Introduction
Embarking on the treacherous journey through Elden Ring requires a strategic approach, starting with the crucial decision of choosing your class. If you find yourself in the perplexing dilemma of selecting the perfect starting class, fear not – this in-depth guide is tailored to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Samurai class. In Elden Ring, your class isn't merely a label; it's a defining factor that shapes your gameplay. The Samurai, with its blend of melee and ranged capabilities, stands out as a versatile choice. Let's delve into the intricacies of the class, exploring its playstyle, starter equipment, and the art of unleashing its full potential.
Understanding the Samurai Class
The Samurai, as the name suggests, embodies the iconic image of a skilled warrior wielding a katana and adorned in traditional bamboo-made light armor. This class caters to those who seek a role-playing experience, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of samurai lore. A Dexterity-focused class, the Samurai excels in fast, complex weapons, with the Uchigatana taking center stage as a formidable choice.
Samurai's Starting Stats
- Soul Level: 9
- Vigor: 12
- Mind: 11
- Endurance: 13
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 15
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 8
- Arcane: 8
Starter Equipment Showcase
Equipped with the Uchigatana, Longbow, and a shield for defense, the Samurai is ready for both close-quarters combat and ranged engagements. The Land of Reeds armor provides durability and agility, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Here's a breakdown of the starter equipment:
Weapons
- Uchigatana
- Longbow
Ammo
- Arrow
- Fire Arrow
Shield
- Red Thorn Roundshield
Armor
- Land of Reeds Helm
- Land of Reeds Armor (Altered)
- Land of Reeds Gauntlets
- Land of Reeds Greaves
Samurai's Playstyle
The Samurai is a Dexterity-focused class, emphasizing swift and deadly strikes. The Uchigatana, with its exceptional Unsheath weapon art and Bleed build-up, becomes a powerhouse in the hands of a skilled player. The class seamlessly blends melee and ranged combat, providing a dynamic gameplay experience. While primarily focused on DEX, the Samurai allows flexibility for hybrid builds, enabling players to allocate points in other stats.
Best Builds for Samurai: Unleashing the Power
Melee/Hybrid Build for Samurai (Level 150)
- Vigor: 50
- Mind: 11
- Endurance: 30
- Strength: 24
- Dexterity: 80
- Intelligence: 9
- Faith: 15
- Arcane: 10
Equipment Highlights
- Talismans: Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Millicent’s Prosthesis, Winged Sword Insignia, Lord of Blood’s Exultation OR Shard of Alexandar
- Weapons: Keen Nagakiba +25, Cold Uchigatana with Golden Vow Ash of War
- Seals: Any seal will work with the build
- Incantations: Bloodflame Blade, Flame, Grant Me Strength, Aromatic Bloodboil
- Dexterity-Knot Crystal Tear, Greenburst Crystal Tear, Thorny Cracked Tear: Mix of Wonderous Physick
Mastering the Build
This Dexterity build maximizes the potential of the Nagakiba, utilizing its exceptional reach, swift Double Slash Ash of War, and the potent Bleed effect. The Keen Nagakiba becomes a lethal instrument, complemented by the fiery edge of the Bloodflame Blade. Dual-wielding with the Cold Uchigatana adds versatility, applying Frostbite to exploit enemy weaknesses. The build incorporates various talismans, incantations, and tears to amplify damage and status effects, creating a devastating force on the battlefield.
Does Your Class Matter in Elden Ring?
Your starting class lays the foundation for your early-game experience, defining your initial strengths and weaknesses. While the Samurai excels in melee and Dexterity, the beauty of Elden Ring lies in the flexibility to shape your character as you progress. Experiment with stat distribution and playstyles to tailor your character to your liking. The Samurai, though specialized, can adapt and evolve based on your preferences.
Class Change in Elden Ring
Once your adventure begins, your chosen class becomes a permanent aspect of your character. The respec feature allows redistributing level-up points but doesn't alter the class-given ones. Embrace your class's strengths or challenge yourself by adapting its weaknesses – the choice is yours. If you crave a different class experience, a new game is the only path to a fresh start.
Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Samurais
- Master the Uchigatana's Unsheath Ability: Practice and utilize the devastating close-range attacks to dominate foes.
- Utilize Longbow for Crowd Control: Thin out enemy herds from a distance before engaging in melee combat.
- Exploit Uchigatana's Bleed Effect: Inflict significant damage over time with Bleed, especially effective against bosses.
- Embrace Agility over Shield: Ditch the shield to capitalize on the Samurai's speed and dodging capabilities.
- Elemental Coating for Uchigatana: Enhance the Uchigatana's versatility by coating it with elemental damage using the Grease item.
Conclusion
In the vast realm of Elden Ring, the Samurai class emerges as a compelling choice for players seeking a blend of melee finesse and ranged prowess. Armed with the knowledge of optimal builds and strategic insights, aspiring samurais can carve their path as unstoppable forces. Whether you follow the recommended builds or embark on your own journey of experimentation, may your adventure in Elden Ring be filled with triumph and glory.