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This is the place where we take one weapon from Elden Ring and stack it with the best possible gear, stats, buffs, and Ashes of War to create an optimized build that can dominate any run-especially in New Game Plus and beyond. If you think you have a better setup, feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below or suggest which weapon you want us to tackle next.

Today, we're zeroing in on a fantastic weapon from the Shadow of the Urgery DLC: the Roshasa Great Katana. This katana isn't just visually striking, but it's one of the best tools in your arsenal when it comes to bleed damage and fast, successive strikes. In this guide, we'll explore why the Roshasa is an excellent choice and how to build around it for maximum effect.

Why the Roshasa Great Katana?

The Roshasa Great Katana has several features that make it a standout weapon in the Elden Ring meta, especially when optimized for bleed and Dexterity scaling.

1. Bleed Build-Up

One of Roshasa's strongest points is its high blood loss buildup - it inflicts an 8 blood loss build-up, which is among the highest in the game. This makes it excellent for stacking rapid successive hits to trigger devastating bleed procs that melt bosses and PvP opponents alike.

2. Dexterity Scaling

The weapon boasts fantastic Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for Dexterity-focused builds. This allows your damage to scale up dramatically as you invest in Dexterity stats.

3. Unique Ash of War: Weed Cutter

The Roshasa's signature Ash of War, Weed Cutter, is a key reason for its potency. This Ash of War enables rapid, fluid sword swings back and forth, letting you chain multiple hits in quick succession. This perfectly complements bleed stacking strategies and pairs exceptionally well with talismans that boost successive attack damage.

Build Overview: How to Make the Roshasa Great Katana Shine

This build is designed for New Game Plus at level 170, a sweet spot that balances survivability, damage output, and utility. Here's a rundown of the equipment and talismans you'll want to use.

Armor: Rockshasa Set

The Rockshasa armor set is perfect for this build. Not only does it provide decent protection, but it also comes with a bonus to attack power, especially when wielding katanas like the Roshasa. It's also a thematic choice to match the katana's aesthetic, providing a nimble yet menacing look.

Weapon Buffs and Prosthetics: Milson's Prosthesis

To further enhance your combat prowess, equip Milson's Prosthesis. This prosthesis grants additional close-range attack power and offers utility in PvP and PvE scenarios. It helps you break through enemy defenses and apply extra pressure.

Talismans: The Best for Roshasa

1. White Mask

This talisman boosts the buildup of status effects like bleed, poison, and frostbite. Perfect for Roshasa's high blood loss stacking.

2. Shard of Alexander

Increases the damage of weapon skills, making your Weed Cutter Ash of War even more deadly.

3. Lord of Blood's Exultation

Increases attack power when blood loss occurs nearby, synergizing well with your bleed-heavy strategy.

4. Two-Handed Sword Talisman

Boosts attack power when wielding your weapon two-handed, which you'll be doing to maximize damage output.

Buffs: Flame, Strength, and Command

For further enhancements, you'll want to apply buffs in battle that amplify your damage or survivability.

1. Flame, Grant Me Strength

·This classic buff increases physical and fire attack power, giving your katana strikes a serious edge.

2. Commander's Standard

 ·Boosts attack power for you and your allies in co-op. This is especially useful if you're running multiplayer or want to stack buffs in solo play.

Ashes of War: Weed Cutter

The heart of this build is the Weed Cutter Ash of War. It lets you chain quick, flowing sword strikes that maximize bleed buildup and benefit from talismans that boost successive hits.

·The fast swings make it easier to apply status effects and maintain pressure.

·It pairs beautifully with Roshasa's innate blood loss stat.

·The Ash also adds more Dexterity scaling, so investing in Dexterity pays off even more.

Stat Allocation: Focus on Dexterity and Vigor

For this build, your primary stats should be:

·Dexterity: Maximize this stat to take full advantage of Roshasa's scaling.

·Vigor: Enough to keep your survivability high in NG+, aiming for around 40-50 points.

·Endurance: Buy Elden Ring Items moderately to maintain stamina and equip load for the Rockshasa armor set.

·Mind: Optional, for FP management if you rely heavily on buffs and weapon skills.

·Strength: Minimal, just enough if your weapon has a slight Strength requirement.

How to Play the Roshasa Great Katana Build

1. Aggressive, Successive Strikes

The Roshasa with the Weed Cutter rewards aggressive play. Keep the pressure on enemies by constantly chaining attacks. This build shines in:

·PvP: Bleed stacks quickly, making duels fast and brutal.

·PvE: Boss fights where successive hits chip away at health and status effects.

2. Buff Up Before the Fight

Start each encounter with your buffs - Flame, Grant Me Strength, and Commander's Standard - to maximize damage output.

3. Two-Hand Your Weapon

Always two-hand the Roshasa to benefit from the Two-Handed Sword talisman and maximize your damage output.

4. Utilize Milson's Prosthesis Strategically

Use Milson's Prosthesis to break enemy poise and create openings for your katana strikes, especially against tougher foes.

5. Manage Your Stamina

While rapid successive hits are your goal, be mindful of stamina. You need enough to continue chaining attacks or dodge when necessary. The Endurance investment in this build helps maintain stamina pools.

Why This Build Works So Well in New Game Plus

New Game Plus brings tougher enemies and longer fights, but the Roshasa Great Katana build addresses this with:

·High damage output: Dexterity scaling and successive hits make quick work of tough enemies.

·Bleed buildup: The 8 blood loss buildup and White Mask talisman stack bleed fast.

·Buff synergy: Talismans and buffs multiply your damage and survivability.

·Mobility and defense: The Rockshasa armor keeps you nimble while still protected.

Alternative Suggestions and Potential Variations

Of course, no build is perfect for everyone. Here are some ideas if you want to tweak the Roshasa Great Katana setup:

·Swap armor: If you prefer heavier armor, consider mixing Rockshasa with heavier pieces and investing more in Endurance.

·Use different Ashes of War: Some players may prefer the Flame of the Redmanes for added fire damage or Quickstep for increased mobility.

·Add different talismans: If you want to boost stamina regeneration, swap in the Green Turtle Talisman in place of the Two-Handed Sword talisman.

·Include healing Elden Ring Items: If you prefer a safer playstyle, bring Flame, Heal Me, or Blessing of the Erdtree.

Final Thoughts

The Roshasa Great Katana is an incredibly strong weapon, especially when optimized with Weed Cutter, the right talismans, buffs, and armor. This build excels in fast, aggressive combat styles that emphasize stacking bleed and capitalizing on successive attacks. Its combination of high Dexterity scaling, powerful bleed buildup, and fluid Ash of War attacks makes it one of the best choices for players looking to crush enemies in New Game Plus.