Acquiring the right Katanas early in Beast of Reincarnation can significantly enhance Emma's combat capabilities throughout the game. While all Katanas share the same base damage, their unique active effects, which trigger after a successful parry and last for five seconds, differentiate their utility. These effects can be crucial for overcoming challenging encounters, especially when combined with weapon upgrades.
Sunrise Sword
The Sunrise Sword, available in Chapter 4, stands out for its ability to not only deal fire damage with each swing but also increase attack reach. Its "Light Of Dawn" effect allows flame to arc through targets after a parry, making it easier to apply potent Burn and Scorch status effects. The extended reach provided by this Katana is particularly valuable, and with consistent upgrades, it can remain a primary weapon for the entire game.
Players can find the Sunrise Sword near the start of Chapter 4. After defeating the Fanatic Golems and the Taurus Nushi boss, the sword can be retrieved from the center of the arena where the golems were fought. Even if a player is defeated by the Nushi, the sword can be collected upon respawning before re-engaging the boss.
Bell Sword
Unlocking Chapter 3, the Bell Sword offers a significant advantage through its "Crushing Blade" effect, which increases knockback and break damage. This is especially useful against early-game enemies with high health pools, as breaking their posture opens them up for critical ripostes. Consistent upgrades to the Bell Sword make it a worthwhile investment for its ability to control enemy positioning and create damage opportunities.
The Bell Sword can be purchased from a Golem Merchant encountered shortly into Chapter 3. The merchant is located near the Mountain Plaza: Forefront Campsite, accessible by following the quest objective "Head to the source of the signal." It costs 5,850 Amber. Importantly, once a merchant discovers an item, it becomes available at all other shops in the game, meaning the Bell Sword can be bought from any vendor after its initial discovery.
Purity
Available as early as Chapter 2, the Purity Katana features a "Vampiric Blade" effect that allows Emma to recover HP based on the damage dealt after a successful parry. This constant healing is invaluable for maintaining an aggressive playstyle, especially in the face of hard-hitting enemies. While other healing methods exist later in the game, Purity provides immediate sustain, making it a strong choice for the mid- and late-game if kept upgraded.
Players can acquire the Purity Katana from the Ancient Golem Merchant found in Chapter 2. This encounter occurs naturally during the main quest in the Underground Ruins, shortly after descending via an elevator. After a cutscene with the merchant, the Purity Katana can be purchased for 4,390 Amber.
Hazebringer
Towards the end of Chapter 5, players can obtain the Hazebringer, whose "Caustic Touch" effect adds acid buildup to the blade. Acid is a highly effective status effect against many enemies in Beast of Reincarnation, particularly Golems, which constitute a significant portion of the game's bestiary. The five-second window after a parry is often sufficient to apply the necessary buildup, and this can be augmented with Acid Arrows if needed.
The Hazebringer is located within the Matsukawa Colony in Chapter 5. After descending via a central elevator, players will find the sword on the right side of a room containing caged remains, just before encountering further obstacles.
By securing and upgrading these Katanas early on, players can significantly improve Emma's combat effectiveness and navigate the challenges of Beast of Reincarnation with greater ease.