In Lords of the Fallen, players are constantly on the lookout for powerful and unique weapons to gain an edge in the brutal battles that define the game’s dark fantasy world. One such weapon, the Flickering Flail, stands out for its unique design and elemental properties. It offers not just an effective means to strike down enemies, but also serves as a strategic tool for certain builds, especially those focused on Radiance or hybrid magic-melee gameplay. Understanding how to find, use, and maximize the potential of the Flickering Flail is key for players who want to create an efficient and deadly character.
Overview of the Flickering Flail
What Makes It Special?
The Flickering Flail is a one-handed flail-type weapon in Lords of the Fallen. It is notable for its magical properties, particularly its connection to Radiance. This weapon emits a faint glow and can deal extra Radiance damage on top of its physical attacks, making it ideal for faith-based characters or those who are exploring Radiance builds. Its unique scaling and elemental bonuses make it a prime candidate for players who want to add divine flair to their arsenal.
Weapon Stats and Scaling
- Weapon Type: Flail (One-handed)
- Base Damage: Moderate physical damage with added Radiance elemental bonus
- Stat Requirements: Moderate Strength and Radiance scaling
- Scaling: B in Radiance, C in Strength (can vary slightly depending on upgrades)
- Status Effects: Slight chance to stagger enemies and deal additional Radiance damage
Where to Find the Flickering Flail
Location and Acquisition
To obtain the Flickering Flail, players need to explore specific areas in the Axiom or Umbral realms, depending on progression and choices made during the game. This weapon is typically located in regions filled with Radiance-aligned enemies or locked behind a challenge or puzzle involving light-based mechanisms.
Here’s a step-by-step suggestion to locate the Flickering Flail:
- Head to theAbbey of the Hallowed Sistersa location known for Radiance-themed quests and items.
- Activate theUmbral Lampto reveal hidden platforms or doors that aren’t visible in the normal realm.
- Progress through enemy encounters and search for a Radiance statue or altar. Interacting with it may spawn a chest or trigger an event that rewards the weapon.
- In some playthroughs, the Flickering Flail might be obtained after defeating a mini-boss or as a reward for completing a Radiant side quest.
Alternative Sources
If not found through exploration, the Flickering Flail may sometimes be purchased from a Radiance-aligned NPC vendor, or it might drop from specific Radiant cultists or priest enemies in mid-to-late game areas.
Best Builds for the Flickering Flail
Radiance Paladin
This build focuses on maximizing Radiance and Strength to deal both physical and elemental damage. The Flickering Flail’s B scaling with Radiance makes it a perfect fit for a character who also uses Radiant spells to heal or smite undead enemies.
- Primary Stats: Radiance, Strength, Vitality
- Armor Type: Medium to heavy, with good holy resistance
- Recommended Spells: Smite, Heal, Divine Shield
Hybrid Cleric
Ideal for players who want to balance melee combat with support magic. This build uses the Flickering Flail to weaken enemies in close combat while casting healing or crowd-control spells from a safe distance.
- Primary Stats: Radiance, Endurance, Agility
- Armor Type: Light to medium, focused on mobility
- Recommended Spells: Divine Chains, Flash of Light, Barrier
Combat Performance and Strategy
Flail Mechanics
Flails in Lords of the Fallen have a distinctive rhythm to their attack animations. They can stagger enemies effectively and hit multiple foes when timed correctly. The Flickering Flail, with its added Radiance bonus, can punish undead enemies or those weak to magic, especially when enhanced with buffs or Radiance scaling.
Advantages in Battle
- Radiance damage bypasses certain physical resistances
- Light weight allows for faster stamina recovery and dodge rolls
- Works well in both PvE and PvP due to mixed damage types
Tips for Use
It is best to weave in light attacks and Radiance spells during combat. Buff the flail using Radiant weapon enchantments before large fights. Timing is crucial flails have a delay before striking, so patience and rhythm are key to mastering them.
Upgrading and Enhancing the Flickering Flail
Where to Upgrade
Players can enhance the Flickering Flail at the blacksmith using runes and upgrade materials found throughout the game. Upgrading the weapon boosts both its physical and Radiance damage, and potentially improves its scaling stats, especially with Radiance.
Best Rune Inlays
- Radiant Rune: Increases elemental output
- Holy Wrath Rune: Adds a burst of Radiance after every combo finisher
- Blessed Recovery Rune: Grants a small heal on enemy kill, useful for solo builds
Comparisons to Other Radiance Weapons
Flickering Flail vs. Exalted Mace
While the Exalted Mace offers higher burst damage, the Flickering Flail delivers a better balance of speed and magic damage over time. The flail’s potential to hit multiple enemies makes it preferable for crowd control, while the mace is more effective for duels or boss fights.
Flickering Flail vs. Holy Blade
The Holy Blade requires more Radiance investment and is heavier. The Flickering Flail, by contrast, offers more flexibility in builds that require mobility or a mix of stats. It also requires less stamina to use, making it friendlier for newer players or those focused on endurance.
Role in Story and Lore
Symbol of Radiance
The Flickering Flail is more than just a weapon it’s a symbol of Radiance’s dwindling influence in the world of Lords of the Fallen. Its flickering glow may represent the fading light of hope, yet it still holds enough power to challenge the darkness.
Connected Characters
Certain NPCs reference this flail as a relic of the old order. Using it in front of Radiance-aligned characters may even trigger hidden dialogue or side quests, deepening the immersion and rewarding lore-hungry players.
The Flickering Flail is a versatile and elegant weapon that shines in both style and substance. With its blend of Radiance damage and manageable stat requirements, it caters to a variety of playstyles. Whether you’re a battle-hardened Paladin or a tactical Cleric, this weapon offers a reliable and rewarding option for tackling the horrors of Lords of the Fallen. Its glow might flicker but in the hands of the right warrior, it becomes a beacon of strength against the darkness.