Elden Ring Rivers of Blood: Build, Location, and FAQs
Katanas are cool, sharp, and deadly. When you’re slicing and dicing through enemies in Elden Ring, these swords can be fundamentally game-changing when used effectively. This Rivers of Blood Elden Ring guide is curated to help you find and use one of the best weapons in the game.
It’s visually striking, brutally powerful, and has a reputation for being one of the best weapons in the game right now. It’s no wonder that one of the best katanas in Elden Ring is expected to have a signature Ash of War that melts bosses and players alike. Knowing how to use it effectively is essential for any bleed-build build.
Elden Ring Rivers of Blood Location
Reaching Rivers of Blood’s location requires pushing well into the game’s endgame, long after most early katanas Elden Ring players encounter still feel viable. Once you’re through exploring resourceful locations (like Larval Tear locations), you’ll need to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants before the Katana becomes obtainable.
Once you’re there, head southeast toward the Church of Repose. This area is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, especially since it sits off the main story path. It’s an optional zone, similar to the Divine Tower of Limgrave or other legacy dungeons.
Rivers of Blood Katana Stats
When compared to other types of weapons (such as Strength or Faith weapons), Rivers of Blood stands out with its unique scaling and devastating Ash of War. The weapon primarily scales with Dexterity and Arcane, making it well suited for bleed-focused builds that lean into fast attacks and status buildup.
Its Ash of War, Corpse Piler, elevates the katana from strong to deadly. The rapid, blood-infused slashes apply bleed at an absurd rate while maintaining a safe mid-range pressure, making the katana one of the most talked-about and controversial weapons in Elden Ring.
| Weapon Type | Katana |
| Damage Type | Physical + Fire |
| Passive Effect | Blood loss buildup (50) |
| Unique Skill | Corpse Piler |
| Attribute Scaling | Str (E), Dex (D), Arc (D) |
| Stats Required | 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, 20 Arcane |
How To Defeat Okina
Once you’ve reached the Church of Repose, you’ll cross paths with Okina, a skilled duelist who mixes long-range slashes with unpredictable timing and high bleed buildup. So, make sure you’ve been leveling up before attempting the fight.
Your character class doesn’t matter here, but there are certain things to keep in mind when facing Okina:
- Stay aggressive but patient: Don’t over-commit to attacks that leave you wide open.
- Roll toward his strikes: This helps you avoid his Corpse Piler combos and close the gap safely.
- Use Spirit Ashes or summons: Draw his attention and create openings.
- Keep your bleed resistance up: Consider fire or arcane buffs to overpower his own bleed buildup.
- Ranged spells and attacks: These can be quite helpful if you want to avoid prolonged melee exchanges.
What To Do if Okina Isn’t Spawning
At the time of writing, the glitches have been fixed, but the Fire Giant may have something to do with the problem. The Fire Giant’s arena is a tricky boss location, and completing it can lock you out of Okina’s encounter.
If Okina isn’t showing up and you’re still wondering how to get Rivers of Blood in Elden Ring, starting a new playthrough or loading an earlier save file may be the only remaining options.
Rivers of Blood Katana Build Tips
Rivers of Blood is one of Elden Ring’s best bleed weapons. So, a bleed-focused setup that capitalizes on fast attacks and high Arcane scaling is the most effective approach.
This is helpful especially when you’re exploring Sacred Tear locations and finding your favorite farming spots between boss encounters. A well-optimized build makes farming more efficient.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Invest heavily in Dexterity and Arcane to maximize damage and Hemorrhage buildup.
- A few talismans that work beautifully with the katana: Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander, and Green Turtle Talisman.
- Light to medium armor helps maintain fast rolls and aggressive positioning.
- Don’t spam Corpse Piler but use it strategically to manage Stamina better.
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Rivers of Blood FAQ
Rivers of Blood remains one of the most discussed and appreciated weapons in the game, and these common questions cover its current strength, usage, and counters.
Is the Rivers of Blood Katana Still Good?
Yes! The katana is quite strong, especially in bleed-focused builds. While it’s been balanced since launch, it still dominates in many PvE and PvP situations.
How Do You Use the Corpse Piler Effect in Elden Ring Effectively?
It’s best used at mid-range to stack bleed quickly, while keeping enemies at a safe distance. Instead of spamming it, time your casts after dodges or staggers to avoid being punished during its animation.
What Are the Best Ashes of War and Talismans To Pair With Rivers of Blood?
Corpse Piler, as an Ash of War, is unique to the Rivers of Blood Katana. So, you’ll want to consider pairing it with talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, Shard of Alexander, and Green Turtle Talisman for strong synergy.
What Are Some Ways To Counter Rivers of Blood Bleed Stacks in Elden Ring PvP Battles?
Patience is key in such situations, and it’s good to roll into certain attacks while dodging away when necessary. High mobility, bleed-resistant gear, and stamina management are key to countering this weapon.
