In the sprawling, treacherous lands of the Lands Between, the Nagakiba stands as a testament to elegant lethality. This exceptionally long katana, a sibling to the more common Uchigatana, has carved its legend into the annals of Elden Ring history. With a blade that seems to stretch forever and a notorious affinity for causing blood loss, it remains a coveted armament for Tarnished seeking both reach and ruthless efficiency. The path to claiming this weapon is woven into the fate of a mysterious hunter named Yura, presenting players with a classic FromSoftware choice: patience for greater reward, or swift, decisive violence.

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A Blade of Stats and Strategy

The Nagakiba's reputation is built on a foundation of impressive statistics and a versatile moveset. It primarily scales with Strength and Dexterity, demanding a minimum investment of 18 Strength and 22 Dexterity to wield effectively. This makes it a perfect fit for quality or dexterity-focused builds. Its true prowess lies in its combination of long-range physical strikes and rapid Blood Loss Buildup, allowing players to whittle down even the most formidable foes from a relatively safe distance.

Its combat capabilities are as dynamic as they are deadly:

  • Light Attack Combo: A fluid sequence of five forward slashes, ideal for applying pressure.

  • Heavy Attack: Two precise, long-range thrusts that excel at punishing enemy whiffs.

  • Sprinting Attack: A powerful downward slash for closing distance.

  • Rolling Attack: A quick, piercing thrust perfect for rapid counter-engagements.

Furthermore, the Nagakiba can be infused with a wide array of Ashes of War, allowing players to tailor its weapon skill and affinity to their specific build, from Keen and Heavy to the ever-popular Bleed-infused Occult. Its unique thrusting heavy attacks are particularly feared in PvP, as they excel at roll-catching opponents trying to evade.

The Path of the Hunter: Yura's Questline

For those who value narrative and comprehensive rewards, following the questline of Bloody Finger Hunter Yura is the intended path. This journey is not a short one, requiring traversal from the early swamps of Limgrave to the golden heights of the Altus Plateau.

1. The First Meeting in Limgrave

Your journey begins near the Seaside Ruins Site of Grace. Heading north along the river towards Agheel Lake, you'll be invaded by the hostile Bloody Finger Nerijus. After defeating him, continue north to find Yura lurking in the shadows. He will commend your efforts and set you on his path, marking the start of a fateful partnership.

2. The Summons in Liurnia

The next chapter unfolds in Liurnia of the Lakes. From the Main Academy Gate Site of Grace, look for a faint blue magical barrier. Passing through it reveals Yura's red summon sign on the path ahead. Answering this call transports you to aid him in a crucial battle. Speak to him afterward near where his sign was to continue.

3. The Final Act at the Altus Plateau

The quest culminates at the Second Church of Marika on the Altus Plateau, northeast of the Grand Lift of Dectus. Here, the narrative takes a somber turn. You will not find Yura standing vigil, but his lifeless body. Looting it yields the Nagakiba Katana, along with Eleonora's Poleblade, the Ash of War: Raptor of the Mists, and the Purifying Crystal Tear. It's a haul that rewards dedication, offering powerful tools for any arsenal.

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Alternative Paths to Power

Not every Tarnished has the time or inclination for a long quest. Fortunately, the Lands Between are rarely so rigid. There are other, more direct ways to claim the long katana, each with its own consequences.

The Patient Shortcut

If you miss parts of Yura's time-sensitive quest or simply never made it to the Altus Plateau, the Nagakiba may still be waiting for you. After certain world-state changes—typically after the entity known as Shabriri possesses Yura's body, an event often triggered by reaching the Mountaintops of the Giants—Yura will abandon the Nagakiba at the last location you interacted with him. This requires checking the three key sites: the riverbank in Limgrave, the path in Liurnia, and the Second Church of Marika. It's a game of hide-and-seek with a deadly prize.

The Quick and Ruthless Method

For the purely pragmatic, the fastest solution is also the most brutal. Upon first meeting Yura at his spot near Agheel Lake in Limgrave, you can choose to attack and kill him outright. He will drop the Nagakiba Katana immediately, bypassing the entire quest. As demonstrated by content creators like Dan Allen Gaming, this is the speedrunner's choice. However, this path of instant gratification comes at a steep cost:

  • ❌ You forfeit Eleonora's Poleblade.

  • ❌ You lose the Ash of War: Raptor of the Mists.

  • ❌ You miss the Purifying Crystal Tear.

  • ❌ You potentially lock yourself out of obtaining Yura's Ronin Armor Set later, as it requires Shabriri to be inhabiting his body.

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Legacy in the Lands Between

Years after its release, the Nagakiba maintains its status as a top-tier weapon in Elden Ring. Its unparalleled length in the katana category creates a unique niche, offering a playstyle that blends the aggression of a bleed weapon with the spacing control of a spear. Whether used in a pure Dexterity build with the Keen affinity, a Strength/Dexterity quality build, or an Arcane-focused build to maximize its hemorrhage potential, it adapts to the wielder's vision.

Its relevance extends deep into the endgame and New Game+ cycles, especially when upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones. In the ever-evolving meta of PvP, the Nagakiba's running attacks and colossal range continue to be a cornerstone of many duelists' strategies, a tool respected and feared in equal measure.

The story of the Nagakiba is more than a simple loot guide; it is a microcosm of the Elden Ring experience itself. It presents a meaningful choice that reflects the player's approach to this harsh world: to walk the longer road of a quest for greater understanding and reward, or to seize power immediately, accepting the lost opportunities that come with that brutality. In a game about ambition and sacrifice, the path to this long blade perfectly encapsulates the costs of becoming Elden Lord.