Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG from FromSoftware, continues to Elden Ring Runes captivate players with its expansive world, deep lore, and intricate combat mechanics. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the sheer variety of weapons and builds available to players, allowing for endless experimentation and customization. In this guide, we’ll dive into a quality build centered around the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, a weapon that often flies under the radar but packs a serious punch when used correctly. Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer looking to try something new, this build will help you dominate the Lands Between with style and efficiency.
Why the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana?
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a weapon that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, especially when compared to other great katanas like the Moonveil or the Rivers of Blood. However, this weapon has a lot to offer, particularly for players who enjoy a mix of melee combat and strategic use of weapon arts. Here’s why this weapon stands out:
Versatile Moveset: The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana comes with the standard great katana moveset, which is incredibly powerful on its own. The running attack is particularly effective for chasing down enemies and catching rolls, making it a great tool for both PvE and PvP scenarios. The crouch poke is another standout move, offering excellent poise damage and stagger potential.
Dragon Wound Slash Ash of War: The weapon’s unique Ash of War, Dragon Wound Slash, is a game-changer. At first glance, it might not seem like the most powerful ability, but its versatility is where it shines. You can use it uncharged for quick, close-range strikes, or fully charge it to unleash a devastating energy beam. This beam not only deals significant damage but also has impressive range, making it a great tool for punishing enemies from a distance.
Quality Scaling: The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana scales well with both Strength and Dexterity, making it an ideal choice for a quality build. This allows players to balance their stats for maximum damage output while still maintaining flexibility in their playstyle.
The Quality Build: Stats and Equipment
To make the most of the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, we’ll focus on a strength-leaning quality build. This means prioritizing Strength and Dexterity while also investing in other essential stats like Vigor and Endurance. Here’s a breakdown of the build:
Stats (Level 150 Example):
Vigor: 50 (for survivability)
Mind: 20 (for Ash of War usage)
Endurance: 30 (for stamina and equip load)
Strength: 50 (primary scaling stat)
Dexterity: 40 (secondary scaling stat)
Intelligence/Faith/Arcane: Base (not needed for this build)
Talismans:
Godfrey Icon: Enhances charged attacks, including the fully charged Dragon Wound Slash.
Shard of Alexander: Boosts the damage of your Ash of War, making Dragon Wound Slash even more potent.
Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Increases damage when two-handing your weapon, which is ideal for this build.
Bull-Goat Talisman or Spear Talisman: The Bull-Goat Talisman increases poise, allowing you to trade hits more effectively, while the Spear Talisman enhances counterattacks, which synergizes well with the great katana’s pierce-type moves.
Armor:
Bull-Goat Set: This armor provides excellent poise and defense, allowing you to tank hits while dishing out damage. However, feel free to mix and match based on your fashion preferences and equip load.
Weapons:
Primary: Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana (two-handed for maximum damage)
Secondary: A lighter weapon like a dagger or straight sword for quick attacks when needed.
Ranged Option: A bow or crossbow for pulling enemies or finishing off low-health targets.
Playstyle and Combat Tips
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana excels in both aggressive and defensive playstyles, thanks to its versatile moveset and powerful Ash of War. Here are some tips to help you master this build:
Utilize the Running Attack: The running attack is one of the great katana’s strongest tools. Use it to close the gap on enemies, catch rolls, and apply pressure. Its high poise damage also makes it great for staggering opponents.
Master Dragon Wound Slash: The Ash of War is the centerpiece of this build. Use the uncharged version for quick, close-range damage, and save the fully charged version for punishing enemies from a distance or dealing massive burst damage in close quarters. The energy beam is particularly effective against groups or enemies with low mobility.
Two-Hand for Maximum Damage: Since this build focuses on two-handing the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, make sure to take advantage of the increased damage and poise damage. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman further enhances this playstyle.
Manage Your Stamina: The fully charged Dragon Wound Slash consumes a significant amount of stamina, so be mindful of your stamina bar during extended fights. Use the Bull-Goat Talisman to increase your poise and trade hits more effectively.
Adapt to Your Opponents: In PvP, pay attention to your opponent’s playstyle. If they’re aggressive, use the great katana’s range and poise damage to counter their attacks. If they’re defensive, use the Dragon Wound Slash to pressure them from a distance.
Invasion and PvP Strategies
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a fantastic weapon for invasions and duels, thanks to its versatility and high damage output. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Bait and Punish: Use the crouch poke and running attack to bait your opponents into making mistakes. Once they commit to an attack, punish them with a fully charged Dragon Wound Slash.
Control the Battlefield: The energy beam from Dragon Wound Slash is great for controlling space and forcing your opponents to reposition. Use it to create openings or finish off low-health enemies.
Trade Hits: With high poise and the Bull-Goat Talisman, you can afford to trade hits with your opponents. Use this to your advantage in close-quarters combat.
Watch for Ganks: In invasions, you’ll often face multiple opponents. Use the Dragon Wound Slash’s AoE potential to deal with groups, and focus on isolating weaker targets.
Final Thoughts
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a weapon that rewards skill and strategy, making it a fantastic choice for players looking to try something new in Elden Ring. With its versatile moveset, powerful Ash of War, and excellent scaling, it’s a weapon that can hold its own in both PvE and PvP scenarios. By focusing on a quality build and using the right talismans and equipment, you’ll be able to unleash the full potential of this underrated weapon.
So, whether you’re exploring the Lands Between, taking on challenging bosses, or invading other players, the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a weapon that will serve you well. Give it a try, and Elden Ring Runes for sale you might just find your new favorite build. Until next time, Tarnished, may your journey be filled with victory and glory!
