Best Elden Ring Samurai Build: Templates & Guide
Hey guys! So, you're looking to become a kick-ass Samurai in Elden Ring, huh? Awesome! You've come to the right place. This guide is all about crafting the ultimate Samurai build. We'll delve into the best starting classes, stats, weapons, armor, talismans, and even some helpful tips and tricks to make your Tarnished journey a total blast. Let's get started. First off, the Samurai class is already pretty darn good right out of the gate. But, with some careful planning and the right choices, we can turn a good build into a legendary one. So, grab your katana, your bow, and your spirit ashes, and let’s get this show on the road! Before you begin creating your perfect Samurai build, take a moment to figure out how you want to play. Do you prefer a quick, nimble fighter who dashes in and out? Or do you want a more balanced approach with a mix of melee and ranged combat? The beauty of Elden Ring is that it lets you customize your playstyle, so don't be afraid to experiment and discover what you enjoy most. This guide will provide you with the information you need, but remember, the best build is the one that you have the most fun playing. Remember to explore the vast open world, complete side quests, and experiment with different weapons and spells. That's the key to enjoying Elden Ring to its fullest. So, whether you are a veteran Souls player or a newcomer to the genre, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and direction you need to become a formidable Samurai in the Lands Between. And remember, dying is part of the experience. We've all been there, and it's how you learn and improve. So, embrace the challenge, have fun, and let's become the best Samurai Elden Ring has ever seen. The main keyword is Elden Ring Samurai Build, which you must remember for the entire journey.
Starting Class: The Foundation of Your Samurai
Alright, let’s talk starting classes. While you can technically respec your stats later in the game, your initial choice sets the stage. For a Samurai build, the obvious choice is, well, the Samurai. Seriously, it's perfect! You start with a katana (the Uchigatana), a bow (the Longbow), and some decent armor. This gives you a solid foundation right away, so you can immediately begin to do some damage. But, let's explore why it's the best class. The Samurai class comes equipped with a high Dexterity stat, which is crucial for katana damage, and a decent Vigor for health. You'll also have access to the Unsheathe skill, a fantastic attack that does loads of damage and is perfect for critical hits. The class also begins with a bow. The bow is an important secondary weapon for your build, helping you to fight at range. Consider also the Vagabond as a solid alternative. It offers slightly higher starting Vigor and Strength, which can be beneficial if you plan on using heavier armor later on, or you want a bit more melee power, even though it will take you longer to wield your katana at the beginning of the game. However, the Vagabond will need some points invested in Dexterity early on to wield the katana effectively. Regardless of your choice, remember that the most important thing is to have a good time and experiment with various builds.
Starting with the Samurai class is beneficial because you immediately get the Uchigatana, the signature katana, and the Longbow. This saves you valuable time and resources early in the game that you would otherwise spend finding these weapons. You get a head start. The Samurai class also starts at a higher level, meaning more stat points to play with from the beginning. This allows you to focus on the key stats, such as Dexterity and Vigor, right from the start. Your initial stats and starting equipment will influence your initial playstyle and make the early game more manageable. It is an excellent choice for a beginner to get a good understanding of the Samurai's strengths. Ultimately, your starting class choice is a matter of personal preference. But for a pure, optimized Samurai build, the Samurai class is the clear winner, giving you an edge from the very start. The flexibility in the starting class is an important factor.
Why Samurai is the Best Choice
- Starting Equipment: Comes with the Uchigatana and Longbow. Excellent early game damage.
- High Dexterity: Ideal for katana scaling and speed.
- Balanced Stats: Decent Vigor, allowing for good health and survivability.
- Unsheathe Skill: A powerful and versatile katana skill.
Stats: Leveling Your Samurai
Okay, now let's dive into stats. This is where you'll really shape your Samurai. For a katana-focused build, Dexterity is your primary stat. It increases your damage output and casting speed. Then, you'll need a good amount of Vigor for health. You want to be able to take a hit or two, right?
- Vigor: Aim for at least 40 early game and 50+ later on. This will give you the health you need to survive those intense battles.
- Mind: Invest enough to cast your Ashes of War.
- Endurance: This affects your stamina and equipment load.
- Strength: You'll need a certain amount of Strength to wield some of the katanas, but don't overdo it. Focus on Dexterity.
- Dexterity: This is your main damage stat. Level this up as much as possible, ideally reaching 60-80.
- Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane: Leave these at their base levels unless you have a specific build in mind.
Don't forget that using talismans and armor can help boost your stats even further. Remember, there's no single perfect stat distribution. Adapt to your playstyle, and adjust as you progress through the game. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and make sure your build complements your playstyle. A well-balanced stat spread will make you a formidable opponent in the Lands Between, whether you're facing hordes of enemies or challenging bosses.
Prioritizing Stats
- Dexterity: Main damage stat.
