Both are S-tier katanas with iconic weapon skills. Rivers of Blood dominates through bleed; Hand of Malenia dominates through raw physical damage. They represent two different philosophies of katana combat.
Rivers of Blood
Bleed-focused PvE and PvP
Strengths
- Corpse Piler has excellent range and multi-hit
- Bleed buildup chunks percentage HP on bosses
- Strong in both PvE and PvP
- Requires less precise timing
- White Mask synergy for massive damage boost
Weaknesses
- Useless against bleed-immune enemies (Elden Beast)
- Nerfed in patch 1.06
- Relies on status effect, not raw damage
- Requires Arcane investment alongside Dexterity
VS
Hand of Malenia
Pure physical damage and skill expression
Strengths
- Waterfowl Dance has the highest motion value of any skill
- Pure physical damage works on everything
- Never been nerfed
- Higher skill ceiling and satisfaction
- Simpler stat requirements (pure Dex)
Weaknesses
- Requires defeating the hardest boss to obtain
- Waterfowl Dance requires precise spacing
- No status effect backup damage
- Higher execution barrier
Verdict
Rivers of Blood is the safer, more accessible choice with bleed working on most content. Hand of Malenia is the higher skill ceiling choice that rewards mastery. Pick Rivers for practicality, Hand of Malenia for prestige.