In the vast and ever-mysterious Lands Between, Tarnished warriors are drawn to power in all its forms. Yet, amidst the clanging of colossal greatswords and the crackle of devastating sorceries, there exists a weapon of subtle, ethereal power that has captivated players since 2022. The Cipher Pata, a fist weapon seemingly forged from solidified light and sacred geometry, continues to be a beacon for those who walk the path of Faith. Its blades, translucent and humming with otherworldly energy, offer a combat experience as unique as the weapon's appearance—a siren's call woven from pure scripture, irresistible to the devout warrior. While it may not boast the raw, earth-shattering power of some late-game armaments, its ability to ignore the mundane defenses of armor and its unparalleled style make it a perennial favorite, a testament to the enduring magic of the game's design.
Where to Find the Cipher Pata: A Trial Within a Sanctuary
Unlike the treacherous tombs and sunken cities that hide most powerful artifacts, the Cipher Pata rests within the very heart of a sanctuary: the Roundtable Hold. This bastion of safety for the Tarnished holds a secret challenge. From the central chamber with its roaring fireplace, one must venture onto the balcony opposite Finger Reader Enia. Here, overlooking the abyss, the path forward is not a door, but a leap of faith.
Leap from the balcony to the shadowy floor below. The fall is safe, but it leads not to a treasure, but to a trial. As you land and move forward, the very air chills, and you are invaded by Mad Tongue Alberich, a phantom whose madness is as sharp as his scythe.
Conquering Mad Tongue Alberich
Alberich is a duelist of frost and blood. He wields a Scythe that builds up Blood Loss and a Staff of the Guilty to cast spells like Glintstone Icecrag. His combat rhythm is a dangerous dance; he is a winter storm given human form, his movements a blizzard of sharp edges and numbing cold. His most feared technique is the Sword Dance weapon art—a charging attack followed by two wide, devastating sweeps that can rapidly inflict both status effects.
He also employs Briars of Sin, raising his staff to cause thorny eruptions from the ground. The area is small, so when you see him begin the cast, retreat. This is your moment to heal or reposition. Like many agile foes, he is susceptible to staggering. Corner him or land a heavy blow, and press the advantage relentlessly. Be warned: he carries one Crimson Flask and will use it. If you see the healing glow, it's your cue to attack or heal in turn.
Victory over Mad Tongue Alberich yields 1,562 Runes, a Taunter's Tongue, and a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. With the phantom banished, proceed through the doorway on the left side of the hall. Navigate the subsequent rooms, and in the farthest corner of the final chamber, you will find the object of your quest: the Cipher Pata, resting innocently on a simple bed, like a forgotten prayer waiting to be spoken anew.
Mastering the Ethereal Blades: Strategy and Synergy
The Cipher Pata is an anomaly. It scales exclusively with Faith and its attacks completely bypass an enemy's physical armor, striking at their essence directly. However, this comes with trade-offs: its base damage is lower than comparable weapons, and it deals pure Holy damage. This makes it less effective against foes with high Holy resistance, so a backup weapon is an essential part of any wise Tarnished's kit.
Its true power lies in its Weapon Art, Unblockable Blade. This skill is a lightning-fast lunge and stab, exceptionally quick for its power level and capable of catching opponents off-guard. Furthermore, as a fist weapon, it can be dual-wielded, unleashing a flurry of holy strikes that feel like conducting a symphony of light.
This weapon is a perfect melee complement for an Incantation caster build, but it can also be the star of a specialized melee setup with the right Talismans enhancing its unique properties.
Best Talismans for the Cipher Pata (2026 Meta)
To maximize the Cipher Pata's potential, consider these Talismans, which have stood the test of time since the game's launch:
| Talisman | Primary Effect | Why It's Great for Cipher Pata |
|---|---|---|
| Two Fingers Heirloom | +5 Faith | A direct injection of power to its sole scaling stat, a simple yet crucial boost. |
| Sacred Scorpion Charm | +12% Holy Damage, +10% Damage Taken | The damage boost is massive for a pure Holy weapon. The defensive trade-off is worthwhile given the weapon's speed. |
| Rotten Winged Sword Insignia | Attack Power +6/8/13% on successive hits | Synergizes perfectly with the weapon's rapid flurries. The damage ramp-up turns you into a holy buzzsaw. |
| Claw Talisman | Jump Attack Damage +15% | Enhances a powerful, stagger-breaking move. Perfect for initiating combat or breaking guards. |
For a pure offensive onslaught, a combination of Sacred Scorpion Charm, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, and the Claw Talisman can be devastating. The idea is to unleash a torrent of attacks—a hailstorm of faith-made-manifest—that capitalizes on every hit. When an enemy staggers, sometimes foregoing a Critical Strike to continue a powered-up flurry with these Talismans active can yield even more damage, turning a moment of vulnerability into a cataclysm of holy light. The Cipher Pata is not just a weapon; in the right hands, it becomes a decree, etching the will of the gods directly onto the world with every swift, unblockable strike.