Scarlet Rot is one of the most potent negative effects that the protagonist of Elden Ring can encounter. However, you can use this effect to deal additional damage to your enemies. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Scarlet Rot.
Scarlet Rot is a status effect that can be applied to all characters in the game. It can occur during attacks from certain enemies, as well as when coming into contact with the surface of Scarlet swamps. It doesn't kill instantly but applies a negative effect for a certain period, dealing high damage.
Scarlet Rot accumulates gradually — the process can be tracked on a scale that appears in the center of the screen. If this happens, the hero's health will start to decrease until the scale diminishes to zero. To avoid wasting precious flasks on restoring health, use pills or spells.
The most effective protection against Scarlet Rot is protective pills. You can buy them from a merchant located near the «Northern Wilds of the Starry Wastes» grace site. We've indicated their exact location on the map.
Protective pills can be found in the open world of Elden Ring. For example, you will find 5 tablets near the Rot Shanty.
Additionally, you can craft these pills yourself. For this, you will need Armorer's Cookbook (6). You'll find it near the «Depths of the Siofra River Source» grace site, located underground. Refer to our screenshots.
To prepare protective pills, you will need:
Crystal SacScarlet Moss can be found in the Stillwater Cave. We've indicated its location on the map.
Dewkissed Herba grows in underground locations — in Nokron, on the banks of the Siofra River, and in Moghwyn Palace. You will visit these places while completing Ranni's quest.
SacScarlet Bloom can be found near Mt. Gelmir volcano, located close to the Volcano Manor. SacScarlet Bloom also grows near the Plague Church. Below we've indicated where it can be found.
If you're playing as a mage, you can learn the spell «Flame, Cleanse Me of Blight». It slows the spread of poison and Scarlet Rot. The necessary scroll can be found near the Oath Church. Refer to the screenshots.
If you want to slow down the accumulation of Scarlet Rot, use the Mushroom Armor set. The armor is located in a cave on the bank of the Boiling River. To open it, you will need a Sword Key. You can buy it from merchants, which we have discussed in a separate guide. The location of the required cave is indicated on the map.
The Mushroom Armor lies next to a giant flower.
If you wish, you can poison mobs and bosses, which are not immune to this effect, with Scarlet Rot. The simplest option is to use rotten grease for cold weapons and a rot pot as a throwable item. You will receive the recipes for their creation from Nomadic Warrior's Cookbook (22). You will find it near the Great Cloister grace site. You will need to cross to the other side of the red lake.
If you're playing as an archer, use rotbone arrows. The recipe needed for their crafting is sold by a nomadic merchant, who stands west of Radahn's arena.
For crafting rotten grease, rot pots, and rotbone arrows, you will need Eonia butterflies. They drop from basilisks, which inhabit the Lake of Rot.
You can also use a friendly spirit to utilize Scarlet Rot. The Ash of War of a rotting stray dog will do the job perfectly. We have indicated the location of the ash on the map.
There are eight types of weapons in the game that apply the status of Scarlet Rot to enemies. However, there is no point in detailing them — almost all are too slow and not very effective. The only exception is the Antspur Rapier. It has a high attack speed and decent damage. Moreover, you can enhance it with Ash of War. To obtain this weapon, go to the point indicated on the map. Defeat the red phantom and take the rapier from its body.
Great Scarlet Rot. To obtain these spells, you need to defeat Malenia. The boss's soul can be exchanged for the spell at the Roundtable Hold from the old woman sitting next to the Two Fingers.
Rot Breath. It can be purchased at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. Its location is indicated on the map. You will need a heart, which can be obtained from any dragon.
Exike's Decay. A stronger version of the previous spell. To get it, you need to kill the dragon located north of the Cathedral.
If you plan to frequently use Scarlet Rot in combat, we recommend paying attention to the Mushroom Helm and the Triumph of Scarlet Rot talisman. They increase your attack for 20 seconds each time your character or the enemy is affected by rot.
The talisman can be found in the Boiling River Cave. It drops from the dungeon boss. The exact location of this site is indicated on the map.