Finding the ideal katana can be a difficult task in Dark Souls 3. With over eight options available, each with unique properties and playstyles, it can be overwhelming deciding which one is right for you.
In this comprehensive 2023 guide, I‘ll be sharing my own personal katana build that I‘ve finely tuned over 300 hours of gameplay across hundreds of invasions and PvE encounters.
Buckles up, skeletons. This is going to be an in-depth ride.
Comparing the Top-Tier Katana Contenders
When deciding on which katana to choose for my build, I tested all eight thoroughly to identify the very best from a min-max perspective. Here is a comparison:
Uchigatana – Obtained extremely early at Firelink Shrine. Has excellent dexterity scaling, long reach, fast moveset, and can parry. The go-to starter katana.
Frayed Blade – Found in The Ringed City DLC. Inflicts dark damage, ignores shields with heavy attacks, solid dexterity scaling. Low durability but hits like a truck.
Black Blade – Dropped from a mimic in Catacombs of Carthus. Extremely high base damage and S-rank dexterity scaling when fully upgraded. Short range but versatile moveset.
Onikiri and Ubadachi – Dual katanas obtained from Grand Archives. The highest potential DPS among katanas thanks to a blistering fast moveset. Lacks range and defense. Extremely scary in the right hands.
As you can see, all four of these katanas have merit. However, for my build I ultimately chose the Black Blade as my weapon of choice. Here‘s why:
- Highest overall attack rating
- Devastating critical hits from the additional Dark damage
- Moveset allows for wide swings or slashes
- Special weapon skill wrecks poise
- Buffable even when infused for tremendous damage potential
Now let‘s talk about how we‘ll optimize a deadly PvE/PvP build around the mighty Black Blade.
What Stats You‘ll Need
To wield the Black Blade efficiently you‘ll need to focus on several key stats:
Vigor – 27
I would never go below 27 as that provides 1000 HP which is needed to survive most combos in PvP. Feel free to go higher if you prefer more cushion.
Endurance – 35
Heavy katanas drain stamina quickly so this Endurance benchmark provides ample regen and equip load room.
Dexterity – 40
This hits the first soft cap for dex scaling, greatly improving the AR of Black Blade. I‘d recommend 50+ if going above SL125.
Strength – 16
You‘ll need 16 strength to properly wield the Black Blade 1-handed. This also allows you try out some fun backup ultra greatswords.
The Rest – Base requirements for rings/spells.
So in summary, we want 40 dexterity, 35 endurance, 27 vigor as our baseline. Infuse your Black Blade with a Sharp gem for S-scaling dex damage.
Equipping for Success
For armor, the key is balancing defense, poise, and equip load. We want enough poise to avoid getting staggered while keeping roll speed intact.
Helm – Iron Dragonslayer Helm
Excellent overall defenses and high lightning absorption. Plus it just looks badass.
Chest – Dragonscale Armor
Solid physical and fire defenses. High poison resist which is needed in PvP.
Gloves – Black Iron Gauntlets
Heavy duty gloves with the highest poise to weight ratio in the game.
Legs – Lorian‘s Leggings
Surprisingly good absorption considering the weight. Awesome design as well.
This optimized setup keeps us below 70% equip load for medium rolls while still retaining high damage resistances, decent poise, and a killer aesthetic.
For rings, these 4 provide the best boosts:
- Ring of Favor +3 – Health, stamina, and equip load bonuses
- Havel‘s Ring +3 – Adds hefty 30% max equip load
- Pontiff‘s Right Eye – Adds damage buffs as you continually attack
- Hornet Ring – Critical attacks (ripostes) do 30% more damage. Extremely lethal after parrying.
And if you prefer to dual wield with a shield, consider the Grass Crest Shield for bonus stamina recovery speed along with parrying.
Fighting Smartly with the Black Blade
Facing enemies in PvE or human opponents in PvP with a katana requires adopting an agile, opportunistic playstyle favoring precision over wild slashing. Here are some key tactics I‘ve developed over the years:
PvE Encounters
- Draw out and isolate dangerous enemies from groups to avoid being surrounded
- Utilize the Black Blade‘s full moveset: light/heavy slashes, jumping attacks, weapon arts, etc
- Only attack twice maximum before evading to conserve stamina
- Keep proper spacing from enemies and be ready to backstep or roll
- Take advantage of the weapon‘s long reach – strike before they can hit you
- Circle strafing works extremely well on larger/slower enemies
- Carthus Rouge adds bleeding for even faster boss melts
PvP Duels
- Be hyper-aware of your stamina bar – it drains quickly with each swing
- Play reactively based on your opponent‘s movements rather than full aggression
- After evading an attack, counterattack quickly in the opening
- Mix up slash timings and directions instead of repetitive moves
- Use the excellent running/rolling attacks to close distance rapidly
- Punish estus chugs or long cast times with jumping heavy attacks
- Equip parry tools and leverage riposte critical strikes
Patience and discipline is key. Resist the urge to spam attacks and trade blow for blow. Wait for clean openings to unleash lethal, efficient strike combinations using the Black Blade‘s outstanding dexterity scaling.
Meta Level stat Targets
If you intend on invading/dueling real players for maximum activity, you‘ll want to stay within the proper PvP meta level range:
Vigor – 50-60
Endurance – 40
Dexterity – 80
Strength – 18
At that benchmark, your Black Blade will hit like an absolute truck. Make sure to wear high absorption heavy armor to compensate for the decreased health compared to a dedicated vitality build.
In Summary
And there you have it – everything you need to assemble a top-tier PvE and PvP katana build in Dark Souls 3. To recap:
- Black Blade offers the highest AR and killer dex scaling
- Minimum 40 dexterity, 27 vigor, 35 endurance
- Balance defense, poise, and roll speed with armor
- Havel‘s and Favor Rings provide the biggest boosts
- Outspace, isolate, and parry enemies for massive damage
I hope this guide has demystified katana builds and given you confidence to try one yourself. They require dedication and precision to master. But man, those boss melts and weeb slaying duels are so incredibly satisfying.
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments! I wish you good fortunes in the dark days ahead. Sheathes katana
