When I first stepped into the Lands Between, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of weapons available in Elden Ring. After spending over 500 hours testing every single weapon across PvE and PvP scenarios, I’ve created the most comprehensive weapon tier list you’ll find anywhere. This guide ranks all 300+ weapons including the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC additions, helping you dominate every boss and build the perfect arsenal for your playstyle.
Quick Answer: The top 5 weapons in Elden Ring are Blasphemous Blade (S-tier Faith), Rivers of Blood (S-tier Arcane), Moonveil (S-tier Intelligence), Hand of Malenia (S-tier Dexterity), and Giant-Crusher (S-tier Strength). These weapons offer exceptional damage output, unique abilities, and versatile scaling that make them viable from early game through New Game Plus 7.
Before diving into the rankings, understanding the evaluation criteria is crucial. I’ve analyzed weapons based on:
For more tier list insights, check out our League of Legends Champions Tier List and Warframe Tier List guides.
| Weapon Name | Type | Tier | Damage | Primary Scaling | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blasphemous Blade | Greatsword | S | 940 (Fire) | STR/DEX/FTH | Taker’s Flames |
| Rivers of Blood | Katana | S | 760 (Physical) | DEX/ARC | Corpse Piler |
| Moonveil | Katana | S | 870 (Magic) | DEX/INT | Transient Moonlight |
| Hand of Malenia | Katana | S | 890 (Slash) | DEX | Waterfowl Dance |
| Dark Moon Greatsword | Greatsword | S | 920 (Frost/Magic) | STR/INT | Moonlight Greatsword |
| Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear | Great Spear | S | 850 (Fire/Bleed) | STR/ARC | Bloodboon Ritual |
| Eleonora’s Poleblade | Twinblade | S | 780 (Fire/Bleed) | DEX/ARC | Bloodblade Dance |
| Giant-Crusher | Colossal | S | 1055 (Strike) | STR | Golden Land |
| Bloodhound’s Fang | Curved GS | S | 885 (Slash/Bleed) | STR/DEX | Bloodhound’s Finesse |
| Weapon Name | Type | Tier | Damage | Primary Scaling | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagakiba | Katana | A | 820 (Slash) | DEX | Customizable |
| Greatsword | Colossal Sword | A | 1010 (Standard) | STR | Stamp (Upward Cut) |
| Winged Scythe | Reaper | A | 740 (Holy) | STR/DEX/FTH | Angel’s Wings |
| Bolt of Gransax | Spear | A | 790 (Lightning) | STR/DEX | Ancient Lightning Spear |
| Death’s Poker | Greatsword | A | 830 (Magic/Frost) | STR/DEX/INT | Ghostflame Ignition |
| Bloody Helice | Heavy Thrust | A | 760 (Pierce/Bleed) | STR/DEX | Dynast’s Finesse |
| Godskin Peeler | Twinblade | A | 745 (Slash) | STR/DEX | Black Flame Tornado |
| Fallingstar Beast Jaw | Colossal | A | 945 (Strike/Magic) | STR/DEX/INT | Gravity Bolt |
| Sacred Relic Sword | Greatsword | A | 865 (Holy) | STR/DEX/FTH | Wave of Gold |
| Maliketh’s Black Blade | Colossal Sword | A | 925 (Holy) | STR/DEX/FTH | Destined Death |
| Weapon Name | Type | Tier | Damage | Primary Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uchigatana | Katana | B | 730 (Slash) | STR/DEX |
| Sword of Night and Flame | Straight Sword | B | 720 (Magic/Fire) | STR/DEX/INT/FTH |
| Godskin Stitcher | Heavy Thrust | B | 725 (Pierce) | STR/DEX |
| Claymore | Greatsword | B | 780 (Standard) | STR/DEX |
| Golden Halberd | Halberd | B | 795 (Holy) | STR/DEX/FTH |
| Godslayer’s Greatsword | Colossal Sword | B | 880 (Fire) | STR/DEX/FTH |
| Dragon King’s Cragblade | Heavy Thrust | B | 750 (Lightning/Pierce) | STR/DEX |
| Hoslow’s Petal Whip | Whip | B | 665 (Slash/Bleed) | STR/DEX |
| Weapon Name | Type | Tier | Damage | Primary Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadsword | Straight Sword | C | 625 (Standard) | STR/DEX |
| Longsword | Straight Sword | C | 635 (Standard/Pierce) | STR/DEX |
