The most-awaited DLC of 2024 has been released with beyond-expectation hype. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree appeared with loads of mysteries and powerful bosses. However, we can’t forget about weapons. After getting many impressive weapons in the base game, fans have been expecting the same from the expansion. As you start, the first thing players need to look for is weapons, and Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana is among the earliest weapons in the game.

Katanas have always been the best weapon types in Elden Ring. However, Shadow of the Erdtree has continued this tradition and introduced a new weapon type called the Great Katana. The catch is that the vast open world of the game may confuse players about the locations of the weapons. So, in this guide, we will tell you all the necessary details about the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, including its location.

Know Your Gear: Shadow of the Erdtree’s Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana Location and Why You’ll Have to Use It

Like Elden Ring, the expansion is filled with enemies from the beginning of the game. Whatever your path, it will lead you to fight some unique creatures. However, eventually, roaming around will help you discover dungeons containing new bosses and weapons. The Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana can be found in a similar way and, most excitedly, within a few hours. 

Where to Find the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana in Shadow of the Erdtree

shadow of the erdtree dragon hunters great katana
Pillar Path Waypoint Site of Grace. Make your way to the marked location to find the Dragon’s Pit Dungeon in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Once you step inside the Land of Shadow, the first region you will unlock is Gravesite Plain. First, make sure to collect the map of the region so the journey becomes easier. Once you have the map, start exploring the region, and eventually, you will make your way to the Pillar Path Waypoint Site of Grace. Rest there for a while and adjust your stats. Once done, move forward toward the southwest side, and you will locate one of the first optional dungeons of the game, named Dragon’s Pit

You can find its location on the map as well. Scroll down towards the southwest side from the Site of Grace, and the dungeon will be found there. Once you start following the dirt path leading toward the southwest side, you will come across headless dragon statues. Keep following the path, and it will take you to the dungeon.

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The rule is the same: players need to explore every corner of the dungeon and fight the enemies inside. But like in the base game, at the end of the dungeon, a boss will be waiting for you; in this case, the main boss of the Dragon’s Pit dungeon is the Ancient Dragon-Man. Beating this boss will give you Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana.

How to Beat the Ancient Dragon-Man in Shadow of the Erdtree

shadow of the erdtree dragon hunters great katana
Once you defeat the Ancient Dragon-Man in Shadow of the Erdtree, one of the first Great Katanas of the game will be yours.

Veteran players are already aware that bosses are not easy in FromSoftware games, so, of course, the Ancient Dragon-Man will also be a challenging enemy to take down. Don’t take him lightly because of his early appearance, as his sword attacks deal lots of blood loss damage. As a result, your Tarnished will lose a chunk of health over time if you don’t have healing items.

Fortunately, the boss has two attacks. In the first attack, the enemy will swing his sword to create an arc. Keeping a safe distance from the boss will help players handle it. The second thing to keep in mind is his slam attack, where the enemy will go into the air and slam his sword on the ground. 

Once the boss comes to 50% health, he will try to use a healing potion to recover. Don’t let him do that, or the fight will become more challenging. If you are struggling to deal with the boss alone, don’t think twice before summoning a Spirit Ash. It can be any Spirit Ash of your preference. He is kind of an easier boss to fight, if you compare. 

Stats of the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana: Should You Use It?

shadow of the erdtree dragon hunters great katana
Stats of the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana are impressive as an early weapon of the game.

Once you have received the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, the next thought you may have is the use of the thing. Katanas are indeed powerful weapons, but Great Katanas are new to the game. So, the confusion is valid. Before going further, let’s take a look at the stats of the weapon. This katana has 152 Physical Damage and 100 Critical Damage stats, along with 32 Magic, Holy, Fire, and Lightning defense.

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Aside from that, this katana has a weapon art named Dragonwound Slash. Once equipped, this weapon art can hide the weapon with a jagged gravel-stone aura and, the next moment, launch a massively damaging slash. The best part is that the attacks of this weapon come with a passive effect, which is the blood loss effect. Though the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones, it can’t be enchanted with any Ashes of War. 

At this point, we can’t say this is one of the best weapons to get in Shadow of the Erdtree, but of course, it is one of the strongest weapons to acquire to make your early game journey smoother. Later, of course, players will find more powerful swords and other weapons to replace this Great Katana.

That’s more or less everything players should know about getting the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana in Shadow of the Erdtree. The process is a bit lengthy and a lot more challenging, but getting this Katana is kind of necessary to start experiencing the new weapons of the game and how well they work against the bosses. 

As you progress through Elden Ring’s new expansion, you will face difficulties at almost every step. If you miss something or find it hard to figure out some locations, don’t forget to go through our Shadow of the Erdtee guides for exact information.