Do Katanas Scale with Arcane in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, katanas can scale with Arcane in Elden Ring, though the degree to which they do so varies greatly depending on the specific katana and the infusion applied. While many katanas primarily scale with Dexterity and, to a lesser extent, Strength, certain katanas possess innate Arcane scaling, and others can have it added through weapon infusions using Ashes of War. The key lies in understanding which katanas benefit most from Arcane and how to optimize your build for maximum damage.

Understanding Arcane Scaling

Before diving into specific katanas, it’s crucial to understand what Arcane scaling actually does in Elden Ring. Arcane primarily affects three things:

1. Item Discovery: Increasing your Arcane stat boosts your chance of finding items dropped by enemies. While not directly combat-related, this can significantly improve your farming efficiency.
2. Status Effect Buildup: Arcane directly affects the Bleed, Poison, Madness, and Sleep buildup on weapons that inherently inflict these status effects or have them applied via infusions. This means higher Arcane allows you to trigger these effects more frequently.
3. Weapon Damage: For weapons with Arcane scaling, increasing your Arcane stat will directly increase the weapon’s attack power. This scaling is represented by letter grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) in the weapon’s stats, with S being the best and E being the worst.

Therefore, for katanas, Arcane’s biggest impact is often on Bleed buildup, making it a valuable stat for weapons that naturally inflict Blood Loss or can be infused to do so.

Katanas That Scale with Arcane

Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent katanas that benefit from Arcane, along with how to maximize their potential:

• Rivers of Blood: This is arguably the most famous Arcane katana. While it primarily scales with Dexterity, a significant investment in Arcane is essential for maximizing its Bleed buildup and overall damage output. Its unique weapon skill, Corpse Piler, deals both physical and fire damage, both of which are enhanced by Arcane.
• Uchigatana (with Infusion): The classic Uchigatana, obtainable very early in the game, can be infused with either Blood or Occult Ashes of War to grant it Arcane scaling. A Blood infusion increases Bleed buildup significantly, while an Occult infusion boosts damage against enemies susceptible to status effects.
• Nagakiba (with Infusion): Similar to the Uchigatana, the Nagakiba can also be infused with Blood or Occult Ashes of War for Arcane scaling. Its longer reach makes it a favorite among players who prefer to keep their distance.
• Serpentbone Blade: This unique katana inherently inflicts Poison. While it doesn’t directly scale with Arcane in terms of damage, increasing your Arcane stat will increase the Poison buildup rate, making it more effective at inflicting this status effect.

Making the Most of Arcane Scaling: Build Tips

To effectively utilize katanas with Arcane scaling, consider the following build tips:

• Prioritize Arcane: If you’re building around a katana like the Rivers of Blood, make Arcane your primary stat after Vigor (for health) and Mind (for FP). Aim for at least 45 Arcane, and consider pushing it to 60 or even 80 for maximum potential.
• Choose the Right Talismans: Talismans like the Lord of Blood’s Exultation (boosts attack power when Blood Loss occurs) and the White Mask (also boosts attack power when Blood Loss occurs) synergize incredibly well with Arcane-focused Bleed builds.
• Utilize Status Effect Buffs: Consumables like Bloodboil Aromatic can further increase Blood Loss buildup, making your attacks even more potent.
• Consider Dual-Wielding: Dual-wielding katanas that inflict Bleed can lead to rapid Blood Loss buildup. Experiment with combinations like Rivers of Blood and a Blood-infused Uchigatana for devastating results.

The Intelligence Katana: Moonveil

While not strictly an Arcane weapon, the Moonveil katana warrants mention due to its unique scaling. It primarily scales with Intelligence and Dexterity, making it a popular choice for mage-knight builds. While Arcane doesn’t directly affect its damage, a small investment can still improve Bleed buildup.

The Power of Infusions

The true flexibility in katana scaling comes from Ashes of War. By applying different infusions, you can drastically alter a katana’s scaling and damage type. For example, infusing an Uchigatana with the Occult affinity will make it scale heavily with Arcane and deal increased damage to enemies weak to status effects. Conversely, the Keen affinity will emphasize Dexterity scaling. Experimentation is key to finding the infusion that best suits your playstyle and build.

