In the sprawling, mysterious world of Elden Ring, weapon selection plays a major role in defining a player’s playstyle and approach to combat. Among the unique and niche weapon types, the flail stands out due to its ability to deal strike damage, bypass shields, and inflict blood loss buildup. Many players seek out this weapon not only for its aesthetic and mechanical appeal but also for its effectiveness in both PvE and PvP encounters. Understanding the exact location of the flail in Elden Ring, as well as how it fits into your early and mid-game strategy, is essential for players who wish to diversify their armament or embrace a bleed-focused build.
What Makes the Flail Special?
The flail is a striking weapon in Elden Ring that features spiked balls attached to a handle, dealing significant strike damage while causing bleed buildup. Unlike slashing weapons like swords or katanas, flails are more effective against heavily armored enemies and can stagger opponents more efficiently. Their spinning attack animation also allows for aggressive and stylish combat, especially when using charged heavy attacks.
Key Characteristics of Flails
- Deals strike damage, effective against armored foes.
- Passive blood loss buildup, a popular status effect in Elden Ring.
- Can be infused and upgraded with Ashes of War.
- Unique spinning moveset that complements aggressive playstyles.
Flails work particularly well for players who want to stay mobile while applying status effects quickly, making them a solid option for Dexterity or Quality builds.
Where to Find the Flail in Elden Ring
One of the earliest flails that players can acquire is found relatively close to the beginning of the game. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with bleed builds early on.
Gatefront Ruins – Early Game Flail Location
The most accessible flail in Elden Ring can be found at theGatefront Ruins, an early area in the region ofLimgrave. This area is located just northeast of the Church of Elleh, past the site of grace known as Gatefront.
To locate the flail, follow these steps
- From the Gatefront site of grace, explore the surrounding area to find a carriage wagon guarded by soldiers.
- The flail is located inside the back of one of these large, broken-down wagons.
- Defeat or avoid the guards around the area to safely loot the chest at the rear of the wagon.
- Open the chest to acquire the flail.
This version of the flail has moderate base damage but offers bleed buildup, making it viable for early encounters and even some boss fights with proper upgrades.
Tips for Acquiring the Flail Safely
If you’re under-leveled or just beginning your journey, the soldiers at the Gatefront Ruins may pose a challenge. Here are a few strategies to help
- Use stealth by crouching and approaching from behind the wagon.
- Wait until nighttime when enemy visibility is reduced.
- Lure the guards away one by one and dispatch them individually.
- If needed, ride Torrent through the area and quickly loot the chest without engaging in combat.
Using the Flail Effectively
Once you have the flail, you’ll want to tailor your build and combat approach to maximize its potential. The flail scales with Strength and Dexterity, which means it fits best in hybrid builds. With some investment in both stats, you’ll get excellent results, especially when combined with buffs and bleed-enhancing items.
Recommended Build Stats
- StrengthAt least 10 to wield the weapon effectively and deal good base damage.
- Dexterity15 or higher to increase attack speed and bleed effectiveness.
- EnduranceFor stamina and equip load, allowing for heavier armor and more attacks.
- VigorAlways important for survivability, especially in melee builds.
Infusions and Ashes of War
The flail can be customized with Ashes of War, allowing players to modify its scaling and special abilities. Some effective options include
- Blood AffinityIncreases bleed buildup, making the flail deadly against bosses and invaders.
- Spinning StrikesA great Ash of War that complements the flail’s unique moveset by letting you spin continuously, dealing AoE damage.
- Keen AffinityBoosts Dexterity scaling, perfect for fast bleed builds.
Choosing the right infusion will depend on your overall build strategy. Bleed-focused builds benefit from Blood affinity, while players looking for raw damage or hybrid scaling can go for Quality or Keen setups.
Other Flails in Elden Ring
While the Gatefront Ruins flail is the most accessible, there are other, more powerful flails scattered throughout the game. These advanced flails offer better stats, scaling, and unique passive effects.
Nightrider Flail
TheNightrider Flailis dropped by the Night’s Cavalry minibosses in certain regions. It features better base damage and longer reach compared to the standard flail.
- Location Night’s Cavalry bosses spawn at night in various overworld areas.
- Best Strategy Use Torrent to stay mobile and chip away at their health, dodging their heavy attacks.
Family Heads
TheFamily Headsflail is a unique variant that scales well with Intelligence and is designed for hybrid spell/melee builds. It also has a unique look, featuring three shrunken heads attached to chains.
- Location Found in a late-game dungeon or through specific NPC questlines.
- Recommended for Intelligence-based builds looking for a thematic melee option.
Flail Pros and Cons
Flails offer a lot of advantages but also come with limitations. Understanding these can help you decide if the flail is the right weapon for your journey through the Lands Between.
Advantages
- High bleed buildup with the right affinity.
- Effective against enemies with strong physical defenses.
- Fun, unique moveset with great AoE capabilities.
- Early-game availability allows for early investment in a bleed-focused build.
Disadvantages
- Shorter range compared to many other melee weapons.
- Slower attack animations can be risky in tight battles.
- Requires stat investment to reach full potential.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer just beginning your Elden Ring adventure, the flail is a weapon worth trying especially for those who enjoy close combat and status-inflicting strategies. Found early in the Gatefront Ruins, the flail opens up exciting possibilities for bleed builds and offers a rewarding combat style that stands apart from traditional swords or axes. With proper upgrades, the right Ash of War, and smart stat allocation, the flail can become a reliable and deadly part of your arsenal. As you venture further into the Lands Between, don’t underestimate this spiked menace it might be just the tool you need to bring down the game’s toughest foes.