Katana Guide (Rivals): Hitscan Deflection

The Katana is the premier melee in Rivals: 45 Keys and the unique ability to deflect hitscan shots. No other melee has that defense, which makes it the defensive anchor of high-level loadouts. This guide covers how to use it.

What the Katana Does

The Katana (45 Keys) is a melee that deflects incoming hitscan fire when you swing into it. That turns a Sniper or Assault Rifle duel into a trade you can win by timing the deflect. It is the only melee with a defensive tool.

Because it is a melee, you still need to close distance — but the deflect lets you survive the approach.

Deflect Timing

Swing as the shot arrives to deflect it back. This is a reaction skill, so practice against the range bots and in unranked before ranked. A well-timed deflect beats a Sniper's 150 crit because you turn their shot away.

Pair the Katana with the rivals aim guide so your own shots land while you deflect theirs.

Best Loadouts

Sniper + Revolver + Katana + Permafrost utility is the classic: freeze, deflect, delete. The Assault Rifle + Uzi + Katana + RPG kit is the balanced version.

Both are in the best loadout tier list; the Katana is the defensive S-tier melee there.

Maps for the Katana

The Katana shines on open maps (Construction, Crossroads) where hitscan duels are common and the deflect matters most. It is less valuable on tight maps where the Knife's backstab finishes faster.

See the rivals maps tier list for map-by-map notes.

How to Unlock

The Katana costs 45 Keys — mid-priced for a melee. Earn them from tasks and contracts, or grab free Keys from codes on the rivals codes page.

It is a high-value unlock; prioritize it over cosmetics once you play aggressively.

Katana vs Knife

The Knife (20 Keys) gives a backstab instakill — pure offense. The Katana gives defense via deflect — pure survival. Pick the Knife if you flank, the Katana if you duel in the open.

Both are S-tier melee in the best melee weapons tier list for different reasons.

A Warning About Fake Weapon Tier Lists

Before you trust any Rivals tier list, check the gun names. Several popular "tier lists" rank weapons that do not exist in the game. Rivals has 53 weapons plus 5 gamemode-exclusive weapons, and that is the entire arsenal.

These weapons are fabricated and are NOT in Rivals: Heavy Sniper, Pulse AR, Freeze Ray, Chainsaw, Battle Axe, cyber armor. If a list ranks a "Heavy Sniper", a "Pulse AR", a "Freeze Ray", a "Chainsaw", a "Battle Axe", or "cyber armor", treat the whole list as unreliable. Every weapon on this wiki is verified to ship in Rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Katana do in Rivals?

The Katana (45 Keys) is a melee that deflects hitscan shots when you swing into them, making it the only defensive melee in the game.

How do I deflect with the Katana?

Swing as the enemy shot arrives to deflect it back. It is a reaction skill best practiced at the range and in unranked first.

Should I use Katana or Knife?

Katana for defensive open-duel play (deflect), Knife for aggressive flanks (backstab instakill). Both are S-tier melee.

How much does the Katana cost?

45 Keys. Earn them from tasks, contracts, and free codes on the rivals codes page.

More Rivals Wiki Pages

• Knife Backstab Guide
• Minigun Guide
• Flamethrower Guide
• Rivals Weapons Tier List
• Best Primary Weapons in Rivals
• Best Secondary Weapons in Rivals
• Best Melee Weapons in Rivals
• Best Utility Weapons in Rivals
• Rivals Sniper Tier List
• Rivals Shotgun Tier List
• Assault Rifle Guide