In the vast and intricate world of Elden Ring, weapons imbued with legend and power shape the journey of every Tarnished. Among these, the Rivers of Blood Katana stands out, not just for its lethal elegance but for the unique abilities it grants its wielder. This weapon, cloaked in lore and hemmed with the essence of vampirism, represents more than a mere tool for battle. It symbolizes a blend of art and violence, making it a sought-after blade for players who prefer a mix of aesthetics and efficiency in their gameplay. As enthusiasts comb through the lands between in search of this iconic katana, understanding its location, attributes, and potential builds becomes crucial for maximizing its deadly potential.
This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to not only locating the Rivers of Blood Katana within the expansive realms of Elden Ring but also optimizing its use through tailored build tips. From uncovering the resting place guarded by the fearsome White Mask to discussing the nuances of its stats and upgrades, readers will find thorough insights into wielding this formidable weapon. Additionally, the article will delve into strategizing the best Rivers of Blood build, ensuring that players can unleash the full fury of this katana on their foes. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of Elden Ring or a newcomer eager to explore its mysteries, mastering the Rivers of Blood Katana could very well be a turning point in your adventure.
Where to Find the Rivers of Blood Katana
To obtain the Rivers of Blood Katana in Elden Ring, players must venture into the treacherous Mountaintops of the Giants. This late-game area is accessible after progressing through the main quest chain and defeating Morgott, the Omen King. Once in the Mountaintops of the Giants, players should locate the Church of Repose, situated far south of Castle Sol.
Location in the Mountaintops of the Giants
From the Giants' Gravepost Site of Grace, head south, sticking to the right-hand side of the cliff. Continue in this direction until spotting the ruins of a church in the distance. This is the Church of Repose, where the encounter with Bloody Finger Okina, the wielder of the Rivers of Blood Katana, will occur.
How to Defeat Bloody Finger Okina
Upon approaching the Church of Repose, players will be invaded by Bloody Finger Okina. Okina is a formidable opponent, known for his aggressive tactics and ability to inflict significant bleed damage. To defeat him, players should utilize Elden Ring's invincibility frames by rolling into his attacks, which creates openings for counterattacks. Okina also uses a unique skill, Corpse Piler, which players should dodge diagonally backwards to avoid. Once defeated, Okina will drop the Rivers of Blood Katana along with his mask, rewarding players with this powerful weapon.
Players should ensure they have not defeated The Fire Giant before attempting to acquire the katana, as it will be unobtainable otherwise.
Rivers of Blood Katana Stats and Upgrades
The Rivers of Blood Katana in Elden Ring is a distinctive weapon that scales primarily with Dexterity, Arcane, and Strength. To wield this katana, players need a minimum of 12 Strength, 19 Dexterity, and 20 Arcane. This weapon is especially known for its ability to rapidly cause blood buildup, making it formidable in combat against various foes.
Weapon Requirements and Scaling
The Rivers of Blood Katana starts with an E scaling in Strength, D in Dexterity, and D in Arcane. As the weapon is upgraded, its scaling efficiency improves, particularly in Dexterity, which can reach up to a B scaling at maximum upgrade. The unique attribute of this weapon is its split damage between Physical and Fire, enhanced further by the Arcane stat which also increases the bleed buildup, crucial for wearing down opponents swiftly.
Upgrade Path with Somber Smithing Stones
Upgrading the Rivers of Blood Katana requires Somber Smithing Stones, with each level of enhancement necessitating a progressively higher grade of these stones. Starting from Somber Smithing Stone 2 for level +2 and moving up to a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for the final upgrade at +10, each step enhances the weapon's damage output and scaling capabilities. The full upgrade path is as follows:
- +2: Somber Smithing Stone 2 (1)
- +3: Somber Smithing Stone 3 (1)
- +4: Somber Smithing Stone 4 (1)
- +5: Somber Smithing Stone 5 (1)
- +6: Somber Smithing Stone 6 (1)
- +7: Somber Smithing Stone 7 (1)
- +8: Somber Smithing Stone 8 (1)
- +9: Somber Smithing Stone 9 (1)
- +10: Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone (1)
This katana cannot be infused with Ashes of War nor enchanted with magic, focusing instead on its inherent abilities to deal both physical and fire damage, alongside a significant bleed effect.
