Elden Ring: Best Samurai Build Guide

So, you wanna slice and dice your way through the Lands Between with the finesse of a samurai, huh? Well, you've come to the right place, my friend! This guide will walk you through creating a powerful and stylish samurai build in Elden Ring, turning you into a true master of the katana. We're talking about a build that blends skill, agility, and a touch of magic to conquer even the toughest foes. Forget lumbering knights; we're going for speed, precision, and devastating strikes. This isn't just about wielding a katana; it's about embodying the spirit of the samurai. Think quickdraws, bloody slices, and maybe even some cool samurai magic. We'll cover everything from your starting class and crucial stats to the best weapons, armor, talismans, and skills to make your samurai dreams a reality. Whether you're a seasoned Elden Ring veteran or a fresh-faced Tarnished, this guide has something for you. Get ready to unsheathe your katana and embark on a journey of honor, strength, and glorious combat!

Starting Out: Choosing Your Path

Alright, first things first, let's talk about choosing the right starting class for your samurai build. While you can mold almost any class into a samurai, some are naturally better suited than others. I highly recommend starting with the Samurai class. Surprise! Seriously though, it provides you with a fantastic starting point, complete with a katana, a bow, and decent armor. More importantly, its stat distribution is perfect, giving you a head start in the stats we'll be focusing on. The Samurai class begins with good Dexterity, Strength, and Endurance, laying a solid foundation for our agile warrior. But hey, if you're feeling adventurous, the Vagabond is also a viable option. They're a bit more well-rounded and offer more flexibility in the early game, but you'll need to invest more points into Dexterity later on to catch up. The Prisoner is also another potential option, and while the Prisoner starts with high Intelligence, giving them access to sorceries early on, this can be useful for a hybrid samurai build that incorporates magic. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for the smoothest transition into a katana-wielding master, the Samurai class is the way to go. Don't worry too much about min-maxing at this stage. The important thing is to pick a class that you enjoy playing and that fits your preferred playstyle. Remember, Elden Ring is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you.

Vital Stats: Leveling Up Your Samurai

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of stat allocation. As a samurai, your primary focus will be on Dexterity. This stat not only increases your attack power with katanas but also speeds up your casting time for any spells you might decide to incorporate. Aim to get Dexterity to at least 60-80 by the late game. Next up is Vigor. You absolutely need a healthy health pool to survive the brutal encounters in Elden Ring. Don't neglect Vigor; aim for at least 40-60. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Endurance is also crucial, as it governs your stamina, allowing you to attack, dodge, and block more effectively. A samurai relies on agility, so having enough stamina to keep moving is essential. Aim for around 30-40 Endurance. Strength is important, but not as much as Dexterity. You'll need enough Strength to wield your chosen katana effectively, but don't overdo it. Around 20-25 Strength should be sufficient for most katanas. Finally, we have Mind and Intelligence/Faith. Mind governs your FP, which is needed for weapon skills and spells. If you plan on using weapon skills extensively or incorporating magic, invest some points into Mind. If you want to incorporate incantations, level Faith. If you want to use sorceries, level Intelligence. Keep in mind that if you don't plan on using spells or skills, you can leave these stats at their base values. Arcane is not as crucial for this build but can be useful if you plan on using weapons or skills that scale off of it. Remember, these are just guidelines. Feel free to adjust your stat allocation based on your personal playstyle and the specific weapons and skills you want to use.

Arming Your Samurai: Weapons of Choice

Okay, let's get to the fun part: weapons! A samurai is nothing without their katana, and Elden Ring offers a fantastic selection to choose from. The Uchigatana, which you receive if you choose the Samurai class, is a great starting weapon and remains viable throughout the entire game. It has excellent scaling and a versatile moveset. The Nagakiba is another excellent choice, offering longer reach than the Uchigatana. It's obtained through Yura's questline. The Rivers of Blood katana is popular, but it has been nerfed, so it is not optimal anymore. For those looking for something a bit different, the Moonveil katana is a fantastic option, scaling with Intelligence and dealing magic damage. It also has a unique weapon skill that launches powerful waves of magic. Dual wielding katanas is a viable option, allowing you to dish out incredible damage. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. Consider adding the Wakizashi as a secondary weapon. Don't forget about bows! As a samurai, you should always have a bow at your disposal for ranged attacks and pulling enemies. The Longbow is a reliable choice, offering good range and damage. Experiment with different arrows to find the ones that suit your needs. Remember to upgrade your weapons regularly at the blacksmith to maximize their damage output. Smithing Stones can be found throughout the Lands Between, so keep an eye out for them. Don't be afraid to try out different weapons and see what feels best in your hands. The most important thing is to find a weapon that you enjoy using and that complements your playstyle.

