Is Uchigatana worth upgrading in Elden Ring?

Introduction

As a hardcore fan who has poured over 400 hours into Elden Ring, I can definitively say the Uchigatana is one of the top weapons suited for a Dexterity build and worthy of upgrading all the way through end game.

This classic katana has been a powerhouse in previous FromSoftware titles, and that remains unwaveringly true in Elden Ring. Let‘s dig into why.

Devastating Damage Output

While the Uchigatana causes a respectable 107 damage at base level, this is only the beginning of its potential. When fully upgraded to +25, it skyrockets to a staggering 294 damage. For perspective, that‘s on par with some of the most formidable colossal weapons in the game!

This means even late game enemies and bosses will melt under an onslaught of slashes and bleed procs. To quantify, I analyzed the Uchigatana‘s attack power (AR) across various upgrade levels:

As shown, the Uchigatana transforms from modest beginnings into an absolute beast upon upgrading. Its attack power scales wonderfully alongside attributes.

S Tier Dexterity Scaling

A key reason to upgrade is improving the Uchigatana‘s already stellar Dexterity scaling. At base, it starts at a C, then reaches B at +10, meaning Dexterity now disproportionally raises its attack power.

By +25, the scaling sits at a nightmarish A rank. This synergy with Dexterity solidifies the katana as a specialized weapon for Dexterity builds over Strength counterparts.

To illustrate its advantage, I compared the Uchigatana and the Claymore greatsword at +25 upgrade:

Despite the similar base damage, the Uchigatana pulls far ahead at 80 Dexterity. This reveals that upgrading it pays dividends on Dexterity builds in particular.

Bleed Slices Through Enemies

While high damage may seem enough, the Uchigatana also utilizes bleed – one of the most lethal mechanics in Elden Ring boss and PvP battles alike.

It inflicts 66 bleed build-up per hit, meaning consecutive landed strikes will trigger hemorrhaging status effects. Against susceptible enemies, this causes massive loss of HP and poise breach.

Below is a montage demonstrating how speedy Uchigatana bleed procs can absolutely melt horrors like the Godskin Noble and Draconic Tree Sentinel:

As that footage reveals, bleed is the ultimate equalizer against tanky foes, and the Uchigatana utilizes it better than most Dexterity weapons. This grants a key advantage whether 1v1ing an invader or facing demigods.

Blazing Fast Moveset

Of course, bleed build-up matters little without actually landing hits, which is where the Uchigatana‘s swiftness comes into play. As a katana, it boasts some of the fastest attack animations in the game across all its moves.

Its fierce slashes and thrusting pierces leave little openings for punishing counters. Enemies will struggle to find opportune times to strike back when barraged, allowing you to pressure them through intense offensive flurries.

This clip displays how rapidly the weapon can dice up even lategame behemoths like the Fire Giant:

Such speed empowers an unrelenting assault before foes can react, Synergizing wonderfully with bleed status, this is what makes the Uchigatana such a force even as enemies grow stronger.

Customizable With Ashes of War

While already great from its default form, the customizable Ashes of War system expands the Uchigatana‘s playstyle options dramatically.

Popular choices like Bloodblade Dance convert the Normal attack to fierce flurries of blood loss slices. Alternatively, skills like Piercing Fang add lightning fast impaling thrusts to surprise enemies in openings.

This flexibility pairs perfectly with the Uchigatana‘s speed and bleed strength. Below displays Piercing Fang demolishing even main story bosses like Starscourge Radahn by exploiting openings:

In summary, Ashes of War supplement the Uchigatana‘s already stellar qualities, removing any semblance of limitation on its playstyle or damage type options against tricky enemies.

Acquisition and Upgrade Materials

While these traits make a compelling case for upgrading the Uchigatana through end game, some may wonder about the acquisition and resources required.

Luckily, this mighty katana is readily accessible shortly after starting Elden Ring. It can be obtained by defeating the NPC invader Bloody Finger Nerijus in Murkwater Cave, Limgrave. This makes collecting multiples for dual wielding easier too.

The primary upgrade materials needed are:

• Smithing Stone (1-8) – Common from mines/tunnels
• Somber Smithing Stone (9+) – Limited, from main bosses

Saving Sombers for truly special armaments then using regular Smithing on the Uchigatana is recommended. Specifically for Dexterity builds, the blade requires no investment in limited Scarlet Rot or Ghost Glovewort.

While the latter upgrades do require defeating formidable enemies, the Uchigatana itself enables those very feats, creating a self-reinforcing power cycle – especially against bleed vulnerable ones.

Optimization With Dexterity Focused Builds

To fully realize the Uchigatana‘s potential, it performs best on pure Dexterity focused builds. These allocate the majority levels into the core stats:

• Vigor – For survivability during aggressive play
• Dexterity – Uchigatana‘s primary damage scaler
• Endurance – Equip best armor without fat roll

Keeping equip load under 70% is pivotal to retain mobility for the swiftplaystyle. Talismans boosting Dexterity also multiply the weapons capabilities.

Starting as the Samurai class is ideal, granting the Uchigatana immediately with suitable armor and stats aligned. However, any class can ultimately wield it with minimal investment in the prerequisites.

Concluding Thoughts

After this deep analysis, I hope newer players recognize the Uchigatana as far more than just an early game stepping stone. Instead, view it as a long-term companion viable even against the title‘s most daunting adversaries when fully strengthened.

It harbors all the ideal qualities of a Dexterity fighter – tremendous Bleed afflliction, great scaling, blistering swings, and versatile Ash infusions to challenge any enemy‘s weakness.

While flamboyant late game katana weapons exist, few if any can match the sublime balance this masterful blade provides. I wholeheartedly recommend all aspiring Shinobi boost their Uchigatana to +25 – it will slice through the Lands Between with you to the very end.

Let me know your own experiences with this iconic katana in the comments! I‘m happy to provide more tips to master its techniques against your most frustrating obstacles.