Hand of Malenia — Early Game

S-Tier Dexterity Build • Early Game Variant

Hand of Malenia requires defeating the hardest boss in the game. This guide covers the pure Dexterity leveling path using keen katanas that transitions into Waterfowl Dance once you've conquered Malenia.

← View the full Hand of Malenia build guide

Stat Distribution (Level 60)

  • Vigor: 30
  • Mind: 15
  • Endurance: 20
  • Strength: 12
  • Dexterity: 35 (Pure Dex investment from the start)
  • Intelligence: 9
  • Faith: 8
  • Arcane: 7

Equipment Changes

  • Primary Weapon: Uchigatana (Keen) — Pure Dex scaling katana; same class as Hand of Malenia
  • Ash of War: Unsheathe — Mimics the stance-based playstyle you'll use with Waterfowl Dance

Strategy & Tips

  • Start Samurai for Uchigatana and good base Dex
  • Keen affinity maximizes Dex scaling without split damage
  • Practice spacing and dodge timing — Hand of Malenia is a skill weapon
  • Unsheathe R2 teaches you the stance-attack timing Waterfowl Dance uses
  • You won't get the weapon until very late game — enjoy the Dex journey