Updated August 30, 2026
If you want to use the Backhand Blade moveset early in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, you don't need to travel into the Shadow of the Erdtree content or wait until the late game.
The Reverse-Bladed Sword is available very early from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold for just 1,000 runes. It is a Backhand Blade with the Blind Spot skill, making it one of the easiest new weapons to add to a fresh character. Current guides confirm that it is sold directly from the Twin Maiden Husks without requiring a Bell Bearing or special unlock.
The best part is that you don't need to start as Idus Knight, create a new character, defeat a boss, or complete a special quest to get it.
This guide covers the Reverse-Bladed Sword location, requirements, stats, Blind Spot skill, how early you can get it, and whether it's worth upgrading for an early-game build.
๐ Table of Contents
- How to Get the Reverse-Bladed Sword Early
- Reverse-Bladed Sword Location
- Reverse-Bladed Sword Stats & Requirements
- How Early Can You Get It?
- What Does Blind Spot Do?
- Is the Reverse-Bladed Sword Good?
- Best Builds for the Reverse-Bladed Sword
- Reverse-Bladed Sword vs Backhand Blade
- Should You Upgrade the Reverse-Bladed Sword?
- Can You Get It Without Starting as Idus Knight?
- Reverse-Bladed Sword or Idus Sword?
- Other Early Tarnished Edition Weapons
- FAQ
How to Get the Reverse-Bladed Sword Early
The Reverse-Bladed Sword has one of the simplest acquisition routes among the new Tarnished Edition weapons.
Quick route
Roundtable Hold → Twin Maiden Husks → Purchase → Reverse-Bladed Sword → 1,000 runes
You don't need to:
- Defeat a boss
- Trigger an NPC invasion
- Find a Bell Bearing
- Complete a quest
- Enter Shadow of the Erdtree
- Start as a specific class
The weapon is simply available through the Twin Maiden Husks' regular shop stock. Current guides likewise confirm that no Bell Bearing or Ashes unlock is required.
That makes it particularly useful if you're beginning a new character and want a different moveset without waiting for later progression.
Reverse-Bladed Sword Location
The Reverse-Bladed Sword is located at Roundtable Hold.
Step-by-step
- Reach Roundtable Hold.
- Fast travel to the Table of Lost Grace.
- Leave the central table area and head toward the room containing the Twin Maiden Husks.
- Speak to the Twin Maiden Husks.
- Select Purchase.
- Scroll through their inventory until you find the Reverse-Bladed Sword.
- Buy it for 1,000 runes.
The sword goes directly into your inventory after the purchase.
Current guides show the same basic route: fast travel to the Table of Lost Grace, enter the Twin Maiden Husks' shop, scroll to the weapon and purchase it for 1,000 runes.
Do you need anything from the Twin Maiden Husks first?
No. The Reverse-Bladed Sword does not require a Bell Bearing or a special Ashes item to unlock it in their shop. That is what makes this one of the most convenient new weapons in Tarnished Edition.
Reverse-Bladed Sword Stats & Requirements
The Reverse-Bladed Sword is a Backhand Blade designed around fast, mobile attacks.
The Reverse-Bladed Sword has 115 Physical Attack, weighs 3.0, and requires 9 Strength and 11 Dexterity. It has D Strength and D Dexterity scaling before upgrades and comes with the Blind Spot skill, which costs 9 FP.
Important stat note
If you come across different numbers for the Reverse-Bladed Sword in older guides or launch-day coverage, use the following values for the current Tarnished Edition version:
- 9 Strength / 11 Dexterity / 3.0 weight
The low requirements make the weapon particularly accessible for early-game Dexterity characters, while its low weight makes it easy to fit into lighter equipment setups.
How Early Can You Get the Reverse-Bladed Sword?
Very early.
Once you have access to Roundtable Hold, you can purchase the weapon from the Twin Maiden Husks. That means the Reverse-Bladed Sword can become an early-game weapon rather than something you have to wait until the later sections of the game to obtain. Current coverage likewise identifies it as one of the earliest ways to access the Backhand Blade style in the Lands Between.
This is especially significant for players who enjoyed the Backhand Blade weapon style in Shadow of the Erdtree. Instead of waiting until you reach the Realm of Shadow, Tarnished Edition lets you use the new weapon style during the normal base-game progression.
Why this matters
The Reverse-Bladed Sword is not simply another sword added to the weapon list. It gives a new character access to a distinct combat style much earlier than normal. That makes it one of the most interesting weapons to pick up immediately after gaining access to Roundtable Hold.
What Does Blind Spot Do?
The Reverse-Bladed Sword comes with the Blind Spot skill.
