Unleash a flurry of lightning-fast strikes with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s new Backhand Blades-three uniquely deadly weapons wielded in a backward grip that redefine agility and precision in combat. Whether you’re sneaking through Gravesite Plain or exploring the depths of the Ruined Forge, mastering these blades could turn the tide against the toughest foes in the Shadow Realm.
In this Elden Ring guide, I’ll show you all Backhand Blade locations in Shadow of the Erdtree – for the Backhand Blade, the Smithscript Cirque, and the Curseblade’s Cirque.
Backhand Blade location
The Backhand Blade in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can be found at Gravesite Plain, near a coffin close to the first Site of Grace in the DLC. This location is northeast of the Scorched Ruins, next to a large grave monument patrolled by cloaked enemies holding candlesticks. The Backhand Blade is one of three backhand blades available in the DLC, each with unique stats and skills, and it is one of the earliest weapons players can acquire without defeating tough bosses.
The Backhand Blade is one of the earliest weapons you can get in Shadow of the Erdtree.
On the main road of Gravesite Plain, northeast of the Scorched Ruins, you’ll see a little outdoor grave and coffin that kind of looks like a stone gazebo. You’ll find the Backhand Blade right next to the altar in the middle of the building.
You can see the complete breakdown of stats for the Backhand Blade in the image above.
Smithscript Cirque location
The Smithscript Cirque is located in the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past dungeon, situated in Scadu Altus, southwest of the Moorth Ruins and southeast of Castle Ensis. To obtain it, players need to explore the dungeon, progressing until they open a second large door via a lever. Beyond this door is a circular room with two stone giants and a pit; the Smithscript Cirque can be looted from a body near the edge of a sewage waterfall by this pit. Players should be cautious of the giants after grabbing the weapon. Access to this dungeon requires entering Scadu Altus, which can be done by defeating Rellana, Twin Moon Knight, or using a sealed spiritspring shortcut in the Gravesite Plains.
The Smithscript Cirque is located in the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past dungeon, which is in Scadu Altus, southwest of the Moorth Ruins.
Inside the dungeon, progress normally until you open the second big door with the lever. Walk through the open door and you’ll find yourself in a circular room that has two stone giants and a pit inside. The Smithscript Cirque will be on a body by the pit. Carefully grab the weapon and then dispose of the dual giants or run.
You can see the complete breakdown of stats for the Smithscript Cirque in the image above.
Curseblade’s Cirque location
Curseblade’s Cirque can be found in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC of Elden Ring. The weapon drops from Masked Curseblade enemies, with the most reliable farming locations being near the Gravesite Plain Site of Grace and the Stagefront Site of Grace in Belurat, Tower Settlement. The latter is located just before the Divine Beast Dancing Lion boss arena; from the site of grace, turn around and descend the stairs to find a wandering Masked Curseblade. Defeating these enemies offers a chance to obtain the Curseblade’s Cirque, and players are advised to boost their item discovery rate using items like the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot and the Silver Scarab talisman to increase drop chances.
The Curseblade’s Cirque drops from Curseblade enemies, who you can find very early on in your journey into the Shadow Realm. Unfortunately, this weapon is a random drop, so you’ll need to farm Curseblade kills until you get lucky.
There are two easily accessible Curseblades in Gravesite plain, and each is less than 10 seconds away from the nearest site of grace. Jump between the Gravesite Plains and Stagefront sites of grace for this farm.
At the Gravesite Plains Site of Grace, run forward toward the giant arch that’s in front of you when you spawn. You’ll see the Curseblade perched on top and waiting for you. When you get close, it’ll jump down to meet you.
From the Stagefront Site of Grace, turn around and walk down the stairs. The Curseblade will be patrolling the stairs, allowing you to get a surprise hit on it before it sees you.
Eventually, one of these two Curseblades will drop the Curseblade’s Cirque for you.
Where are the hidden Backhand Blade locations in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
The hidden Backhand Blade locations in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree are as follows:
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Backhand Blade: Found in the center of Gravesite Plain, northeast of the Scorched Ruins. It lies inside a stone mausoleum on a corpse next to a sarcophagus, near eight spiral-patterned stone pillars. The area is patrolled by cloaked enemies and a Furnace Golem, so caution is advised.
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Smithscript Cirque: Located inside the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past dungeon in Scadu Atlus, southwest of the Moorth Ruins. After opening the second big door, it is found on a body by a pit in a circular room with two stone giants.
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Curseblade’s Cirque: This weapon drops randomly from Curseblade enemies found early in the Shadow Realm, particularly in Gravesite Plain. Two Curseblades patrol near the Gravesite Plains and Stagefront Sites of Grace, making these spots ideal for farming the drop.
These three Backhand Blades offer unique combat styles and can be acquired relatively early in the DLC without defeating tough bosses.
What makes the Gravesite Plain location the key spot for Backhand Blade
The Gravesite Plain location is key for obtaining the Backhand Blade because it offers one of the earliest and most accessible opportunities to acquire this unique weapon in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The blade is found inside a stone gravesite at the foot of a sarcophagus, located near eight distinctive spiral-patterned stone pillars northeast of the Scorched Ruins site of grace. This makes it a clear landmark and easy to find for players exploring the area.
Additionally, the location is guarded by patrolling enemies, including a Furnace Golem, providing a challenge that tests the player’s combat skills but also ensures the reward feels earned. The weapon’s Blind Spot skill, which allows quick dashes to an enemy’s side for powerful strikes, complements the agile combat style favored by Dexterity builds, making this spot a prime early-game destination for players seeking to enhance their arsenal with a versatile and stylish weapon.
