UPDATE: We have added two interactive maps to this page that detail the locations of all weapons listed below, so you can find them more easily.
Discovering the Best Weapons in Elden Ring
Elden Ring is renowned for its expansive universe and variety in gameplay, making it crucial for players to identify the best weapons in Elden Ring to optimize their builds. With an inventory full of choices, knowing which weapons suit your playstyle can significantly impact your journey through The Lands Between.
Picking the right weapon isn’t just about stats; it’s about aligning those choices with your preferred build. Whether focusing on melee might or the arcane arts, understanding weapon dynamics—especially Legendary Armaments—adds an extra layer to your adventure. While Legendary Armaments may not always be the best, they are powerful and come with the allure of achievement.
In this guide, we’ll explore noteworthy weapons across different stages of your journey, from the early game to the late game, ensuring you’re adequately equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. Each weapon comes with certain stat requirements and special abilities that can deeply influence your effectiveness in battle.
For those leaning towards spellcasting and other arcane interests, dedicated guides on the best staffs and the best spells are available, emphasizing the unique demands of magical playstyles.
- Best Weapons for Early Game
- Best Weapons for Late Game
- Best New Weapons
- Best Meme Weapons
Best Weapons for Early Game
Utilize the interactive map below to pinpoint the locations of the weapons discussed here, enhancing your exploration in Elden Ring’s captivating landscapes:
The Uchigatana: The Premier Early Game Sword
Returning from previous FromSoftware titles, the Uchigatana is an iconic samurai weapon ideal for early-game adventurers. This weapon requires 11 Strength and 15 Dexterity, making it accessible with some investment early on.
This sword excels with a unique Ash of War, a versatile moveset, and innate Bleed buildup, making it the backbone for the most effective Bleed builds in the game. As you advance, you can tailor it with different affinities or Ashes of War to better fit your fighting style.
If you missed it at the beginning, you’ll find another Uchigatana in the depths of the Deathtouched Catacombs in Stormhill, past numerous skeletons that animate along your path. Activate a lever at the end of the main path, opening a side route to locate the weapon.
Bloodhound’s Fang: The All-Purpose Early Weapon
The Bloodhound’s Fang is lauded for its ease of use and outstanding Ash of War, making it easy to acquire through participation in Blaidd’s quest. This weapon caters to a wide array of playstyles, remaining effective from beginning to end.
With only 18 Strength and 17 Dexterity required, it’s an exceptional choice among Greatswords which typically demand greater Strength investments. Bloodhound’s Finesse—its special ability—allows for substantial damage while enabling evasive maneuvers, facilitating encounters against tougher bosses.
To claim it, head to the Forlorn Hound Evergaol and defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil. Remember that defensive play and punishing openings will be key during this challenging battle.
The Greatsword: Early Game Heavy Hitter
Another outstanding option is the aptly named Greatsword, which provides immense damage potential. Though it’s formidable, wielding it demands a tactical approach due to its slower attack speed.
Found in the Caelid region, this weapon can be acquired relatively early in the game, making it perfect for players aiming to crush tough foes. The Greatsword requires a bit of strategic gameplay due to its slow strikes, but those willing to adapt will find it a rewarding experience.
The Morning Star: A Great Bleed Weapon
For players searching for lethal Bleed weapons, the Morning Star is accessible and effective. Requiring just 12 Strength and 8 Dexterity, it balances initial build quality with fun gameplay.
Located in the Weeping Peninsula area past the Bridge of Sacrifice, this weapon serves as an excellent starter for melee characters while maintaining ease of accessibility.
Reduvia: A Dagger for Bleed Enthusiasts
If you prefer a quick and deadly option, the Reduvia dagger is perfect for you. This weapon rewards players completing an AI invasion, emphasizing its unique acquisition method.
With requirements of 5 Strength, 13 Arcane, and 13 Dexterity, it provides a swift alternative for Bleed damage enthusiasts keen on fast-paced combat.
Winged Scythe: The Faith Starter Weapon
For those leaning into a Faith build, obtaining the Winged Scythe early on is a wise choice. With requirements of 16 Strength, 16 Dexterity, and 24 Faith, it’s an excellent weapon for inflicting Holy damage while still allowing for melee versatility.
Magma Blade: The Curved Sword of Power
The Magma Blade symbolizes one of the top-tier swords in Elden Ring. Requiring decent stats such as 9 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 16 Faith, this weapon slashes through enemies with impactful magma attacks.
Golden Halberd: Faith Weapon to Pursue
Defeating the Tree Sentinel in Limgrave allows you to claim the powerful Golden Halberd, which is notable for its 30 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 12 Faith requirement, blending effective melee attacks with supportive skills.
Best Weapons for Late Game
Sword of Night and Flame: A Late Game Favorite
The Sword of Night and Flame delivers a blend of physical, magic, and fire damage, offering versatility and excitement for players. It features dual special abilities, delivering considerable damage while providing AoE options.
This weapon will necessitate a diverse stat allocation of 12 Strength, 12 Dexterity, 24 Intelligence, and 24 Faith, but its unique playstyle rewards this investment. Easily acquired from Caria Manor, mastering this sword could benefit your late-game progression.
