Ultimate Marais Executioner’s Sword Build

The Marais Executioner’s Sword stands out as one of the most devastating weapons in Elden Ring, particularly with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Its signature Ash of War, Eochaid’s Dancing Blade, delivers a spinning drill attack that chains multiple hits, blending physical and magic damage for exceptional boss-melting potential. This build maximizes its strengths through high Strength and Arcane investment, paired with multi-hit talismans and powerful incantation buffs.

Weapon Overview and Acquisition

Marais Executioner’s Sword is a colossal greatsword obtained by defeating a specific boss in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Once in hand, its base stats impress with solid physical damage and innate magic scaling, but the true power lies in Eochaid’s Dancing Blade. Tapping the skill launches a quick frontal spin followed by a swipe; holding it charges for additional rotations, amplifying hits and damage. This dance-like mechanic synergizes perfectly with buffs that reward successive strikes.

Key advantages include high reach, dual damage types, and chargeable output, though it demands patience due to long animations and high stat requirements. It’s viable in both PvE and PvP, punishing aggressive foes.

Optimal Stat Distribution

For a level 150 character, prioritize Strength to 80 for the soft cap and Arcane to 50 to boost the weapon’s scaling. These core stats unlock peak attack rating (AR). Vigor should hit 50-60 for survivability against DLC bosses, while Endurance at 20+ supports heavier armor loads.

Beyond level 150, pump Faith to 33 for Shabriri’s Wail, Golden Vow, and Aged One’s Exultation. Intelligence at 20 enables Terra Magica, boosting magic damage by 22.5% within its zone—ideal since the sword’s skill deals magic harm.

Essential Gear Setup

Main Weapon and Off-Hand

Two-hand the Marais Executioner’s Sword for maximum output. Off-hand a Clawmark Seal (Strength-scaling) or Dragon Communion Seal (for lightweight buffs and dragon breaths). These cast incantations without compromising your primary grip.

Armor Choices

Opt for the Briar Set to proc blood loss on close encounters, synergizing with multi-hit skills. It offers balanced poise and defense without crippling equip load. Alternatives like high-poise heavy sets work if Endurance allows.

Talisman Combinations

Focus on multi-hit amplifiers since Eochaid’s Dancing Blade lands rapid strikes:

• Shard of Alexander: Boosts skill damage by 15%—core for this build.
• Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Stacks damage on successive hits (6%/8%/13%).
• Godfrey Icon: Enhances charged attacks.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Increases AR at full HP.
• NG+ Swap: Millicent’s Prosthesis for even higher successive hit bonuses.

Rotate in Thorny Cracked Tear for extra multi-hit damage via Wondrous Physick.

Buffs and Incantation Rotation

Layer these for exponential damage spikes. Start with physick, then cast in sequence:

1. Golden Vow: +15% damage, -10% incoming for 80s.
2. Flame, Grant Me Strength: +20% physical/fire (or swap for Bloodboil Aromatic if available).
3. Shabriri’s Wail (via Madding Hand): +25% attack power for 40s, but raises damage taken—high risk/reward.
4. Aged One’s Exultation: Boosts when status builds up.
5. Blessed Dew: Regens HP over time.

Position Terra Magica first for its magic amp. Total buffs can exceed 100% damage increase. Use Dragon Communion Seal for breath spells if Faith/Arcane align.

Combat Tactics and Boss Strategies

Dodge into position, cast buffs, then unleash charged Eochaid’s Dancing Blade. The multi-hits stagger most foes, opening criticals. Against mobile bosses, quick-tap for pokes; save charges for poise breaks.

• Early DLC Bosses: Buff and trade hits safely with high Vigor.
• Endgame Elites: Proc status via Briar armor during openings.
• PvP: Bait rolls, punish with charged spins—long windup deters spammers.

Physick with Thorny Cracked Tear + Crimson Bubbletear sustains through trades. Maintain full HP for Ritual Sword Talisman.

Progression Path: From Early Game to Max

Level 100: 50 Str, 30 Arc, basic buffs like Golden Vow.
Level 150: Hit soft caps, add multi-hit talismans.
Level 200+: Faith/Int dips for advanced buffs, NG+ prosthetics.

Respec at Rennala if needed, farming runes in DLC for quick levels.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

• Long Animations: Time releases post-dodge.
• Madness Buildup: Equip gear to mitigate self-damage from Shabriri’s.
• FP Starvation: Prioritize Mind slightly or use Cerulean Tears.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get the Marais Executioner’s Sword?

Defeat the relevant DLC boss—check Shadow of the Erdtree guides for exact location.

Is this build good for PvP?

Yes, the reach and stagger excel in invasions, though predictable charges require mix-ups.

Can I use this without DLC?

No, the weapon is DLC-exclusive, but similar Strength greatswords work as proxies.

Best Physick Mix?

Thorny Cracked Tear + any crimson for sustain.

NG+ Changes?

Swap Shard for Millicent’s Prosthesis; stack more status talismans.

Advanced Variations

Madness Focus: Madding Hand off-hand, max Shabriri uptime.
Int Hybrid: 20 Int for Terra Magica + sorcery hybrids.
Bleed Variant: Occult affinity if Arcane >60.

This setup one-shots many encounters with proper execution, cementing Marais as top-tier.