Mastering Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Step-by-Step Guide to Acquire the Great Katana

In the captivating world of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, acquiring powerful weapons can significantly enhance your adventure. Among the newly introduced weapon types in this DLC, the Great Katana stands out as a sleek, potent armament. This guide will take you through each step needed to find and wield the Great Katana, offering insights and strategies to ensure you succeed.

Step 1: Preparation and Gathering Essentials

Before setting out to obtain the Great Katana, ensure you have the necessary items and a clear understanding of the path ahead:

• Stock up on healing items, as you might face formidable adversaries.
• Ensure you have Torrent, your trusty spectral steed, ready for a swift escape.
• Familiarize yourself with the location Three-Path Cross-site of grace where you’ll begin your journey.
• Equip armor and weapons that provide high mobility and defense.

Step 2: Navigating to the Great Katana

Starting from the Three-Path Cross-site of grace, head northwards, keeping an eye out for potential enemies. You'll be heading towards the eerie Gravesite Plain, which houses the Ghostflame dragon:

• Follow the main path until you spot a sprawling lake in the distance.
• Approach the lake cautiously, as the dragon lies dormant in the middle.
• Scout your surroundings for any hidden foes or obstacles.

Step 3: Stealth and Precision

This part of the journey requires a combination of stealth and precision to avoid waking the slumbering Ghostflame dragon:

• Mount Torrent and slowly approach the lake, staying alert for any disturbance.
• When you are close enough, dismount and press down on the left analog stick to enter Stealth mode.
• Remain crouched and quietly moved towards the body, lying next to the dragon.
• A careful, measured approach will help you avoid detection.

Step 4: Securing the Great Katana

Now that you are within reach of the Great Katana follow these steps to secure it:

• With Stealth mode activated, approach the body and prompt the action to pick up the Great Katana.
• Be mindful of any sudden movements that might alert the dragon.
• Quickly mount Torrent once you have acquired the Great Katana.

Step 5: Exiting Safely

Your goal now is to exit the area safely without engaging the dragon:

• Rely on Torrent’s speed to swiftly move away from the lake.
• Head back towards the Three-Path Cross site of grace, where you can reset and rest.
• Once back at a safe location, breathe a sigh of relief and prepare to evaluate your new weapon.

Step 6: Upgrading the Great Katana

While the Great Katana is impressive on its own, enhancing its capabilities will further increase its potency:

• Travel to the Roundtable Hold to access upgrade facilities.
• Use Smithing Stones to enhance the weapon up to +25, significantly boosting its stats.
• Consider infusing the Great Katana with spell-based or consumable weapon buffs for added effects.

Understanding the Great Katana Moveset

The Great Katana offers a unique and versatile moveset that blends grace and ferocity:

• Light Attacks: Swift, over-the-head strikes ideal for single targets.
• Strong Attacks: Sweeping cleaves that can hit multiple enemies in a single motion.
• Ash of War: Overhead Stance: A versatile stance offering two follow-up variations. The Light Attack follow-up delivers a sudden forward slash, while the Heavy Attack follow-up executes a series of powerful downward strikes.

Stat Requirements and Damage Scaling

To effectively wield the Great Katana, you need to meet the following stat requirements:

• Strength (STR): 14
• Dexterity (DEX): 18
• Intelligence (INT): 0
• Faith (FAITH): 0
• Arcane (ARC): 0

The weapon’s damage and scaling attributes are as follows:

• Base Scaling: STR - D, DEX - D
• +10/+25 Scaling: STR - D, DEX - C

Combat Strategies with the Great Katana

Utilizing the Great Katana effectively in combat can turn the tide in challenging encounters:

• Engage from a Distance: Use the weapon’s reach to engage enemies from a safe distance, avoiding direct hits.
• Exploit Mobility: Leverage the Great Katana’s swift light attacks to maintain agility during combat.
• Ash of War: Overhead Stance: Master the Overhead Stance to execute precise and powerful attacks, perfect for both crowd control and single target damage.

In Conclusion

Acquiring the Great Katana in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree not only enhances your arsenal but also opens up new combat possibilities. By following this detailed guide, you are well-equipped to navigate through dangerous terrains, stealthily approach and secure your new weapon, and optimize its potential through upgrades and effective combat strategies.

Embrace the strength and elegance of the Great Katana, and let it guide you through the challenging yet exhilarating world of Elden Ring.