Nagakiba — TarnishedGuide

Overview

Nagakiba is the longest katana in Elden Ring, offering significantly more reach than any other katana including the Hand of Malenia. This dexterity-scaling weapon can be infused with ashes of war, making it incredibly versatile for any build type. Its exceptional range gives it a distinct advantage in both PvE and PvP, allowing you to punish enemies from outside their attack range. Fextralife's Nagakiba page has detailed range comparisons and infusion guides. Wikipedia's Elden Ring weapons list covers all katana options.

Stats & Scaling

Requires STR 18, DEX 22. At max upgrade (+25 Standard), scaling becomes STR D, DEX C. Infusible with ashes of war.

How to Get Nagakiba

1. Begin Bloody Finger Hunter Yura's questline in Limgrave. Meet Yura near the Seaside Ruins grace south of Agheel Lake.
2. Help Yura defeat Nerijus (the first bloody finger invasion) near the Murkwater River. Yura will survive the encounter.
3. Progress to the Altus Plateau. Yura moves to the Second Church of Marika later in the game.
4. After reaching the Mountaintops of the Giants, return to the Seaside Ruins area to find Nagakiba dropped by Yura (he will have been killed by Shabriri).
5. Alternatively, defeat Yura early by attacking him — but this locks you out of his other rewards and quest items.
6. If you progress far enough, Shabriri possesses Yura's body at the Zamor Ruins. The Nagakiba will be on the ground near where you first met Yura.

Moveset & Skill

Piercing Fang (14 FP) / Infusible

Piercing Fang (default skill) is a strong thrust that ignores blocking shields and deals bonus counter damage. However, the Nagakiba's true strength is its infusibility — you can equip any ash of war. Popular choices include Unsheathe (for Moonveil-like stagger), Bloody Slash (for bleed builds), or Double Slash (for fast DPS). The weapon's range makes Unsheathe particularly deadly.

Best Builds

Pros & Cons