The secret is out: Bleed builds are OPs in the current Elden Ring PvP meta and are just as great in PvE. With enough Dexterity points, most Bleed weapons, from Moon Veil to Rivers of Blood, are viable options. But it’s the equipment you choose to pair with these weapons that makes a Bleed build truly special, and the White Mask is the best of the bunch.
The White Mask is the Helmet of the Surgeon of War Set. When worn, increase your attack power by 10% for 20 seconds after bleeding an enemy. Also stacks with the Bloodlord’s Talisman of Exultation, which increases your attack power by 20%. Together, you’ll consistently hit enemies for 30% more damage.
While it is possible to get your hands on the White Mask early in the game, it will take some effort. It is located in the Mohgwyn Palace, one of the most brutal areas in the whole of the Elden Ring. Getting it below level is a tall order, but when you do, you’ll have key gear for any Bleed build that can take you through the entire PvE experience and even into PvP.
Important Note: By killing Mohg, Lord of Blood prevents you from getting the White Mask! If you’ve beaten him already, you’ll have to wait until NG + to get this Helm.
How to get to the Mohgwyn Palace
There are two ways to reach Mohgwyn Palace: completing the White Mask Varre questline or reaching a portal deep within the Hallowed Snowfield.
The White Mask Varre questline
The White Mask Varre questline can be completed very early in the game, so this is the option to use if you want to get your hands on the White Mask as quickly as possible in a new game.
Varre is the first NPC you meet in Elden Ring, standing right next to the First Step Site of Grace. Talk to him here, then return to this location after defeating Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle (or after obtaining a Great Rune). He will teach you to visit the Round Table and meet the Two Fingers. Do it, then head to Liurnia dei Laghi.

The second location you’ll find Varre is at the Rose Church, just south of the Raya Lucaria Academy. Talk to him here and tell him Two Fingers “didn’t feel right” when he asks your impression of them. Talk to him again and he’ll give you five Rot Bloody Fingers, a consumable item used to invade other players in PvP.
Use your fingers to invade three different players, then return to Varre. She will ask you to join him in serving Luminary Mohg, Lord of Blood. Allow him to anoint you, and he will give you the favor of the Lord of Blood, teaching you to bathe him in the blood of a maiden as your last step.

The closest place to do this is at the Church of the Inhibition, tucked away in the northeast corner of Liurnia. When you get there, make your way to the girl’s corpse in the chair. Take the Finger Maiden Set from her, then select “Dye Fabric with Maiden’s Blood”.

With your blood Lord’s favor freshly drenched in blood in your hand, return to Varre. He will congratulate you on completing your final test, he will cut your finger off and reward you with a reusable Blood Finger. Talk to him again and he’ll give you the Thoroughbred Knight’s Medal, a reusable item that can instantly teleport you to Mohgwyn Palace from anywhere. Use it, climb the stairs and rest at the entrance to the Dynasty Mausoleum, site of grace.
Portal of the Sanctified Snowfields
This is the much simpler option of the two, but you won’t be able to get there until later in the game. You will first need to reach the Altus Plateau by collecting both halves of the Dectus Medallion (in Limgrave and Caelid respectively). From there, you must defeat Morgott, King Omen in Leyndell to access the Giant’s Peaks. Finally, you must complete Latenna’s quest line to get both halves of Haligtree’s secret medallion. Only then will you be able to access the Consacrated Snowfield using the Grand Lift of Rold.

Once you reach the hidden path to the Haligtree Grace Site, head northwest until you reach the ruins of Yelough Anix – it’s hard to see through the snow in this area, but it’s basically a straight shot. From there, continue northwest until you find a lone Albinaurian guarding a portal on the side of the cliff. Defeat the Sanguine Noble Invader, collect the Sanguine Noble Set and enter the Mohgwyn Palace portal. Exit the cave and follow the path to your left until you reach the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace.
Position of the white mask
You’ll find the White Mask in a pool of blood in the southeastern section of the map. To get there from the entrance to the Dynasty Mausoleum, site of grace, simply walk down the stairs and continue forward, hugging the cliff to your right until the lake of blood narrows into a stream. There will be giant crows, dogs and deadly bloodthirsty geysers, so walk with caution. To get here from the palace access grace site, go down the hill, pass the hordes of albinaurs. Once you reach the lake, walk along the left wall until you reach the stream.
Continue forward. You will be invaded by three different nameless white mask NPC invaders in this area. Of course, they inflict Bleeding. Their combos can be deadly if you get caught, so be prepared to dodge when they rush you. Try taking out some enemies from a distance before entering, or consider luring the invaders away; Giant Crows are extremely aggressive and can spot you from afar.

The first invader will appear right at the entrance to the lake. The second will appear near the rocks to your left. Neither of these drop any items, but you’ll still want to get them out of the way. Finally, head to the cliff at the southern end of the lake. You will find the last Invader there, behind a large tree.

Kill the last Invader to get the Surgeon Set, White Mask and everything in between. Get ready and watch the damage done by your Bleed build increase.
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