In Elden Ring, weapon choice can dramatically impact your playstyle, especially when it comes to high-dexterity builds or bleed-focused strategies. Two of the most talked-about weapons in this category are the Nagakiba and the Bloodhound’s Fang. Each of them offers a unique approach to combat, from fast, precise slashes to heavy, momentum-driven strikes. Choosing between these two isn’t always easy it depends on your build, your enemy, and your combat preferences. Understanding how they compare is key to optimizing your character’s performance across both PvE and PvP encounters.
Weapon Overview
Nagakiba
The Nagakiba is a katana with an exceptionally long reach, resembling a spear-like version of the Uchigatana. Its defining trait is its extended range and rapid slashing combo, making it one of the best weapons for bleed builds and agile melee fighters. With standard scaling in dexterity and the ability to be infused with ashes of war, the Nagakiba is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable to different playstyles.
- Weapon Type: Katana
- Base Damage: Physical
- Status Effect: Blood Loss buildup
- Upgradeable: Yes (Standard/Elemental paths)
- Infusable with Ashes of War: Yes
Bloodhound’s Fang
Bloodhound’s Fang is a curved greatsword that balances power and agility. It’s heavier than a katana, but not as slow as ultra greatswords. With its built-in weapon skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse, and inherent bleed buildup, this weapon allows you to deal massive damage while maintaining decent mobility. However, it cannot be infused with ashes of war, which means you’re locked into its default ability.
- Weapon Type: Curved Greatsword
- Base Damage: Physical
- Status Effect: Blood Loss buildup
- Upgradeable: Yes (Somber Smithing Stones)
- Infusable with Ashes of War: No
Scaling and Stats Comparison
Nagakiba Scaling
The Nagakiba scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength. When upgraded through standard means, it can be customized to scale more heavily with Dexterity or infused for other purposes like Arcane or Bleed. Its light weight and low stat requirements make it a perfect option for early to mid-game builds, and even viable in late game if customized properly.
Bloodhound’s Fang Scaling
Bloodhound’s Fang also scales with Strength and Dexterity, but with a focus on Strength. Its higher base damage makes it a strong option for Strength-Dexterity hybrid builds. Since it uses somber smithing stones, you don’t have to invest in multiple upgrade paths. However, it lacks flexibility due to the inability to change its ash of war.
Weapon Skill Comparison
Nagakiba Weapon Skills
Since the Nagakiba is infusable, players can choose a variety of weapon skills. Some of the best include:
- Seppuku For enhanced bleed buildup
- Bloodhound Step For dodging and repositioning
- Flaming Strike For fire damage infusion
This flexibility makes the Nagakiba a top-tier weapon for players who like to experiment or adapt their build to different challenges.
Bloodhound’s Finesse Skill
Bloodhound’s Fang comes with a unique built-in skill called Bloodhound’s Finesse. It allows the player to perform a slashing attack followed by a quick backward dash. This is especially useful in boss fights and PvP where timing and spacing are key. While the skill is effective, it cannot be swapped out, limiting the player’s customization options.
Gameplay Style and Strategy
Nagakiba Combat Style
The Nagakiba favors a fast, precision-based playstyle. With its long reach and quick slashes, it is excellent for poking enemies from a safe distance. When paired with a high Arcane build and Seppuku, it can shred through enemy health bars with bleed procs. It also works well in PvP due to its range and speed, letting you zone enemies without overcommitting.
Bloodhound’s Fang Combat Style
Bloodhound’s Fang encourages a more aggressive and deliberate approach. Its curved greatsword category means slower swings, but each hit carries massive impact. The dash attack of its weapon skill allows you to safely engage or disengage from enemies, giving it a unique rhythm in combat. It’s a great choice for players who enjoy heavier weapons but don’t want to fully commit to slow ultra greatswords.
PvE and PvP Effectiveness
Nagakiba in PvE
In PvE, the Nagakiba excels in both early and late-game content. Its long reach allows players to keep distance from dangerous enemies while still maintaining pressure. Bleed builds in particular are extremely effective against bosses with high HP pools. The freedom to change ashes of war means you can tailor the weapon to fit specific encounters or element weaknesses.
Bloodhound’s Fang in PvE
Bloodhound’s Fang is one of the most beginner-friendly weapons in Elden Ring. Its high base damage and mobility skill make it ideal for new players who want strong offense and survivability. In PvE, it handles bosses well, especially when timed dodges and repositioning are crucial. However, it lacks versatility due to its locked weapon skill and non-infusability.
Nagakiba in PvP
For PvP, the Nagakiba’s range and speed give it a noticeable edge. It can bait out whiffs and punish with fast slashes. Pairing it with Bloodhound Step or other evasive skills makes you incredibly hard to pin down. Its biggest strength is unpredictability; players who rely on timing and footsies can dominate with the Nagakiba.
Bloodhound’s Fang in PvP
Bloodhound’s Fang is a powerful choice in PvP for those who prefer trades and high-damage punishments. Its weapon skill’s backstep mechanic creates surprise windows of attack and allows retreat after aggressive pushes. However, faster weapons can outpace it if the user isn’t careful with spacing and timing. It shines best in duels rather than chaotic group fights.
Weight and Equipment Load
One major difference between these two weapons is their weight. The Nagakiba is significantly lighter, allowing for faster rolls and lighter armor sets. This plays into evasive builds that favor dexterity and finesse. Bloodhound’s Fang, being heavier, may require more investment into endurance and force you to wear lighter armor if you want to maintain fast rolls.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Both weapons are excellent, but they serve different purposes depending on your build and gameplay preference. Here’s a quick summary:
- Choose Nagakiba if: You want speed, range, bleed customization, and flexible ashes of war.
- Choose Bloodhound’s Fang if: You want a heavy-hitting weapon with a built-in movement skill and strong scaling out of the box.
Ultimately, both Nagakiba and Bloodhound’s Fang are worthy weapons in Elden Ring, and neither is strictly better than the other. Try each and see which fits your combat rhythm and character build best. Whether you’re dancing through enemies with precise katana strikes or crushing them with deadly curved slashes, both weapons offer a rewarding and dynamic gameplay experience.