TL;DR
- Briars of Sin requires 24 Faith and deals area damage while self-harming
- Found northwest of Raya Lucaria from a flame staff-wielding enemy
- Excellent for crowd control but requires careful positioning
- Pairs well with healing spells and defensive talismans
- Two distinct routes available for acquisition
This blood-based sorcery delivers spectacular visual effects alongside devastating area damage potential.
Character customization in Elden Ring thrives on discovering unique combat abilities that complement your playstyle. Briars of Sin stands out as an exceptional choice for players seeking both aesthetic appeal and tactical versatility. While its Faith requirement may seem unusual for a sorcery, the payoff in battlefield control makes it worthy of consideration for hybrid builds.
Casting Briars of Sin demands 24 Faith investment and generates a circular formation of crimson thorns around your character. This area-of-effect attack damages all nearby foes but inflicts a calculated self-harm penalty, requiring strategic deployment timing.
The official item description provides crucial lore context:
An aberrant sorcery, discovered along with red glintstone by those exiled to the north for their crimes. Summons large thorns from a whorl of bloodshed by one’s own hand in penance for sins. This sorcery can be cast repeatedly. The Academy reviles this sorcery, which draws its power from faith.
Strategic Insight: The self-damage mechanic actually creates tactical advantages. By combining this sorcery with health regeneration items or spells, you can mitigate the penalty while maintaining offensive pressure. The repeated casting capability allows for sustained area denial against aggressive enemy groups.
Acquiring Briars of Sin involves defeating a specific spellcaster located in Liurnia’s northern reaches. Begin by exiting the lake area immediately east of Raya Lucaria Academy’s main entrance. Travel northward along the shoreline until the path curves sharply leftward. Follow this new direction briefly before veering south to encounter your target – a distinctive enemy brandishing a flame staff while accompanied by several fire slug companions.
For experienced explorers, the Artist’s Shack Site of Grace offers a more direct approach. From this fast travel point, navigate northwest across the rocky terrain to reach the same enemy encounter, assuming you’ve previously unlocked this resting point.
Regardless of your chosen route, the spellcaster presents minimal combat challenge. Upon defeating this foe, collect Briars of Sin from their remains to add this powerful sorcery to your repertoire.

Navigation Tip: The primary route works best for new players exploring Liurnia systematically, while the Artist’s Shack path saves substantial time for those familiar with the region’s geography. Consider bringing a weapon with quick attacks to interrupt the enemy’s casting animations effectively.
Mastering Briars of Sin requires understanding its deeper combat mechanics and synergy potential. The self-damage equals approximately 8-10% of your maximum health per cast, making Vigor investment crucial for sustained usage.
Stat Allocation Priority: Beyond the 24 Faith requirement, focus on Mind for increased FP capacity and Vigor for survivability. Intelligence remains unnecessary despite this being classified as a sorcery.
Gear Synergies: The Prince of Death’s Staff significantly boosts this sorcery’s damage output while talismans like Blessed Dew Talisman or Crimson Amber Medallion help counterbalance the health cost.
Advanced Combo Potential: Chain Briars of Sin with Bestial Sling or Catch Flame for rapid close-quarters pressure. The initial cast creates space while follow-up incantations punish approaching enemies.
Common Mistake Avoidance: Many players deploy this sorcery at inappropriate ranges. Optimal effectiveness occurs at medium-close distance where the thorn formation covers maximum area while keeping you relatively safe from immediate retaliation.
Action Checklist
- Reach Liurnia of the Lakes and acquire 24 Faith
- Navigate to location east of Raya Lucaria Academy
- Defeat flame staff enemy and collect sorcery
- Practice casting in safe areas to master range and timing
- Integrate into combat rotation with healing support
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Elden Ring: Where To Get Briars Of Sin Master the powerful Briars of Sin sorcery with strategic location tips and combat optimization
