear Talismanis another option, boosting counter damage, which is frequent in this build due to the nature of thrown attacks during enemy attacks.
Millicent’s ProsthesisorRotten Winged Sword Insigniaare excellent choices for increasing attack power with successive hits, withMillicent’s Prosthesisbeing more effective if focusing on Keen scaling.
Finally, theClaw Talismancan boost jump throws, and pairing it with armor pieces likeBlack Raptor’s FeathersorGravekeeper Cloakcan further enhance jump attack damage, although this is situational based on your playstyle.
Elden Ring Smithscript Dagger Build - Attributes Distribution
Attribute-wise for this build, the specifics can vary depending on your setup.
Ideally,Vigorshould be at 60 for better survivability, especially inlight armor. However, at level 156, I only have it at 50 due to point limitations. If you may allocate more points, increasingVigoris essential.
BothMindandEnduranceare at 30, which provides a good amount ofFPto use your weapon skill regularly without constantly needingFP flasks. A decent amount of stamina is also necessary due to the constant attacking, rolling, and weapon skill usage, which drains stamina quickly. This also helps maintain alight loadfor easier rolling.
Strengthis at 8 because it couldn’t be lower; you only need 5 for this build, but no class starts with 5Strength.
Intelligenceisn’t needed; disregard this as it is a remnant from starting as anAstrologer.
Faithis at 11 to meet the weapon requirements.
For theBlood setup, points are divided betweenDexterityandArcane. Although the attack power difference between pureDexterityand pureArcaneis minimal (about 11 points), theBloodbuildupincrease per throw makesArcanevaluable. I opted forBlood buildupover a small attack power increase, but going beyond 40-45Arcaneisn’t beneficial as the additionalBlood loss buildupis minimal. Any extra points for damage should go intoDexterity.
If usingKeeninfusion, all points should be allocated toDexteritywith no need forArcane, and other stats should meet the weapon requirements.
Elden Ring Smithscript Dagger Build - Final Tips
For theFlask of Wondrous Physick, I’m using theOpaline Hardtearand theGreenburst Crystal Tear. Stamina Recovery is crucial for fights, especially boss battles, whileOpaline Hardtearhelps with damage reduction, particularly since you’re wearing light armor. If you switch to medium armor, you might need different tears. Another option is theThorny Cracked Tearfor boosting attack power with repeated attacks, but I find myself using weapon skills more in boss fights than regular attacks, so it doesn’t build up attack power as much as expected.
For theGreat Rune, I recommendRadahn’s Great Runebecause it increases Stamina, FP, and health, which are all beneficial for this build. WhileGodrick’s Great Runeis an option, the attribute bonuses it provides (five or six out of eight) aren’t substantial enough to justify its use. For maximizing benefits, Radahn’s is the better choice.
This wraps up myShadowbladebuild. I hope you enjoyed it. More builds are on the way. As always, let us know if you have questions or other tips in the comments below. We have a ton more builds coming forElden RingandShadow of the Erdtreeso stay tuned for those. If you need help finding the spells, items, or equipment in this build, and securing some personal objectives, make sure to check theElden Ring Map.
