Backhand Blades are a new type of weapon in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring. To use such a weapon, the character takes a different stance, not like with traditional blades, but holds it in a reverse grip. Here's where to find the Backhand Blade, Smithscript Cirque, and Curseblade's Cirque.
There are a total of three backhand blades — these are some of the simplest new types of weapons you can get early on, as players don't need to defeat any difficult bosses.
The Backhand Blade is one of the first types of weapons you can get in Shadow of the Erdtree.
On the main road of the Gravesite Plain, northeast of the Scorched Ruins, you will see a coffin and a small structure resembling a stone gazebo. You will find the Backhand Blade next to the altar in the center of the building.
Skill: Blind Spot — a strike that allows the hero to leap a short distance to take advantage of the enemy's blind spot and hit them from the side. Input determines which side the strike is delivered from. This attack bypasses the enemy's guard.
Characteristics:
The Smithscript Cirque can be found in the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past dungeon, located in Scadu Altus, southwest of the Moorth Ruins.
Inside the dungeon, proceed forward until you open the second large door using a lever. Go through the opened door, and you will find yourself in a circular room with two stone giants and a pit. The disc will be on a corpse near the pit. Carefully grab the weapon, then either deal with the two giants or run away.
Skill: Blind Spot — a strike that allows the character to leap a short distance to take advantage of the enemy's blind spot and hit them from the side. Input determines which side the strike is delivered from. This attack bypasses the enemy's guard.
Characteristics:
The Curseblade's Cirque drops from Curseblade enemies, which you can find at the very beginning of your journey into the Shadow Realm. Unfortunately, this weapon drops randomly, so you'll have to farm it until you get lucky.
On the Gravesite plain, there are two options to obtain the Curseblade's Cirque, each located less than 10 seconds away from the nearest site of grace. Jump between the sites of grace and search.
At the Gravesite Plains Site of Grace, run forward to the giant arch that is in front of you when you spawn. You will see an enemy sitting atop, waiting for you. As you approach, he will jump down to attack.
From the Stagefront Site of Grace, turn around and descend the stairs. The enemy will be patrolling the staircase, allowing you to surprise him before he notices you.
Eventually, one of these two enemies will drop the Curseblade's Cirque for you.
Skill: Deadly Dance — an aggressive spinning skill that shreds enemies with circular blades.
Characteristics: