Quick Answer: The best DLC Faith build uses Maliketh’s Black Blade and new DLC incantations. Recommended stats: Vigor 50, Mind 30, Endurance 25, Faith 80. Top weapons: Maliketh’s Black Blade, Light of Miquella, Blasphemous Blade. Top DLC incantations: Discus of Light, Spear of the Impaler, Bayle’s Tyranny. Scadutree Blessings essential.
A Faith build is one of the strongest and most versatile ways to tackle Shadow of the Erdtree, blending powerful incantations with the expansion’s new weapons. This guide adapts the Faith build for the DLC.
Faith in the DLC
Faith builds shine in Shadow of the Erdtree thanks to new incantations and Faith-scaling weapons added by the expansion. Healing incantations are especially valuable against the DLC’s punishing bosses, and the flexibility of Faith means you always have an option. As with every DLC build, your power hinges on the Scadutree system.
Scadutree Blessing Comes First
Inside the Land of Shadow, your effective damage and defense scale with Scadutree Blessing level, raised by collecting Scadutree Fragments. Before tackling any major DLC boss, gather as many Fragments as you can — they matter far more than a few extra character levels.
Stat Priorities
- Vigor: 60 is recommended for the DLC’s hard-hitting enemies;
- Faith: at or near the soft cap;
- Mind: 35–45 — incantations cost FP and you will cast often;
- Endurance: enough for a medium roll;
- Strength/Dexterity: enough for your chosen weapon.
Our soft caps guide helps finalize the spread.
Best Weapons and Incantations
The DLC adds new Faith-scaling weapons, and the new weapon classes — including Backhand Blades and Light Greatswords — offer fresh options. Your base-game Blasphemous Blade remains excellent. For incantations, the expansion’s new spells expand an already deep toolkit. See our DLC weapons guide and Faith weapons guide.
Playstyle
A DLC Faith build adapts to every encounter: buff before a fight, soften enemies with ranged incantations, heal through dangerous moments, and finish in melee. The self-healing that Faith provides — separate from your flask — is a major survivability edge against the DLC’s relentless bosses. Use Spirit Ashes to split aggro while you cast.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The build’s strength is its toolbox — ranged damage, healing, buffs, and melee all in one. Its weakness is FP management; invest in Mind and carry FP flask charges. Keep your Scadutree Blessing high and the build handles everything the Land of Shadow throws at you.
Final Thoughts
A Faith build is arguably the most comfortable way to experience Shadow of the Erdtree — flexible, durable, and self-sustaining. Hit 60 Vigor, balance Faith and Mind, gather Scadutree Fragments, and let the Golden Order guide you through the Land of Shadow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best Faith build for DLC?
A: Faith builds with Maliketh’s Black Blade pair perfectly with new DLC Faith incantations. Light of Miquella also works well for healing-focused Faith play.
Q: Best DLC Faith incantation?
A: Discus of Light for ranged damage, Bayle’s Tyranny for dragon-themed builds, Spear of the Impaler for boss bleed.
Q: Where to find Light of Miquella?
A: Found in the Shadow Keep area after the Messmer boss fight. Requires path through the Keep’s main library.