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• Posted By : Chunz liu
• Posted On : Dec 06, 2025
• Views : 3
• Category : Soccer
• Description :

Overview

•  When it comes to Elden Ring DLC weapons, few tools feel as effortlessly powerful-and stylish-as Rock Shasa's Great Katana. In the hands of an expert player, this thing becomes a raw damage machine: massive hyper armor, fast thrust attacks, deadly crouch pokes, and fully charged heavies that can two-shot-or even one-shot-hosts in PvP Elden Ring Items
  
  If you've ever wanted to turn this great katana into a trade monster, a roll-catching demon, or an invasion destroyer, this breakdown covers the full setup, talismans, armor choices, stat spread, and plenty of practical examples pulled directly from real invasions.
  
  Let's dive into why this is one of the strongest pure-moveset builds you can run in the DLC.
  
  Why Rock Shasa's Great Katana Stands Above the Rest
  
  Many weapons in Elden Ring specialize in one thing-speed, damage, range, poise, etc. Rock Shasa's Great Katana, however, blends all of these into one terrifying package.
  
  Key strengths include:
  
  1. Hyper Armor Heavy Attacks
  
  The heavy attack is where this weapon truly shines.
  
  It comes out with huge hyper armor, meaning you can trade into almost anything and still come out on top-especially in PvP where the goal is often to hit harder than your opponent.
  
  2. Pierce-Damage Heavy & Crouch Attacks
  
  Like a claymore doing thrusting damage, Rock Shasa's heavy attack causes pierce damage, which synergizes with some of the best talismans in the game. The crouch poke also comes out extremely fast, making it ideal for mix-ups, counters, and catching panic rolls.
  
  3. Exceptional Chase and Roll-Catching Tools
  
  Running lights and running heavies are both fantastic depending on whether you're chasing a single player or cutting off positioned teammates.
  
  For invasions, this flexibility is invaluable.
  
  4. Organic Moveset Power
  
  This build isn't reliant on Ashes of War or spell buffs. The moveset itself is the weapon's gimmick-simple, fast, brutal, and extremely consistent.
  
  Talisman Setup: Maximize Every Pierce, Trade, and Heavy
  
  To push Rock Shasa's Great Katana to its full potential, talismans make all the difference.
  
  1. Spear Talisman
  
  This is the MVP of the setup.
  
  Since so much of the weapon's moveset deals pierce damage-including the heavy attack and crouch poke-the Spear Talisman significantly boosts counter damage. If you like trading hits, this talisman is essential.
  
  2. Two-Handed Sword Talisman
  
  Because the build is always two-handing the weapon, the 10% global damage boost is huge value for zero downside.
  
  3. Retaliatory Cross-Tee Talisman
  
  This talisman further boosts pierce damage, especially on crouch attacks. If you enjoy mixing in crouch pokes for counter-hit punishment, the synergy here is excellent.
  
  4. Bull-Goat's Talisman (or Axe Talisman)
  
  The Bull-Goat version increases poise-something this build thrives on since many trades start with heavy attacks.
  
  But if your goal is maximum burst, the Axe Talisman gives a monstrous damage spike to fully charged heavies.
  
  Armor Choices: Fashion, Poise, and Trading Power
  
  Lettuce armor can further boost running and crouch attacks, but it lowers poise-something this setup heavily relies on. Unless you're extremely confident in spacing and timing, sticking with high-poise armor is the safer play.
  
  Stat Spread: Pure Dexterity and High HP
  
  This build is simple and straightforward:
  
  Primary damage stat: Dexterity
  High Vigor to survive trades
  Good Endurance for heavy armor and consistent trading
  Minimal investment in everything else
  
  Since so many winning interactions come from trading blows, a large HP pool is essential.
  
  Invasion Examples: The Build in Action
  
  Below are summaries of the strongest invasion moments that showcase exactly why this weapon is so devastating.Mogwyn Palace: "Trade Machine" Activated
  
  After buffing up, Chase trades into a dragon build and deals an absurd chunk of damage-nearly a one-shot with the heavy attack. The crouch poke also proves monstrous thanks to the thrust-based talisman stacking. Even opponents confident in trading quickly learn that Rock Shasa hits much, much harder.
  
  Mountaintops: One-Shots in the Snow
  
  Whether it's catching invaders near giants or running down hosts on the slopes, the fully charged heavy attack repeatedly deals 1,000–1,500 damage on trades. Most players, especially those with mid-range vigor, simply evaporate.
  
  One host even tanks a heavy only to immediately lose the next trade. The message is clear:
  
  If you attempt to trade into Rock Shasa's two-handed charged R2, you're rolling the dice with your life.
  
  Windmill Village: Roll-Catch City
  
  At the Windmill Village, the build destroys players trying to hide among props or use terrain. Crouch pokes and quick R1s clean up panicked enemies while charged heavies punish any attempt to trade. Even "Billy Wave" incantation users get erased when they try casting too close.
  
  Bellum Highway: Boulder and Blade Combo
  
  With the added spice of throwing lightning boulders to force movement, Chase closes distance, lands thrust counters, and finishes off players attempting to outrange the great katana. Once again, the heavy's hyper armor shines in chaotic 2v1 trades.
  
  Giants' Catacombs: Elevator Ambushes
  
  Dropping into a cramped room full of scythe-users and casters would normally be deadly-but Rock Shasa's heavy armor and huge punish windows make short work of both phantoms and hosts.
  
  Kaelid & Beyond: Dominating Classic Duel Areas
  
  Whether fighting in tunnels, wide open fields, rooftops, or tight bridges, the moveset remains flexible. Running heavies catch rolls. Crouch pokes punish swings. Fully charged R2s end health bars instantly.
  
  Some of the most entertaining fights involve hosts trying to parry the weapon, only to get punished by jump attacks or delayed heavies.
  
  Why This Build Works So Well
  
  The secret to this build's consistency comes from a combination of factors:
  
  1. Hyper Armor + Poise = Trade Dominance
  
  Most invaders panic roll the moment they realize they cannot stagger you. This gives you complete control of the engagement.
  
  2. Pierce Damage Synergy
  
  Nearly every strong move in the weapon's kit gets amplified by multiple talismans. That means:
  
  Every crouch poke hits harder
  Every thrust counter hits harder
  Every heavy attack hits WAY harder
  
  3. Two-Handed Running Attacks Are Top-Tier
  
  Rock Shasa's running light and running heavy offer different chase options depending on enemy movement, giving you answers for both solo fights and group engagements.
  
  4. Simplicity = Reliability
  
  No fancy spell buffs.
  No complicated setup combos.
  Just raw weapon mastery and consistent damage.
  
  Final Thoughts: One of the Best Moveset-Focused Weapons in the DLC
  
  Rock Shasa's Great Katana is one of the most fun, most deadly, and most reliable weapons in the Elden Ring DLC-especially when built entirely around enhancing its moveset. When paired with the right talismans and a high-poise armor setup, it becomes a monster in trades and a menace in invasions.
  
  The build thrives in chaos, dominates in straight duels, and offers some of the most satisfying heavy attack punishments in the entire game.
  
  If you enjoy:
  
  High-risk, high-reward trading
  Huge damage spikes
  Fast pierce attacks
  Flexible roll-catching buy Elden Ring Items
  Stylish great katana gameplay
  
  Then this build is absolutely worth trying.
  
  And with so many variations possible-fashion, talisman swaps, armor choices, and even Ash of War alternatives-there's plenty of room to personalize the setup.