Fast katana combos, long reach and natural blood loss. The Dexterity katana build is stylish and mobile: the Nagakiba carries you through most of the game, and the Hand of Malenia with Waterfowl Dance is the reward for beating the hardest boss in the base game.
Stats at level 150
Equipment
| Weapons | Nagakiba with Keen affinity (main), Hand of Malenia (late game), Uchigatana (early game) |
| Talismans | Millicent’s Prosthesis, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman |
| Spells | None needed |
| Ashes of War | Unsheathe, Bloody Slash, Waterfowl Dance (unique to Hand of Malenia) |
How to play the Dexterity Katana Build
- Chain light attacks: Millicent’s Prosthesis and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia both stack attack power during combos.
- Use Unsheathe for a fast opener and to punish recoveries.
- Katanas have built-in blood loss; 24 Arcane gives the Nagakiba a little extra buildup.
- Save Waterfowl Dance for moments when the boss is stuck in a long recovery.
Leveling order
- Vigor to 30
- Dexterity 22, Strength 18 (Nagakiba requirements)
- Endurance to 20
- Vigor to 50, Dexterity to 48 (Hand of Malenia)
- Vigor to 60
- Dexterity to 70, Arcane to 24, Endurance to 25
Early game version
Start as a Samurai: the Uchigatana is in your starting gear. Get the Nagakiba from Bloody Finger Hunter Yura north of Murkwater Cave or by finishing his questline.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Fast and mobile
- Built-in blood loss
- Very stylish
Weaknesses
- Low poise
- Hand of Malenia needs 48 Dexterity and a Malenia kill
- Short range compared to colossal weapons
FAQ
Nagakiba or Hand of Malenia?
Nagakiba for reach and bleed, Hand of Malenia for Waterfowl Dance burst. Both work at level 150.
Keen or Occult?
Keen for this Dexterity-heavy spread. Switch to Occult only if you push Arcane past 40. Keen unlocks with the Iron Whetblade and Occult with the Black Whetblade; our whetblade locations guide shows where both are.
See every build ranked on the Elden Ring build tier list, compare weapons in the weapon database, and track your boss kills with the boss checklist.
Further reading: the Nagakiba on the Fextralife wiki.