The Samurai build is one of the most stylish and effective playstyles in Elden Ring, focusing on fast attacks, precise strikes, and devastating Bleed buildup. Katanas, the primary weapons of a Samurai, excel in Dexterity scaling, allowing for swift, hard-hitting combos that can quickly take down even the toughest foes.
Whether you’re looking to maximize damage, dominate PvP, or slice through bosses with ease, choosing the right katana is essential. Below, we’ve ranked the best weapons for a Samurai build in Elden Ring, detailing their scaling, unique abilities, and best uses.
Table of Contents
7. Serpentbone Blade
A Rewarding Sidequest Weapon with Limited Scaling
Scaling: Strength (E), Dexterity (C)
Requirements: Strength (11), Dexterity (22)
How to Get: Reward for completing the second letter quest in Volcano Manor (Tanith’s questline).
The Serpentbone Blade is a unique katana with poison buildup, making it different from the traditional Bleed-focused Samurai weapons. However, its Dexterity scaling is only decent, and it doesn’t match the damage potential of other katanas on this list.
💡 Best for: Players looking for an alternative status effect weapon outside of Bleed builds.
6. Meteoric Ore Blade
Balanced Scaling for Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence Builds
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 an underground hall.
The Meteoric Ore Blade is an early-game Intelligence hybrid katana that allows for a mix of magic and melee combat. While its scaling isn’t exceptional, its weapon skill—Gravitational Slash—can stagger enemies and deal solid Magic damage.
💡 Best for: Samurai-mage hybrids who want to mix katana combat with spellcasting.
5. Dragonscale Blade
A Flashy Katana with a Powerful Lightning Weapon Skill
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 stands out due to its weapon skill, Ice Lightning Sword, which coats the blade in lightning and frost for devastating attacks. While it doesn’t have innate Bleed, its fast attack speed and elemental power make it an excellent choice for Samurai players who prefer burst damage over passive effects.
💡 Best for: Players who want a flashy, elemental Samurai build instead of relying on Bleed.
4. Uchigatana
A Classic Katana That’s Deadly and Versatile
Scaling: Strength (D), Dexterity (D)
Requirements: Strength (11), Dexterity (15)
How to Get: Starting weapon for the Samurai class. Also found in Deathtouched Catacombs (Stormhill, Limgrave).
The Uchigatana is a staple in FromSoftware games, offering fast attacks, Bleed buildup, and excellent scaling. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing players to infuse it with Ashes of War, making it adaptable to any Samurai playstyle.
💡 Best for: New Samurai players who want an easy-to-use, powerful weapon that scales well into the late game.
3. Moonveil
A Samurai-Mage Hybrid’s Best Friend
Scaling: Strength (E), Dexterity (D), Intelligence (C)
Requirements: Strength (12), Dexterity (18), Intelligence (23)
How to Get: Dropped by the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel.
The Moonveil is one of the best katanas in Elden Ring, especially for Intelligence-based builds. Its weapon skill, Transient Moonlight, allows players to unleash a powerful magic slash, making it devastating in both PvE and PvP.
💡 Best for: Samurai builds that incorporate Intelligence, offering a mix of fast strikes and magic damage.
2. Rivers of Blood
The Ultimate Bleed Weapon in Elden Ring
Scaling: Strength (E), Dexterity (D), Arcane (D)
Requirements: Strength (12), Dexterity (18), Arcane (20)
How to Get: Dropped by Bloody Finger Okina at the Church of Repose.
The Rivers of Blood is arguably the best Bleed katana in the game, capable of melting bosses and PvP opponents alike. Its weapon skill, Corpse Piler, unleashes rapid slashes that inflict insane Bleed buildup, making it one of the most feared weapons in Elden Ring.
💡 Best for: Bleed-focused Samurai builds that want to deal massive damage over time with Arcane scaling.
1. Nagakiba
The Longest Katana with Insane Reach and Versatility
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 Elden Ring, giving it a major advantage in range over other katanas. Its reach allows players to hit enemies safely, and when dual-wielded with Rivers of Blood or Uchigatana, it becomes an unstoppable force.
💡 Best for: Experienced Samurai players who want to combine long-range attacks with powerful Bleed procs.
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Final Thoughts
The Samurai build is one of the most effective playstyles in Elden Ring, offering speed, precision, and devastating Bleed damage. Whether you prefer classic katanas like the Uchigatana, magic-infused weapons like Moonveil, or the deadly Bleed powerhouse Rivers of Blood, there’s a perfect katana for every Samurai player.
To summarize:
✔ Nagakiba has the best range and versatility
✔ Rivers of Blood is the ultimate Bleed weapon
✔ Moonveil is ideal for Intelligence hybrids
✔ Uchigatana is perfect for early-game and dual-wielding
✔ Dragonscale Blade offers flashy elemental attacks
Whichever katana you choose, mastering the Samurai build will make your journey through the Lands Between both challenging and rewarding!
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