Can You Dual Wield Nagakiba and Rivers of Blood in Elden Ring?
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Yes, you absolutely can dual wield the Nagakiba and Rivers of Blood in Elden Ring. These two katanas synergize remarkably well, providing devastating bleed buildup and significant damage output, making it a popular and effective build for both PvE and PvP.
Understanding the Dual Wield Katana Build
This build centers around maximizing the potential of two powerful katanas: the Nagakiba, a lengthy katana with excellent reach, and the Rivers of Blood, a katana known for its unique weapon skill, Corpse Piler, which inflicts rapid blood loss. Combining these weapons allows players to exploit the bleed status effect, which deals a percentage of an enemy’s maximum health as damage.
Requirements for Dual Wielding
To effectively dual wield any weapons in Elden Ring, including the Nagakiba and Rivers of Blood, you need to meet a few prerequisites:
- Stats: Ensure your character possesses sufficient Strength and Dexterity to wield both katanas. The Nagakiba requires 18 Strength and 22 Dexterity, while Rivers of Blood needs 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 20 Arcane.
- Off-Hand Weapon: You need to equip one katana in your right hand and the other in your left hand. This allows you to perform a unique dual-wield attack.
- Grip: Pressing the light attack button (L1/LB on controllers, or Left Mouse Button by default) will trigger a dual-wielding attack, executing a series of strikes from both weapons simultaneously.
Advantages of the Build
There are numerous advantages to utilizing this dual katana build:
- High Bleed Buildup: The combined attacks from both weapons rapidly apply the bleed status effect. Rivers of Blood’s Corpse Piler is particularly effective at this.
- Strong Damage Output: Even without bleed procs, both katanas deal respectable damage individually. When combined, their damage output is substantial.
- Versatility: The build can be adapted for both close-quarters combat and mid-range engagements, thanks to the Nagakiba’s reach and Rivers of Blood’s weapon skill.
- Ash of War Potential: While Rivers of Blood has a fixed weapon skill, Nagakiba can be infused with various Ashes of War to further customize your playstyle.
Optimizing Your Build
To truly excel with this build, consider these optimization tips:
- Stats: Prioritize leveling Dexterity, Arcane, and Vigor. Dexterity directly boosts katana damage, Arcane enhances bleed buildup (especially for Rivers of Blood), and Vigor ensures you can withstand enemy attacks.
- Talismans: Equip talismans that boost attack power, bleed buildup, or survivability. Some recommended options include the Lord of Blood’s Exultation (increases attack power when blood loss occurs nearby), Millicent’s Prosthesis (raises dexterity and attack power with successive attacks), and the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery speed).
- Armor: Choose armor that provides a good balance of protection and mobility. Medium armor is generally a good choice, allowing you to roll effectively while offering decent defense.
- Ashes of War (Nagakiba): Experiment with different Ashes of War on the Nagakiba to find one that complements your playstyle. Popular choices include Unsheathe, Double Slash, and Bloodflame Blade (if you want to add fire damage).
- Incantations/Sorceries (Optional): While not strictly necessary, incorporating some buffs or utility spells can enhance your build. Golden Vow (incantation) provides a damage and defense boost, while Flame, Grant Me Strength (incantation) increases physical and fire damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the stat requirements for dual wielding Nagakiba and Rivers of Blood?
To effectively dual wield, you need 18 Strength, 22 Dexterity, and 20 Arcane. These stats cover the minimum requirements for both weapons.
2. Which katana should I equip in my right hand and which in my left?
Generally, Rivers of Blood is equipped in your right hand because of its unique weapon skill, Corpse Piler, which you’ll likely use more frequently. Nagakiba goes into the left hand, benefiting from its reach during dual wield attacks and allowing customization with Ashes of War.
3. How do I perform the dual wield attack?
Press the L1/LB button on your controller (or Left Mouse Button by default) while both katanas are equipped. This triggers a unique attack sequence using both weapons.
4. What is the best Ash of War to put on the Nagakiba for this build?
There’s no single “best” Ash of War, as it depends on your playstyle. However, Unsheathe and Double Slash are excellent choices for maximizing damage and bleed buildup. Bloodflame Blade is also a good option if you want to add fire damage to your attacks.
5. Does Arcane increase the bleed buildup on the Nagakiba?
No, Arcane primarily increases the bleed buildup on weapons that scale with Arcane, like Rivers of Blood. The Nagakiba’s bleed buildup is primarily influenced by weapon upgrades and talismans.
6. What talismans are recommended for this build?
- Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Greatly increases attack power when blood loss occurs nearby.
- Millicent’s Prosthesis: Raises Dexterity and attack power with successive attacks.
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed, allowing for more frequent attacks.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Further enhances attack power with successive attacks (stacks with Millicent’s Prosthesis).
7. What armor should I use with this build?
Prioritize medium armor sets that offer a balance of protection and mobility. Consider the White Reed Set or armor with good poise to avoid being staggered during attacks.
8. Is this build effective in PvP?
Yes, the dual katana build is highly effective in PvP due to its rapid bleed buildup and high damage output. However, skilled players may try to parry your attacks, so be mindful of your attack patterns.
9. Is this build effective in PvE?
Absolutely. The build excels against many bosses and enemies, especially those vulnerable to bleed. The damage output and bleed procs can quickly melt through enemy health bars.
10. How do I get the Nagakiba?
The Nagakiba is obtained by completing Yura, Hunter of Bloody Fingers’ questline. Be careful when making choices within the quest. If Yura is killed before the end of the quest, the Nagakiba can be obtained from his location at the Main Academy Gate.
11. How do I get the Rivers of Blood?
Rivers of Blood is obtained by defeating the invader Bloody Finger Okina at the Church of Repose in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
12. Can I power stance other katanas with the Nagakiba?
Yes, you can power stance other katanas with the Nagakiba, as long as you meet the stat requirements for both weapons. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.
13. Does the Rivers of Blood scale with anything other than Arcane, Dexterity and Strength?
While the Rivers of Blood scales primarily with Arcane, Dexterity and Strength, the fire damage component of its unique weapon skill, Corpse Piler, technically has a slight scaling with Faith, although it’s negligible and not worth investing stats into. Focus on Arcane, Dexterity and Strength.
14. What is the best way to upgrade these weapons?
Use Smithing Stones to upgrade the Nagakiba and Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade the Rivers of Blood. Prioritize upgrading both weapons as much as possible to maximize their damage output.
15. Is this build considered “overpowered”?
While the dual katana build is undeniably strong, especially with Rivers of Blood, whether it’s “overpowered” is subjective and depends on the player’s skill and the specific encounter. Patches and updates from FromSoftware may also affect the build’s effectiveness over time.