As a hardcore Soulsborne fan with over 500 hours across the Dark Souls trilogy, I live for discussing and analyzing every detail of these intricately designed games. When it comes to weapons, few capture my imagination like the graceful yet lethal katana.
In Dark Souls 2 specifically, katanas stand out as some of the most versatile dexterity-focused weapons thanks to their unique movesets, special abilities and sheer style. As a dedicated dexterity build player, I‘ve extensively tested all 8 katanas in challenging PvE areas like Frigid Outskirts and high tier PvP spots such as Iron Keep bridge.
From countless encounters with formidable foes like Fume Knight to intense duels against top-tier opponents, I‘ve developed strong opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of every katana in Dark Souls 2. Join me as I definitively rank each one from worst to best based on my extensive in-game usage and analysis.
What Makes a Strong Katana?
When evaluating katanas, I weigh several factors:
- Base damage values at standard +10 reinforcement
- Counter damage multipliers
- Primary scaling grades & benefits for Dex builds
- Moveset versatility & attack animation speeds
- Usefulness of special abilities or status effects
- Requirements for optimal strength and dexterity
I‘ll also be recommending complementary armor sets, rings, buffs and infusions to maximize each katana‘s potential. Keeping all this in mind, let‘s get started!
8. Berserker Blade
The Berserker Blade sits firmly at the bottom of this list due to its thoroughly average performance across the board. With only 160 base damage and 45.0 counter multiplier, its lackluster offence fails to impress. An identical moveset to other basic katanas also means it lacks versatility.
Yes, technically its special ability boosts counter damage by 20-50 based on your current HP drainage. But in practice, the payoff rarely justifies taking extra damage or using items to trigger the effect. Some argue it has niche use on Critical-focused builds to amplify ripostes. However, its mediocre base critical rating of 100 keeps it from excelling there either.
Ultimately, there are better selections regardless of your build or playstyle. You can find the Berserker Blade as a rare drop from the Prowling Magus and Congregation boss in Brightstone Cove Tseldora. However, I don‘t recommend going out of your way farming for this thoroughly middle-of-the-pack katana.
Final Verdict: Only die-hard katana collectors need apply. Otherwise easily outclassed by alternatives.
7. Bewitched Alonne Sword
Next up is the visually striking Bewitched Alonne Sword. At first glance, its high base damage of 150 and S rank Dexterity scaling make it seem like an ideal choice for pure Dex builds. Unfortunately, its underwhelming special ability fails to compensate for the drawbacks.
Activating the ability boosts your damage by 50-100 based on current HP drain, but drains 5% health every second for 30 seconds. In exchange for only 90 extra damage at peak, you’re losing 15% of your HP! Perhaps if it stacked with other weapon buffs there could be an argument. But unfortunately, that massive loss in survivability hardly ever pays off.
The blade itself also suffers from identical range and moveset compared to the Berserker Blade. And with steep requirements of 22 Strength and 30 Dexterity, you’re better off with more accessible katana options for most builds. Overall, the risks of the Bewitched Alonne Sword fail to outweigh the marginal rewards. Stick to virtually any other katana.
Final Verdict: This witch‘s spell is more trick than treat. Style over substance never ends well.
6. Blacksteel Katana
Now we’re finally getting into better territory with the Blacksteel Katana. Its main appeal is definitely the unique one-handed light attack – a wicked iai quickdraw slash that deals 140 counter damage. Combined with respectable 95 base damage and S rank Dex scaling, it can dish out some nasty punishes.
My go-to combo against overeager opponents is baiting an attack then retaliate with the one-handed light attack. The sudden counter damage usually surprises players and discourages further aggression. I once landed a critical after a guard break riposte dealing over 1300 damage!
The Blacksteel Katana only requires 14 Strength and 25 Dexterity, making it an excellent choice for early pure Dex builds. You can farm it from the Alonne Knights in Iron Keep or the Memory of the Old Iron King once you reach that stage. It’s a bit lacking in range but makes up for that weakness with sheer speed and power in close quarters.
If you properly leverage the quickdraw attack, the Blacksteel Katana serves as vicious punishment for those who fail to respect your space. Use its mobility and damage potential to assert dominance over foes.
Final Verdict: Embrace elegantly aggressive "hit and don‘t get hit" dueling mentality.
5. Uchigatana
What seasoned Souls player isn’t intimately familiar with the iconic Uchigatana? This versatile katana can easily carry many builds through the entire game with its well-balanced 110 base damage, 500 counter rating and B rank scaling in both Dexterity and Strength.
Its versatility comes from relatively low requirements of 10 Strength and 16 Dexterity. The Uchigatana also has excellent reach on its light and heavy attack animations enabling good spacing control. Against large or ultra greatweapon wielding enemies, you can stick and move swiftly using long range running and rolling attacks.
Speaking of rolling attacks, mixing up the horizontal slash on a one handed rolling attack versus the vertical slash on the two handed variant is great for breaking defenses. I defeated Fume Knight solo mostly using such unpredictable roll attacks. And landing the powerful charged heavy attack thrust following rolls or during enemy cooldowns deals massive counter damage.
You can grab the Uchigatana early from McDuff in Lost Bastille or as the Swordsman’s starting weapon. While it might not excel in any one area, the Uchigatana‘s reliability and versatility grant strong general value. Plus, I must respect this iconic katana’s legacy across all Souls games!
Final Verdict: The jack of all trades is a master of "good enough".
4. Washing Pole
Let’s address the elephant in the room – yes, the Washing Pole‘s length is utterly absurd. We’re talking about ultra greatsword reach on a slash-based weapon here. At nearly 40% extended range plus solid 120 base damage and B Strength/Dex scaling, it can be seriously oppressive in both PvE and PvP when used properly.
