One of the newest Katanas in Shadow of the Erdtree, Star-Lined Sword, is known for its unique skill attack combination. If you’re looking to build an effective build for this Katana, don’t miss this guide.
Here we’ll go over the playstyle for this Cosmic Samurai Build, the gear to use, the best Talismans, and tips for using the game. Let’s get straight to it!
Build Basics
First, let’s go over the basics of this build. Cosmic Samurai is unique in terms of gameplay, as this build utilizes Damage Overtime Tactics while also utilizing Star-Lined Sword’s skills to perform hard-hitting combos.
You’ll see fast high damage numbers when performing combos. It’s also versatile in a lot of situations because of having more ranged spells on its gear.
Stats
Cosmic Samurai has high Dexterity and Intelligence, and as usual has a little Faith Stat to use spells that enhance attack and defense. Let’s take a look at how the attribute points are distributed for this build:
First start with Vigor. I have allocated 45 points to it because you need to dodge properly with this setup. However, if you think this is too low, you can increase it to 50, especially if your Scadutree Blessing is low.
Next is Mind, which has 35 points allocated to it, because when using this build, you will be casting a lot of spells and skills, so you need to allocate at least 35 points and above.
Next comes Endurance, which has 25 points allocated to it. The unique skill of Star-Lined Sword consumes a lot of stamina, but I think 25 points is enough.
You need 10 points of Strength to use Star-Lined Sword, so be sure to allocate at least 10 points.
Next up is Dexterity, and since this is our key attribute, it is assigned 69 points.
While keeping an eye on Intelligence, another 60 points should be invested here so that our Sorceries can wreak havoc on our enemies.
Next up is Faith, with 25 points allocated to Faith so that you can use attack and defense boosting spells to increase the offensive capabilities of the build.
Finally, we didn’t assign any points to Arcane because we didn’t need to.
Gear
Now that the basic playstyle and build stats are covered, let’s move on to Cosmic Samurai’s gear.
Main Weapon: Star-Lined Sword
Starting with the chief weapon for this build, the aforementioned Star-Lined Sword. This Katana requires 10 Strength, 23 Dexterity and 21 Intelligence so that you can use it properly.
In terms of scaling, it has a Strength of D, Dexterity of B, and finally Intelligence of D. This is why we focus on Dexterity in the stat distribution, while having Intelligence will further boost the power of this Katana. In addition, it has an innate blood-loss build-up, which is a delightful bonus. It just shouldn’t be prioritized.
Weapon Skill: Onze’s Line Of Stars
Star-Lined Sword is indeed an interesting Katana because it is able to perform a heavy-hitting combo attack when performing Onze’s Line of Stars. This is a unique skill that allows the user to perform a series of attacks, up to three combos, when L2 button is pressed.
Secondary Weapon: Carian Regal Scepter
Moving on to the secondary weapon of this build, I used Carian Regal Scepter mainly because of its appearance and because it fits the theme of this build. It also has an S scaling in terms of Intelligence, and we can also use it to boost the effectiveness of our Sorceries.
In addition, we can also access the attack buff of this build by using Finger Seal, which only costs you 800 Elden Ring Runes.
Pros And Cons
Next, let’s talk about the pros and cons of this Star-Lined Sword.
There’s no doubt that the entire heavy-hitting combo will hit the enemy like a truck when the user manages to do it. Since this skill increases its effectiveness after each subsequent attack, anyone can see the amazing range of Onze’s Line of Stars, especially when performing the skill’s combo finisher.
This skill can also make ordinary enemies flinch easily when you cleave with its ranged attacks, especially when dealing with humanoid-type targets. This makes this weapon a satisfying weapon to use in the field or in dungeons.
Ordinary enemies can barely do anything to this weapon, so you’ll have the upper hand in most cases, and clearing enemies is a breeze for this weapon.
Of course, like any other weapon, it also has its drawbacks. Onze’s Line of Stars is definitely powerful, but it’s difficult to complete the long attack animation in most cases. Its combo transitions are quite slow, so there are situations where humanoid-type enemies can act or counterattack even when you’re performing a full combo.
I was surprised to find that Sword of Night’s fully charged attack is much easier to pull off than Onze’s full combo, so you can see how long the preparation time is.
Also, since its attacks get stronger after consecutive follow-ups, its initial attack is pretty weak. Especially since you’ll be using the first set of attacks most of the time, and that’s the only thing you can do, especially against fast-moving targets.
If you want to extend your combo, you’ll be under attack from enemies most of the time, so you can only perform the initial L2 attack. You can easily see that this skill is difficult to maximize, especially when the bosses in DLC are very aggressive and don’t leave you a little time to counterattack.
Spells
Enough with the weapons. Let’s move on to the spells I recommend.
As always, our top pick is Flame Grant me Strength, which grants an additional 20% physical attack boost and stamina recovery buff.
The second buff in the list is of course Golden Vow. This buff increases overall damage by 15% and adds 10% damage negation, which is very helpful.
Since this build revolves around the power of stars, Stars of Ruin is a great fit for this build. This is a rechargeable spell that will serve as the main area attack for this build.
Additionally, I recommend inserting Founding Rain of Stars, which adds a lot of fun to this build. What I usually do is cast it before the target gets close to me, and when it explodes, it rains stars on the target, dealing continuous damage.
It is worth noting that you can use Onze while Sorcery is still active. It easily increases the damage. However, only use this combo if you are confident that you can pull it off, as its usage varies from boss to boss.
Talismans
For the best Talismans for this build, Shard of Alexander is still our top pick. This can increase skill damage by 15%, especially when performing Onze’s Line of Stars.
Since Onze’s Line of Stars leaves you vulnerable, Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman is a great addition to this build. Its 20% damage reduction can increase your chances of survival, especially if your Scadutree Blessing is low.
I still use Rotten Winged Sword Insignia and Millicent’s Prosthesis combo, because I prefer to deal with super high-attack damage when successfully executing Onze’s full combo. But you can always replace Millicent’s Prosthesis with Magic Scorpion Charm to deal more damage.
Armor Set
Now that the main gear is done, let’s move on to Cosmic Samurai’s Armor Set.
For this build, I’m wearing Land of Reeds Helm to preserve the identity of the build, and the rest are Oathseeker’s armor pieces. It really gives a space samurai feel, not to mention that this armor looks really cool in terms of details.
Gameplay
Finally, let’s talk about the gameplay and optimization tips for this Cosmic Samurai Build.
Optimize Your Opener
The first tip on the list is to optimize your opener as usual. Before or at the start of a fight, I usually cast Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength. This is followed by popping my Flask of Wondrous Physick for an overall attack boost and dealing as much damage as possible in this burst opener.
Use Onze’s Line Of Stars Wisely
Next, I must remind you to use Onze’s Line of Stars wisely. As mentioned above, the full combo of this skill is difficult to pull off, and it is wise to stick to the skill’s first attack animation and rely on it instead of doing normal attacks.
Depending on who the boss you are facing, mastering this skill takes time and patience. When you use this build, you will know when to perform its full combo, mostly when the enemy is staggered or doing an attack with a long recovery time.
Switch Talisman Appropriately
When your Scadutree Blessing is high enough, you can swap out Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman for something like Graven-Mass Talisman to increase the effectiveness of your sorcery.
Regardless, Cosmic Samurai is a fun build, especially when exploring. By following this guide, you will be able to use it to its full potential and help you gain a foothold in Elden Ring DLC!
