Elden Ring: How to Get Dragonscale Blade (& Is it Good)

Katanas have been a staple in FromSoft’s soulsborne titles, and this wonderful category of weapons is also available in Elden Ring. In fact, they are among the most commonly used weapons in the community. Unfortunately, this category is dominated by powerful katanas like Moonveil, Rivers of Blood, and Nagakiba, leaving some other katanas feeling left out.

Dragonscale Blade, despite its charm and unique Ash of War skill, remains somewhat overlooked among katanas in Elden Ring. Its location in an optional area further contributes to its lack of recognition. Nevertheless, players interested in obtaining the Dragonscale Blade can find its location and evaluate its worth by continuing to read this guide.

Elden Ring: Dragonscale Blade Location

Dragonscale Blade is a reward for defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot, an area accessible only after progressing through Ranni the Witch’s questline. Once players give her the Fingerslayer Blade, they can access Ainsel River Main by using the teleporter at the top of Renna’s Rise.

While progressing through the Ainsel River Main region and continuing Ranni’s quest by interacting with her miniature doll, players will reach the Nokstella Waterfall Basin site of grace. Heading south from there, players will encounter the Baleful Shadow enemy. Defeating it unlocks the entrance to the Lake of Rot. After defeating the boss, players can take the lift on the south side to reach the Lake of Rot.

The Lake of Rot lives up to its name, being a body of water tainted with Scarlet Rot that can afflict players with a simple touch. To navigate this hazardous environment, it’s advisable for players to prepare Preserving Boluses or acquire the Flame, Cleanse Me incantation. The Scarlet Rot effect here inflicts damage more rapidly compared to other instances found in the Lands Between.

Beneath the Lake of Rot’s surface, numerous platforms lie hidden, activated by stepping on slabs positioned in front of obelisks scattered throughout the area. It is recommended to activate all platforms while exploring to establish a secure path leading to both the boss fight and the Grand Cloister. Begin by heading south from the Lake of Rot Shoreside, locating and activating these slabs, then move southeast to confront the Dragonkin Soldier lying still in the middle of the Lake of Rot.

Be sure to activate the platform near Dragonkin Soldier to create a small fighting area. Otherwise, players will have to fight in the Lake of Rot, inflicting them with Scarlet Rot.

Players should approach the boss to start the fight. Like many big bosses in Elden Ring, a safe strategy is to target the Dragonkin Soldier’s legs from behind. If players are up for a direct fight, they should aim for the Dragonkin Soldier’s head for extra damage. Using slashing weapons, such as katanas or curved swords, is highly recommended. Although the Dragonkin Soldier isn’t too tough on its own, the challenging surroundings of Lake of Rot add to the difficulty. Once players successfully defeat the Dragonkin Soldier, they will be rewarded with the Dragonscale Blade.

Is Dragonscale Blade a good weapon in Elden Ring?

Dragonscale Blade is a katana scaling with Dexterity and a little touch of Strength. It stands out not only for its traditional katana moveset but also for its unique weapon skill—Ice Lightning Sword. This exclusive ability infuses the blade with Ice Lightning, enabling it to unleash both Lightning damage and induce Frost buildup. What makes the Dragonscale Blade exceptional is its rarity as one of only two weapons, the other being the Dragon Halberd, capable of dealing both Lightning damage and causing Frost.

Although the Dragonscale Blade doesn’t possess the almighty Bleed build-up, it compensates by inflicting both Lightning and Frost. This proves invaluable, especially considering Elden Ring‘s endgame boss and numerous other enemies exhibit resistance to Bleed status. Fans of katanas can rely on the Dragonscale Blade to win fights against enemies where other katana options might falter.

For lore enthusiasts, the Dragonscale Blade is rumored to be made from Gravel Stone, believed to be Ancient Dragon scales. This unique quality gives it a bonus, dealing 10% more damage to Ancient Dragons and 20% to regular Dragons. However, it’s worth noting that Dragons have tough skins and scales, making them naturally resistant to slashing attacks. The extra damage from the Dragonscale Blade helps offset this resistance but doesn’t fully overcome it. On a positive note, players can add another 20% damage by causing Frostbite with the Ice Lightning Sword skill.