How To Unlock Monk Unarmed Combat In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree adds new weapons to suit your playstyle. However, one particular type is unique, since it allows you to show your martial prowess. Here's our guide on how unlock unarmed combat in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree unarmed combat - How to fight like a monk

You can unlock unarmed combat in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree by defeating a character named Dryleaf Dane. Our guide discusses all the steps that are part of this process.

The two locations that you should remember are Highroad Cross and Moorth Ruins. Both of these areas are in the Scadu Altus region, and they can only be accessed once you've defeated Rellana in Castle Ensis.

Assuming you've already taken care of Rellana, make your way to the Highroad Cross Site of Grace. There, you'll spot Leda and Hornsent once more. Additionally, you'll be able to pick up an item called the Monk's Missive, along with the "May the Best Win" emote.

The letter itself notes the following: "Seek me to the east if you wish to pursue the way of the warrior. When you find me, you will challenge me to a bout. There is no need for words."

From Highroad Cross, head directly east to the Moorth Ruins Site of Grace. That's where you'll meet Dryleaf Dane in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

As cited in the Monk's Missive, you have to challenge him to a bout. The "no need for words" part implies using the "May the Best Win" emote. Open the menu and select this gesture to use it in front of Dryleaf Dane. When you do this, the screen will fade to black and combat will begin.

Note that Dryleaf Dane has fast melee attacks even though he's unarmed. However, you can still fight him while wearing a full suit of armor and any weapon that you prefer. If you have some decent/high-tier equipment already, then the duel should be a breeze.

Once you've beaten Dryleaf Dane, you'll receive two items:

• Dane's Hat (light armor)
• Dryleaf Arts - In terms of functionality, this is still a weapon, but you're akin to an unarmed martial artist if we're talking about fighting styles. Here's what you need to know:
  • Skill: Palm Blast
  • Stat scaling: Str D and Dex D
  • Stat requirements: Str 8 and Dex 8

Dryleaf Arts' attack sequence has you punching and kicking your foes, and you can activate the skill to do a powerful ki-strike with your palm. This is pretty much how you unlock the monk fighting style or unarmed combat in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Do note that there's another armament that relies more on kicking your opponents. We discuss this further in our Dryleaf Dane set guide.