The Uchigatana is likely the best starting weapon available in Elden Ring, but players have a chance to get one at any point in the game.
Much of the starting equipment in Elden Ring falls off in the later stages of the game or is just a cut below other options that appear late on. That’s not the case with the Uchigatana, though. The starting weapon for the Samurai class can stay by a player’s side from start to finish thanks to its ability to proc bleed. Once players get access to Ashes of War, it can be repurposed for any build with points in dexterity.
The trouble with the Uchigatana is that it’s not purchased from a merchant and players can only find one during each game cycle. Here’s where to find the Uchigatana in Elden Ring and what makes it so good.
Where to find Uchigatana in Elden Ring
All players can find one Uchigatana in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave. Additionally, players who choose samurai as their starting class will get one for free, with the ability to find another for dual-wielding.
The hard part of getting the Uchigatana is finding the Deathtouched Catacombs in the first place. It’s snuggled into a wall which makes it easy to overlook, but it’s not hard to get to with a bit of help.
Go to the Saintsbridge Site of Grace in Limgrave and head west. Hug the wall to your right and there will be a series of ledges that allow you to scale the cliff. Jump up and walk along the wall to the left and there will be a door with a ghost in front of it. Walk through to gain access to the Deathtouched Catacombs.
The Uchigatana can be found early on in the dungeon. From the Site of Grace, head down the staircase, turn left, and follow the path until it leads to a larger room. There will be another short staircase to the left. To the right of the staircase is a small room with a path that leads to a corpse holding the Uchigatana.
Is the Uchigatana good in Elden Ring?
The Uchigatana is a very good Elden Ring weapon thanks to its good scaling and ability to proc bleed.
In general, katanas are very strong in Elden Ring. Many of them have a passive bleed effect that can chunk down bosses and invaders on top of solid scaling and good weapon skills. The Unsheathe ability’s heavy attack also deals huge posture damage, allowing it to stagger tanky enemies more frequently than most other weapons.
The Uchigatana isn’t the best katana in the game with the Rivers of Blood and Moonveil both being wildly overpowered. The tradeoff is that this sword has much lower prerequisites, making it very versatile.
For samurai starters, dual-wielding Uchigatana makes many of the early bosses easy. For everyone else, the 15 dexterity prerequisite is a big ask, but it’s worth it in most cases.
I'm an enthusiast well-versed in the intricate details of Elden Ring, particularly in the realm of weapons and character builds. My experience in the game has provided me with an in-depth understanding of the mechanics, strengths, and weaknesses of various equipment. Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article about the Uchigatana, one of the standout weapons in Elden Ring.
-
Starting Weapon Dynamics:
- The article highlights that many starting weapons in Elden Ring become less effective in later stages or are outperformed by alternatives. This sets the stage for the significance of finding a reliable weapon early on.
-
Uchigatana's Uniqueness:
- The Uchigatana stands out among starting weapons, particularly for the Samurai class, due to its ability to proc bleed. This characteristic ensures its viability throughout the game, even in later stages.
-
Versatility with Ashes of War:
- The Uchigatana's adaptability is emphasized by its potential to be repurposed for any build with points in dexterity, once players gain access to Ashes of War. This speaks to the importance of flexibility in weapon choices.
-
Limited Availability:
- The article mentions that players can only find one Uchigatana during each game cycle. This scarcity adds an element of challenge and rarity to obtaining this weapon, making it a sought-after item.
-
Location and Accessibility:
- Detailed information is provided on where to find the Uchigatana in Elden Ring. The Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave is specified, and the article offers a step-by-step guide on how to reach this location. This information aids players in overcoming the challenges of obtaining the weapon.
-
Katanas in Elden Ring:
- The article touches on the broader context of katanas in Elden Ring, noting that they are generally strong weapons. Katanas, including the Uchigatana, often possess a passive bleed effect that proves effective against bosses and invaders. The Unsheathe ability's heavy attack is also highlighted for its ability to deal significant posture damage.
-
Comparative Analysis:
- While acknowledging that the Uchigatana isn't the absolute best katana in the game, the article provides context by mentioning other powerful katanas like Rivers of Blood and Moonveil. The Uchigatana's advantage lies in its lower prerequisites, making it a versatile choice for various playstyles.
-
Role for Different Classes:
- The article suggests that for samurai starters, dual-wielding Uchigatana can make early bosses easier. Additionally, it notes the 15 dexterity prerequisite, emphasizing that, despite the requirement, the Uchigatana is worth the investment in most cases.
In conclusion, the Uchigatana in Elden Ring is presented as a strategically valuable weapon with unique characteristics, and its acquisition involves overcoming challenges, adding depth and excitement to the player's experience.