Follow the path around Caria Manor to discover it in a treasure chest after navigating several engaging environments.
Blasphemous Blade: Strength and Faith Combined
The Blasphemous Blade is an imposing greatsword that requires 22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 21 Faith, making it apt for players focusing on a hybrid build. Its special skill, Taker’s Flames, releases a fireburst at enemies, offering both crowd control and significant damage.
Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear: A Fearsome Spear Choice
The Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear stands out among spears, requiring a hybrid of 24 Strength, 27 Arcane, and 14 Dexterity. Its Bloodboon Ritual skill offers the added benefits of Bleed damage, enhancing this weapon’s ability to tackle both mobs and tougher foes.
Dark Moon Greatsword: The Premier Intelligence Weapon
When focusing on Intelligence builds, the Dark Moon Greatsword, necessitating 16 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 38 Intelligence, serves as an exceptional late-game weapon acquired through Ranni’s questline.
Axe of Godrick and Grafted Greatsword: The Late Game Strength Options
The Axe of Godrick and the Grafted Greatsword offer high damage potential for players who prefer a straightforward approach to combat. With a requirement of 34 Strength and 22 Dexterity for the Axe and 40 Strength and 14 Dexterity for the Grafted Greatsword, these are excellent choices for unadulterated raw damage.
Godslayer’s Greatsword: The Colossal Contender
The Godslayer’s Greatsword blends aesthetics, damage, and strategic application in combat with a requirement of 20 Strength, 22 Dexterity, and 20 Faith. Its specific skill summons blackflame damage for an effective combat experience against various bosses.
Moonveil Katana: The Magic Option
If you’re looking for a katana with Intelligence scaling, the Moonveil Katana, which necessitates 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence, offers solid Bleed potential along with compelling magic damage capabilities.
Rivers of Blood: The Controversial Katana
The Rivers of Blood katana thrives in creating devastating Bleed builds, maintaining low requirements of 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 20 Arcane. Its skill, Corpse Piler, efficiently staggers enemies and performs with impressive range.
Best New Weapons in Elden Ring
Check out the interactive map below to explore the new weapons introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC:
Rellana’s Twinblade: A Versatile New Entry
Rellana’s Twinblade introduces a fresh take on combat styles, emphasizing both melee effectiveness and magical capabilities. Its unique Ash of War blends magical ranged attacks with powerful AoE fire blasts, catering to diversified strategies on the battlefield.
Bloodfiend’s Arm: Achieving Raw Power
With potent damage output, the Bloodfiend’s Arm excels in Bleed builds and can suit various playstyles due to its generic weapon nature, allowing customization to fit players’ needs.
Beast Claws: Unleash Your Inner Beast
These Beast Claws are designed for quick strikes and stat applications, making them a fantastic choice for players who thrive on speed and control of enemy health.
Dryleaf Arts: An Unconventional Approach
Unconventional weapon enthusiasts will appreciate the Dryleaf Arts, which provides a method to engage foes using bare hands while still capitalizing on status effects.
Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana: Dragon Slayer Extravaganza
An exciting addition, the Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana, offers significant damage potential against dragon foes, complete with a powerful attack that enhances its situational effectiveness.
Sword of Night: A Unique Dexterity Weapon
The Sword of Night leverages magic and Bleed without needing Intelligence, making it a compelling choice for builds investing heavily in Dexterity.
Milady: A Light Greatsword to Master
The Milady, a new light greatsword, combines size and elegance with a friendly approach to upgrades, rendering it suitable across various builds.
Greatsword of Damnation: A Power Move
Much to the delight of many players, the Greatsword of Damnation offers exciting Ash of War options within the Faith category, making it a delightful weapon to experiment with.
Best Meme Weapons in Elden Ring
For those seeking to mix humor with effectiveness, Elden Ring offers an array of meme weapons that deliver both fun and functionality:
Watch here for gameplay
Ringed Finger: A Touch of Humor
The Ringed Finger combines deadly potential with an amusing name, featuring a skill that allows for playful yet effective combat. It requires 15 Strength and 9 Dexterity.
Jar Cannon: The Explosive Tool
Acquired from Demi-Human Queen Margot, the Jar Cannon serves as an explosive projectile weapon, albeit with challenging aiming. It demands 34 Strength and 12 Dexterity.
Ghiza’s Wheel: The Pizza Cutter of Destiny
Offering a unique combat experience, Ghiza’s Wheel is an oversized weapon with a spinning attack, emphasizing form with fun. It can be claimed by defeating Inquisitor Ghiza.
Varre’s Bouquet: The Bloodthirsty Option
While less flashy than others, Varre’s Bouquet shines in its ability to inflict blood loss and requires 8 Strength, 16 Dexterity, and 24 Arcane to wield.
Envoy’s Horn: Embrace the Blowing Bubbles
The Envoy’s Horn makes combat engaging with its humorous sound effects and powerful strikes. Easily farmed from Leyndell enemies, it requires 10 Strength, 12 Dexterity, and 16 Arcane.
For more invaluable insights, strategies, and additional information on all Elden Ring adventures, explore our extensive collection of guides on the best builds and weapons available in the game.
