1. Choose the Right Katanas Early
Starting out, not all katanas are easy to get. The Uchigatana is an excellent first choice and can be obtained fairly early. It offers solid bleed buildup and is a great way to learn how dual wielding affects movesets. As you progress, look out for the Rivers of Blood and Nagakiba for their reach and unique effects. I started with the Uchigatana and Moonveil, and the synergy felt smooth once I got used to their moves.
2. Level the Right Stats
To effectively dual wield katanas, focus on Dexterity and Vigor. Dexterity increases damage and scaling for most katanas, while Vigor boosts your survivability. Endurance is also important because dual wielding consumes more stamina and requires more equipment load. I learned this the hard way after getting stun-locked mid-combo because I ran out of stamina.
3. Learn the Power Stance Moveset
Dual wielding unlocks a unique "power stance" moveset when you equip two weapons of the same type. This means you can perform quick, successive slashes by attacking with the left bumper (on controllers). The combo potential here is massive and works especially well against enemies that aren’t resistant to bleed. Practicing these moves against weaker mobs helped me build muscle memory and confidence.
4. Manage Your Stamina Wisely
One major challenge I faced when dual wielding was stamina management. It’s easy to get greedy and chain attacks, but this leaves you vulnerable. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar, especially after rolling or dodging. Using a light load setup can help you move more freely and conserve energy.
5. Infuse and Upgrade Your Katanas
Ashes of War and weapon upgrades make a big difference. Depending on your playstyle, infuse your katanas with bleed, keen, or magic scaling. Upgrading your weapons using smithing stones is crucial—never rely on base damage alone. Early investment pays off quickly when you can melt through enemies that used to give you trouble.
6. Consider Buying Runes to Speed Things Up
For new players, farming runes can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you’re experimenting with different builds. That’s why many players choose to *buy Elden Ring runes for new players* to save time and focus on the fun parts—exploration, combat, and boss fights. I personally bought runes when I got stuck around level 40, and it helped me avoid grinding the same area repeatedly. Just make sure you use a reputable source and spend wisely on what your build actually needs.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Finally, don’t be discouraged by early deaths or failed attempts. Dual wielding is high-risk, high-reward. You’ll need to learn enemy patterns, timing, and spacing. Take time to spar with minor enemies and get a feel for range and hit windows. I spent hours in Caelid just practicing combos and dodging, and the payoff was huge when I took down my first major boss using only my twin blades.
Dual wielding katanas isn’t just a flashy choice—it’s a path that rewards practice, patience, and smart planning. With the right approach and support (like using *Elden Ring Runes* wisely or choosing to *buy Elden Ring runes for new players*), you can enjoy one of the most stylish and deadly playstyles in the game.
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