Elden Ring: Ice and Lightning Samurai Build
If you're looking for a high-damage, visually stunning Samurai build in Elden Ring, the Ice and Lightning Samurai is a fantastic choice. This build takes advantage of lightning-infused attacks, frost buildup, and draconic spells to devastate enemies. With the right Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items, you can become an unstoppable force, dealing massive damage in both melee and ranged combat.
Starting Class & Key Stats
The Samurai class is the best starting choice for this build due to its high Dexterity and access to a katana early on. Your primary focus should be on these key stats:
Dexterity: 65 (Maximizes weapon damage and attack speed)
Strength: 30 (Allows you to wield powerful weapons)
Faith: 25 (Enables the use of Draconic spells)
With these stats, you'll be able to wield dual Dragonscale Blades, enhancing both lightning and frost damage while using powerful Dragon Incantations to dominate in battle.
Essential Elden Ring Items for the Ice and Lightning Samurai Build
To make this build as effective as possible, you need the right Elden Ring Items that enhance ice, lightning, and melee combat.
1. Dual Dragonscale Blades
The Dragonscale Blade is a special katana that deals both lightning damage and frost buildup.
This weapon can only be obtained once per playthrough after defeating the Dragonkin Soldier in the Lake of Rot during Ranni's questline.
While using a single Dragonscale Blade is viable, having two of them dramatically increases damage output.
Since only one Dragonscale Blade is available per playthrough, players who want a second copy must trade with another player or transfer it via a separate character.
2. Shard of Alexander (Talisman)
This talisman greatly increases the damage of weapon skills, making your Dragonscale Blade attacks even deadlier.
It is obtained after completing Iron Fist Alexander's questline.
3. Rotten Winged Sword Insignia (Talisman)
Boosts attack power with successive hits, making it perfect for fast, aggressive katana combos.
Acquired by completing Millicent's questline.
4. Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman
Reduces physical damage taken, giving you better survivability in combat.
Found in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, in a chest near a rot-infested knight.
These talismans and weapons ensure that every attack deals maximum damage while providing a balance between offense and defense.
Draconic Spells
One of the biggest advantages of this build is its ability to use Dragon Incantations, allowing you to attack from a distance.
Best Dragon Incantations for the Build
Borealis's Mist – A powerful frost breath attack that quickly builds up frostbite, slowing enemies and making them take extra damage.
Lansseax's Glaive – A wide-range lightning attack that stuns and damages multiple enemies.
Ancient Dragons' Lightning Strike – Calls down multiple bolts of lightning, perfect for boss fights and groups of enemies.
To obtain Borealis's Mist, defeat Borealis the Freezing Fog in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
Combat Strategy
This build excels in both melee and ranged combat, allowing you to quickly adapt to any fight.
1. Start with Draconic Incantations
Use Borealis's Mist to inflict frostbite on enemies, making them take extra damage.
If facing a large group, Lansseax's Glaive can clear them with a sweeping lightning attack.
2. Dual-Wield Dragonscale Blades for Devastating Melee Attacks
After inflicting frostbite, switch to dual-wielding Dragonscale Blades for fast, high-damage combos.
The frostbite status effect slows enemies and weakens their defense, allowing you to deal even more damage.
3. Take Advantage of Attack Buffs
Shard of Alexander and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia ensure that each attack increases your damage output.
Keep attacking aggressively to maintain these buffs throughout the fight.
4. Use Lightning Spells for Extra Damage
Against large bosses or fast enemies, Ancient Dragons' Lightning Strike can deal massive AoE (Area of Effect) damage.
This ensures you have a powerful backup option when you need to stay at range.
By combining ice, lightning, and melee combat, this build offers versatility and overwhelming power in every fight.
Farming Elden Ring Runes to Strengthen Your Build
To reach peak performance, you'll need a steady supply of Elden Ring Runes for leveling up and upgrading weapons. Here are the best rune farming spots:
1. Mohgwyn Palace – Albinauric Farm
The Palace Approach Ledge-Road site of grace allows easy rune farming from Albinauric enemies.
Use Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost rune drops.
2. Greyoll's Dragonbarrow – Giant Sleeping Dragon
Defeating Greyoll grants 50,000+ runes instantly.
Use a bleed weapon like Rivers of Blood to take it down faster.
3. Windmill Village – Easy Enemy Kills
Low-risk farming area with enemies that drop a decent amount of runes.
Perfect for mid-game players who need quick rune farming.
By farming Elden Ring Runes, you can level up Dexterity, Strength, and Faith faster, making your Ice and Lightning Samurai build even more powerful.
Why This Build Is One of the Best in Elden Ring
Massive Frost and Lightning Damage – The Dragonscale Blades apply lightning damage and frost buildup, making every attack incredibly effective.
Powerful Melee & Ranged Combat – You can switch between fast katana combos and devastating Draconic spells, keeping enemies on edge.
High Survivability – The Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman reduces physical damage, helping you tank hits when needed.
Fast Attack Speed – The Rotten Winged Sword Insignia boosts attack power with successive hits, making you stronger the longer you fight.
Final Thoughts
The Ice and Lightning Samurai Build is one of the most unique and powerful Samurai setups in Elden Ring. By utilizing dual Dragonscale Blades, frost spells, and lightning attacks, you can deal incredible damage in both melee and ranged combat.
With the right Elden Ring Items and a steady supply of Elden Ring Runes, you'll be able to fully optimize this build, turning your Samurai into a true force of nature.
So, grab your Dragonscale Blades, master your Draconic spells, and let the storm begin!