Uchigatana or Nagakiba? Comparing Two Iconic Elden Ring Blades

In the world of Elden Ring, few weapons stand out quite like the katanas. Sleek, deadly, and incredibly effective, these blades have been fan favorites since Dark Souls, and their dominance continues in the Lands Between. Among them, two have risen to the top for their speed, bleed build-up, and overall versatility: the Uchigatana and the Nagakiba. If you’ve found yourself stuck between these two blades, you're not alone. In this comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Uchigatana vs Nagakiba—from movesets to scaling, reach, and real-world gameplay benefits.

Origins and Basic Differences

The Uchigatana is a classic weapon, available early in Elden Ring for the Samurai class. It offers a balanced blend of speed, damage, and status effect potential. The Nagakiba, on the other hand, is a longer, more reach-focused katana that resembles the real-world nodachi. Though both scale similarly and deal comparable base damage, their utility differs depending on your playstyle.

Both weapons inflict passive bleed buildup, making them ideal for those who favor Dexterity builds, particularly in PvP or against bleed-susceptible bosses.

Weapon Stats at a Glance

          Uchigatana

• Base Damage: Moderate
• Bleed Buildup: 45 (base)
• Weapon Skill: Unsheathe
• Weight: 5.5
• Length: Standard katana length

   

  Nagakiba

• Base Damage: Slightly higher than Uchigatana
• Bleed Buildup: 45 (base)
• Weapon Skill: Unsheathe
• Weight: 7.0
• Length: Longest katana in the game

Right away, you’ll notice the biggest difference in Uchigatana vs Nagakiba is the weapon length. The Nagakiba offers the longest reach of any katana, which fundamentally alters your approach to combat.

Reach and Range: Why Length Matters

The Nagakiba's massive range is its signature advantage. In PvE, this allows you to safely poke enemies from a distance, often keeping you just outside their hitbox. In PvP, it gives you the edge in trading blows, letting you hit before your opponent can reach you.

The Uchigatana, though shorter, makes up for its lack of reach with faster handling. It feels more nimble, easier to use in tight corridors, and quicker to recover from missed swings. For newer players or those who prefer a more aggressive, close-quarters style, the Uchigatana might feel more intuitive.

Damage Scaling and Ashes of War

Both weapons scale with Dexterity and Strength, though Dexterity gives a better return. Infusing either weapon with bleed, keen, or occult scaling can maximize their effectiveness depending on your build. If you’re going for a pure Dexterity bleed build, both the Uchigatana and Nagakiba can be excellent when infused with Blood and paired with the right talismans.

Since both katanas support Ashes of War, the customization potential is immense. While their default Unsheathe skill is already powerful—delivering quick, high-damage slashes—players often swap in other options like Seppuku, Bloodhound Step, or Flaming Strike to boost utility.

Seppuku, in particular, is a game-changer when dual-wielding two bleed-infused katanas. It increases your blood loss build-up dramatically, allowing you to melt through bosses and players alike.

PvE Performance

In PvE, both blades perform exceptionally well thanks to their bleed status effect. The Uchigatana is a staple for many Samurai builds, particularly because it can be obtained right from the start. With minimal investment, it can carry players through much of the early and mid-game content.

The Nagakiba shines in late-game zones where enemies have longer attack ranges and larger hitboxes. Its length gives you the ability to keep distance while still dealing steady damage. This makes it ideal for bosses that are harder to get close to, such as dragons or massive beasts.

If you’re running a one-weapon setup, the Nagakiba’s superior range gives it the edge in PvE, provided you’re comfortable with its slower attack recovery.

PvP Viability

The conversation around Uchigatana vs Nagakiba gets more heated when it comes to PvP. The Nagakiba is often favored in duels and invasions because of its reach. You can outspace opponents and land hits where other weapons would fall short.

However, the Uchigatana is still dangerous. Its slightly faster moveset and lighter weight make it easier to pair with other weapons or shields. It’s also quicker to swing and recover, which can be the difference between life and death in fast-paced PvP duels.

In invasions, many players dual-wield both katanas or combine one with a thrusting sword or dagger to pressure opponents. Either blade can be lethal when infused with bleed and paired with Seppuku.

Style and Aesthetics

Though not a gameplay factor, many players choose weapons based on aesthetics. The Uchigatana is iconic and minimalist, with a traditional katana look. The Nagakiba, with its massive length, has a unique presence on-screen that stands out, especially when sheathed on your back or side.

For those who enjoy role-playing or building a character with a specific theme, both katanas fit well into samurai-style or dexterity-based builds. The Nagakiba, however, definitely looks more dramatic and imposing—perfect for players who want their weapon to reflect their dominance.

Weight and Stamina Considerations

The Nagakiba’s extra weight can affect your equip load, especially if you're wearing heavier armor or dual-wielding. It also drains slightly more stamina with each swing. These may not seem like major drawbacks, but in high-pressure fights or boss encounters, every point of stamina matters.

The Uchigatana’s lighter weight gives you more room to experiment with your loadout—whether that’s heavier armor, additional talismans, or a backup ranged weapon.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

In the showdown of Uchigatana vs Nagakiba, the best choice ultimately comes down to your playstyle.

• Choose the Uchigatana if you prefer quicker swings, early-game availability, and more flexibility with your gear.
• Choose the Nagakiba if you want superior range, stronger PvP control, and a commanding presence in combat.

Both swords are top-tier choices for Dexterity or bleed builds, and neither will disappoint. Many players even choose to wield both—one in each hand—for devastating dual-katana setups. Whether you're cutting down invaders in PvP or slashing through demigods in PvE, these iconic blades offer all the edge you need to conquer the Lands Between.

No matter which you choose in the battle of Uchigatana vs Nagakiba, one thing is clear: katanas remain some of the most satisfying and effective weapons in Elden Ring.