Blind Spot is built around the weapon's mobile fighting style. Instead of simply standing in front of an enemy and trading attacks, the skill allows you to reposition around the opponent before striking. It is particularly useful when you want to attack from an unexpected angle or create distance from a dangerous frontal attack.
Blind Spot costs 9 FP — That makes the skill inexpensive enough to use regularly during normal exploration.
It works particularly well when you combine it with:
- Dodging
- Stamina management
- Side positioning
- Quick punish windows
- Aggressive melee
- Hit-and-move combat
If you enjoy staying mobile instead of relying on heavy armor and trading hits, Blind Spot is a major part of the weapon's appeal.
Is the Reverse-Bladed Sword Good?
Yes — especially as an early-game weapon.
The Reverse-Bladed Sword's biggest advantage isn't necessarily its eventual maximum damage. It's how early you get its moveset.
You receive:
- A Backhand Blade moveset
- Low stat requirements
- 3.0 weight
- A mobile weapon skill
- Easy access from Roundtable Hold
- No boss requirement
- No special quest
- No Shadow of the Erdtree progression
That is an excellent package for a fresh character.
Its biggest strength: mobility
The weapon is particularly attractive if you prefer: fast attacks + repositioning + aggressive melee rather than: heavy armor + large weapons + trading hits
The relatively low weight also makes it easy to fit into a variety of equipment setups.
But don't treat it as an automatic endgame replacement
There is an important distinction here. The Reverse-Bladed Sword is excellent for giving you the Backhand Blade experience early, but its upgraded scaling is not necessarily as strong as the original Shadow of the Erdtree Backhand Blade at the highest levels. Current coverage notes that the Tarnished Edition version reaches B Dexterity scaling when fully upgraded on Keen, while the original DLC Backhand Blade can reach S Dexterity scaling.
So think of it as: An early-access Backhand Blade weapon with excellent utility, rather than an automatic replacement for every later weapon.
For a new character, however, that distinction matters much less during the early and mid game.
Best Builds for the Reverse-Bladed Sword
The simplest approach is to build around Dexterity and physical melee.
Dexterity Build
This is the most natural direction. Prioritize:
- Dexterity
- Vigor
- Endurance
- Mind as needed for frequent skill use
The goal is to make the most of the weapon's fast attacks while keeping enough health and stamina to stay aggressive.
Strength/Dexterity Hybrid
You can also use it as part of a quality-style physical build. Because the weapon has both Strength and Dexterity scaling, you don't have to commit exclusively to Dexterity from the beginning.
However, don't spread your levels too thin. A stronger early character usually comes from choosing one primary damage stat and letting Vigor and Endurance keep the build functional.
Mobile Melee Build
If you like the weapon specifically because of Blind Spot, build around its mobility rather than trying to turn it into a heavy weapon.
A useful playstyle is:
- Dodge → reposition → Blind Spot → quick attacks → disengage
That makes the Reverse-Bladed Sword particularly enjoyable against enemies that punish frontal attacks.
Reverse-Bladed Sword vs Backhand Blade
If you've played Shadow of the Erdtree, you may immediately notice that the Reverse-Bladed Sword is filling a familiar role.
The important difference is when you can use it.
The Reverse-Bladed Sword effectively brings this style into the Lands Between much earlier. Current coverage notes that its fully upgraded Keen scaling reaches B Dexterity, while the original DLC Backhand Blade can reach S Dexterity.
So which should you use?
- If you're still progressing through the base game: Use the Reverse-Bladed Sword.
- If you eventually obtain the original Backhand Blade and prefer its higher scaling: You can switch later.
You don't lose anything by enjoying the Reverse-Bladed Sword during the early and mid game.
Should You Upgrade the Reverse-Bladed Sword?
Yes, if you enjoy the moveset.
The weapon is a standard-upgrade weapon, so it fits naturally into a normal Smithing Stone progression. You don't need to save every upgrade material simply because the weapon has a replacement in the DLC.
If the Reverse-Bladed Sword is your main weapon and you're consistently enjoying its moveset, upgrading it is perfectly reasonable.
When should you stop investing in it?
Consider switching if:
- You find another weapon you prefer
- Your build changes direction
- You reach the original Backhand Blade later
- The weapon no longer keeps pace with your preferred damage setup
- You simply want a different moveset
The important point is that early-game weapon upgrades are there to help you progress. Don't leave a weapon at +0 because you're worried that a theoretically stronger weapon might appear later.
Can You Get It Without Starting as Idus Knight?
Yes.
You do not need to choose Idus Knight when creating your character. The Reverse-Bladed Sword is a standalone weapon sold by the Twin Maiden Husks, so an existing character can obtain it normally. Current Tarnished Edition item guides confirm that the new equipment can be collected on existing saves rather than requiring a new character.
