Do you want to play the Samurai class in Elden Ring?
Like other Soulsborne games, Elden Ring is not an easy game, especially if you’re new to FromSoftware’s playstyle and mechanics. As you explore The Lands Between, you’ll be facing some pesky foes with superhuman strength and godlike abilities.
Besides that, Elden Ring’s combat mechanics have a difficult learning curve that will surely take you a while to get used to.
Nonetheless, the game is not to miss and will surely give you a different take on RPG games.
If you want to be successful in Elden Ring, you must be well equipped for the trials you’ll face ahead. The best way to do that is to select a class that you will enjoy and learn to take advantage of its strengths.
Currently, there are ten classes to choose from in Elden Ring. One of which is the Samurai class.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to play Samurai in Elden Ring.
Let’s get right into it!
Samurai Attributes and Stats
The Samurai class is focused on four attributes. It gives you 15 Dexterity, 13 Endurance, 12 Vigor, and 12 Strength. Besides that, you’ll also get 11 Mind, making the Samurai class one of the most balanced classes in the game.
Since this class is not focused on enchantments and sorceries, the Samurai lack Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane attributes.
Due to this, players who are looking for a “sword and staff” playstyle should consider looking to other classes such as the Prophet or Prisoner.
However, the Samura class will fit you if you love playing at a short distance using strong melee attacks while still having an option to thrive at range. Having 15 Dexterity stat means that you can wield advanced weapons as the game progress, while your Endurance and Vigor give you decent levels of stamina and health.
Having 12 Strength, the Samura class gives you devastating heavy and special attacks. It also allows you to don heavy armor in the game.
Samurai Starting Gear
The Samurai class starts with the Uchigatan, which provides decent range and speed with additional bleed damage. You’ll also get a Longbow, a long-range version of the Shortbow that deals greater damage.
You will also get a Rounshield and some arrows with the Samurai class, but keep in mind that the latter will not last. This means that you should start harvesting bones from animals as soon as possible to avoid running low as you progress through the game.
The Roundshield can provide some defense, but it isn’t an essential item once you start wielding the Uchigatana two-handed.
This class also starts with the Memory of Grace and a Keepsake of your own choosing.
While the decision is entirely up to you, selecting the Golden Seed is beneficial as it grants you extra Health and Focus Point by upgrading your Sacred Flask. Considering that the Samurai class requires you to trade blows, that additional charge in your Sacred Flask is highly crucial.
Finally, you’ll also have the Land of Reeds Armor, an elegant and robust armor that can be upgraded or have some pieces removed for better options.
Samurai Gameplay in Elden Ring
Since the Samurai class boasts the Uchigatana and the Longbow, it’s best to tackle battles where you’ll be able to use both weapons in tandem to achieve the most effective and efficient results.
You should first aim to soften up your enemies from afar before going in for a melee assault using your Uchigatana.
Your bow’s Mighty Shot ability can be used to one-shot lower-level enemies and clear herds.
The Uchigatan’s attack charge is very effective even when starting from a distance. On the other hand, the weapon’s Unsheathe ability is essential to be successful in playing the class. It deals a massive amount of damage while operating from range.
To take advantage of your high Endurance, Vior, and Strength, you must implement a “dodge, attack” playstyle even if it exposes you to some damage.
You should also consider that the Samurai class can be effective while mounted.
Samurai Class Build
While there’s no “one fits all” build for any class in Elden Ring, it’s good to focus on your character’s strengths and improve some of its weak points if necessary. Since this class focuses on range and melee combat, your Dexterity and Vigor stats should be upgraded.
On the other hand, you should also invest some points in your Mind and Endurance to build a well-rounded character for melee and ranged playstyle.
When it comes to your Dexterity, you must upgrade it early in the game to ensure that you can wield vital weapons and armor as the game progresses.
Meanwhile, your Strength attribute keeps your melee attacks effective.
Given that the Samurai class will leave you exposed to some damage while two-handing a weapon, keeping your Vigor high ensures that you’ll be able to take some damage. You should also manage your Mind attribute as the game advances, as this will allow you to harbor more Focus Points while using your weapons’ abilities.
That ends our guide on how to play the Samurai class in Elden Ring. For your questions and other concerns, please leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
