Elden Ring: Where To Get The Hookclaws

TL;DR

  • Hookclaws require 8 Strength and 14 Dexterity, excelling in bleed buildup and mobility
  • Located in Stormveil Castle’s cellar via Gatekeeper Gostoc’s secret entrance path
  • Quickstep skill enables Bloodborne-style dodging for aggressive positioning
  • Ideal for Dexterity builds with Arcane investment for hemorrhage effects
  • Early-game acquisition makes them perfect for agile character development

Embrace your inner berserker with these lightning-fast claw weapons that transform combat into a dance of death.

While Elden Ring offers countless armaments for your journey, the Hookclaws stand apart for players craving relentless offensive pressure combined with exceptional mobility. These parallel-bladed fist weapons become available during the initial stages of your adventure, providing immediate access to a playstyle centered on constant aggression and strategic positioning.

The Hookclaws demand modest stat investments of 8 Strength alongside 14 Dexterity to unlock their full potential. You have tactical flexibility—employ a single claw with protective gear or engage both hands to activate dual-wielding mode, unleashing rapid combos that inflict substantial bleed accumulation while maintaining impressive visual flair.

Their signature ability, Quickstep, replicates the fluid evasion mechanics reminiscent of Bloodborne’s combat system. This technique permits seamless navigation around hostile threats, creating openings for devastating rear assaults and maintaining offensive momentum.

Official item lore describes the Hookclaws as:

Close-quarters armament featuring sharp parallel blades preferred by shadow-dwelling operatives. Incisions induce significant hemorrhage buildup. Claw-type implements function as paired units, with two-hand deployment activating both simultaneously.

The Hookclaws await discovery within Stormveil Castle’s introductory segments. Upon initially approaching the fortress, select the covert entry route proposed by Gatekeeper Gostoc. Navigate the deteriorating cliffside pathways until ascending stairs into the castle’s interior courtyard.

Within this initial castle segment, identify the basement area positioned directly ahead before proceeding upward. Confirm correct identification by the storage-packed environment containing a solitary axe-equipped adversary patrolling the premises. Eliminate this opponent and locate the Hookclaws resting against the rear partition to commence your claw-specialized combat evolution.

Hookclaws location

Hookclaws location

Critical navigation tip: Many players mistakenly bypass the cellar entrance by immediately ascending the main staircase. The concealed doorway blends with the stonework, so methodically scan the ground-level perimeter before progressing. This early acquisition timing makes the Hookclaws perfect companions for players following our Class Guide focused on agile, evasion-based combat styles.

Mastering Hookclaws extends beyond simple acquisition—their true potential emerges through specialized buildcraft and combat methodology. These weapons shine brightest in Dexterity-focused configurations with supplemental Arcane attributes to amplify hemorrhage effectiveness.

Optimal Stat Allocation: Prioritize Dexterity to 40-60 for damage scaling, with 25-40 Arcane to accelerate bleed buildup. Endurance investment proves crucial for sustaining the aggressive playstyle these weapons demand.

Advanced Combat Techniques: Leverage the rapid attack chains to apply constant pressure while utilizing Quickstep for positioning. The dual-wielded light attack sequence delivers six consecutive strikes, ideal for triggering blood loss against resilient foes.

Common Beginner Mistakes: Many new users overcommit to extended combos without stamina management, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks. Practice hit-and-run tactics: engage briefly, reposition using Quickstep, then re-engage from advantageous angles.

For players seeking comprehensive weapon mastery, our Weapons Unlock guide provides deeper mechanical insights. The Hookclaws particularly complement builds detailed in our Complete Guide for character optimization.

Counter Strategy Awareness: While devastating against most enemies, Hookclaws struggle against opponents immune to hemorrhage or possessing hyper armor that withstands flinching. Identify these matchups early and have alternative strategies prepared.

Action Checklist

  • Reach Stormveil Castle and speak with Gatekeeper Gostoc for secret entrance
  • Navigate crumbling cliffs to first interior courtyard, locate ground-level cellar
  • Defeat axe-wielding guard, collect Hookclaws from back wall
  • Two-hand the weapon to activate dual-wielding mode
  • Practice Quickstep dodging and rapid combo chains in safe areas
  • Respec or level Dexterity to 14+ and Arcane for bleed optimization

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Elden Ring: Where To Get The Hookclaws Complete guide to finding and mastering Hookclaws for agile combat and bleed builds in Elden Ring