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Is Upgrading the Uchigatana Worth It in Elden Ring? A Samurai’s Guide

Absolutely, yes! Upgrading the Uchigatana is not only worth it, but it’s practically essential for any aspiring samurai in the Lands Between. This weapon, a starting choice for the Samurai class and obtainable early on, remains viable throughout the entire game. Its versatility, bleed build-up, and compatibility with various builds make it a top-tier choice for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. Let’s delve into why upgrading the Uchigatana is a decision you won’t regret.

Why Upgrade the Uchigatana?

The Uchigatana’s strength lies in its adaptability. It’s not just a one-trick pony; it’s a versatile blade that can be tailored to fit your playstyle. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons why upgrading it is a must:

Damage Scaling: As you upgrade the Uchigatana, its damage scales significantly with your Dexterity stat. Infusing it with Keen further enhances this scaling, making it a powerhouse for Dexterity-focused builds. Alternatively, a Heavy infusion will make it scale with Strength.
Bleed Build-up: The Uchigatana naturally inflicts Bleed, a status effect that causes massive damage when the gauge is filled. Upgrading the weapon doesn’t directly increase the bleed build-up, but the increased attack power ensures that you fill the gauge faster, resulting in more frequent and devastating hemorrhages.
Ash of War Compatibility: The Uchigatana can be equipped with a variety of Ashes of War, allowing you to customize its moveset and add special abilities. This versatility is crucial for adapting to different enemy types and combat situations. You can even apply a Keen Ash of War to further improve Dex scaling without altering the moveset.
Early Availability & Late-Game Viability: Unlike some weapons that become obsolete in the late game, the Uchigatana remains a reliable choice throughout your entire journey. Its early availability means you can start upgrading it early, and its consistent performance ensures that your investment pays off.
Speed and Weight: The Uchigatana is a relatively light weapon, allowing for faster attack animations and easier dodging. This is particularly important for Dexterity builds, which often rely on agility and quick strikes.

Upgrade Paths and Infusions

Choosing the right upgrade path and infusion is crucial for maximizing the Uchigatana’s potential. Here’s a brief overview:

Standard Upgrade: This path enhances the weapon’s base damage and scaling. It’s a good starting point for any build, especially if you’re unsure which direction to take. A standard (+15 for example) upgrade path uchigatana will become exceptional with high Dex.
Keen Infusion: This infusion drastically improves the weapon’s Dexterity scaling, making it the best choice for Dexterity-focused builds. The scaling becomes A scaling starting from +23.
Heavy Infusion: This infusion enhances the weapon’s Strength scaling, making it viable for Strength-focused builds. The scaling becomes A scaling starting from +23.
Quality Infusion: A Quality infusion balances Strength and Dexterity scaling, making it suitable for builds that invest in both stats.
Elemental Infusions (Fire, Lightning, Magic, etc.): These infusions add elemental damage to the weapon, but they reduce its physical damage and scaling. While they can be effective in certain situations, they are generally not recommended for the Uchigatana, as they don’t scale with your stats, so lightning will be unaffected.

Uchigatana: Early Game to Endgame

Don’t let the Uchigatana’s early availability fool you. With proper upgrades and infusions, it can carry you through the entire game. It’s especially effective against bosses that are vulnerable to Bleed, allowing you to quickly deplete their health bars.

In the early game, focus on upgrading the weapon to a decent level and experimenting with different Ashes of War. As you progress, consider specializing your build with a Keen or Heavy infusion to maximize your damage output.

In the late game, the Uchigatana remains a reliable weapon for dealing consistent damage and inflicting Bleed. It’s also a great option for dual-wielding, as equipping two Uchigatanas allows you to unleash a flurry of attacks and quickly trigger the Bleed effect. By equipping two of these swords at once, you can activate a Powerstance which doubles your raw damage and Blood Loss build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about upgrading and using the Uchigatana in Elden Ring:

1. What’s the best early-game Ash of War for the Uchigatana?

Unsheathe is a great early-game Ash of War for the Uchigatana. You already have it by default but applying the Ash of War again to your Uchigatana increases the dexterity scaling while still preserving the move set. It allows for quick, powerful attacks that can stagger enemies and deal significant damage.

2. Should I dual-wield Uchigatanas?

Absolutely! Dual-wielding Uchigatanas is a popular and effective strategy. It allows you to unleash a barrage of attacks, quickly build up the Bleed effect, and deal massive damage. Equip two of these swords at once, you can activate a Powerstance which doubles your raw damage and Blood Loss build-up.

3. Is the Uchigatana good for PvP?

Yes, the Uchigatana is a viable option for PvP. Its speed, bleed build-up, and customizable moveset make it a formidable weapon in duels and invasions.

4. What stats should I focus on for an Uchigatana build?

If you go with a Keen infusion focus on Dexterity. If you go with a Heavy infusion focus on Strength. Also level up Vigor and Endurance.

5. Where can I find a second Uchigatana?

You can find a second Uchigatana in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave.

6. Is the Moonveil better than the Uchigatana?

The Moonveil is a strong katana with a unique weapon skill, but it requires Intelligence. The ore blade is primarily a strength/intelligence weapon as well. If that’s your build it should be a good pick, but if you’ve been leveling dexterity up the uchigatana will be better. If you are running a Dexterity build, the Uchigatana with a Keen infusion is often a better choice.

7. Can I use the Uchigatana for a Faith build?

Yes, but you’ll need to use an Ash of War to infuse it with Sacred or Flame Art. This will change its scaling to Faith.

8. What’s the best talisman for an Uchigatana build?

Some good talismans for an Uchigatana build include the Green Turtle Talisman (for stamina recovery), the Marika’s Soreseal/Scarseal (for attribute boosts), and the Lord of Blood’s Exultation (for damage boost when bleed is inflicted).

9. Is the Uchigatana better than the Rivers of Blood?

Rivers of Blood is another popular katana, but it requires a higher Arcane stat. The Uchigatana is generally easier to build around and still deals significant damage with Bleed.

10. How much should I upgrade my shield?

Shields are absolutely worth upgrading even if an Elden Ring player never plans to use them offensively. This is because shields gain points of Guard Boost through strengthening them.

11. Should I use Bloody Slash on the Uchigatana?

If you’re looking to maximize Bleed build-up, using Bloody Slash on the Uchigatana can be very effective. The Uchigatana causes Bleed build-up passively, but if you infuse it with a Bleed Ash of War, such as Bloody Slash, it’ll cause even more blood loss.

12. Is the Iaito better than the Uchigatana?

The uchi has a slight lead in power (and I do mean slight…its negligible) over the Iaito. The range is also slightly less than an Iaito…but again it is pretty negligible. As said earlier, the Uchi is better for an elemental weapon build because it has lower requirements.

13. What’s the best bleed katana in Elden Ring?

Uchigatana is a very solid option. There are other alternatives such as Moonveil, Reduvia, Bloodhound’s Fang, Varre’s Bouquet, Hoslow’s Petal Whip, and Hand of Malenia.

14. Is Endurance important for an Uchigatana build?

Yes, Endurance is crucial for any build, including an Uchigatana build. It increases your stamina, allowing you to perform more attacks, dodges, and blocks.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

You can explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and insights into how video games can be used for learning and development. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the use of games for educational purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading the Uchigatana is a fantastic decision for any Elden Ring player, especially those who enjoy a Dexterity-focused, samurai-esque playstyle. Its versatility, bleed build-up, and compatibility with various Ashes of War make it a reliable and powerful weapon that can carry you through the entire game. So, grab your blade, upgrade it to its full potential, and carve your legend into the Lands Between!

Is it worth it to upgrade the Uchigatana?