Why this page exists
Most people who type “blasphemous blade” or “blasphemous blade build” are looking for a weapon in Elden Ring, not the Blasphemous game. Rykard’s greatsword shares the name, so this guide covers the Elden Ring weapon directly: its stats, how the skill works, and the build that gets the most out of it.
The weapon at a glance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Greatsword (Legendary Armament) |
| Requirements | Str 22 · Dex 15 · Fai 21 |
| Scaling (+0) | Str D · Dex D · Fai D |
| Base attack (+0) | Physical 121 · Fire 78 |
| Weight | 13.5 |
| Skill | Taker’s Flames (30 FP, unique — cannot be changed) |
| Passive | Restores HP when you defeat an enemy while holding it |
Taker’s Flames raises the sword and fires a wide forward wave of fire that steals HP from everything it touches. Sources differ on the exact heal number (roughly 4–6% of max HP per kill, plus a flat amount on hit), but the effect is consistent: the more enemies the wave hits, the more you recover. That is what makes the blade feel unfair in your favour during crowd fights and boss phases.
The build
The Blasphemous Blade is a Faith/Strength hybrid. Faith is your primary damage stat because it scales both the fire wave and your buff incantations; Strength and Dexterity exist only to meet the equip requirement.
A common Level 150 spread:
| Stat | Level |
|---|---|
| Vigor | 50–55 |
| Mind | 25–30 |
| Endurance | 22–26 |
| Strength | 22 |
| Dexterity | 15 |
| Faith | 55–60 |
Start as Prophet or Confessor for the high base Faith. Until you beat Rykard, use any Strength/Faith weapon with a Fire affinity — the Winged Scythe from the Weeping Peninsula is a strong stand-in.
Buffs and talismans
Before a fight, stack two incantations:
- Golden Vow — +15% attack and defense for 80 seconds.
- Flame, Grant Me Strength — +20% physical and fire damage for 30 seconds.
Talismans that push Taker’s Flames hardest:
- Shard of Alexander — +15% weapon-skill damage; the single best slot for this build.
- Fire Scorpion Charm — more fire damage at the cost of some defense.
- Carian Filigreed Crest — lowers the skill’s FP cost, so more waves per Flask.
- Flock’s Canvas Talisman — boosts your buff incantations.
- Taker’s Cameo — heals you on each kill, stacking with the blade’s own healing.
- Erdtree’s Favor / Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman — survivability.
How to play it
Buff, then cast Taker’s Flames into groups and bosses. Every hit refills HP, so you can facetank plenty of pressure that would normally force a Flask. Keep a physical or Holy side weapon (the Coded Sword or a Sacred-infusion option) for the rare fire-resistant enemy — Taker’s Flames loses value there, and a plain strike keeps you dealing damage.
How to get it
- Reach Volcano Manor and defeat Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.
- Use the Serpent-Hunter greatspear provided in the arena — it is built to end the fight fast.
- Trade the Remembrance of the Blasphemous with Finger Reader Enia at Roundtable Hold.
You cannot change the Ash of War, but Taker’s Flames is strong enough that you will not want to.
Related guides
- Endings Guide — the Blasphemous game’s three endings, if that is what you were after.
- Blasphemous vs Blasphemous 2 — how the sequel compares to the original.
- Beginner Guide — starting out in Cvstodia.