Elden Ring: Master Martial Arts with the Shadow of Elden Ring Items the Erdtree Expansion

The *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion for *Elden Ring* introduces an exciting new dimension to combat with the addition of martial arts. Now, Tarnished adventurers can wield two powerful Hand-to-Hand style weapons: the Dryleaf Arts and Dane's Footwork. This update revitalizes monk builds, making them viable and potent at every stage of the game.

#### **Unlocking the Dryleaf Arts**

To obtain the Dryleaf Arts, you need to make your way through the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion until you reach the Scadu Altus region. At the Highroad Cross Site of Grace, you’ll find a gesture called "May the Best Win" and a note named "Monk's Missive." Follow the note’s instructions eastward to the Moorth Ruins. At the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace, you'll encounter Dryleaf Dane. Use the "May the Best Win" gesture to challenge him to a duel.

Dryleaf Dane will use a combination of martial arts and Holy magic in combat. Watch out for his Palm Blast, which can be fatal if you’re not cautious. High poise will allow you to withstand most of his attacks and counter effectively. Defeating him will reward you with the Dryleaf Arts and Dane's Hat.

#### **Acquiring Dane's Footwork**

Dane’s Footwork becomes available later in the expansion, during the penultimate boss fight against Miquella's Followers. This fight features Needle Knight Leda and Dryleaf Dane as adversaries. You may need to complete specific questlines to ensure all relevant NPCs appear in the fight.

In this encounter, Dryleaf Dane will use Dane’s Footwork instead of the Dryleaf Arts. Be wary of Needle Knight Leda’s Needle Piercer, which can surprise you if you’re not prepared. Summoning Pureblood Knight Ansbach can significantly help manage the multiple foes. After defeating them, you can loot Dane’s Footwork from Dryleaf Dane.

#### **Dryleaf Arts vs. Dane's Footwork**

Both Hand-to-Hand weapons offer unique advantages:

- **Dryleaf Arts**: A versatile weapon featuring both punches and kicks. It’s well-balanced and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for players new to martial arts in *Elden Ring*.
- **Dane’s Footwork**: Focuses primarily on kicks. While more challenging to master, it offers powerful attacks that can be highly effective in skilled hands.

When choosing Ashes of War:
- **Palm Blast** is optimal for Dryleaf Arts, enhancing single-target damage.
- **Dryleaf Whirlwind** is better suited for Dane’s Footwork, as it boosts the damage of kicking attacks.

#### **Optimizing Your Build**

These weapons can be wielded in either hand, allowing for flexible builds. Infusions for Dryleaf Arts should align with your build’s focus:
- **Flame Art Infusion**: Adds Fire damage and Faith scaling.
- **Magic Infusion**: Adds Magic damage and Intelligence scaling.

Enhance the base damage of Dryleaf Arts to maximize the effectiveness of Palm Blast.

For talismans, consider:
- **Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman**: Boosts physical damage negation.
- **Rotten Winged Sword Insignia**: Increases attack power by 13% at maximum stacks.
- **Lord of Blood’s Exultation**: Raises attack power by 20% when blood loss occurs nearby, which pairs well with Dryleaf Whirlwind.

Additionally, the new **Shattered Stone Talisman** enhances kicking attacks by 10%, making it a great choice for builds focusing on Dane’s Footwork.

With these martial arts weapons and strategies, you can dominate the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion. Enjoy punching and kicking your way through your Elden Ring Items buy enemies with these new and powerful tools!