Top 5 Elden Ring Samurai Builds for Early & Endgame in 2024

With this Elden Ring Best Samurai Build Guide, we showcase the top 5 Samurai builds that can be used from the start to the endgame!

Elden Ring Best Samurai Build 2024 - Top 5 S-Tier Samurai Builds for Early & Endgame

In Elden Ring, the Samurai class remains a popular and efficient choice for players looking to wield swords and bows with deadly precision. Samurai warriors historically triumphed by adhering to the bushido codes - indifference to pain, mastery of the sword, and honorable engagement in numerous battles. These principles are just as applicable in Elden Ring to create samurai builds that can devastate foes and deliver a thrilling gameplay experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to the most powerful and fun samurai builds that you can start from the beginning of the game and evolve into a force to be reckoned with by endgame. Each build is crafted around a unique gameplay, providing you with a diverse array of weapons and skills to suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer the elegance of magic, the righteousness of faith, or the raw power of bleed, these builds will enable you to carve your path to victory. Sharpen your blade, gather your resolve, and prepare to unleash your inner Samurai!

Recommended Starting Path for All Samurai Builds

Before diving into the specific builds, let's cover a generally recommended starting path applicable to all Samurai builds:

• Unlock the Site of Grace.

• Head north to the Church of Elleh, then further to Gatefront Ruins.

• Obtain the Lone Wolf Ashes from Ranni at the Church of Elleh – a pack of three wolves to aid you in battle.

• Collect the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot at the Southern Coastline for a 30% rune increase for three minutes – essential for the next steps.

• Travel to the Third Church of Marika, using teleporters to unlock the Bestial Sanctum Site of Grace.

• Acquire a key early-game talisman at Bestial Sanctum for a 10% physical damage reduction.

Build #1: Dragonborn Samurai

Early Game:

Acquire the Dragonscale Blade by defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot.

Level up Intelligence and Faith to meet the weapon requirements.

Obtain the Flamedrake Talisman for increased fire damage negation.

Mid Game:

Upgrade the Dragonscale Blade to maximize its unique skill, Hailstorm Sword.

Collect the Gravel Stone Seal for casting Dragon Communion incantations.

Use incantations like Dragonfire and Agheel's Flame for added elemental damage.

Endgame:

Acquire the Dragon King's Cragblade for its powerful skill, Thundercloud Form.

Equip the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for increased physical damage negation.

Invest in the Dragon Communion Seal and use powerful dragon incantations like Placidusax's Ruin.

Build #2: Magic Uchigatana Samurai Build

Early Game:

Start with the Uchigatana and infuse it with Frost using the Ash of War: Hoarfrost Stomp.

Collect the Ash of War: Sword Dance and the Clayman's Harpoon.

Level up and upgrade your Uchigatana using the runes from defeating Elder Dragon Greyoll.

Mid Game:

Obtain the Moonveil Katana and the Cross-Naginata.

Use the Ash of War: Ice Spear on the Clayman's Harpoon or Cross-Naginata for devastating ranged attacks.

Equip the Magic Horn Bow as a cheap ranged option.

Endgame:

Acquire the Ronin Armor set and combine it with heavier pieces to reach 51 poise.

Focus on Intelligence and Dexterity as your main damage stats.

Unleash powerful attacks with the Moonveil's Transient Moonlight skill.

Build #3: Dexterity Demon Samurai Build

Early Game:

Prioritize leveling up Dexterity and Vigor.

Upgrade your Uchigatana and focus on its keen affinity.

Obtain the Ash of War: Unsheathe for quick and powerful attacks.

Mid Game:

Acquire the Nagakiba for its longer reach while maintaining a keen affinity.

Consider dual-wielding katanas for increased damage output.

Collect the Wakizashi for a fast off-hand weapon option.

Endgame:

Obtain the powerful Hand of Malenia katana.

Equip the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia talisman for increased damage with successive attacks.

Reach high Dexterity levels for maximum damage output.

Build #3: Bleed Rivers of Blood Samurai Build

Early Game:

Follow Kenneth Haight's questline and obtain the Ash of War: Bloody Slash.

Collect the Dragon Communion Seal for optional Dragon Communion incantations.

Infuse your Uchigatana with Blood affinity using Bloody Slash.

Mid Game:

Acquire the powerful Eleonora's Poleblade Twinblade for rapid bleed buildup.

Dual-wield Uchigatanas with Blood and Frost affinities.

Consider using the Cross-Naginata with Bloody Slash or Phantom Slash.

Endgame:

Obtain the infamous Rivers of Blood katana.

Use the Swarm of Flies incantation for bleed-resistant foes.

Invest in Arcane and Dexterity for maximum bleed damage.

Build #5: Faith Samurai Build

Early Game:

Collect the Ash of War: Sacred Blade for buffed holy damage.

Obtain the Godslayer Seal and Black Flame incantation in Stormveil Castle.

Invest in Faith as your primary damage stat.

Mid Game:

Swap to the Nagakiba or Cross-Naginata if desired.

Use Ashes of War like Flaming Strike or Flame Art affinity for fire damage.

Utilize powerful incantations like Golden Vow and Blessing's Boon.

Endgame:

Equip the Ronin Armor set with heavy gauntlets and greaves.

Open boss fights with the devastating Black Blade incantation.

Switch between holy and fire damage to adapt to different enemies.