Elden Ring: Fang of the Hollow Wyrm – Blade of the Forgotten Depths
Jun-05-2025 PSTIn this guide, we’ll explore how to acquire the Fang, the best builds to wield it, how to master its unique skill Serpentlash, and Elden Ring Runes key strategies to crush foes with decay and overwhelming power.
How to Acquire the Fang of the Hollow Wyrm
To obtain this weapon, you must delve into a late-game legacy dungeon known as the Forgotten Depths. This area is unlocked after you defeat Malria, Bane of Life, a boss in the Lake of Rot Plateau. Once unlocked, journey through the Collapsed Rootway and descend into the Forgotten Depths, where you'll eventually face the Hollow Wyrm.
The Hollow Wyrm is a grotesque, draconic beast twisted by Scarlet Rot. The fight features wide tail sweeps, long-reaching fang slams, and massive rot-spewing geysers. Bring high rot resistance, boluses, and ranged options to control the fight from a safer distance.
Upon slaying the Hollow Wyrm, you’ll be rewarded with the Fang of the Hollow Wyrm, as well as a unique Remembrance that can optionally be traded for a powerful rot-themed incantation.
Weapon Overview
The Fang of the Hollow Wyrm is a curved greatsword that deals a mix of heavy physical and rot damage. It requires high Strength to wield effectively, with modest Dexterity and Arcane requirements. Strength is the weapon’s primary scaling stat, though Arcane contributes significantly to increasing its Scarlet Rot buildup.
The sword applies passive Scarlet Rot on hit and features a unique weapon skill, Serpentlash, which cannot be replaced with Ashes of War.
Unique Skill – Serpentlash
Serpentlash transforms the Fang into a whip-like chain of steel, spiraling out in a wide, multi-hit lashing attack. It can be charged for greater range and a 360-degree sweep that knocks enemies back and applies a stacking Scarlet Rot debuff.
This skill costs 18 FP per use and can be charged by holding the skill button. It excels at crowd control, punishing groups of enemies, and creating space in PvP. The spiraling lash also tracks surprisingly well, making it excellent for catching rolling opponents.
In PvE, Serpentlash is an opener, crowd-clearer, and boss-buster. In PvP, it’s a psychological tool: zoning enemies, baiting rolls, and punishing hesitation.
Build 1: Strength & Arcane Hybrid
To fully unleash the potential of this weapon, a Strength-heavy build with moderate Arcane investment works best. Stack Vigor to endure trades, Endurance for stamina and weight capacity, and Arcane to maximize rot application.
For talismans, consider equipping the Dragoncrest Greatshield for defense, Kindred of Rot’s Exultation for increased attack when rot procs, and the Green Turtle Talisman to help maintain stamina in extended fights. The Rotten Winged Sword Insignia boosts your power as you chain attacks, pairing beautifully with Serpentlash.
This build shines in both PvE and PvP, delivering monstrous blows while steadily decaying your enemies from within. Heavy armor like the Veteran’s Set or Bull-Goat Set will allow you to tank through aggression, while a touch of Arcane ensures your enemies don’t last long once afflicted with rot.
Build 2: Arcane-Focused Rotmaster
For those looking to dominate in PvP using decay and pressure, lean harder into Arcane. A high Arcane stat amplifies rot buildup drastically. Pair the Fang with incantations like Rotten Breath or Ekzykes’s Decay to maintain pressure from a distance while you wait for Serpentlash opportunities.
With Strength still high enough to meet weapon requirements and do solid damage, this build emphasizes hit-and-run tactics, zoning, and status manipulation. Your damage isn't just from the sword—it’s from watching your opponent’s health tick away as they panic under pressure.
This setup thrives when paired with off-hand tools like the Scavenger’s Curved Sword (to stack rot and bleed) or support from Dragon Communion incantations. Your enemies will either fall to rot or be baited into mistakes trying to avoid it.
PvP Tactics
In PvP, the Fang of the Hollow Wyrm is a powerhouse when wielded with patience and purpose. Its unique weapon skill, Serpentlash, excels at punishing passive or overly aggressive players. The wide arc and multi-hit design can catch enemies off-guard, especially after a roll or poorly timed attack.
Start duels with a light tap of Serpentlash to gauge your opponent’s reactions. If they roll early, follow up with a jumping heavy or crouch attack to catch them on recovery. Repeat this rhythm to keep them pressured.
Against light armor builds, trade with confidence. If your rot procs, maintain pressure with follow-up slashes or another Serpentlash while they panic-heal. Many opponents will retreat, at which point you can punish them again, stacking further rot or closing the distance for a finishing blow.
PvE Tactics
In PvE, this weapon is ideal for long boss fights or enemies susceptible to rot. Large foes, such as dragons or Erdtree Avatars, are perfect targets for Serpentlash due to their massive hitboxes. Once rot is inflicted, kite the enemy while the effect melts their health.
When facing groups of enemies, open with a charged Serpentlash to clear the space. The wide sweep will stagger or outright kill smaller foes, giving you room to reposition or finish off any survivors. For enemies immune or resistant to rot, rely more on your Strength and heavy attacks to overwhelm them.
The Fang’s versatility in PvE makes it a potent tool for both solo exploration and legacy dungeon challenges.
Complementary Gear and Spells
To round out your playstyle, consider running Flame, Cleanse Me to cleanse your own rot, especially if you rely on dragon spells. Blessing of the Erdtree provides passive healing, allowing you to stay in combat longer while your opponent decays. If you want to stack pressure at range, Rotten Breath is the perfect pre-fight tool.
Dual-wielding with another rot or bleed weapon increases your threat level significantly. Alternating between a curved sword and the Fang allows you to mix up your timing and hit zones, forcing enemies to guess constantly.
Lore Connection
The Fang of the Hollow Wyrm carries more than power—it bears ancient history. The Hollow Wyrm is believed to be a failed mutation of the ancient dragons, abandoned and Elden Ring Runes for sale left to rot in the depths. Its blade pulses with that same neglect and hatred, bound to the wyrm’s memory. Those who wield the Fang are not just warriors—they’re carriers of a forgotten rage.
Conclusion
The Fang of the Hollow Wyrm is more than just a greatsword. It’s a declaration of decay. With its rot buildup, brutal curved greatsword damage, and Serpentlash weapon art, it opens new paths for creative, aggressive, and oppressive play. Whether you're diving into PvE dungeons or conquering the PvP arenas, this weapon rewards those who embrace the slow, relentless power of rot and ruin.
Ready to wield the forgotten fang and leave a trail of decay in your wake? Then step into the depths—and claim it.