Admittedly, the elongated blade takes patience getting used to regarding proper timing and spacing. But once you internalize the increased swing arcs and recovery times, very little can touch you before taking severe damage. In fact, one of my proudest accomplishments was soloing Lud & Zallen by kiting them relentlessly with the Washing Pole’s range.
When handling large mob groups, you can selectively destroy outer targets while keeping the center mass at bay. The one-handed horizontal wide slashes and two-handed vertical chops decimate tightly packed foes. In duels, aggressively push the envelope of your attack radius to pressure less mobile opponents.
Washing Pole truly shines in skilled hands able to leverage its sheer oppressive reach. Wield it with surgical precision to neuter challenges before they draw within striking distance.
Final Verdict: Embrace the salt and assert dominance through range disparity.
3. Chaos Blade
Raw power. Those two words neatly summarize what the terrifying Chaos Blade represents. Boasting 140 base damage and a massive 600 counter rating, it hits with the force of a runaway freight train. To partially offset its brutal strikes, each landed attack also damages the wielder for 50 HP.
But for hyper-aggressive playstyles already accentuated by the Red Tearstone Ring, that recoil means little when most enemies drop quickly. Against slower beasts or bosses lacking potent gap closers, you can shred through enormous health pools safely by properly abusing your range.
In PvP, the Chaos Blade also inflicts rapid bleed buildup, making it absolutely monsterous against passive or unfamiliar opponents. Overconfident Havel mages attempting to simply tank your attacks soon melt under the sustained offense. It is truly a weapon tailor-made to ruthlessly crush anyone bold or foolish enough to stand ground against you.
Wielded in a skilled hand, the Chaos Blade renders the user nigh-untouchable while enabling savage retaliation upon any who dare an uncalculated approach. Are you willing to master the ultimate glass cannon playstyle? If so, this katana offers incredible risk and reward.
Final Verdict: Weapons this powerful should honestly be regulated by legal authorities…
2. Darkdrift
While many katanas focus on overwhelming force, the Darkdrift embraces finesse and utility. Despite weighing only 3 units as the absolute lightest katana, it still delivers solid physical performance including 110 base damage and 500 counter rating. However, its true brilliance lies in the one-handed strong attack.
By charging stance for a moment, the strong attack phases through enemy shields to damage targets behind them. What does this mean in practical terms? Anyone turtling behind Greatshield of Glory or Havel‘s Greatshield suddenly loses their greatest advantage against you!
And in PvP, even heavily armored Havels wielding super-stability shields cower when you outright ignore their staunchest defenses with impunity using the Darkdrift‘s strong attack. Combine shield piercing capability with solid base stats and this katana provides uniquely specialized value.
Against shielded or defensive opponents, the Darkdrift rewards thoughtful play capitalizing on openings through precise strong attack timing. Patient mastery of its attacks penetrating otherwise impregnable defenses makes you nigh-untouchable. Dodge wisely and resistance crumbles before you!
Final Verdict: Pierce the veil of seeming invincibility by exploiting this unique katana’s hidden potential.
1. Manslayer
After extensive testing and analysis across countless battles, I firmly believe the Manslayer reigns supreme among all Dark Souls 2 katanas. Like the iconic Uchigatana, it boasts well-balanced 110 physical damage and 500 counter rating supplemented by B rank scaling in both Dexterity and Strength. This makes the Manslayer highly viable for pure Dex, Quality hybrid or specialized bleeding builds.
But the Manslayer’s true glory lies in its innate bleed effect – every landed strike deals 33 bleed buildup, enabling immense damage over time. When you layer additional bleed-focused armor sets like Shadow Set, Crest of Blood ring, and Blood weapon buff? The gushing crimson carnage you inflict becomes unreal.
I distinctly remember a PvP match where my opponent was slowly backed into a corner, bloodied and panicking as their health evaporated under my relentless assault. Finally, they made a desperate attempt to roll away which I predicted and punished with a lethal thrust impaling their collapsing body! Absolute domination.
Beyond raw bleeding efficiency, the Manslayer also mysteriously becomes invisible when equipped in the left hand. Though obscure, this visual effect has tactical implications. Opponents can lose track of your attack range when unable to track the weapon itself. Mind games and deception further tilt battles in your favor.
For sheer performance capped with undeniable style, the Manslayer stands alone. Wreak untold havoc upon victim and environment alike with this vicious vampiric implement of destruction!
Final Verdict: Infinite crimson rain for all – friend and foe alike!
Bleed Infusions: Extra Carnage
As an added note regarding katanas, Bleed infusions can further accentuate innate bleeding capabilities for extreme hemorrhaging potential. However, this comes at the cost of reduced base damage. Here are two standout examples:
Bleed Manslayer: Highest per-hit bleed at 50 but base damage drops to 95. Extends drain tanking capacity.
Bleed Chaos Blade: Lower 42 bleed buildup but 130 base damage retained. Great for hyper-aggro.
So consider your combat style and priorities when opting to infuse for additional bleed bonuses. That said, a Bleed Manslayer with Crest of Blood and Shadow gauntlets can melt just about any boss with repeated slashes!
Parting Thoughts
And there you have it – the definitive ranking of all katanas in Dark Souls 2. While the hardcore appeal of these games often focuses on their punishing difficulty, I believe mastering deep combat mechanics and weapon synergies provides equally rewarding depth. This especially applies to dexterity aficionados regarding specialized katana tactics.
Hopefully this extensive evaluation proves helpful whether you’re pursuing PvE challenges or PvP domination. I welcome any feedback, questions or personal insights in the comments below! Now if you’ll excuse me, more victims await satiation of my Manslayer’s thirst. Let the bloodbath commence…
