A Beginner's Guide to Learning Martial Arts in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Everything you need to know to unlock and master the Dryleaf Arts and Dane's Footwork.

The Elden Ring expansion brings the ability to train as a monk with two new Hand-to-Hand weapons. This comprehensive guide will show players everything they need to do to find the weapons and build effective martial arts characters.

Locating the Dryleaf Arts

To get the Dryleaf Arts, make your way to Scadu Altus and rest at the Highroad Cross grace. Next to it you'll find the "May the Best Win" gesture and a note pointing east to Moorth Ruins. Fast travel there and rest at the grace to meet Dryleaf Dane. Challenge him to a duel using the gesture to start the fight. Dane will employ magic and martial arts, so watch out for his one-shot Palm Blast skill. Having high poise allows trading blows effectively. Once defeated, he drops the Dryleaf Arts and Dane's Hat. Ashes of War that knock opponents down work great in this battle.

Getting Dane's Footwork

You'll need to progress much further into the expansion before obtaining Dane's Footwork. Near the end, you'll face off against Needle Knight Leda and Dryleaf Dane alongside other NPCs. After defeating them all, loot their bodies to find Dane's Footwork dropped by him. Dane will utilize similar moves to the first fight, but now with Dane's Footwork equipped. Watch out for Leda's quick Needle Piercer attack too. Summoning allies can help prevent being overwhelmed.

The Weapons Compared

While both enable a monk playstyle, the weapons differ in attacks. Dryleaf Arts balances punches and kicks, making it easier for new players. Dane's Footwork primarily uses kicks which can be trickier to land hits with. Their Ashes of War also enhance different attributes - Dryleaf Whirlwind boosts all kicking damage for Dane's Footwork.

Building Effective Character Builds

These weapons excel on a variety of build types. Faith builds can optimize Palm Blast's charge attacks with the Dryleaf Arts. For Dane's Footwork, a Blood infusion pairs well with the consecutive hits of Dryleaf Whirlwind on an Arcane character. Various talismans, wondrous physicks and armor also boost these styles. Taking time to customize your build opens up a variety of combat options in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Mastering Monk Combat

With the Dryleaf Arts, focus on balanced strikes in fights and don't be afraid to take hits while charging Palm Blast for high poise damage. Dane's Footwork rewards being aggressive with consecutive kicks using whirlwind attacks, as well as spacing mid-range kicks. Both weapons are formidable when unlocked with optimized character builds and combat skills.

In conclusion, any Tarnished can become a master martial artist in Elden Ring by following this guide to find the new weapons. Take the time to learn the ins and outs of each weapon to maximize your potential and unleash devastating kung-fu combinations across Shadow of the Erdtree.