- Vigor: Health and survivability.
- Endurance: Stamina for attacks, blocking, and dodging.
Weapons: The Samurai's Arsenal
So, what weapons should you be using? The Uchigatana is a fantastic starting weapon. It has great scaling with Dexterity. If you want a step up in damage and speed, aim for the Rivers of Blood. This katana is a popular choice for Samurai builds, thanks to its unique weapon skill, Corpse Piler, which deals incredible bleed damage. You can obtain this weapon by defeating the Bloody Finger Okina in the Mountaintops of the Giants region. The Moonveil katana is a popular choice for its incredible power. It has the ability to scale off of Intelligence and Dexterity, making it an excellent weapon for a hybrid build. You can obtain it by defeating the Magma Wyrm in the Caelid region. Also, don't overlook the bow. You'll want one for ranged attacks and pulling enemies. Consider the Black Bow or Serpent Bow. Upgrade your katana with the Blood or Occult infusions. This will increase bleed buildup, making them even more effective. Also, remember to upgrade your weapons at the blacksmith. Upgrading your weapons significantly boosts their damage and effectiveness. Weapon choices can significantly affect the overall effectiveness of your Samurai build. Experiment with different katanas to see what feels best for your playstyle.
Best Weapon Choices
- Uchigatana: Great starting katana.
- Rivers of Blood: High bleed damage, great weapon skill.
- Moonveil: For a hybrid build, high damage.
- Black Bow: For ranged attacks.
Armor: Protecting the Samurai
Armor is super important! You want something that offers good protection without weighing you down too much. The Samurai set is an excellent choice for a balanced approach. It offers decent defense and looks the part. Later in the game, you might want to consider the Ronin's Set. This offers better protection. Try to maintain a medium equip load. This allows for the best balance between protection and mobility. Heavier armor will provide more protection but can hinder your ability to dodge attacks. The set also offers excellent poise, allowing you to withstand hits without staggering. Poise is an important stat because it determines how easily you get staggered during combat. The higher your poise, the more hits you can take before being interrupted. You can experiment with different armor pieces to find the right balance for your build and playstyle. Remember, it's about finding the sweet spot between protection and mobility.
Armor Recommendations
- Samurai Set: Good all-around protection.
- Ronin's Set: Better protection, good poise.
Talismans: Boosting Your Samurai's Power
Talismans are your secret weapon! They provide passive bonuses. Here are some talismans that are incredibly useful for the Elden Ring Samurai Build:
- Lord of Blood's Exultation: Boosts attack power when bleed occurs. This is basically a must-have if you're using a bleed-focused katana like Rivers of Blood.
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed. This allows you to attack more frequently.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Reduces physical damage taken. Great for survivability.
- Shard of Alexander: Boosts the damage of your weapon skills. This is particularly useful for katanas, as many have powerful weapon skills.
Try experimenting with different combinations of talismans. Finding the right mix can make a massive difference in your build's effectiveness.
Essential Talismans
- Lord of Blood's Exultation: Increases attack power when bleed occurs.
- Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Reduces physical damage.
- Shard of Alexander: Boosts weapon skill damage.
Ashes of War: Enhancing Your Katana Skills
Ashes of War are what you can use to give your weapons skills. For the Samurai, the Unsheathe skill that comes with the Uchigatana is an amazing starting point. It deals high damage and is great for critical hits. If you're going for a bleed build, consider using the Bloody Slash skill. This adds blood affinity. The choice of Ashes of War can significantly change the way your Samurai builds play. Experimenting with different skills can make your build even more effective.
Recommended Ashes of War
- Unsheathe: For Uchigatana, the great starting point.
- Bloody Slash: Adds bleed affinity.
Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Samurai Playstyle
Alright, here are some helpful tips to elevate your Samurai game!
- Learn to Parry: Mastering parrying is an important skill. It can make challenging encounters a breeze.
- Dodge Effectively: Timing your dodges is crucial. Learn the enemy attack patterns.
- Use Spirit Ashes: Don't forget to use your Spirit Ashes. They can be invaluable in tough fights.
- Buff Your Weapons: Use grease and buffs to increase your damage output.
- Manage Stamina: Pay attention to your stamina. Don't spam attacks.
Remember to explore, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! That's the key to enjoying Elden Ring to its fullest. And don't be afraid to die! It's all part of the process.
Conclusion: Becoming the Ultimate Samurai
There you have it, guys! This guide should give you a solid foundation for building an awesome Samurai in Elden Ring. Remember that the best build is the one you enjoy playing. So, experiment, adapt, and have fun slicing your way through the Lands Between! Good luck, and may the grace of the Golden Order guide your path! Remember to level up, explore the world, experiment with weapons, and adapt to the challenges that come your way. This is your journey, so make it your own. And don't forget to enjoy the ride.