Where to Find Dryleaf Arts

If you find yourself asking, “Where to find Dryleaf Arts in Elden Ring?” you wouldn’t be the first Tarnished to have that thought! Shadow of the Erdtree introduced several new mechanics to the game, with hand-to-hand combat being one of the major additions. This isn’t to say you couldn’t use your fists before.

After all, there is a list of challenge runners who have beaten almost every FromSoftware game unarmed with just their fists. But Shadow of the Erdtree took it a step further and added a new martial art that has become some players’ preferred playstyle. We’re going to show you how to easily get the Dryleaf Arts so you too can start throwing hands!

What Are the Dryleaf Arts in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree?

When it was first released, the Shadow of the Erdtree trailer showcased several new visuals, including enemies, armor, locations, and weapons. The final one on that list was the most exciting for most players, as many had already run the gamut of the different kinds of arms Elden Ring had to offer.

Along with a list of new spells, swords, and shields, it was revealed that a new form of martial arts would be available to the player.

We later found out these were called the Dryleaf Arts, and they allow for rapid execution of punches and later kicks, along with some special moves. Some offensive abilities in Shadow of the Erdtree, such as the Watchful Spirit incantation, can only be acquired after going through several quests, and the same is true for getting the Dryleaf Arts.

The first thing you’ll realize about these fisticuffs is that the first set you receive focuses on punching and hand strikes. You won’t unlock the ability to land some kicking combos until much later.

The second half of the set can be found during the end stage of the game, so there are going to be a few spoilers for that section. So, if you haven’t finished the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion yet, then stop reading after the fight with Dane.

Where to Find Dryleaf Arts in Shadow of the Erdtree?

Before you get your hands on the ability to make them fly, you need to find your sensei. He comes in the form of Dryleaf Dane, a silent man wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

While his attire might look more like a mage than a martial artist, he will quickly show you that he is not one to be trifled with. However, unlike the Furnace Golems in the Land of Shadow, Dane won’t start swinging at you the moment he sees you.

Dane is one of the many followers of Miquella searching for him in this new realm. You can find him by accessing the Scadu Altus, made easier if you know how to unlock the Sealed Spiritsprings, by the Moorth Ruins. However, he won’t pay you any mind just yet; you need to find and perform a specific gesture for him to respond to your presence.

Head over to the Highroad Cross site of grace and you will find a note addressed to you, labeled ‘Monk’s Missive‘, and the ‘May the Best Win’ gesture. Aside from looking like a cool taunt, you need to head back to the Moorth Ruins and perform this gesture when standing in front of Dane. This will trigger a fight with Dane where you seem to invade his world.

Dryleaf Dane Will Attack Fast and Attack Often

The fight is not going to be a walk in the park, and this is just a sample for the future. Unlike in your world, Dane will rush at you the moment you spawn in, so get ready to squabble. You’ll also get your first look at the Dryleaf Arts, as no other character in the game uses these moves.

Dane will usually be vulnerable after ending a combo, and attacks from Heavy weapons can also knock him over. Aside from his flurry of punches, you will need to avoid his Palm Blast to avoid being knocked over.

This is also a great opportunity to sneak in some hits. Given Dane is a close-quarters attacker, using ranged attacks like the Lightning Spear incantation or even a weapon with reach like a Spear or a Halberd will allow you to poke him to submission.

Once you’ve downed Dane and returned to your world, you can pick up the Dryleaf Arts by the Stake of Miquella at Moorth Ruins. You will also find a note from Dane hinting that he will once again face you in combat.

Dane’s Footwork is the second half of the Dryleaf Arts and will add kicks to your offensive capabilities. To find this half of the set, you will have to progress the game until you get to the final legacy dungeon in Shadow of the Erdtree, Enir-Ilim. However, it’s not just the environmental enemies you will have to face in this area.

Along with Needle Knight Leda, you will be attacked by various NPCs who you met along your journey. One of them will be Dryleaf Dane. It’s not an easy fight, and you may need the help of some new weapons like the Milady to get past some of the foes. However, once you have defeated the entire gang, you can find the martial artist’s body nearby to loot Dane’s Footwork.

Shadow of the Erdtree introduced several new weapons and also many talismans and buffs to help improve their capabilities. Several items from the base game can help make a Dryleaf Arts build viable for players. The light attacks of this weapon will be a flurry of punches that can be combined into long combos.

As stated before, the quick-hitting capabilities of these attacks are great for inflicting status effects when facing bosses. The Palm Strike Ash of War can also help you inflict stagger and interrupt attacks from bosses like Rennala or Midra. Some Talismans that would pair well with a martial arts set would be:

• Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Greatly improves the damage dealt with successive attacks over three tiers.
• Godskin Swaddling Cloth: Successive attacks restore HP.
• Shattered Stone Talisman: Improves the damage dealt by Kick and Stomp attacks and will help make Dane’s Footwork more effective.
• Claw Talisman: Improves the damage dealt with jumping attacks for both punches and kicks.

If you stick to light armor, you can also make effective use of the Blue Dancer Charm to get a passive boost to your damage. Mix a stamina regeneration Tear in your Physick and you’ll be punching and kicking your way to victory very soon! With enough practice, you’ll be able to take down even the most difficult foes using just your fists!

Which weapon do you like best in Shadow of the Erdtree? Let us know in the comments below and check out our other Elden Ring guides to find more cool loot.