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Conclusion: Arcane Katanas are a Force to be Reckoned With

In conclusion, Arcane scaling is a viable and powerful option for katanas in Elden Ring. While not every katana benefits equally from Arcane, weapons like the Rivers of Blood and those infused with Blood or Occult Ashes of War can become absolute powerhouses with a dedicated Arcane build. Experimentation, strategic stat allocation, and the right talismans and consumables are crucial to unleashing the full potential of these deadly weapons. So, embrace the power of Arcane and carve your way through the Lands Between with a Bleed-inducing katana!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can any katana be infused with Arcane scaling?

No, not all katanas can be infused. Unique katanas like the Rivers of Blood and Moonveil cannot have their scaling changed. However, standard katanas like the Uchigatana and Nagakiba can be infused with Ashes of War to grant them Arcane scaling via Blood or Occult infusions.

2. Is Rivers of Blood the best katana for an Arcane build?

It’s arguably the most popular and arguably the best, especially for its weapon skill, Corpse Piler, but it depends on your playstyle. Its unique skill and innate Bleed make it a top contender. However, a Blood-infused Uchigatana or Nagakiba can also be extremely effective with high Arcane.

3. How much Arcane is needed for Rivers of Blood?

Aim for at least 45 Arcane to see significant benefits. Pushing it to 60 or even 80 will further enhance its Bleed buildup and overall damage.

4. Does Arcane affect the fire damage on Rivers of Blood?

Yes, Arcane scales the fire damage component of Rivers of Blood’s weapon skill, Corpse Piler.

5. What is the best Ash of War for Arcane scaling on a katana?

The Bloodflame Blade incantation can be applied to katanas that don’t already have an infusion, and is a popular choice. For infusions directly changing scaling, Blood and Occult are the best for Arcane builds. Blood increases Bleed buildup, while Occult boosts damage against enemies susceptible to status effects.

6. Does Arcane increase the damage of all status effects?

No, Arcane primarily affects the buildup of Bleed, Poison, Madness, and Sleep. The actual damage dealt when these status effects are triggered is determined by other factors.

7. Is it worth investing in Arcane if I’m using Moonveil?

While Moonveil primarily scales with Intelligence and Dexterity, a small investment in Arcane (around 20-30) can slightly improve its Bleed buildup. However, your focus should remain on Intelligence and Dexterity for damage.

8. Can you dual-wield Rivers of Blood?

Yes, if you are on New Game Plus, you can obtain a second Rivers of Blood in the same location as the first.

9. What are the best talismans for an Arcane Bleed build?

The Lord of Blood’s Exultation (boosts attack power when Blood Loss occurs), the White Mask (also boosts attack power when Blood Loss occurs), the Millicent’s Prosthesis or Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (boosts attack power on successive attacks), and the Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery) are excellent choices.

10. Does Arcane affect Item Discovery only at the base stat?

No, Arcane’s effect on Item Discovery is directly proportional to your Arcane stat. The higher your Arcane, the better your chances of finding rare items.

11. Is a pure Arcane build viable with katanas?

Yes, a pure Arcane build is very viable, especially with katanas that can be infused with Blood or Occult. Focus on maximizing Arcane and using weapons that synergize well with Bleed.

12. How does Luck (a stat from previous Souls games) relate to Arcane in Elden Ring?

Arcane in Elden Ring effectively replaces the Luck stat from previous Souls games, encompassing its functions of item discovery and status effect buildup.

13. What other weapon types benefit from Arcane scaling?

Besides katanas, weapons like daggers (Reduvia), scythes, and some spears can also benefit from Arcane scaling, especially when infused with Blood or Occult. Also, Dragon Communion Seal scales with Arcane.

14. Where can I find the Ashes of War for Blood and Occult infusions?

The Black Whetblade, found in Nokron, Eternal City, is required to apply Blood and Occult infusions to weapons. Ashes of War themselves can be found throughout the game world, often dropped by enemies or obtained from completing quests.

15. Is Rivers of Blood still overpowered after patches?

While Rivers of Blood has been adjusted in various patches, it remains a very powerful weapon, particularly in PvE. Its weapon skill, Corpse Piler, is still highly effective, and its Bleed buildup can quickly dispatch even the toughest bosses.

I hope this helps!