rivers of blood elden ring

Rivers of Blood Elden Ring Build & Location Guide 2025

Rivers of Blood: Elden Ring katana build and location guide


When it comes to pure style, menace, and mayhem, few weapons in Elden Ring match the savage beauty of the Rivers of Blood katana . It's not just a fan favorite — it’s a force of nature. With its devastating bleed buildup and mesmerizing moveset, this blade has carved out its own legend.


Whether you’re building a bleed master or just hunting down one of the most infamous weapons in the Lands Between, this 2025 guide has everything you need. We’ll cover where to get Rivers of Blood , the best Rivers of Blood build setups , key stats and talismans , and how to make this iconic katana truly sing.

What Is Rivers of Blood in Elden Ring?


Rivers of Blood is a Unique Katana known for its weapon skill, Corpse Piler , which unleashes a flurry of cursed slashes that build blood loss fast. It’s favored by PvP assassins and PvE players alike for its mix of elegance and brutality.


  • Weapon Type: Katana

  • Weapon Skill: Corpse Piler (unique)

  • Scaling: Primarily Dexterity, Arcane

  • Blood Loss Buildup: 50 base per swing — but Corpse Piler hits multiple times, stacking fast.


This blade isn’t just for style — it's one of the most practical tools in any bleed-centered build.

How to Get Rivers of Blood in Elden Ring


Rivers of Blood artistic


Let’s not waste time. If you want the katana, here’s how to find it.


  • Location: Church of Repose, Mountaintops of the Giants

  • NPC Invader: Defeat Bloody Finger Okina


Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Progress through the game until you unlock the Mountaintops of the Giants .

  2. Head south from the Giant’s Gravepost Site of Grace .

  3. As you approach the Church of Repose , Okina will invade you.

  4. Defeat him — he drops the Rivers of Blood katana and Okina Mask .


Note: Rivers of Blood won’t drop if you’ve already defeated Fire Giant and Okina doesn't invade. Grab it before that boss.

Table: Rivers of Blood Key Details


Attribute Info
Weapon Type Katana
Weapon Skill Corpse Piler (Blood Loss Skill)
Scaling D (STR), C (DEX), D (ARC)
Required Stats STR 12 / DEX 18 / ARC 20
Special Effect High Bleed buildup (Corpse Piler)
Location Church of Repose, Mountaintops
Dropped By Bloody Finger Okina

Best Rivers of Blood Build (2025 Edition)


Rivers of Blood Build


Want to melt bosses and players in seconds? Here’s the most optimized Rivers of Blood build for 2025.


Stats to Aim For (Level 150 Range)


  • Vigor: 50 – survive trades and invaders

  • Mind: 20 – enough for frequent Corpse Piler use

  • Endurance: 20 – to handle katanas and light armor

  • Dexterity: 40 – major damage scaling

  • Arcane: 30 – boosts blood buildup and Corpse Piler

Weapons & Gear


  • Main Weapon: Rivers of Blood (duh)

  • Offhand: Seppuku Uchigatana / nothing for faster Corpse Piler

  • Armor: White Mask (increases damage on bleed proc)

  • Talisman 1: Lord of Blood’s Exultation – boosts attack when bleeding

  • Talisman 2: Rotten Winged Sword Insignia – successive attacks boost damage

  • Talisman 3: Shard of Alexander – boosts Corpse Piler damage

  • Talisman 4: Green Turtle Talisman – stamina regen

Incantations (Optional)


If you’re mixing in Faith:


  • Flame, Grant Me Strength – boosts attack power

  • Blessing of the Erdtree – healing boost

Rivers of Blood Playstyle Tips


This weapon rewards aggression:


  • Use terrain to corner enemies and unleash Corpse Piler

  • Bait into trades with fast swings; let bleed do the work

  • In PvP, keep pressure and roll-catch with timing

  • In PvE, use summons to distract while you slice


Want a pure bleed experience? Pair it with Seppuku for doubled-up bleeding chaos.

PvE Strategy with Rivers of Blood


  • Bosses weak to bleed like Morgott, Mohg, and even Malenia melt under Corpse Piler.

  • Use Mimic Tear with another bleed katana for dual pressure.

  • Always keep Flask of Wondrous Physick customized for max burst: use Greenspill Crystal Tear and Thorny Cracked Tear .

PvP Strategy with Rivers of Blood


  • Use fast rolls to close in, unleash Corpse Piler in intervals.

  • Time your skill to punish flasks.

  • Watch out for parries – bait and switch to R1 slashes if needed.


Rivers of Blood remains a PvP terror . And in 2025, it’s still one of the top katana picks.

Can You Upgrade Rivers of Blood?


Yes. It uses Somber Smithing Stones , upgrading to +10. No infusion possible — Corpse Piler stays.

Pros & Cons of Rivers of Blood


Pros Cons
High bleed and burst damage Limited range vs. spears/greatbows
Stylish, fluid weapon skill Weak to bleed-resistant enemies
PvP and PvE viable No infusion / limited build variety
Available mid-late game Missable if you beat Fire Giant

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get Rivers of Blood Elden Ring?

Defeat Bloody Finger Okina at the Church of Repose before beating the Fire Giant. The katana drops after the invasion.

Where to get Rivers of Blood Elden Ring?

Mountaintops of the Giants, Church of Repose — near the Giant’s Gravepost.

Can I miss Rivers of Blood?

Yes. If you beat Fire Giant first, Bloody Finger Okina won’t invade, and you can’t get the katana in that playthrough.

Can you dual wield Rivers of Blood?

No. It's unique — but you can pair it with Nagakiba , Seppuku Katana , or Cross-Naginata for crazy bleed.

Is Rivers of Blood still viable in 2025?

Absolutely. Post-patch, it’s still one of the strongest bleed weapons in the game — especially for PvP.

Final Thoughts


It’s violent. It’s graceful. It bleeds. The Rivers of Blood katana is a rite of passage for Elden Ring players, and in 2025, it still cuts through the competition. If you’re chasing power, flair, and the thrill of a well-timed bleed proc, this weapon delivers.


Ready to master it? Don’t wander the Lands Between empty-handed. Snag your official  Elden Ring Steam CD Key  from RoyalCDKeys and start carving your path — one slash at a time.