Elden Ring Samurai Bow Build - Samurai Sniper

Jun. 16, 2024

Elden Ring Samurai Bow Build – Samurai Sniper

In this Elden Ring Samurai Bow Build guide, I will be showcasing my Samurai Sniper build. This versatile build is effective throughout the entire game and centers around the Nagakiba, one of my favorite weapons in Elden Ring, paired with the Albinauric Bow. We recently covered the Albinauric Bow in our bows video, and I will explain why it is integral to this build and why it excels in Elden Ring.

In this Elden Ring Samurai Build Guide, I’ll be showing you myAlbinauric BowandNagakibabuild. This is an All-Game build that takes place after level 150. If you’ve been looking for a Dex build that works great for the entire game then you might want to check this build-out.

We have over 110 Elden Ring builds. Each one is meticulously crafted to offer unique playstyles, strategies, and experiences, ensuring there’s something for every adventurer in the Lands Between. Whether you seek the raw power of heavy weapons, the finesse of spellcasting, or the versatility of hybrid builds, our collection has you covered. Explore the depths of the game’s mechanics and unleash your full potential with our diverse array of builds.

The concept for this build emerged while I was testing bows for the bows video. I discovered that when usingBarrageto hit enemy heads, it actually outperformedMighty Shot, despite having a lower damage multiplier. Headshots inherently deal more damage, leading me to ponder how to utilizeBarrageeffectively to replace Mighty Shot for one-shot kills. During this process, I realized you can aim and useMighty Shotsimultaneously. When you hit an enemy’s head while aiming with Mighty Shot, you benefit from both the headshot damage and theMighty Shotmultiplier, allowing you to decimate enemies with minimal arrows.

Thus,Mighty Shotbecame a key component of ourAlbinauric Bow. TheAlbinauric Bowis ideal for this build due to its superior dexterity scaling, and inElden Ring, lightning arrows also increase in damage with higher dexterity. Consequently, higherdexteritysignificantly boostslightning arrowdamage, making this bow a perfect match. Even with a lower attack rating, focusing on dexterity yields higher overall damage with lightning arrows compared tostrength.

TheAlbinauric Bow’sdexterityscaling complements the lightning arrows and the lightningNagakiba, creating a cohesive and powerful dexterity and lightning-themed build. TheAsh of Waron theNagakibaisLightning Slash, which enhances the weapon with lightning damage, further boosting its attack power. This synergy results in substantial damage output with each strike, optimizing both melee and ranged combat.

What I particularly appreciate about this build, and why it’s an excellent choice for exploringShadow of the Erdtree, is its balance between combat and exploration. Thebowallows you to eliminate enemies from a distance, facilitating safer exploration. Although exploration in Elden Ring is now second nature to me, having a ranged option that can one-shot enemies will be invaluable when navigating the unknown territories ofShadow of the Erdtree. This makes exploration more manageable, even if the build is slightly less efficient in boss fights compared to others I’ve created.

Additionally, I use theErdtree Sealfor itsGolden Vowbuff, which further enhances our damage. While I don’t frequently rely on this, it’s useful for boosting arrow damage and general attack power in challenging encounters. Initially, you won’t focus on faith; this aspect is more relevant towards the end of your first playthrough or the beginning of New Game Plus to maximize damage potential.

At 80dexterity, there’s limited room for growth in damage due to diminishing returns on lightning scaling. Sincestrengthscaling is inadequate and the bow’s effectiveness plateaus after 80dexterity, the natural progression is to invest in faith. This allows access toGolden Vow, further increasing both arrow and weapon damage, enhancing the overall build’s efficiency.

For armor, I use theOkina Maskto boost dexterity. As a result, mydexteritystat is at 83, but I recommend setting your base dexterity to 77, so it totals 80 with the mask.

My armor setup includes theRonin’s Armorchest piece,Redmane Gauntlets, andRonin’s Greaves. This combination, along with the Bull-Goat Talisman, provides sufficient poise to withstand a hit.

While this specific armor is chosen for its aesthetics, fitting the samurai theme perfectly and earning 10 out of 10 style points, it’s not mandatory. If you’re aiming to min-max the build, you could opt for armor that naturally provides 51 poise. This would allow you to use a different talisman, optimizing the build further.

Other talismans I use for this build include theArrow’s Sting Talismanto further boost arrow damage,

theRitual Sword Talismanto increase damage when at full health,

and either theShard of AlexanderorWarrior Jar Shard, depending on your progress in the game, to enhance the damage ofMighty ShotandLightning Slash.

I don’t use theArrow’s Reach Talismanbecause the default range of 50 on my bow, coupled with the added range fromMighty Shot, is sufficient. However, if you’re not crafting arrows withFlight Pinions, you might want to consider it. I highly recommend farmingFlight Pinionsto craft lightning arrows with extended range, as arrows without them won’t travel as far.

A notable aspect of this build is the absence of purchasablelightning arrows. This is likely because lightning arrows scale withdexterity, and since every bow inElden Ringscales withdexterity, these arrows potentially offer the highest damage per shot. While status effect arrows are a different consideration, for raw damage, dexterity-scaling lightning arrows are superior. Strength-scaling arrows are rare or nonexistent, giving dexterity-based builds a significant advantage in terms of arrow damage.

This attribute setup ensures a balance between survivability, stamina management, and maximizing damage output for both ranged and melee attacks.

When choosing aFlask of Wondrous Physick, consider your priorities. I personally favorstamina recovery, which aids in sustained combat. Alternatively, early in the game, you might opt for dexterity to increase damage output, or theLightning-Shrouding Cracked Tearfor enhanced lightning damage if you’ve focused on lightning setups. Combining both options to maximize damage is also a viable strategy. Stamina recovery is generally a safe choice that complements many builds and is often my default selection.

Forgreat runes, your choices will likely center aroundGodrick’sorRadahn’s. The decision hinges on whether you require six stats, including strength for one-handing or two-handing weapons. Opting forGodrick’sbecomes more compelling if you need 18 strength for one-handing. Otherwise, Radahn’s offers strong benefits with its boosts to FP, HP, and stamina, aligning well with builds focusing on faith, dexterity, strength, endurance, mind, and vigor.

That concludes ourSamurai Sniperbuild. I hope you find it appealing. This build blends aspects of both bow-focused and samurai-themed gameplay, making it a natural evolution from my earliersamuraibuild introduced inElden Ring. With its emphasis on dexterity and lightning, it proves effective. If you lack the late-gameAlbinauric Bow, theLongbowserves as a solid alternative early on, transitioning seamlessly once you acquire the Albinauric Bow later in your journey. As always, let us know if you have questions or other tips in the comments below. We have a ton more builds coming forElden RingandShadow of the Erdtreeso stay tuned for those. If you need help finding the spells, items, or equipment in this build, and securing some personal objectives, make sure to check theElden Ring Map.

Castielle

Senior Editor at Fextralife. I enjoy gaming, playing and watching sports, cooking yummy food, watching a good movie and hanging out with Fex.