This is useful if you've already started a character and simply want to experiment with the new weapon.
You can therefore:
- Keep your existing character
- Travel to Roundtable Hold
- Buy the Reverse-Bladed Sword
- Meet its 9 STR / 11 DEX requirements
- Equip it
- Start testing Blind Spot immediately
You don't need to restart your playthrough.
Reverse-Bladed Sword or Idus Sword?
If you're choosing between the two early Tarnished Edition weapons, the answer depends on the combat style you want.
Choose Reverse-Bladed Sword for:
- Fast attacks
- Mobility
- Backhand Blade gameplay
- Dexterity builds
- Lightweight equipment
- Aggressive positioning
- Early access to a DLC-style weapon category
Choose Idus Sword for:
- Light Greatsword gameplay
- Longer weapon reach
- Impaling Thrust
- Strength/Dexterity physical builds
- A more conventional sword moveset
The Idus Sword is also available early, but it requires travelling to Liurnia rather than simply purchasing the Reverse-Bladed Sword at Roundtable Hold.
For the complete locations and stats of the Tarnished Edition weapons, see our Elden Ring Tarnished Edition All 7 New Weapons: Locations, Stats & How to Get Them.
Other Early Tarnished Edition Weapons
The Reverse-Bladed Sword isn't the only new weapon worth collecting during the early part of a playthrough.
Hefty Scimitar
A Curved Greatsword sold by a Nomadic Merchant in Limgrave. It's a good choice if you want heavier melee and sweeping attacks.
Idus Sword
The new Light Greatsword associated with Idus Knight can be found in Liurnia even if you didn't choose the class.
Reed Great Katana
A particularly interesting option for players who want a Great Katana without waiting for Shadow of the Erdtree progression.
These weapons make Tarnished Edition's early game noticeably different from the original Elden Ring progression. Current guides likewise list the Reverse-Bladed Sword, Idus Sword, Hefty Scimitar and Reed Great Katana among the new weapons that can be obtained relatively early.
For a broader route through the opening hours, including starting classes, early weapons, Torrent, Smithing Stones and Spirit Ashes, check our Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Beginner Guide: Best Starting Class, Early Weapons & What to Do First.
FAQ
Where is the Reverse-Bladed Sword in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition?
You can buy it from the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold.
How much does the Reverse-Bladed Sword cost?
The Reverse-Bladed Sword costs 1,000 runes.
What are the Reverse-Bladed Sword requirements?
The weapon requires 9 Strength and 11 Dexterity. It has D Strength and D Dexterity scaling before upgrades.
What is the Reverse-Bladed Sword's weight?
The Reverse-Bladed Sword weighs 3.0 according to the in-game weapon stat screen from the analyzed Tarnished Edition footage.
What skill does the Reverse-Bladed Sword have?
It comes with Blind Spot, which costs 9 FP and is designed around repositioning around an enemy before attacking.
Can you get the Reverse-Bladed Sword early?
Yes. It is available from the Twin Maiden Husks once you have access to Roundtable Hold, making it one of the earliest Tarnished Edition weapons you can obtain.
Do you need Shadow of the Erdtree to get the Reverse-Bladed Sword?
No. The weapon can be purchased at Roundtable Hold, allowing you to use the Backhand Blade style during the base-game progression.
Do you need to start as Idus Knight?
No. Any suitable existing character can purchase the weapon from the Twin Maiden Husks.
Is the Reverse-Bladed Sword worth using?
Yes, particularly during the early and mid game. Its main advantage is giving you access to the Backhand Blade moveset extremely early. Its late-game scaling is less impressive than the original DLC Backhand Blade, so it doesn't necessarily need to remain your permanent endgame weapon.
Is the Reverse-Bladed Sword good for Dexterity builds?
Yes. Its Dexterity requirement and scaling make it a natural fit for Dexterity-oriented physical builds, especially if you want a fast and mobile melee weapon.
Final Verdict
The Reverse-Bladed Sword is one of the easiest and most useful Tarnished Edition weapons to pick up early.
You only need to reach Roundtable Hold, visit the Twin Maiden Husks, and spend 1,000 runes.
For that small investment, you get:
- A Backhand Blade weapon
- 115 Physical Attack
- 3.0 weight
- 9 STR / 11 DEX requirements
- Blind Spot
- Early access to a moveset normally associated with Shadow of the Erdtree
Its biggest selling point isn't that it is guaranteed to be the strongest weapon at the end of the game. It's that you can use the Backhand Blade playstyle almost immediately.
If you like fast, evasive melee combat, it's absolutely worth picking up. And because it costs only 1,000 runes, there's very little reason not to try it on your next Tarnished Edition character.
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