How to Obtain the Hoslow Set
To get the full Hoslow Set, you’ll need to complete the Volcano Manor questline. Here's the full path:
Join Volcano Manor: Speak to Tanith in the Volcano Manor and agree to serve her. You’ll gain access to a series of assassination contracts.
Progress through contracts: Complete the first two (Old Knight Istvan and Rileigh the Idle).
Final contract: Juno Hoslow
Juno is the third and final target. His summon sign can be found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, near the Shack of the Lofty.
Defeat Juno Hoslow: Upon defeating him in an invasion, you’ll receive Hoslow’s Petal Whip and the full Hoslow armor set as a reward.
Note: If you side against Volcano Manor or skip this questline, you may miss your chance unless you defeat Juno through alternative means (e.g., during a different ending path). Be sure to follow the questline carefully if you want to claim the gear.
Design and Lore Appeal
Beyond stats, the Hoslow Set is steeped in lore. Juno and his brother Diallos are tragic characters—noble-born warriors with very different ideals. While Diallos grapples with honor and failure, Juno embraces his family's legacy with brutal pride, earning the title Knight of Blood.
The armor’s blood-red cape, silver chain design, and intimidating helmet speak volumes about Juno’s combat reputation and aristocratic cruelty. It's a set that feels right at home in PvP duels, boss arenas, and invasions.
Ideal Builds for the Hoslow Set
The set excels when used in builds like:
1. Bleed Melee Build
Weapons: Dual Hoslow’s Petal Whips, Rivers of Blood, Eleonora’s Poleblade
Talismans: Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
Stats: High Dexterity/Arcane
Bleed builds need poise and aggression. The Hoslow Set helps maintain offensive pressure while surviving enemy flurries long enough for bleed procs.
2. Strength or Quality Bruiser
Weapons: Greatswords, Colossal Swords, Dual Curved Greatswords
Talismans: Radagon’s Scarseal, Bull-Goat’s Talisman
Stats: Strength/Dexterity
The medium-heavy profile of the set allows high poise while keeping equip load manageable. Great for close combat trades.
3. PvP Duelist
Weapons: Whips, Thrusting Swords, or Spears
Talismans: Shard of Alexander, Erdtree’s Favor
Stats: Balanced for damage and stamina
The style, stats, and intimidation factor make this set a favorite for duelists in Colosseum matches and invasions.
PvE and PvP Impressions
In PvE, the Hoslow Set shines against humanoid bosses and multi-enemy encounters. You can endure flurries from enemies without being easily staggered, especially when paired with weapons that trade hits.
In PvP, it offers just enough poise to endure a hit or two while getting off your own combo—especially useful with whips and curved greatswords. The visual intimidation factor can’t be understated either; seeing a Hoslow-clad enemy means you're in for a real fight.
Final Verdict: Why It’s One of the Best Melee Sets
The Hoslow Set hits the sweet spot for melee players:
Poise and weight are balanced for builds that want to fight in the thick of it without becoming over-encumbered.
Stylistically, it’s one of the best-designed sets in the game, perfect for role-playing a proud knight or ruthless invader.
Statistically, it supports bleed builds, strength builds, and quality builds equally well.
Accessible relatively early in the
late-game via the Volcano Manor questline, it’s not locked behind an ultra-difficult optional boss or secret area.
