How to get Backhand Blade early in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Map Location)

The Backhand Blade is one of the many new weapons you can get in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Here's how you can get this reverse-gripped blade while starting out in the Land of Shadows.

Where to get the Backhand Blade early in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Backhand Blade can be found northeast of the Gravesite Plain Site of Grace (the first one you'll encounter in the Land of Shadows). From the Site of Grace, head northeast until you see the Furnace Golem (the large enemy with its head on fire).

Beside that, you'll see large screw-like pillars with a small structure with a small monument present in between them. Move closer and you'll see a few enemies roaming around that. Take them or go right through them to the small monument. On top of the small monument will be a grave and the Backhand Blade will be right in front of that.

Backhand Blade Scaling, Affinity, & Best Build in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Backhand Blade requires 10 Strength and 13 Dexterity to use and scales with both. It benefits the most from improving Dexterity after fully upgrading it with Smithing Stones. As such, it's perfect for a Dexterity build. It can be infused with Ashes of War but it already has a skill present with it initially: the Blind Spot, which lets you move quickly to an enemy's blind spot and attack them from that side. This gives you the opportunity to catch your enemies by surprise and attack them quickly before they have a chance to react. While there are Ashes of War more useful than the Blind Spot, it costs a mere 9 FP and lets you move out of a tight spot swiftly. So, if you're all about being swift and easy with your kills, then the Blind Spot skill will do the job just fine.

The Backhand Blade comes in a pair, though by default one is equipped to a single hand while the other is sheathed. To dual-wield Backhand Blades you need to hold E+right-click on PC, Triangle+R2 on PlayStation, or Y+RB on Xbox.

You can infuse Backhand Blade with enchanting Incantations (Bloodflame Blade, Order's Blade, Electrify Armament, etc.) for more effect damage. You'll need to apply the Incantation while one-handing it first and then switch to the dual-wield mode to make the incantation apply to both blades.

This weapon is very quick to use and its moveset is fantastic. It's great for staggering enemies and bosses by combining light and heavy attacks and finishing them off with its base skill or an Ash of War. If you're looking for a weapon to slice enemies swiftly while looking cool, then the Backhand Blades are the perfect weapons for you.

For more on Elden Ring, check out Where to find Light Greatsword early in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree (Milady), here on Pro Game Guides.