Serpent-Hunter

Build Requirements 

 Stats 

 

 Vigor: 60 

 Strength: 99 

 

 Weapons 

 

 Serpent-Hunter 

 

 Talismans 

 

 Axe Talisman 

 (OPT) Spear Talisman 

 (OPT) Ritual Sword Talisman 

 (OPT) Shard of Alexander 

 

 Crystal Tears 

 

 Spiked Cracked Tear 

 

 

 

 

 

 Pros 

 

 

 Cons 

 

 

 

 

 

 Powerful Charged attacks 

 High Stance damage 

 

 

 

 

 Slow attacks 

 

 

 

 

 

 Description 

 This build is based around the Serpent-Hunter, a special Great Spear that's primarily used to battle Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy. Although its unique attack properties only activate in Rykard's boss room, the weapon itself is extremely powerful on its own. With "A" scaling in Strength at maximum upgrade level, it can deal enormous amounts of damage, especially when wielded in both hands. As it's a weapon meant to be used by any character regardless of their level, it has no stat requirements whatsoever, so you can focus purely on Strength to boost its damage very quickly. The Serpent-Hunter necessitates a slow and methodical playstyle, but landing a Strong attack with this weapon for over 1000 points of damage is an exceptionally satisfying experience. 

 The best way to achieve the Serpent-Hunter's full potential is by using its powerful charged slashes, which are boosted +10% with the Axe Talisman and a further +15% for 180s by the Spiked Cracked Tear (plus any other general damage buffs from consumable items such as Exalted Flesh, or spells like Golden Vow). Most enemies and many weaker bosses will have their Stance broken after one or two of these attacks, allowing you to follow up with even more charged swings while they recover. Optionally, you may use the Spear Talisman to increase the Counter Hit damage of your Light attacks by +15% (most of the Serpent-Hunter's String attacks are not thrusts, and do not benefit from this talisman's effect) and/or the Ritual Sword Talisman for a +10% increase to all damage you deal while your HP is full. If you wish to use Great-Serpent Hunt, you can boost its damage by +15% using the Shard of Alexander, but beware that this Skill has an extremely low start-up and you'll have limited opportunities to perform it safely.