Mastering the Keen Uchigatana in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
The Uchigatana is a fantastic weapon in Elden Ring, known for its speed and bleed buildup. You don’t “get” a Keen Uchigatana as a separate item. Instead, you modify an existing Uchigatana to have the Keen affinity using an Ash of War and the Whetstone Knife. This process scales the weapon primarily with your Dexterity stat, making it ideal for Dexterity-focused builds. This is achievable if you have acquired your first Whetstone Knife from a ruin in Limgrave.
Obtaining the Uchigatana
The easiest way to obtain an Uchigatana is by picking the Samurai class when starting a new game. The Samurai starts with an Uchigatana already equipped. If you didn’t choose this class, don’t worry! You can still find one in the Deathtouched Catacombs, located in the northern part of Limgrave.
Locating the Deathtouched Catacombs Uchigatana
- Travel to Limgrave: Make your way to the northern part of the region.
- Find the Catacombs: The Deathtouched Catacombs entrance is relatively easy to spot, marked by a distinctive dungeon entrance symbol on your map.
- Navigate the Dungeon: From the Site of Grace within, proceed down the stairs and through the linear path. Defeat the skeletons you encounter.
- Unlock the Door: Find the lever within the catacombs. This lever unlocks a previously inaccessible door in the dungeon.
- Claim Your Prize: Behind the unlocked door, you’ll find the Uchigatana on a dead body hanging over the edge of a platform.
Applying the Keen Affinity
Once you have your Uchigatana, you’ll need to infuse it with the Keen affinity. This requires the following:
- The Whetstone Knife: This is essential for applying Ashes of War and, consequently, affinities. You can find the Whetstone Knife early in the game at the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave. Look for a cellar with a set of stairs leading down that is located amidst the soldier camps, guarded by soldiers, in the Gatefront Ruins.
- An Ash of War that allows Keen infusion: Not all Ashes of War can apply every affinity. Look for Ashes of War that specifically state they can grant the Keen affinity. Ashes of War with the Keen affinity include Glintstone Pebble, Quickstep, and Raptor of the Mists.
- Visit a Site of Grace: Rest at any Site of Grace to access the “Ashes of War” menu option.
- Select Your Weapon and Ash: Choose the Uchigatana and the Keen-compatible Ash of War you want to apply. The game will show you a preview of the stat changes the infusion will cause.
- Confirm and Infuse: Confirm the infusion to grant your Uchigatana the Keen affinity. This significantly improves its Dexterity scaling, making it a powerhouse for Dexterity builds.
FAQs: Keen Uchigatana and Related Questions
1. What does the Keen affinity do in Elden Ring?
The Keen affinity primarily improves the Dexterity scaling of a weapon. This means that the weapon’s attack power will increase more significantly with each point you invest in your Dexterity stat. It often slightly reduces Strength scaling.
2. Where can I find Ashes of War that grant the Keen affinity?
Ashes of War with the Keen affinity include Glintstone Pebble, Quickstep, and Raptor of the Mists. These are obtained through exploring the lands between and defeating bosses.
3. Can I remove an Ash of War from a weapon?
Yes, you can remove an Ash of War from a weapon without destroying it. Visit a blacksmith or use the Lost Ashes of War item (sold by merchants) to remove the Ash of War and regain it for reuse on other weapons.
4. Is the Keen Uchigatana good for my build?
If you’re building a character with a high Dexterity stat, then yes, the Keen Uchigatana is an excellent choice. Its increased Dexterity scaling will significantly boost your damage output.
5. How do I dual-wield Uchigatanas?
The easiest way is to start as a Samurai, since this gives you one at the start of the game. Then you can acquire a second one by going to the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave. After that, you’ll need to have the required stats to wield them effectively.
6. What stats should I focus on for a Keen Uchigatana build?
Prioritize Dexterity. Vigor and Endurance are also essential for survivability and stamina management. Mind is useful if you plan to use weapon skills frequently. Strength is less important, but you’ll need enough to meet the Uchigatana’s minimum requirements.
7. Can I change the affinity of a weapon more than once?
Yes, you can change the affinity of a weapon as many times as you like, as long as you have different Ashes of War available. You can switch back and forth between affinities to suit your needs.
8. Where is the best place to farm smithing stones to upgrade my Uchigatana?
Early game, the Limgrave Tunnels and Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel are good sources of Smithing Stones. Later in the game, more efficient farming locations open up as you progress. You can also buy Smithing Stones from some merchants after giving them Bell Bearings.
9. How do I get past +3 weapon upgrades?
You need to visit the blacksmith Smithing Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold to upgrade weapons past +3. He requires specific Smithing Stones and Runes for upgrades.
10. Is the Uchigatana better than other katanas in Elden Ring?
The “best” katana depends on your playstyle and build. The Uchigatana is a solid, reliable choice with good bleed buildup and Dexterity scaling. Other katanas like the Rivers of Blood and Nagakiba have different strengths and weaknesses.
11. What is the best Ash of War for the Keen Uchigatana?
The best Ash of War is subjective and depends on your preference. Unsheathe is a popular choice for its versatility and damage, while Quickstep offers great mobility. Experiment with different Ashes of War to find what works best for you.
12. How does bleed buildup work with the Uchigatana?
The Uchigatana inherently causes bleed buildup. When the bleed meter fills on an enemy, they suffer a burst of damage. Infusing it with a Bleed Ash of War like Bloody Slash will dramatically increase this buildup.
13. Is the Uchigatana viable in the late game?
Yes, the Uchigatana remains viable throughout the entire game. Its speed, bleed buildup, and customizable Ashes of War make it a powerful weapon, even in the late game areas.
14. How do I pronounce “Uchigatana” correctly?
In Japanese, Uchigatana (うちがたな) translates roughly to “family-sword,” and was the name for a standard sword wielded by a samurai. In Japanese, it would be pronounced “ooh-chi-gah-tah-nah.”
15. What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, is a group that researches and promotes using games and game-like elements in educational settings. They explore how games can enhance learning and engagement in various fields. The Games Learning Society believes in the value of learning through play, and that games can be used in formal and informal learning environments.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Keen affinity, you can transform your Uchigatana into a formidable weapon perfectly suited for your Dexterity-focused Elden Ring adventure. Remember to experiment with different Ashes of War to find the perfect combination for your playstyle and dominate the Lands Between!