UPDATE: Two interactive maps have been incorporated into this guide, designed to assist you in locating all the necessary items for the ultimate Eternal Sleep build in Elden Ring.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree: The Ultimate Eternal Sleep Build Guide
The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring has brought delightful enhancements for players drawn to the Sleep status effect, with the new ability to inflict Eternal Sleep. This augmented status allows players to send weaker enemies into an almost indefinite slumber, making it an entertaining and strategic addition to combat.
While not overly effective against bosses—except for specific foes like Godskin enemies—this technique provides immense satisfaction when charming hordes into an unintended catnap before dispatching them with ease. It also streamlines Rune farming, adding another layer of enjoyment. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to create the best Eternal Sleep build in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree.
To simplify the process of gathering all necessary equipment, we have embedded two interactive maps showcasing the locations of each essential item featured in this guide:
Essential Items for the Eternal Sleep Build
Items needed for crafting an Eternal Sleep build in The Lands Between:
Items required from the DLC area, the Land of Shadow:
Understanding the Eternal Sleep Build
Before diving into crafting a Sleep build in Elden Ring, particularly within the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, it’s essential to grasp the mechanics of Sleep and Eternal Sleep against various foes. While new Sleep-focused gear has been introduced, players should be aware that certain bosses boast high resistance to Sleep status. It is advisable to prepare a backup weapon or spells for these encounters.
Ordinary Sleep can temporarily incapacitate enemies, offering a window to maneuver through dungeons without engaging every foe directly. In contrast, foes hit with Eternal Sleep will remain down until hit multiple times or subjected to a Critical Hit, or until you rest at a Site of Grace. This makes Eternal Sleep particularly effective for maintaining control over the battlefield.
Bosses and more elite enemies present additional challenges. Many are entirely resistant to Sleep, so players should develop alternative strategies when facing these formidable foes. For those not immune, felling them with Eternal Sleep can lead to staggering, providing crucial opportunities to unleash powerful attacks.
Eternal Sleep Build: Stats and Class Choices
This build, designed for fun, utilizes DLC weapons mostly found in Shadow of the Erdtree. Aiming for Rune Level 150-200 is optimal when exploring this realm or engaging in New Game Plus. If you’re building from scratch, consider incorporating base game weapons to experiment with Sleep effects.
As Sleep buildup predominantly scales with Arcane, this build will feature high Arcane stats. Dexterity is important for weapon use, so players should choose a Bandit starting class, which offers an advantageous combination of 13 Dexterity and 14 Arcane.
Your Flask distribution should suit your playstyle, though a ratio of 10 Crimson flasks to 4 Cerulean tends to strike an effective balance.
Recommended Stat Distribution
Focus on the following stats, noting there’s flexibility with your choices:
- Vigor: 60
- Mind: 20
- Endurance: 30
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 22
- Intelligence: 21
- Faith: 25
- Arcane: 45/60
Prioritize Vigor, Mind, and Endurance while also accommodating the necessary stats for your primary weapons. Maintaining a minimum of 60 Vigor before entering the DLC is highly recommended. Additionally, enhance Mind and Endurance sufficiently to avoid stamina issues during critical battles.
Strength should not exceed 12, while Dexterity should reach a minimum of 22 for effective weapon use. Intelligence and Faith should accommodate the requirements for chosen Spells and Incantations, though you can initially lower these stats if you plan to focus primarily on melee combat.
Your main stat emphasis will reside on Arcane, aiming to achieve a threshold of 45 and later 60 to enhance the buildup rate of your Sleep effects.
Eternal Sleep Build: Recommended Weapons
In terms of weapon choice for the Eternal Sleep build within Shadow of the Erdtree, your primary options include the Velvet Sword of St. Trina, the Thiollier’s Hidden Needle, and the Ripple Crescent Halberd.
Each weapon has its strengths. Thiollier’s Hidden Needle can efficiently build up Sleep against individual enemies, while the Velvet Sword of St. Trina delivers potent damage and utilizes the skill Mist of Eternal Sleep effectively against groups. Players may prefer to switch between these options based on their combat style.
For a balanced melee strategy, consider including weapons like Morgott’s Cursed Sword or Rivers of Blood to take advantage of bleed damage. Additionally, employing your weapon with Eternal Sleep Grease can extend your capacity to inflict the Sleep status.
Eternal Sleep Build: Ashes of War Options
This build primarily utilizes Somber weapons, which means standard Ashes of War may not be as pivotal. However, for secondary weapons, enhancements like Bloody Slash can complement a Bleed-focused strategy incredibly well.
Alternatively, Raptor of the Mists can add an exciting jump attack mechanic, or Vacuum Slice offers a ranged skill that serves as a solid option in times of crisis.
Eternal Sleep Build: Talismans for Added Effectiveness
Utilizing the St. Trina’s Smile Talisman is essential in this build for bolstering your attack power in proximity to sleeping foes. Additionally, Talismans that enhance attack strength are vital for maximizing your weapon effectiveness.
- St. Trina’s Smile – increases attack power when Sleep is nearby.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia – enhances attack potency with successive hits.
- Millicent’s Prosthesis – boosts Dexterity, increasing attack power with successive attacks.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman – significantly mitigates Physical damage.
- Carian Filigreed Crest – reduces FP consumption for skills.
- Claw Talisman – enhances jump attack damage.
Pair St. Trina’s Smile with the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia to drive damage potential to its peak. Depending on your combat strategy, consider the Millicent’s Prosthesis or Claw Talisman, especially if you frequently employ jump attacks. The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman is invaluable for damage offset, while the Carian Filigreed Crest aids in sustaining your skill usage throughout encounters.
For players employing bleed weapons or powerful spells like Impenetrable Thorns, consider including the Lord of Blood’s Exultation Talisman, which amplifies attack damage when blood loss is present.
Eternal Sleep Build: Sorceries and Incantations
Incorporating Sorceries and Incantations is contingent on your build’s stats. If you’re wielding the Thiollier’s Hidden Needle paired with the Ripple Crescent Halberd, supplementary magic may not be necessary. However, if you can invest 25 levels into Faith, several Sorceries and Incantations may prove beneficial:
- Impenetrable Thorns: Ejects waves of thorns to inflict bleed damage and stagger foes.
- Golden Vow: Enhances attack and defense for you and your allies.
- Flame, Grant Me Strength: Amplifies Physical and Fire attack power.
Infusing Golden Vow and Flame, Grant Me Strength into your strategy can significantly enhance your overall damage output. Furthermore, Impenetrable Thorns can be devastatingly effective when channeled through the Maternal Staff due to its high damage potential.
Eternal Sleep Build: Armor and Gear Choices
In this build, the choice of armor is relatively flexible, as no specific set significantly boosts the Sleep status effect. Focus on aesthetics or personal preference when selecting your gear. Options like the Godskin Apostle set, Rellana’s set, or Fia’s set complement the theme effectively. The Navy Hood also benefits your build by increasing Mind.
For additional exploration of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, consider our guides on other exciting builds such as the Dryleaf Arts, Beast Claws, and Lightning Milady. Don’t forget to check where to find all Larval Tears in the Realm of Shadow, should you need to respec your character.
