Rivers of Blood is the most famous bleed weapon in Elden Ring: a crimson katana whose Corpse Piler skill shreds enemies with blood-flame slashes at long range.
Quick facts
| Type | Katana |
| How to get it | Dropped by the invader Bloody Finger Okina near the Church of Repose, Mountaintops of the Giants. |
| Skill | Corpse Piler (unique, cannot be changed) |
| Passive | Blood loss buildup (50) |
| Requirements | Str 12 · Dex 18 · Arc 20 |
| Scaling (+0) | Str E · Dex D · Arc D |
| Base attack (+0) | Physical 89 · Fire 89 |
| Weight | 6.5 |
| Upgrade | Somber Smithing Stones |
How to get it
Dropped by the invader Bloody Finger Okina near the Church of Repose, Mountaintops of the Giants.
Why use it
- Corpse Piler hits several times in a wide arc and builds blood loss far faster than normal attacks.
- Split physical and fire damage, so it keeps working on enemies that resist one type.
- Scales with Arcane, which also raises its bleed buildup.
- The skill reaches much further than the blade, making it strong against large bosses.
Best build
Dexterity and Arcane. Aim for the listed requirements early, then push Arcane for more bleed. Pair with the Lord of Blood’s Exultation and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia talismans.
Tips
- Get there early: Okina invades near the Church of Repose, which you reach through the Mountaintops of the Giants.
- Some enemies barely bleed (Mohg, Lord of Blood and most skeletons and ghosts); keep a backup weapon for them.
- Corpse Piler is FP hungry: bring a few Cerulean flasks.
Frequently asked questions
Can you change the skill on Rivers of Blood?
No. Corpse Piler is its unique skill, and the weapon cannot take Ashes of War or be infused.
Is Rivers of Blood a Dexterity or Arcane weapon?
Both. It needs Dexterity and Arcane, and Arcane boosts its bleed buildup.
Want to compare it with every other weapon? Open the Elden Ring Weapon Database to filter all 306 weapons by damage, scaling and requirements, or browse all weapon guides.