Lady Maria’s Weapon: Unraveling the Mystery of Rakuyo
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Lady Maria’s weapon is the Rakuyo, a trick weapon found in Bloodborne: The Old Hunters DLC. It’s a highly versatile and stylish weapon that transforms between a saber and a double-bladed sword, requiring a significant investment in Skill to wield effectively. Its fluid moveset and aggressive nature perfectly reflect Lady Maria’s own fighting style.
Rakuyo: A Detailed Look
The Rakuyo isn’t just a weapon; it’s a reflection of its wielder. Its elegance belies its deadly efficiency, making it a popular choice among players who appreciate both form and function. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this weapon so special:
Form and Function
The Rakuyo’s base form is a beautifully crafted saber. In this configuration, it offers quick attacks, excellent for staggering enemies and dealing rapid damage. Its transformed state, the double-bladed sword, sacrifices some speed for increased reach and power. This form excels at crowd control and punishing slower enemies.
Moveset Mastery
Mastering the Rakuyo requires understanding its intricate moveset. The untransformed saber allows for fast, precise strikes, ideal for weaving in and out of combat. The transformed double-bladed sword offers wider sweeps and powerful thrusts, perfect for overwhelming opponents. Learning to seamlessly transition between the two forms is key to unlocking the Rakuyo’s full potential. The L2 transformation attacks are particularly crucial for maximizing damage output.
Acquisition and Requirements
The Rakuyo is obtained by defeating the Living Failures boss and then diving into the well in the Fishing Hamlet. After falling to the bottom, you will encounter two Giant Fishmen. Defeat the second one, the one wielding the Rakuyo. Be prepared for a challenging fight, as these enemies are aggressive and powerful.
To effectively wield the Rakuyo, you’ll need the following stats:
- Strength: 10
- Skill: 20
- Bloodtinge: 12
While the strength requirement is minimal, the high skill requirement emphasizes the weapon’s reliance on finesse and technique. The 12 Bloodtinge is primarily for utilizing the weapon’s visceral attacks effectively.
Scaling and Gem Imprints
The Rakuyo primarily scales with Skill (S scaling at +10), making it a natural choice for skill-based builds. It also has secondary scaling with Strength (D scaling at +10) and Bloodtinge (E scaling at +10), although these contribute much less to the weapon’s overall damage.
The Rakuyo has three radial gem imprints, allowing for significant customization. Hunters can slot in gems to boost physical attack, add elemental damage, or even enhance visceral attacks.
Rakuyo’s Lore and Significance
The Rakuyo’s lore is closely tied to Lady Maria herself. It was her signature weapon, representing her elegance and skill as a hunter. It is believed to have been crafted from a rare metal found only in Cainhurst, adding to its mystique. The weapon also embodies the guilt Maria feels about the secrets of the Fishing Hamlet, a burden she carries throughout her existence. The weapon’s discovery is linked to the crimes committed there and the burden of knowledge surrounding the Great Ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lady Maria’s Weapon
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Lady Maria’s Weapon, the Rakuyo:
1. Is the Rakuyo the best weapon in Bloodborne?
There is no definitively “best” weapon in Bloodborne. The Rakuyo is considered one of the most versatile and powerful weapons, particularly for Skill builds. Its speed, moveset, and potential for customization make it a top contender. However, weapon choice ultimately depends on personal playstyle and build preferences.
2. Can I get the Rakuyo early in the game?
Technically, yes, but it is highly discouraged. To reach the Fishing Hamlet, you need to defeat Vicar Amelia, the Shadow of Yharnam, Rom the Vacuous Spider, and Amygdala. This requires navigating several difficult areas and defeating challenging bosses. Attempting to acquire the Rakuyo early will likely result in frustration and repeated deaths.
3. Is the Rakuyo good for PvP?
Yes, the Rakuyo is a formidable weapon in player-versus-player combat. Its speed, reach, and unpredictable moveset can catch opponents off guard. Skilled players can use the Rakuyo to effectively control spacing and punish mistakes.
4. What are the best Blood Gems for the Rakuyo?
The best Blood Gems for the Rakuyo depend on your build and playstyle. Generally, physical attack gems are a safe bet for maximizing damage output. Nourishing gems can also be beneficial, especially if you have a hybrid build with decent strength and bloodtinge. You can also use elemental gems if you wish to target specific enemy weaknesses.
5. Is the Rakuyo worth using if I don’t have a Skill build?
While the Rakuyo can be used with a character that does not use a Skill Build, its effectiveness will be severely diminished. The weapon scales incredibly well with Skill, and without investing in this stat, you’ll miss out on a significant portion of its damage potential. Consider using other weapons that better suit your build.
6. How do I effectively use the Rakuyo’s transformed attacks?
Mastering the transformed attacks is crucial. L2 attacks are particularly important as they provide quick transformations and powerful follow-ups. Learn to chain transformations into your combos to maximize your damage output and keep your opponents guessing.
7. Is the Rakuyo affected by the Beasthood stat?
Yes, like all physical weapons, the Rakuyo is affected by the Beasthood stat. However, the Rakuyo is not an ideal weapon for focusing on Beasthood as its strengths lie in its speed and versatility rather than raw damage. It’s not inherently suitable for weapons that capitalize on Beasthood.
8. Where is the Fishing Hamlet?
The Fishing Hamlet is located within the Bloodborne: The Old Hunters DLC. It’s accessible after defeating the Living Failures boss in the Research Hall.
9. Are the Giant Fishmen guarding the Rakuyo difficult to beat?
Yes, the Giant Fishmen are among the most challenging enemies in the Fishing Hamlet. They are aggressive, have high health, and deal significant damage. Be prepared for a tough fight and consider using fire paper or bolt paper to exploit their weaknesses.
10. What’s the lore behind Lady Maria abandoning the Rakuyo?
Lady Maria abandoned the Rakuyo out of shame and guilt for the secrets she kept regarding the Fishing Hamlet and the experiments conducted there. The weapon became a reminder of her involvement in the atrocities committed, leading her to discard it.
11. Does the Rakuyo have any unique quirks or hidden features?
The Rakuyo doesn’t have any explicit “hidden” features, but its transformation attacks and diverse moveset offer plenty of room for experimentation and discovery. Some players have discovered advanced techniques and combo sequences that aren’t immediately obvious.
12. Can I repair the Rakuyo?
Yes, like all weapons in Bloodborne, the Rakuyo can be repaired at the Hunter’s Dream workbench. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the weapon in top condition.
13. Is the Rakuyo a good choice for a first playthrough?
While the Rakuyo is powerful, it’s not the most beginner-friendly weapon. Its high Skill requirement and complex moveset can be overwhelming for new players. Consider using simpler weapons like the Saw Cleaver or Hunter Axe for your first playthrough.
14. How does the Rakuyo compare to other Skill weapons like the Blades of Mercy?
The Rakuyo and the Blades of Mercy are both excellent Skill weapons, but they cater to different playstyles. The Rakuyo offers a more balanced approach, with a good mix of speed, reach, and power. The Blades of Mercy, on the other hand, prioritize speed and agility, making them ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
15. Can you parry with the Rakuyo?
Yes, you can parry with the Rakuyo in its untransformed saber form. The timing is similar to other weapons, but the fast attack speed can make it easier to land parries against some enemies.
The Rakuyo is more than just a weapon; it’s a piece of lore, a symbol of skill, and a testament to Lady Maria’s legacy. By understanding its intricacies and mastering its moveset, you can unlock its full potential and become a true master of the hunt.