Dual Katana Build

A-Tier Dexterity Build • Elden Ring
Dual Katana Build
  • Land of Reeds Helm
    Helm
    Land of Reeds Helm Traditional samurai helmet with balanced defense
  • Land of Reeds Armor
    Chest Armor
    Land of Reeds Armor Light armor perfect for fast movement and dodging
  • Land of Reeds Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Land of Reeds Gauntlets Matching gauntlets for the complete samurai look
  • Land of Reeds Greaves
    Legs
    Land of Reeds Greaves Completes the Land of Reeds samurai set
  • Nagakiba +25
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Nagakiba Longest katana with excellent reach. Blood or Keen affinity recommended
  • Uchigatana +25
    Left Hand (Secondary)
    Uchigatana Classic katana for dual-wielding. Matching affinity for powerstancing
  • Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
    Talisman
    Rotten Winged Sword Insignia Greatly boosts attack power with successive attacks (up to 13%)
  • Millicent's Prosthesis
    Talisman
    Millicent's Prosthesis Boosts dexterity by 5 and raises attack power with successive attacks
  • Lord of Blood's Exultation
    Talisman
    Lord of Blood's Exultation Increases attack power by 20% for 20 seconds when blood loss occurs in vicinity
  • Green Turtle Talisman
    Talisman
    Green Turtle Talisman Raises stamina recovery speed by 17.5/s
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 12
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Good allocation for melee combat.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 3
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for weapon skills and ash of war usage.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Thorny Cracked Tear + Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear
    Effects
    Consecutive attacks increase attack power
    Temporarily boosts Dexterity by 10
  • Bloodboil Aromatic
    Bloodboil Aromatic
    Increases attack power but makes you take more damage. Risk/reward buff.
  • Blood Grease
    Blood Grease
    Adds blood buildup to weapons. Stack with blood affinity for maximum effect.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Seppuku nerfed in 1.06 but dual katana powerstancing remains very strong.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 55 (High survivability for melee combat)
  • Mind: 20 (Adequate FP for weapon skills)
  • Endurance: 35 (Extended combo stamina)
  • Strength: 12 (Minimum for both weapons)
  • Dexterity: 70 (Primary damage scaling)
  • Intelligence: 9 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 12 (Blood buildup scaling)

How to Get the Weapons

  • Uchigatana: Found in Limgrave Catacombs or starting weapon for Samurai
  • Nagakiba: Complete Bloody Finger Hunter Yura's questline
  • Both weapons can be upgraded to +25 with Smithing Stones
  • Apply same Ash of War to both for powerstancing

Recommended Ash of War

  • Seppuku: Self-damage for massive blood buildup and damage boost
  • Unsheathe: Traditional katana skill with excellent damage
  • Double Slash: Two quick strikes perfect for dual wielding
  • Bloodhound's Step: Ultimate mobility tool (if not nerfed)

Gameplay Strategy

  • Powerstance Combos: L1 attacks use both weapons for devastating damage
  • Running Attacks: Dual running L1 covers huge distance with great damage
  • Jump Attacks: Dual jump L1 for massive burst and stance breaking
  • Bleed Pressure: Constant threat of hemorrhage forces defensive play
  • Mobility: Stay agile, use rolls and positioning over blocking
  • Combo Stacking: Build up successive attack bonuses from talismans

PvP Notes

  • Pressure Tool: Constant bleed threat controls opponent movement
  • Roll Catches: Dual running attacks catch rolls effectively
  • Burst Damage: Can eliminate opponents in one combo sequence
  • Counters: Vulnerable to greatshields and heavy poise builds
  • Mixups: Alternate between single and dual weapon attacks

Alternative Equipment

  • Weapons: Twinblade + Godskin Peeler for different powerstance
  • Affinity: Keen for pure dexterity or Occult for higher bleed
  • Armor: White Reed Set for different aesthetic
  • Talisman: Claw Talisman for enhanced jump attacks