Elden Ring Katana Weapon Guide: The Sword of Night

In Elden Ring, players are continually searching for the most powerful weapons to enhance their builds, especially with the introduction of new content in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. One of the most sought-after weapons from this expansion is the Sword of Night, a katana known for its lethal combination of physical and magic damage. With its unique weapon skill, Witching Hour Slash, this blade offers a deadly tool for players looking to elevate their combat prowess. Additionally, this weapon fits seamlessly into builds that focus on Dexterity, making it a prime choice for players who like to deal rapid, precise strikes while inflicting status effects like blood loss buildup.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain the Sword of Night, its stats, its unique abilities, and why it stands out among the many weapons in Elden Ring.

How to Obtain the Sword of Night

Acquiring the Sword of Night is no simple task. Players must first embark on the Swordhand of Night Jolan questline, which begins in the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, located in the eastern region of Scadu Altus. To reach this area, you must pass through the tunnel beneath the Moorth Ruins and continue along the eastern paths, navigating through hostile territory until you reach the cathedral.

Once at the Cathedral of Manus Metyr, you'll meet Jolan, Swordhand of Night, the NPC crucial to acquiring the katana. To complete Jolan's questline, you will need to gather a specific item—the Iris of Occultation, a key component to unlocking the weapon. Using the Iris of Occultation on Jolan will reward you with the Sword of Night. It's essential to note that Jolan offers other rewards depending on the choices you make, so if you aim to obtain the Sword of Night, be sure to select the Iris of Occultation. Using any other item, such as the Iris of Grace, will result in a different reward, such as the Swordhand of Night Jolan Spirit Ashes.

The Power of the Sword of Night

What sets the Sword of Night apart from other katanas in Elden Ring is its unique combination of physical and magic damage, as well as its scaling with Dexterity. With a base physical attack of 110 and magic damage of 33, the sword is highly effective against a wide range of enemies, particularly those weak to magic. Moreover, the sword inflicts blood loss buildup, an invaluable status effect in the game that can quickly deplete an enemy's health.

The weapon's scaling stats also make it a solid choice for players investing in Dexterity. With a C-grade scaling in Dex and a requirement of 20 Dex and 11 Strength, this weapon caters to agile, fast-hitting builds. Players focusing on Dex builds will find the Sword of Night a perfect fit for their playstyle, as it allows for quick, high-damage slashes with the added bonus of bleeding enemies dry.

Unleashing the Witching Hour Slash

Perhaps the most exciting feature of the Sword of Night is its unique weapon skill, Witching Hour Slash. This skill allows the wielder to unleash a flurry of incorporeal slashes infused with the darkness of night. These attacks cannot be blocked, making it an extremely powerful move, especially against shielded foes or in PvP combat where players often rely on defense. Additionally, Witching Hour Slash can be charged, allowing you to increase its power for devastating attacks. The ability costs 21 FP, so managing your focus points during combat is key to maximizing its usage.

This weapon skill is exclusive to the Sword of Night and cannot be replaced with other Ashes of War. Additionally, the weapon cannot be temporarily enchanted with magic or consumable buffs, meaning that the sword relies solely on its inherent abilities and your character's stats for damage output. However, the natural infusion of magic damage and the unblockable nature of Witching Hour Slash more than compensates for this limitation, making the Sword of Night a unique and formidable weapon in its own right.

Upgrading and Enhancing the Sword of Night

To further increase the power of the Sword of Night, you can upgrade it using Somber Smithing Stones, which are essential for improving unique weapons in Elden Ring. As you upgrade the sword, its physical and magic damage will scale even higher, making it more effective against tough enemies and bosses. Be sure to save enough Elden Ring Runes for these upgrades, as they will be vital for reaching the sword's full potential.

In addition to upgrading the weapon itself, players should consider using Elden Ring Items that complement the sword's strengths. Items that boost Dexterity or enhance stamina recovery will allow you to take full advantage of the katana's fast attack speed. Defensive items that increase your magic resistance will also prove useful, as the sword encourages close-quarters combat, leaving you vulnerable to magical attacks from enemies.

Stats Overview of the Sword of Night

Here is a breakdown of the key stats for the Sword of Night:

    Attack Type: Slash/Pierce

    Weight: 6.5

    Passive Effect: Causes blood loss buildup (45)

    Upgradable with: Somber Smithing Stones

    Base Physical Attack: 110

    Base Magic Damage: 33

    Attribute Scaling: C in Dexterity

    Required Attributes: 11 Strength, 20 Dexterity

    FP Cost for Witching Hour Slash: 21 FP

    Guard Boost: 30

Conclusion

The Sword of Night is a katana that excels in both physical and magic damage, making it a versatile weapon for those who favor Dexterity builds. Its ability to cause blood loss buildup and the unblockable nature of the Witching Hour Slash makes it an invaluable tool in both PvE and PvP scenarios. As you continue your journey through Elden Ring, remember to prioritize upgrading the weapon using Somber Smithing Stones and enhancing your character's Dexterity to fully capitalize on its potential.

Don't forget the importance of collecting enough Elden Ring Runes and gathering complementary Elden Ring Items to bolster your stats and ensure you dominate the battlefield with the fearsome Sword of Night in hand.