Best Build Tips for Rivers of Blood Katana
To maximize the potential of the Rivers of Blood Katana in Elden Ring, players should focus on a build that enhances both the frequency and effectiveness of the weapon's unique abilities, especially the Hemorrhage effect and the Corpse Piler skill. Here are the recommended gear, armor, and optimal attributes and talismans to consider:
Recommended Gear and Armor
Players have flexibility in armor selection, but specific headgear significantly boosts performance. The White Mask increases attack power by 10% for 20 seconds following Blood Loss, making it ideal for sustained combat. Alternatively, the Okina Mask, which raises Dexterity by three points, can be a strategic choice for enhancing agility and attack speed. For general armor, ensure mobility is maintained to utilize the katana's swift strikes effectively, aiming for at least a medium roll capability.
Optimal Talismans and Attributes
The build's effectiveness is further amplified by carefully chosen talismans:
- Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces the FP cost of skills by 25%, allowing more frequent use of Corpse Piler.
- Lord of Blood's Exultation: Boosts attack power by 20% for 20 seconds when Blood Loss occurs nearby, synergizing perfectly with the katana's capabilities.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Increases attack power with successive attacks, complementing the fast attack rate of the Rivers of Blood.
- Shard of Alexander: Enhances the damage of the Corpse Piler skill, making each use more devastating.
Attributes should prioritize Dexterity and Arcane to maximize damage output and blood loss effect. Players should also invest in Vigor and Mind to improve survivability and sustain ability usage. Faith may be adjusted to meet minimum requirements for useful incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength, which enhances both physical and fire damage, aligning well with the katana's damage types.
By integrating these gear, armor, and attribute recommendations, players can create a formidable build centered around the Rivers of Blood Katana, turning it into a deadly weapon in both PvE and PvP scenarios in Elden Ring.
Conclusion
Embarking on the quest to wield the Rivers of Blood Katana in Elden Riding demands not only precision in combat but also strategy in build optimization. Throughout this guide, we've traced the journey from the chilling peaks of the Mountaintops of the Giants, where Bloody Finger Okina awaits, to understanding the delicate balance of strength, dexterity, and arcane needed to master this weapon. This katana, with its dual capacity for physical and fire damage alongside a potent bleed effect, has been established as a cornerstone for many builds, emphasizing the blend of artistry and power that defines the Elden Ring experience.
Leveraging the detailed insights into the Rivers of Blood's location, stats, upgrades, and build recommendations, players are equipped to elevate their gameplay, turning challenges into opportunities for triumph. The strategic decisions regarding gear, armor, and talismans amplify the weapon's innate capabilities, crafting a path for victors who navigate the lands between with grace and ferocity. As the journey through Elden Ring continues, the Rivers of Blood Katana stands as a testament to the game's depth and the endless potential for those brave enough to embrace its call.
FAQs
Q: What is the optimal attribute distribution for a Rivers of Blood build in Elden Ring?
A: For an effective Rivers of Blood build, it is recommended to allocate your attributes as follows: 50 Vigor, 30 Mind, 18 Endurance, 12 Strength, 48 Dexterity, 9 Intelligence, 15 Faith, and 50 Arcane.
Q: Which attributes does the Rivers of Blood katana scale with?
A: The Rivers of Blood katana primarily scales with Dexterity and Arcane. Players should focus on enhancing these two stats to maximize the weapon's damage output.
Q: What is the ideal armor for a bleed build in Elden Ring?
A: The best armor pieces for a bleed build include the White Mask, which increases your damage when you inflict Bleed, and the Raptor's Black Feathers, a chest piece that boosts the damage of your jumping attacks.
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