Rivers of Blood isn't available until the Mountaintops of the Giants, obtained by defeating Bloody Finger Okina at the Church of Repose. This guide covers the blood katana leveling path that transitions seamlessly into the full build.
Stat Distribution (Level 60)
- Vigor: 30
- Mind: 15
- Endurance: 18
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 25 (Primary scaling stat early)
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 20 (Start investing for bleed scaling)
Equipment Changes
- Primary Weapon: Uchigatana (Blood Affinity) — Same katana moveset as RoB; Blood affinity for early bleed buildup
- Backup: Reduvia — Ranged blood blade skill for safe bleed application
- Talisman: Winged Sword Insignia — Boosts successive attacks until Lord of Blood's Exultation is available
Strategy & Tips
- Start Samurai class for Uchigatana and good Dex/End base stats
- Get Bloody Slash Ash of War from Fort Haight to apply Blood affinity
- Prioritize Dexterity to 25 first, then start Arcane investment
- Farm Reduvia from Bloody Finger Nerijus near Murkwater Cave early
- Blood Uchigatana carries through Limgrave, Liurnia, and Caelid
- IMPORTANT: Get Rivers of Blood BEFORE killing Fire Giant or Okina won't invade