Unlocking the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana in Elden Ring

The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, crafted using gravel from its blade, is a formidable weapon introduced in the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. This powerful katana was forged for the Ancient Dragon Man, whose mission was to aid those hunting a particularly feared dragon.

This legendary weapon is essential for defeating Bayle, the Dread, who is the progenitor of all drakes and a nemesis to the Ancient ones. In this guide, we’ll explore how to acquire this great katana and how to build an awesome Strength/Dexterity setup designed for drake hunting.

Where to Find the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana in Elden Ring

You can acquire the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana by defeating the Ancient Dragon Man boss located in the Dragon Pit.

To locate the Dragon Pit, begin at the Castle Front site of grace near Castle Ensis. Head south and follow the pathway until you reach the Dragon Pit in the southeast corner.

This dungeon features numerous steep drops. Continue forward until you encounter a large drop. Feel free to leap into the abyss, as it won’t end your journey. After landing, you’ll find a fog gate leading you to the boss.

The Ancient Dragon Man is a quick and agile boss who utilizes the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana as his weapon. His attack pattern includes standard slashes and dodges. To make the battle more manageable, consider summoning your Mimic Tear.

When his health drops to 50%, he’ll start employing his weapon skill. Utilize jump and slam attacks; they work wonders against NPC bosses.

Upon defeating him, you’ll receive 130,000 Runes along with the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana in Elden Ring.

Stats and Requirements for the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana

This katana is designed for Dexterity-oriented players and requires 15 Strength and 20 Dexterity to wield effectively. It features D scaling in both attributes.

The katana’s unique skill, Dragonwound Slash, requires 18 FP and can be charged to unleash an energy wave against foes. Additionally, it induces passive blood loss buildup (55).

This weapon cannot be infused with any Ash of War nor can it be enchanted with magic or grease. The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana can be upgraded to +10 using Somber Smithing Stones.

At its base level, it inflicts 152 physical damage, which can rise to 372 when fully upgraded. Notably, it deals 30% extra damage against dragons and 15% more against ancient dragons.

Optimal Build for the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana in Elden Ring

This build focuses on maximizing the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana as a two-handed weapon. Designed for endgame play, with character levels exceeding 200, your attribute points should be arranged as follows:

• Vigor: 50
• Endurance: 35
• Strength: 50
• Dexterity: 50
• Faith: 25

To bolster this build, equip the following talismans:

• Godfrey Icon: Boosts attack power for charged attacks and skills by 15%.
• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Enhances defense against physical attacks.
• Shard of Alexander: Increases skill attack power by 15%.
• Two-Handed Sword Talisman: Enhances damage for two-handed weapons.

For armor, consider the Rakshasa set, which increases attack power by 2% per piece, culminating in an overall 8% boost.

Utilizing a fully upgraded Erdtree Seal will allow you to cast the following incantations before initiating a boss battle.

Combine the following crystal tears within your Flask of Wondrous Physick.

Activate the Radahn’s Great Rune to significantly enhance your HP, FP, and Stamina. With this build, you’ll be equipped to handle most bosses and easily induce blood loss against tougher enemies. This setup is particularly effective against Bayle, the Dread, one of the most challenging bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.