Elden Ring How To Use Throwing Knives

Throwing knives in Elden Ring offer a versatile tool for various combat scenarios. Their ease of use, rapid deployment, and diverse applications make them a valuable asset for any Tarnished venturing through the Lands Between. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively utilize throwing knives, maximizing their potential for both offense and utility.

Acquiring Throwing Knives

Before employing throwing knives, one must first acquire them. There are several methods available:

Purchasing from Merchants

Many merchants throughout the Lands Between sell basic throwing knives. These vendors often offer a limited quantity, but their stock replenishes periodically. Common merchants selling throwing knives include:

Nomadic Merchant: Found in various locations, often along roadsides. Check their inventory regularly as it may expand as you progress.

Isolated Merchant: Frequently located in more secluded areas. Their inventories may contain unique throwing knives in addition to the standard ones.

Crafting Throwing Knives

Crafting throwing knives provides a reliable source, contingent upon obtaining the necessary crafting recipe and resources. The Armorer's Cookbook [1], for instance, allows players to craft Fletched Throwing Knives. This recipe is typically found early in the game, making it an accessible option for all players.

Crafting requires specific materials, generally readily available throughout the environment. Common ingredients include:

Rune Arcs: While not directly used in crafting basic throwing knives, they are essential for online play and boss fights, allowing players to summon allies for assistance. Obtaining Runes, the game's primary currency, is also vital for purchasing materials from merchants.

Thin Beast Bones: Dropped by various small animals and undead creatures. These bones are a common resource, easily obtainable in many regions.

Looting from Enemies and the Environment

Certain enemies may drop throwing knives upon defeat. Similarly, throwing knives can sometimes be found as loot within containers or scattered throughout the environment. While less reliable than purchasing or crafting, looting provides an occasional supplementary source.

Equipping and Using Throwing Knives

Once acquired, throwing knives must be equipped for use. This is achieved via the Equipment menu.

Assigning to Quick Items or Pouch

Throwing knives can be assigned to either the Quick Items slots or the Pouch. Quick Items are accessed via the D-pad (on controllers) or corresponding keyboard keys, allowing for rapid deployment during combat. The Pouch, accessed through a separate menu, provides additional storage for a wider variety of items. The choice between Quick Items and Pouch depends on player preference and combat style.

Throwing Technique

To use a throwing knife, select the equipped item and press the corresponding button (typically the top shoulder button on controllers). The character will then throw a single knife towards the targeted enemy. Holding the button will charge the throw slightly, increasing its range and potentially staggering weaker enemies. Be mindful of stamina consumption; each throw depletes a small amount of stamina.

Targeting System

Elden Ring features a robust targeting system. Players can lock onto enemies by pressing the right stick (on controllers). This ensures that thrown knives are directed towards the locked-on target. However, skilled players can also manually aim throws by releasing the lock-on, allowing for more precise targeting of specific body parts or environmental objects.

Strategic Applications of Throwing Knives

Throwing knives are not merely offensive weapons; they offer a range of strategic applications:

Interrupting Enemy Actions

Throwing knives can interrupt enemy attacks, spells, or healing attempts. A well-timed throw can disrupt a charging enemy, cancel a spell incantation, or prevent an enemy from restoring health. This is particularly useful against fast-moving or aggressive enemies.

Pulling Enemies

Throwing knives can be used to pull individual enemies from groups. This is especially valuable in areas with multiple enemies, as it allows players to isolate and defeat them one at a time, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed.

Dealing Status Effects

Certain specialized throwing knives inflict status effects, such as poison, bleed, or sleep. These knives can significantly enhance combat effectiveness, particularly against enemies vulnerable to specific status ailments. For example, the Kukri throwing knife causes blood loss build up.

Exploiting Environmental Hazards

Throwing knives can trigger environmental hazards, such as exploding barrels or hanging containers. This provides an opportunity to deal significant damage to enemies or create advantageous tactical situations.

Conserving FP (Focus Points)

For builds that heavily rely on spells and incantations, throwing knives offer a FP-free option for dealing damage at range. This allows players to conserve their FP for more powerful spells or healing, extending their survivability in prolonged engagements.

Types of Throwing Knives

Elden Ring features a variety of throwing knives, each with unique properties and applications:

Basic Throwing Knives

These are the standard throwing knives, readily available from merchants and craftable early in the game. They offer a reliable and cost-effective option for dealing moderate damage at range.

Fletched Throwing Knives

These knives have improved accuracy and range compared to basic throwing knives. They are typically crafted using slightly rarer materials and offer a more refined throwing experience.

Poisoned Throwing Knives

These knives inflict the poison status effect upon impact. They are effective against enemies vulnerable to poison, gradually depleting their health over time.

Kukri

These knives build up the blood loss effect. This can be useful for quickly dealing significant damage to enemies susceptible to blood loss. Kukri can be crafted using readily available materials.

Fan Daggers

A unique weapon that throws multiple daggers at once. This can inflict high damage but consumes FP. Their acquisition is more complex, often involving exploration of specific dungeons or defeating challenging enemies.

Optimizing Throwing Knife Usage

To maximize the effectiveness of throwing knives, consider the following tips:

Ambidextrous Skill: The Ambidextrous Sorcerer Talisman can increase the speed of ranged weapon usage, including throwing knives.

Character Stats: While throwing knives are primarily a utility tool, investing in stats like Strength or Dexterity can slightly increase their damage output. This is particularly relevant for builds that incorporate throwing knives as a primary damage source.

Practice: Mastering the timing and aiming of throws is crucial for effective usage. Practice throwing knives in various combat scenarios to develop proficiency.

Experimentation: Explore the different types of throwing knives and their unique properties. Experiment with various combinations to find the most effective strategies for your playstyle.

Conclusion

Throwing knives in Elden Ring represent more than just simple projectiles; they are versatile tools capable of disrupting enemies, manipulating encounters, and exploiting vulnerabilities. Their accessibility, ease of use, and diverse applications make them a valuable asset for any player, regardless of their chosen build or playstyle. Mastering the art of throwing knives provides a significant advantage in navigating the perilous challenges of the Lands Between.