Can You Upgrade the Uchigatana? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! The Uchigatana, a popular and versatile weapon in FromSoftware’s games, including Elden Ring, can be significantly upgraded to enhance its damage output and overall effectiveness. This upgrade process is crucial for progressing through the game and tackling more challenging enemies and bosses. Unlike some weapons with more rigid upgrade paths, the Uchigatana provides a flexible approach to customization, allowing players to tailor it to their specific builds.
How to Upgrade the Uchigatana in Elden Ring
The Uchigatana in Elden Ring utilizes a straightforward upgrade system, primarily involving Smithing Stones. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Initial Upgrades
Early in the game, you’ll encounter smithing tables where you can strengthen your armament up to +3. This is your starting point, and you’ll use basic Smithing Stones to achieve these initial upgrades. To progress past +3, you’ll need to access the services of a proper blacksmith.
The Role of Smithing Master Hewg
The key figure in your Uchigatana’s upgrade journey is Smithing Master Hewg, located in the Roundtable Hold. Hewg can upgrade your weapons to higher levels, provided you have the necessary materials. To upgrade the Uchigatana, you’ll require a series of increasingly rarer Smithing Stones.
Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones
There are two primary types of Smithing Stones in Elden Ring. Standard Smithing Stones are used to upgrade most weapons, while Somber Smithing Stones are used for unique weapons that scale differently. The Uchigatana utilizes the standard Smithing Stone system.
Reaching +10 and Beyond
To take your Uchigatana to +10, you will progressively need to acquire Smithing Stones [1] through Smithing Stones [7]. Once you reach +10, you’ll need Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones to go to +25 which is the maximum level for regular weapons. You’ll acquire the lower grade Smithing Stones primarily by defeating enemies, exploring the Lands Between and from shops. Higher-grade stones are progressively more difficult to find and are usually found in specific areas of the world and harder to reach shops.
Infusing Ashes of War
Beyond just upgrading the raw damage of the Uchigatana, you can significantly alter its play style and scaling through Ashes of War. These special items can be applied at Sites of Grace, giving your Uchigatana new weapon skills and, importantly, altering its damage scaling to favor specific stats like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith or Arcane. For instance, a Blood affinity will greatly enhance the bleed buildup, while a Keen affinity will boost Dexterity scaling.
Is Upgrading the Uchigatana Worth It?
Unequivocally, yes. Upgrading the Uchigatana is not only worth it, but it is crucial to its viability as you progress through Elden Ring. The Uchigatana is a weapon with an excellent balance of speed, reach, and damage, especially when upgraded. Its natural bleed buildup is extremely useful against a variety of enemies and bosses, making it even more effective.
The Power of Bleed
The bleed status effect that the Uchigatana passively applies with every hit can cause a percentage of the enemy’s health to be reduced once a certain threshold is reached. This can be particularly beneficial when fighting bosses that boast a high HP pool.
Scaling with Dexterity
The Uchigatana is a Dexterity focused weapon meaning that it scales primarily with the Dexterity stat. Upgrading the weapon, especially in tandem with a build that focuses on dexterity will increase the damage and overall viability of the weapon and increase scaling significantly.
Versatility and Customization
Thanks to the ability to infuse Ashes of War, the Uchigatana can fit a variety of builds and playstyles. This flexibility is a huge advantage, allowing players to adapt their weapon to specific situations. Whether you want to focus on damage, bleed, or elemental damage, the Uchigatana can accommodate your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uchigatana Upgrades
1. Where do I find my first Uchigatana?
You can find the Uchigatana very early in the game in Deathtouched Catacombs located in Limgrave, and alternatively, it is the starting weapon for the Samurai class.
2. Can the Uchigatana be upgraded to +10?
Yes, the Uchigatana can be upgraded to +10 with regular Smithing Stones, and then to +25 with Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
3. What kind of Smithing Stones are required to upgrade it?
You’ll need standard Smithing Stones [1-7] to get to +10, and then Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones to reach +25.
4. Where can I find Smithing Stones?
Smithing Stones are scattered throughout the world, dropped by certain enemies, or can be bought from specific merchants. Higher-level stones are usually found in more difficult areas.
5. Can I change the Uchigatana’s scaling with upgrades?
Yes, by applying Ashes of War, you can change the Uchigatana’s scaling to favor different stats like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane.
6. How does bleed work with the Uchigatana?
The Uchigatana has a passive bleed effect that builds up with each hit. Once the bleed threshold is reached, it will trigger a significant health loss on the enemy.
7. Is it worth infusing the Uchigatana with Blood Affinity?
Yes, infusing with Blood affinity greatly increases the bleed buildup, making it even more effective against enemies weak to bleed.
8. What is the best Ash of War for the Uchigatana?
The “best” Ash of War depends on your build. However, some popular choices include Unsheathe, Blood Slash, and Seppuku for a bleed build, or Keen scaling for a Dex build.
9. Can I dual-wield Uchigatanas?
Yes, you can dual-wield the Uchigatana, significantly increasing its attack power and bleed buildup.
10. Is the Uchigatana a good late-game weapon?
Absolutely. With proper upgrades and a good build, the Uchigatana remains a reliable and powerful weapon throughout the entire game.
11. How does the Uchigatana compare to other Katanas?
The Uchigatana is considered one of the best katanas in the game due to its balance of speed, range, bleed buildup, and customizability. Others, such as Nagakiba have more reach, but the Uchigatana remains a popular and viable choice throughout.
12. Does upgrading the Uchigatana increase its bleed buildup?
While upgrading the base weapon does not directly increase the bleed buildup, scaling through stats and using an ash of war will greatly increase bleed buildup.
13. How do you get an Uchigatana with Cold Affinity?
You can find the Uchigatana in the Deathtouched Catacombs, which makes it a fairly early game find. To make it a cold weapon, you will need a Cold affinity Ash of War.
14. Can the Uchigatana be upgraded to +25?
Yes, once you have upgraded to +10, you will need to acquire Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones to get to +25.
15. Is the Uchigatana considered a Dex Weapon?
Yes, the Uchigatana is primarily a Dexterity based weapon and thus scales primarily with the Dexterity stat.
In conclusion, the Uchigatana is an excellent weapon that benefits greatly from upgrades, making it a powerful choice throughout Elden Ring. Its versatility, customization options, and high damage potential when upgraded make it a must-try for any player.