Dressing the Part: Armor and Talismans

While armor in Elden Ring offers varying degrees of protection, fashion is arguably just as important, especially for a samurai. Look for armor sets that evoke the image of a samurai while providing decent protection without weighing you down too much. The Land of Reeds Armor Set is a great starting point, offering a classic samurai look and decent stats. As you progress through the game, you'll find other armor sets that you can mix and match to create your own unique samurai style. The White Reed Armor is also a good choice. Remember to pay attention to the weight of your armor. You want to stay below 70% equip load to maintain good mobility. This allows you to roll and dodge effectively, which is crucial for a samurai build. Now, let's talk about talismans. These accessories provide passive buffs that can significantly enhance your build. The Warrior Jar Shard or Shard of Alexander is a must-have, as it increases the damage of your weapon skills. The Green Turtle Talisman is also beneficial, as it increases your stamina recovery rate. This allows you to attack, dodge, and block more frequently. The Marika's Soreseal is great for boosting your Mind, Intelligence, Faith and Arcane, at the cost of increased damage taken. The Ritual Sword Talisman increases the damage of your attacks when you are at full health. Experiment with different talismans to find the ones that best complement your playstyle and the challenges you're facing. Some talismans are situational, while others provide constant benefits.

Skills and Ashes of War: Mastering Your Techniques

Weapon skills, also known as Ashes of War, are special attacks that can be used with your weapons. They consume FP and can provide a significant advantage in combat. The Unsheathe skill, which comes standard on the Uchigatana, is a fantastic option for a samurai build. It allows you to quickly draw your katana and deliver a powerful attack. Experiment with different Ashes of War to find the ones that suit your playstyle. You can find Ashes of War throughout the Lands Between, and you can equip them to your weapons at Sites of Grace. Some Ashes of War are better suited for certain weapons than others, so be sure to experiment. For example, consider adding Seppuku to your weapon. This skill allows you to imbue your weapon with blood, increasing its attack power at the cost of some health. It's a risky move, but it can be incredibly effective. The Iai Quickdraw skill is also amazing. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock more powerful Ashes of War that can completely change the way you play. Don't be afraid to try them out and see what works best for you. Remember that you can also customize your Ashes of War by changing their affinity. This allows you to scale your weapon's damage with different stats, such as Dexterity, Strength, or Intelligence. Pay attention to the scaling of your weapon and choose an affinity that complements your build. Some skills provide buffs to your character. Others buff your weapon. There are even those that debuff enemies. Combining all of these is key to creating a very powerful build.

Combat Tactics: The Way of the Samurai

As a samurai, your combat style should be fluid and precise. Utilize your katana's speed and agility to your advantage. Don't be afraid to dodge and weave through enemy attacks. Use your weapon skills to break enemy defenses and deal massive damage. Learning enemy attack patterns is crucial. Pay attention to their tells and telegraphs, and time your dodges accordingly. Don't be afraid to use your bow to pull enemies or deal damage from a distance. A well-placed arrow can often turn the tide of battle. Experiment with different combat tactics and find what works best for you. Some enemies are weak to certain types of damage, so be sure to exploit those weaknesses. For example, some enemies are highly vulnerable to bleed damage, which can be inflicted by katanas. Use jump attacks to stagger enemies and create openings for critical hits. Critical hits deal massive damage and can often turn the tide of battle. Don't be afraid to use consumables, such as buffs and healing items. These can provide a significant advantage in tough encounters. Remember to manage your stamina carefully. Running out of stamina can leave you vulnerable to enemy attacks. Finally, don't be afraid to summon spirits to help you in battle. Spirit Ashes can provide valuable support and can often draw enemy aggro, allowing you to deal damage from a safe distance. Mastering the art of combat takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and you'll eventually become a true samurai master.

With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a formidable samurai in Elden Ring. Embrace the way of the blade, hone your skills, and conquer the Lands Between with honor and style! Good luck, Tarnished, and may your katana always find its mark!