Run Heavy knight for one extra skill point
50 levels can be shaved off of dex and str to base stats of the Ansbach longbow for the cost of 50 damage. Potentially an option.
38 mind so that you get 100% value from cerulean flask for maximum weapon art spam. Alternatively the build can move it to dmg.
Can swap to the crucible tree armor. The helmet is needed to get 51 poise at 50 end w/o help from talismans.
Alternatively any of the helmets offering extra stats can work fine if that stat is reduced and endurance is increased.
using the white mask+lord of blood exultation and standing close to the boss when bleed is procced is another option.
There’s some alternative status buff builds too with the other main notable one being poison with a talisman+helmet too.
Both sting talismans stack but the reach does not. Spear is great since you’re dealing pierce damage. Shard of alexander is big for the weapon art.
Alternatively things like the twin turtle talisman are nice.
Unfortunately the two-handed talisman does not work with bows.
The Physik has lots of options:
A defensive physicks with opaline hardtear for defense and crimson bubble to avoid one shot blenders great
The hidden Tears let you absolutely spam nonstop for a short amount of time which can be fun
The greenburst tear for stamana regen is nice
bloodsucking for damage is great although it hurts you
crimsonburst healing over time helps mitigate that
Bloodbone arrows for bleed (main component purchasable and the feathers are farmable if you want the fletched ones)
Stormwind bone arrows for poise and physical damage (components are farmable but a little annoying)
Lots of other great arrow options depending on boss weaknesses:
Serpent arrow for poison (purchasable)
Coldbone arrow/spiritflame arrow for frost (farmable/super rare)
sleepbone/trina for sleep (farmable/super rare)
rotbone arrow for rot (kinda farmable+super rare)
Fire arrow for overall dmg and fire effect (purchasable)
golden arrow for holy dmg (purchasable)
lightning bone arrow for lightning dmg (easily farmable)
Piqubone arrows/shattershard for lure (kinda annoying to get but doable for the few you’ll want)
Rainbow stone arrow (BIS fashion arrow – easily craftable)
Can use consumable buffs when relevant. body/aura/stamina/health regen.
echaulted+golden vow consumable+ well pickled turtle neck are the best options although they’re rare.
crab+GV weapon art are good too.
bestial vitality is a nice spell even if you only have as low as 7 faith as long as you’ve got the +5 faith talisman.
