TL;DR
- Located east of Three Path Cross Site of Grace on a sarcophagus in stone gravesite
- Requires minimal attributes: 10 Strength and 16 Dexterity for versatile builds
- Features Blind Spot Ash of War but supports full customization options
- Excels in rapid combo attacks with unique reverse-grip fighting style
- Ideal for dexterity-focused builds with exceptional speed and mobility
Among the eight innovative weapon categories introduced in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, reverse grip blades stand out as particularly devastating. The Backhand Blade emerges as a premier early-game selection, offering exceptional combat flexibility and damage potential. This comprehensive walkthrough details the precise acquisition method alongside advanced utilization techniques.

Positioned conveniently within the initial DLC territory, the Backhand Blade represents one of the most accessible powerful weapons. Follow this navigation sequence for guaranteed success:
Pro Tip: Many players mistakenly search eastern directions from the grace point. The weapon actually rests west of Three Path Cross, positioned on an elevated stone platform that provides clear visibility of surrounding areas.

The Backhand Blade distinguishes itself through remarkably lenient stat prerequisites, making it compatible with numerous character builds from the outset. Official item documentation describes it as: “Curved blade wielded with a backhand grip. A type of weapon long used within the tower. The style of combat associated with this weapon is marked by spinning slashes and gouging thrust attacks.”
Attribute specifications for optimal performance:
Critical Insight: The weapon’s scaling favors Dexterity significantly, reaching B-tier at standard reinforcement levels. This makes it particularly effective for builds prioritizing swift movement and rapid successive strikes over brute force.

Combat mechanics analysis reveals the Backhand Blade’s unique advantages. The reverse grip positioning enables unusually quick recovery times between attacks, allowing players to chain combinations that would be impossible with conventional weapon stances. The moveset incorporates both horizontal sweeping motions for crowd control and precise thrusting maneuvers for single-target damage.
Build Optimization: Pair with light armor sets that enhance dodging capabilities and stamina regeneration. The weapon’s low weight permits extensive mobility while maintaining aggressive offensive pressure.
While the Backhand Blade arrives equipped with the Blind Spot Ash of War, its true potential emerges through strategic customization. The weapon accommodates any compatible Ash of War, enabling tailored approaches for specific combat scenarios and player preferences.
Advanced Technique: Master the weapon’s unique charged heavy attack, which combines a spinning motion with forward momentum to close distances while attacking.
PvP applications leverage the Backhand Blade’s unpredictable attack angles and rapid strike recovery. Opponents accustomed to conventional weapon timing will struggle to anticipate your assault patterns, providing significant advantage in player versus player engagements.
Common Pitfall Avoidance: Resist the temptation to over-commit to extended combos against shielded enemies. Instead, utilize the weapon’s mobility to create openings through positioning rather than brute force.
Action Checklist
- Travel to Three Path Cross Site of Grace and head west
- Locate stone sarcophagus in circular gravesite structure
- Collect Backhand Blade from interactive glow on sarcophagus
- Meet minimum requirements: 10 Strength, 16 Dexterity
- Experiment with Ash of War customization for your build
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » Elden Ring Backhand Blade Location and Skill Guide Complete guide to finding and mastering the Backhand Blade weapon in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
