The Putrescent Cleaver is a weapon that catches the eye of many players in Elden Ring due to its grotesque design and unique scaling. With its blend of Strength and Arcane scaling, it appeals to those running hybrid builds focused on inflicting status effects while maintaining raw melee power. But the big question remains: is the Putrescent Cleaver actually good, or is it just another gimmick weapon? To determine its true value, it’s essential to look at its stats, scaling, infusion potential, and performance in both PvE and PvP. By exploring all aspects of this weapon, players can decide whether it’s worth incorporating into their arsenal.
Overview of the Putrescent Cleaver
Weapon Description and Appearance
The Putrescent Cleaver is a colossal weapon that resembles a twisted, rotting butcher’s blade. Its disturbing design reflects the decaying nature of its name, and it fits right into the aesthetic of cursed dungeons and foul environments in the Lands Between. As a Great Axe-type weapon, it features a slow, deliberate swing pattern but compensates with high base damage and excellent poise-breaking capabilities.
Base Stats and Scaling
At its base form, the Putrescent Cleaver deals high physical damage with additional scaling in Strength and Arcane. This combination is relatively rare, making the cleaver particularly effective for hybrid builds that take advantage of both raw strength and status effects. As players upgrade the weapon, its scaling improves, allowing it to synergize with stats invested in bleed or poison builds.
Strengths of the Putrescent Cleaver
High Base Damage
One of the clearest advantages of the Putrescent Cleaver is its raw damage output. As a heavy weapon, it hits hard and can stagger enemies consistently, especially in PvE. Even without buffs or infusions, the weapon offers reliable physical damage that scales nicely with Strength.
Arcane Synergy for Bleed or Poison
Thanks to its Arcane scaling, the Putrescent Cleaver works exceptionally well with status inflictions. Players who infuse the weapon with bleed (via Blood Ashes of War) can rapidly build up hemorrhage on enemies, especially when using jump attacks or two-handed swings. Poison infusion is also viable, although less common due to bleed’s higher utility and faster results.
Poise Damage and Stagger Potential
In both PvE and PvP, the Putrescent Cleaver can break enemy posture with just a few hits. This is especially useful when fighting heavily armored foes or bosses susceptible to staggering. Its heavy swings force enemies to either dodge carefully or suffer repeated stagger locks.
Weaknesses of the Putrescent Cleaver
Slow Attack Speed
Like many heavy weapons, the cleaver suffers from sluggish animations. This makes it less effective against agile enemies or fast PvP opponents who can dodge and counterattack easily. Timing becomes critical when using this weapon, and it demands good positioning and awareness during fights.
Stamina Consumption
The Putrescent Cleaver consumes a significant amount of stamina per swing. This can be problematic during extended fights, especially if the player is trying to chain multiple hits or keep pressure on their opponent. Investing in Endurance is often necessary to maintain consistent offensive pressure.
Limited Availability and Requirements
Obtaining the Putrescent Cleaver might require significant progress into the game or defeating specific enemies. Additionally, its Strength and Arcane stat requirements may not fit into all builds. Players must commit to a hybrid setup, which might require respecs or stat redistribution through Larval Tears.
Best Builds for the Putrescent Cleaver
Arcane Bleed Build
This is one of the most popular ways to run the Putrescent Cleaver. By infusing it with a Blood Ash of War and stacking Arcane, the cleaver can build up bleed very quickly. Combine it with talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation and use incantations or buffs that scale with Arcane to maximize output.
Strength-Focused Build
For players who want a more straightforward melee approach, a pure Strength build also works well. Heavy infusion improves Strength scaling, and the weapon can dish out consistent physical damage. While this setup lacks status effects, it excels in raw power and stagger potential.
Poison and Status Hybrid Build
Some players prefer to combine Arcane with poison infusion for a slower, lingering damage-over-time effect. This strategy is particularly effective in PvP, where keeping enemies pressured through poison buildup can force them into a defensive position while you prepare follow-up attacks or spells.
PvE Performance
Boss Battles
In PvE content, the Putrescent Cleaver shines against many bosses, especially those that can be staggered. Its heavy swings deal excellent damage, and when combined with bleed or poison, it can rapidly chunk away large chunks of boss health. However, the weapon is less effective against highly mobile bosses, where its slow speed becomes a liability.
Mob Clearing
While the cleaver’s wide swings allow it to hit multiple enemies, its slower speed means players must plan engagements carefully. It’s less ideal for swarming scenarios, but a well-timed swing can clear a group of enemies with a single hit, especially when using a jump or charged attack.
PvP Effectiveness
Strengths in Duels
In one-on-one duels, the Putrescent Cleaver’s damage and status buildup can dominate unprepared opponents. If you land a clean hit, especially with bleed active, you can quickly turn the tide of battle. Poise and hyper armor also allow for trade-based strategies where you absorb a hit and punish with a devastating counterattack.
Weaknesses in Competitive Play
However, its sluggish speed is a major weakness in PvP against players who rely on dexterity, magic, or ranged builds. Skilled opponents will often bait swings and counter them with faster weapons or magic. To succeed, cleaver users must mix up their timing, use feints, and master spacing.
Tips for Using the Putrescent Cleaver Effectively
- Use Jump Attacks: These are faster and deal more poise damage, ideal for opening combos or punishing whiffs.
- Capitalize on Status Effects: Bleed or poison builds amplify the cleaver’s utility and make up for its slower speed.
- Stack Poise: Wear heavier armor to resist stagger and make trades in your favor.
- Buff Before Engagement: Use consumables or spells to buff your weapon before initiating a fight.
- Time Your Swings: Don’t spam attacks. Wait for clear openings to maximize damage and minimize vulnerability.
The Putrescent Cleaver is not a weapon for every player, but in the right hands and with the right build, it becomes a powerhouse capable of melting both enemies and bosses. While it comes with significant drawbacks, such as slow attack speed and high stamina cost, its strengths lie in its massive damage output and synergy with Arcane-based status effects. Whether you’re experimenting with an Arcane bleed build or seeking a brutal Strength weapon, the Putrescent Cleaver offers a unique and viable choice for those willing to master its rhythm and limitations. So yes, the Putrescent Cleaver can be a very good weapon provided you know how to use it.