The Gazing Finger stands out as one of the most distinctive colossal weapons introduced in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This finger-shaped behemoth delivers devastating physical and magic damage, excelling in stance-breaking and crowd control through its unique weapon art, Kowtower’s Resentment. Players seeking a fresh strength hybrid playstyle will find it rewarding, especially for those who enjoy heavy-hitting melee with a touch of ranged utility.
Acquiring the Gazing Finger
To obtain this weapon, defeat Metyr, Mother of Fingers, a challenging remembrance boss in the DLC. After the victory, trade the Remembrance of the Mother of Fingers at the Roundtable Hold with Enia for the Gazing Finger. It’s a somber weapon, upgradeable exclusively with Somber Smithing Stones up to +10, making it lightweight for its class despite its imposing size.
Core Stats for Peak Performance
At level 150, this build prioritizes strength as the primary scaler, supplemented by intelligence, faith, and solid vitality for survival. Here’s the recommended stat spread:
| Stat | Base | Target (RL150) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vigor | 40 | 60 | Essential for tanking DLC bosses; cap soft at 60. |
| Mind | 20 | 25 | Enough FP for repeated weapon arts. |
| Endurance | 30 | 40 | Supports heavy armor and stamina management. |
| Strength | 60 | 80 | Main damage scaler; two-hand for optimal scaling. |
| Dexterity | 9 | 12 | Minimum for casting speed if needed. |
| Intelligence | 20 | 30 | Boosts magic damage portion and meets reqs. |
| Faith | 40 | 50 | Enhances buffs and holy synergies. |
| Arcane | 7 | 10 | Minimal investment. |
Start with class like Hero or Confessor for efficient stat allocation. Pump vigor early, then strength and faith. Beyond RL150, push strength to 80+ and vigor to 60 for endgame viability.
Weapon Choices and Upgrades
The Gazing Finger is the centerpiece, dealing physical and magic damage with A scaling in strength when two-handed. Its overhead R2 mimics boss slams for massive poise damage. Kowtower’s Resentment fires a wide holy blast, perfect for groups or staggering bosses—costs FP but recharges via swings.
- Primary: Gazing Finger +10 – Core bonker with unique art.
- Offhand Pair: Fingerprint Gauntlets/Whip – For Sacred Order buff.
- Backup: Greatsword or Blasphemous Blade – Faith/strength hybrid options.
Can’t be infused or buffed directly, so rely on external physicks and incantations. Pair with Fingerprint set for thematic cohesion and minor bonuses.
Optimal Armor Setup
Medium load for roll-catching without fat-rolling. Focus on poise and defense:
- Helm: Fingerprint Helm – High poise, finger theme.
- Chest: Rakshasa Chest – 8% damage boost at slight equip load cost.
- Arms: Fingerprint Gauntlets
- Legs: Fingerprint Greaves or Rakshasa Greaves
Alternative: Full Fingerprint for aesthetics, or Veteran set for pure defense. Aim for 51+ poise to trade hits.
Powerhouse Talismans
Select talismans to amplify weapon art damage, stamina, and holy output:
| Talisman | Effect | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Shard of Alexander | +15% skill damage | High |
| Carrying Phil the Greed Crest | Reduces equip load reqs | High |
| Two-Handed Sword Talisman | +15% two-hand damage | Medium |
| Rotten Winged Sword Insignia | Successive attack boosts | Medium |
| Great-Jar’s Arsenal | Equip load increase | Low |
Swap based on fight: Ritual Sword Talisman for full HP bursts.
Buffs and Consumables Routine
Layer buffs meticulously for 30-50% damage spikes:
- Physick: Strength-Knot Crystal Tear + Holy Shrouding Cracked Tear.
- Bestial Vitality (incant).
- Golden Vow.
- Flame, Grant Me Strength.
- Two-hand offhand whip for Sacred Order.
- Swap to Gazing Finger.
Boiled Crab for hyper armor. Maintain via swings to refill FP.
Combat Strategies and Playstyle
Excel at poise breaks: Charged R2s and jumping heavies shatter guards. Kowtower’s Resentment clears mobs horizontally—aim low. Against bosses, bait into art blasts for openings. Strengths: Stagger, range, holy vs undead. Weaknesses: Slow speed, FP reliance.
- PvE Bosses: Spam arts post-dodge.
- PvP Invasions: Mix bonks with rolls.
- Mobs: AoE resentment sweeps.
Video showcases level 150 clears with 2k+ AR.
Progression Roadmap
- Early DLC (RL100): 50 Str, 20 Int/Fai, +5 weapon.
- Mid (RL125): 60 Str, 30 Vit, full buffs.
- Endgame (RL200+): 80 Str, 60 Vit/End.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gazing Finger BiS for strength builds?
It’s top-tier for hybrid str/int/fai, rivaling Giant-Crusher for stance damage.
Can it be powerstanced?
No, unique class; pair with fists or claws.
Best ashes for it?
None—fixed art is its strength.
RL125 viable?
Yes, soft caps hit early.
PvP strong?
Excellent panic bonks and roll-catch arts.
Experiment and adapt—this build crushes Shadow Realm.
References
- Elden Ring Wiki: Gazing Finger — Fextralife. 2024-06-21. https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Gazing+Finger
- Finger of Metyr Build Guide — GameRant. 2024-07-01. https://gamerant.com/elden-ring-shadow-of-the-erdtree-best-finger-of-metyr-build-guide-sote/
- OP Gazing Finger Build Guide — YouTube (Fextralife). 2024-06-28.
- Dominate with Gazing Finger Build — YouTube. 2024-06-25.
- Elden Ring Best Gazing Finger Build — NoobFeed. 2024-07-05. https://www.noobfeed.com/articles/elden-ring-best-gazing-finger-build