Elden Ring’s expansive world and deep combat mechanics have captivated players since its release, and the introduction of DLC content has only added more layers to Elden Ring Runes the game’s already rich gameplay. One weapon that has flown under the radar but deserves more attention is the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana. This weapon, with its unique move set and powerful Ash of War, is a hidden gem for players who enjoy quality builds. In this guide, we’ll break down how to maximize the potential of the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, focusing on a strength-leaning quality build that can dominate both PvE and PvP encounters.

Why the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana?
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is part of the Great Katana weapon class, which is known for its versatility and power. While other Great Katanas like the Nagakiba or the Rivers of Blood often steal the spotlight, the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana brings its own unique strengths to the table. Its standard move set is incredibly effective, offering excellent chase-down options, high stagger potential, and reliable roll catches. The running attack, in particular, is a standout move, making it easy to pressure opponents and break their poise.

What truly sets this weapon apart, however, is its Ash of War: Dragon Wound Slash. At first glance, this ability might seem underwhelming, but when used strategically, it becomes a devastating tool. The Ash of War can be used in both uncharged and charged forms, with the fully charged version unleashing a long-range energy beam. This beam not only deals significant damage but also serves as a powerful punish tool, especially when combined with the right talismans. At close range, the charged attack can obliterate enemies, making it a versatile option for both PvE and PvP scenarios.

Building Around the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana
To fully utilize the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, a quality build (balanced Strength and Dexterity) is ideal. This build allows the weapon to scale effectively, maximizing its damage output. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of this build:

Stats
Strength: Prioritize Strength to take advantage of the weapon’s scaling. Aim for around 50-60 Strength to ensure solid damage output.

Dexterity: While Strength is the primary focus, Dexterity should not be neglected. A balance of 40-50 Dexterity will complement the weapon’s scaling and improve its overall performance.

Endurance: Great Katanas are stamina-heavy weapons, so investing in Endurance is crucial. Aim for at least 30-40 Endurance to maintain aggression without running out of stamina.

Vigor: As with any build, survivability is key. Aim for 50-60 Vigor to ensure you can withstand heavy hits.

Mind: A small investment in Mind (around 20-25) is useful for spamming the Ash of War without running out of FP too quickly.

Talismans
The right talismans can significantly enhance the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana’s effectiveness. Here’s the recommended setup:

Godfrey Icon: This talisman boosts the damage of charged attacks, making it perfect for the fully charged Dragon Wound Slash.

Shard of Alexander: Increases the damage of your Ash of War, further amplifying the power of Dragon Wound Slash.

Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Since this build focuses on two-handing the Great Katana, this talisman provides a damage boost that synergizes well with the weapon’s move set.

Bull-Goat Talisman or Spear Talisman: The final slot is flexible. The Bull-Goat Talisman increases poise, allowing you to trade hits more effectively, while the Spear Talisman enhances counterattacks, which works well with the Great Katana’s piercing moves.

Armor
While armor choice is largely subjective, prioritizing poise and defense is recommended. Sets like the Bull-Goat Armor or Radahn’s Set provide excellent protection and poise, allowing you to trade hits without being staggered. However, if you prefer a lighter setup for better mobility, the Raging Wolf Set or Ronin’s Set are solid alternatives.

Playstyle and Combat Tips
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana excels in aggressive playstyles, leveraging its powerful move set and Ash of War to overwhelm opponents. Here are some tips to master this weapon:

Utilize the Running Attack: The running attack is one of the Great Katana’s strongest tools. Use it to close the gap on enemies and apply pressure. Its high stagger potential makes it great for breaking poise and setting up follow-up attacks.

Master the Ash of War: Dragon Wound Slash is a versatile ability. Use the uncharged version for quick bursts of damage, and save the fully charged version for punishing enemies at range or dealing massive damage up close. The energy beam from the fully charged attack can catch opponents off guard, especially in PvP.

Two-Hand the Weapon: The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana shines when two-handed. This not only increases its damage but also improves its stagger potential. The Two-Handed Sword Talisman further enhances this playstyle.

Manage Your Stamina: Great Katanas consume a lot of stamina, so be mindful of your attacks. Avoid spamming and instead focus on well-timed strikes and counters.

Adapt to the Situation: The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is versatile enough to handle a variety of scenarios. Use its crouch poke for quick, low-profile attacks, and its heavy attacks for high-damage punishes.

PvP and Invasion Strategies
In PvP, the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana’s strengths truly shine. Its mix of speed, range, and damage makes it a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player. Here are some strategies for invasions and duels:

Bait and Punish: Use the Great Katana’s range to bait opponents into attacking, then punish with a fully charged Dragon Wound Slash. The energy beam can catch rolling opponents if timed correctly.

Roll Catches: The running attack and crouch poke are excellent for catching opponents mid-roll. Use these moves to keep pressure on your enemies and prevent them from healing.

Trade Hits: With high poise and the Bull-Goat Talisman, you can afford to trade hits with lighter weapons. Use this to your advantage in close-quarters combat.

Mind Games: The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana’s Ash of War can be used to create mind games. Mix up between uncharged and charged attacks to keep your opponents guessing.

Final Thoughts
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a weapon that deserves more recognition in Elden Ring’s meta. Its combination of a powerful move set, versatile Ash of War, and excellent scaling make it a top-tier choice for quality builds. Whether you’re exploring the Lands Between or engaging in intense PvP battles, this weapon offers a rewarding and dynamic playstyle.

By following this guide and mastering the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in Elden Ring’s DLC. So, Elden Ring Items for sale  grab your Great Katana, equip your talismans, and get ready to unleash the  power of the Dragon Hunter!

Until next time, happy hunting, and may your invasions be ever in your favor. Goodbye!