The Samurai class is one of the best character choices for newcomers and Souls-familiars in Elden Ring as its starting stat package really aids all players and how they can build the best one. Although the starting class of characters only determines which stats players will have at the beginning of the game, as well as which weapons, the Samurai is more or less played like the actual warriors themselves. While it does come off as a character with limited choices of weapons and armor, those who choose to play as the Samurai will be one be able to rely upon Katanas and bows as their primary damage sources.
Unlike the Hero class in Elden Ring, Samurai begin with dexterity and vigor as their primary stats, while endurance and mind are their secondary stats. Additionally, Samurai already start off with a Katana, bow, arrows, and a shield, making it one of the most well-equipped characters from the beginning of the game. As players continue through Elden Ring, however, they'll have to invest more Runes into intellect and strength if they plan on using several of the high-level Katanas, as well as dexterity for some of the bows. Since its dexterity and vigor start off as higher stats, players can raise their Samurai's intellect and strength in the beginning to more easily gain access to other types of Katanas and bows.
For example, the Moonveil Katana in Elden Ring is a weapon that players can get somewhat early in-game for their Samurai. Between the class's high starting dexterity and the 
Moonveil Katana's low needed strength stat, players can easily invest Runes into their intellect early on to be able to use the weapon as soon as possible. The same goes for most bows, which require some combination of strength, dexterity, and intelligence stats as well.
The Best Samurai Build In Elden Ring
To play well as a Tarnished Samurai, players should prepare for significantly lowering enemy health in battle as they're approached, and finishing any that get close enough off with the Unsheathe skill. This is a skill that can only be applied to Katanas, and it allows players to sheathe their blade and hold it at the hip, then follow up with a normal or strong attack. While boss fights in Elden Ring may prove to be more challenging for Samurai players, they'll excel in any fight on horseback given the nature of their stat increases.
The only Talisman that players really need in this class is the 
Lord of Blood's Exultation, as it increases the attack power of anyone with the item as the bleeding effect occurs in the surrounding area. Since Katanas can apply the Hemorrhage effect in mid-range melee combat, Samruai players will find themselves dealing a lot of damage as a battle continues in Elden Ring. Other great Talismans to equip are Erdtree's Favor, which raises the 's maximum HP, stamina, and equip load, and Arrow's Reach, which increases the distance arrows travel.
For the Samurai, the Ashes of War in Elden Ring that players should get are 
Unsheathe, as mentioned for its effects, Might Shot and Enchanted Shot, to further increase the power of their bows. Though the Samurai class can take some time to build up, some of the best builds will allow players to take on multiple approaching enemies at once in Elden Ring.
Next: Elden Ring: Complete Walkthrough, Boss Strategies & Build Guides
Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X.
