Elden Ring: Best Weapons for a Samurai Build, Ranked
A Samurai build revolves around katanas, weapons that excel in speed, bleed buildup, and raw damage. Choosing the right katana is essential for maximizing damage output, and pairing it with the right Elden Ring Items and investing in Elden Ring Runes can make all the difference in how powerful your character becomes. Here are the best katanas ranked for a Samurai build in Elden Ring.
7. Serpentbone Blade
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (E), Dexterity (C)
Requirements:
Strength (11), Dexterity (22)
How to Get:
Reward for completing the second letter quest in Volcano Manor from Tanith
While the Serpentbone Blade isn't the strongest option for a Samurai build, it remains a solid choice for players who want a katana with poison-inflicting capabilities. It has decent Dexterity scaling but lacks in Strength, making it less versatile than other options.
The biggest downside is its accessibility—it requires progressing through Volcano Manor, meaning it isn't an early-game option. However, with enough Elden Ring Runes, upgrading this weapon can make it viable, especially when paired with poison-enhancing Elden Ring Items like the Venomous Fang Talisman.
6. Meteoric Ore Blade
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (D), Dexterity (E), Intelligence (D)
Requirements:
Strength (15), Dexterity (14), Intelligence (18)
How to Get:
Found in Caelid Waypoint Ruins inside a chest in a back room guarded by Lesser Kindred of Rot enemies
The Meteoric Ore Blade is an unusual katana that scales with Intelligence, allowing for a more hybrid Samurai build that incorporates magic. While its base scaling isn't impressive, upgrading it with Elden Ring Runes can turn it into a heavy-hitting weapon.
Unfortunately, obtaining it is a challenge—it's found deep in Caelid, one of the most punishing areas in the game. However, for those willing to endure its harsh landscapes, this katana offers a unique and powerful playstyle.
5. Dragonscale Blade
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (D), Dexterity (C)
Requirements:
Strength (12), Dexterity (20)
How to Get:
Dropped by the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot
The Dragonscale Blade is an underappreciated katana that comes with an amazing weapon skill: Ice Lightning Sword. This skill calls down a bolt of ice lightning, infusing the blade and dealing frost damage to enemies.
One downside is that its weapon skill can be parried, making it less effective in PvP. However, it remains a strong PvE weapon, especially when paired with Elden Ring Items like the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for extra survivability.
4. Uchigatana
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (D), Dexterity (D)
Requirements:
Strength (11), Dexterity (15)
How to Get:
Starting weapon for the Samurai Class
Also found in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Stormhill, Limgrave
A classic katana from the Dark Souls series, the Uchigatana is a fantastic early-game weapon. Samurai players start with it, but it can also be found in Deathtouched Catacombs, allowing players to dual-wield two Uchigatanas early on.
It may seem like a simple weapon, but when upgraded using Elden Ring Runes, it becomes one of the best katanas in the game. With its Bleed buildup, it can melt through bosses effortlessly, especially when paired with Elden Ring Items like Lord of Blood's Exultation for increased attack power when Bleed procs.
3. Moonveil
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (E), Dexterity (D), Intelligence (C)
Requirements:
Strength (12), Dexterity (18), Intelligence (23)
How to Get:
Dropped by Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel
A fan-favorite, Moonveil is one of the strongest katanas in Elden Ring, especially for players who enjoy a hybrid Intelligence/Dexterity build. It scales extremely well with Intelligence, making it a fantastic weapon for magic Samurai builds.
Its Transient Moonlight weapon skill allows for instant, high-damage ranged attacks, making it a nightmare in both PvP and PvE. If combined with Elden Ring Items like Radagon's Scarseal, players can further boost their damage output, making Moonveil an absolute powerhouse.
2. Rivers of Blood
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (E), Dexterity (D), Arcane (D)
Requirements:
Strength (12), Dexterity (18), Arcane (20)
How to Get:
Dropped by Bloody Finger Okina in the Church of Repose
For players focusing on Bleed builds, Rivers of Blood is hands-down the best katana. Its Corpse Piler weapon skill unleashes a devastating flurry of slashes, dealing massive Bleed buildup that can destroy bosses and enemies alike.
When paired with high Arcane investment, the Bleed effect becomes even deadlier, making it an essential choice for those who want to farm Elden Ring Runes quickly. Using Elden Ring Items like Millicent's Prosthesis can further enhance its power, making Rivers of Blood one of the most broken weapons in the game.
1. Nagakiba
Weapon Scaling:
Strength (D), Dexterity (C)
Requirements:
Strength (18), Dexterity (22)
How to Get:
Dropped by Bloody Finger Hunter Yura north of Murkwater Cave
The Nagakiba is the longest katana in the game, giving it an impressive range advantage over other weapons. It functions similarly to the Washing Pole from Dark Souls 3, making it perfect for players who like to keep their distance while still dealing high damage.
When dual-wielded with Rivers of Blood or Uchigatana, it can make Elden Ring feel significantly easier. Buffing it with Vyke's Dragonbolt and stacking Elden Ring Items like Shard of Alexander can result in some of the highest DPS in the game.
Final Thoughts
A Samurai build in Elden Ring is one of the most powerful and stylish ways to play. Whether you prefer pure Dexterity, Bleed builds, or Intelligence hybrids, there's a katana for every playstyle. By investing in Elden Ring Runes and utilizing the best Elden Ring Items, you can optimize your build and dominate both PvE and PvP.
Which katana is your favorite? Are you more of a Rivers of Blood Bleed fan, or do you prefer the magic power of Moonveil? No matter your choice, the Samurai build remains one of the most rewarding and deadly playstyles in Elden Ring.