The Rise of the Ronin: Katanas Ranked

Summary

Katanas have the most changeable combat styles in Rise of the Ronin, offering unique movesets and designs.
Specific katanas, like the Peacock Uchigatana, have set rarities, making them worth seeking out for their stats and visual style.
Players can obtain iconic katana weapons through specific missions or by increasing bond levels with important characters in the game.

In the thrilling game called “Rise of the Ronin“, an assortment of weapon types await you. Ranging from traditional western sabers to polearms, and even muskets with bayonets, there’s a variety of over ten distinct weapon categories to master. However, no Ronin is fully equipped without their samurai sword. While it’s beneficial to specialize in one weapon category due to the associated proficiency, skills, and intricate combat systems, katanas stand out as they offer the most versatile combat styles among all weapon types. The combat styles alter a weapon’s functionality, providing players with novel moves. These combat styles can be unlocked throughout the game, making exploration of the vast open world worthwhile.

In addition to the diverse combat techniques that can be applied across various weapon types, you’ll come across unique katanas with their distinct stats and visual designs within the game. Owing to its random loot system, each weapon a player discovers will have exclusive stats and attributes, but every katana will boast its own distinctive look. Some exceptional katanas even possess specific item rarities. Here are some of the top katanas found in Rise of the Ronin.

10. Peacock Uchigatana

Early Game Rare Katana

Primary Scaling Stats: STR
Secondary Scaling Stat: CHR

In the game “Rise of the Ronin,” as you advance, it becomes clear that the type of weapon isn’t as crucial as its level, rarity, and original stats. However, at the start of the game, obtaining the rarest items may be challenging. The Peacock Uchigatana, a valuable katana, could offer an advantage because it always drops at the highest rarity tier and suitable for your character’s level. You can find this sword in a chest hidden behind a locked door within the Miyozaki region. To access it, you need to climb on some nearby rooftops using grappling mechanics.

9. Yukiyoshi

Nightingale Scabbard

Primary Scaling Stats: CHR
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

In the game ‘Rise of the Ronin’, players have the freedom to customize or change the appearance of any weapon they desire. Consequently, many players’ fondness for katana weapons often hinges on their visual appeal. The sword Yukiyoshi, with its intricate plum wrappings and delicate mother-of-pearl nightingale designs on the scabbard, is particularly striking. This sword is associated with Katamori Matsudaira and can be acquired by choosing the pro-shogunate path in significant game decisions.

8. Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki

Ryoma’s Dragon

Primary Scaling Stats: CHR
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

Yoshiyuki’s Mustunomaki is the sword shared by the companion and ally of the main character, Ryoma Sakamoto. Its elaborate scabbard showcases a golden dragon motif, making it a distinctive choice for a katana. Players can acquire this sword by strengthening their bond with Ryoma and completing the “Men From Tosa” side quest. Upon successful mission completion, the katana will be awarded as a reward.

7. Nobukuni

Nakaoka’s Blade

Primary Scaling Stats: INT
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

In my gaming adventure, I’ve come across Nobukuni – a precious sword belonging to Shintaro Nakaoka, a loyal retainer of the Tosa clan and an ally of our protagonist if they choose the anti-shogunate path. This katana is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Yuzu, a fruit native to Nakaoka’s hometown. To add this exceptional weapon to my arsenal, I need to strengthen my bond with Nakaoka to the level of ‘Inseparable’.

6. Shizusaburo Kaneuji

Intricate Design

Primary Scaling Stats: INT
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

Shizusaburo Kaneuji’s graceful blue sheath adorned with floral motifs complements various player attires subtly. Delicate flower carvings embellish the sword grip as well, although they may be hard to observe closely, they add a unique touch to its design. This sword is owned by Shinsengumi advisor Kashitaro Ito and can be acquired directly from him by the player.

5. Munechika

The Maple Leaf Katana

Primary Scaling Stats: STR
Secondary Scaling Stat: INT

The intricate maple leaf patterns embellishing the Munechika’s scabbard, guard, and blade give this katana a unique yet subtle charm. The rest of its design is minimalistic and elegant in black, making it an attractive choice for collectors. This sword is owned by Yukichi Fukazawa, and players can acquire it as a prize upon successfully completing his bond mission titled “The Quest for New Discoveries.”

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Maple leaf patterns gracefully decorate the Munechika’s scabbard, guard, and blade, giving this katana an exclusive yet understated style. The rest of its design is simple and chic in black, making it a valuable addition to any collection. This sword belongs to Yukichi Fukazawa, and players can win it by completing his bond mission “In Search Of New Discoveries.

4. Fujiwara Nobushige

The Chiba Clan Blade

Primary Scaling Stats: DEX
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

Shusaku Chiba, in the game “Rise of the Ronin,” is an accomplished swordsman and the creator of the Hokushin Itto-ryu martial art style. He is the head of the Chiba clan and a mentor to notable characters such as Ryoma Sakamoto. Just as anticipated, his sword, Fujiwara Nobushige, carries immense power and boasts an attractive design. The scabbard is simple yet elegant, black in color with subtle decorations, while the hilt features a captivating moon-behind-clouds pattern. Players can acquire Chiba’s sword by building a deep relationship with the master, reaching the Inseparable bond level.

3. Indigo Scabbard Uchigatana

Simple And Elegant

Primary Scaling Stats: STR
Secondary Scaling Stat: CHR

Different from many swords on this list, the Indigo Scabbard Uchigatana isn’t a legendary weapon wielded by a renowned warrior. Instead, it’s an appealing katana design that numerous players might choose for its understated elegance, complementing their ronin costumes. However, this design isn’t initially accessible. Players must first accomplish the sword-delivery side quest “A Blade For The Future”. Upon completion, a merchant in Edo will offer the Indigo Scabbard Uchigatana for sale.

2. Cursed Blade Muramasa

The Black Blade

Primary Scaling Stats: CHR
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

Following the grassroots quest titled Fujioka Diary: Muramasa, players will be guided towards the Cursed Blade, Muramasa. After successfully vanquishing the pursued felons with glowing red eyes, this path continues. The ultimate goal is to seize the sword from the fugitive’s chief, who appears to have succumbed to madness due to the cursed weapon. Once obtained, players are given the option to either surrender the blade to shogunate authorities or reject their demands.

Resisting them and battling them initially keeps the sword in your possession, but players may discover that the referee is actually a hidden red-eyed outlaw later on, offering an alternative way to reclaim the sword. The distinctive Muramasa sword boasts a black blade and a striking two-tone scabbard adorned with gold details, giving it a visually appealing red and black aesthetic.

1. Elite Ninja’s Blade

Dragon Clan Heirloom

Primary Scaling Stats: DEX
Secondary Scaling Stat: STR

Fans familiar with Ninja Gaiden will recognize the Elite Ninja’s Blade as a nod to the Dragon Sword of the Dragon Clan. In the story of Ninja Gaiden, this blade possesses the ability to drain life and can only be wielded by one of dragon’s blood. Consequently, the sword in Rise of the Ronin alludes to the “true power” of the blade being lost.

The sword, known as the Elite Ninja’s Blade, is concealed within a chest hidden behind a wall in Yasusuke Sawamura’s dojo located in Edo. Yasusuke is not only a contemporary (in-game) representative of the Dragon Clan but also an instructor of the Hyabusa-ryu martial art style. Fans dressing up as characters from Ninja Gaiden will undoubtedly be eager to uncover this katana.

2025-03-15 00:06