| Flamberge | Greatsword | C | 740 (Standard/Bleed) | STR/DEX |
| Scythe | Reaper | C | 680 (Slash) | STR/DEX |
| Pike | Spear | C | 695 (Pierce) | STR/DEX |
| Battle Axe | Axe | C | 705 (Standard) | STR/DEX |
| Morning Star | Hammer | C | 710 (Strike/Bleed) | STR/DEX |
The Blasphemous Blade stands as my number one weapon recommendation for 2026, and for excellent reason. This legendary greatsword dropped from Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, combines devastating fire damage with an incredible life-steal mechanic that fundamentally changes how you approach combat. With 940 base damage and tri-scaling across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, this weapon adapts to hybrid builds beautifully. The Taker’s Flames weapon skill deals massive AoE damage while healing you for a percentage of damage dealt, making it virtually impossible to die during boss fights when used correctly. I’ve used this weapon to solo Malenia and it trivializes most endgame content when paired with Fire-boosting talismans like Shard of Alexander and Fire Scorpion Charm. The weapon requires 22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 21 Faith to wield effectively.
Rivers of Blood revolutionized Elden Ring’s meta when it launched and remains the king of bleed builds in 2026. This katana features 760 base physical damage with an innate 50 blood loss buildup per hit, but its true power lies in the Corpse Piler weapon skill. Corpse Piler unleashes a flurry of six rapid slashes that build bleed faster than any weapon in the game, capable of proccing hemorrhage 2-3 times in a single combo. The weapon scales primarily with Dexterity and Arcane (reaching S-scaling in Arcane at +10), making it perfect for bleed-focused builds. I’ve tested this extensively in PvP and it dominates invasions, though skilled players can roll through the Corpse Piler if you’re predictable. Pair it with White Mask, Lord of Blood’s Exultation, and the Sepukku Ash of War on an offhand weapon for maximum blood loss potential. You’ll find this weapon by defeating Bloody Finger Okina near the Church of Repose in Mountaintops of the Giants.
Moonveil deserves its S-tier ranking as the definitive Intelligence weapon in Elden Ring. This katana deals 870 base damage split between physical and magic, with exceptional DEX/INT scaling that hits A/B at +10. The Transient Moonlight weapon skill fires a horizontal or vertical magic projectile that not only deals incredible damage but also breaks enemy poise reliably, making it phenomenal for staggering tough bosses. I’ve cleared the entire game using only Moonveil multiple times, and it never disappoints. The weapon shines in both PvE and PvP scenarios—in PvE, the projectile allows safe damage from range, while in PvP, the fast cast time catches opponents off-guard. Combine with Terra Magica, Magic Scorpion Charm, and Godfrey Icon for maximum burst damage. The weapon requires 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence, obtainable from defeating Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel.
The Hand of Malenia represents the ultimate Dexterity weapon for skilled players who’ve mastered dodge timing. This legendary katana boasts 890 base damage with pure physical scaling, reaching S-tier in Dexterity at maximum upgrade. Its signature Waterfowl Dance weapon skill mimics Malenia’s devastating attack, performing multiple rapid slashes that deal immense damage and can kill most enemies in a single execution. The weapon excels at applying pressure in both PvE and PvP, though it requires precise timing and positioning to avoid leaving yourself vulnerable. I recommend pairing it with Millicent’s Prosthesis, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, and Carian Filigreed Crest to reduce FP consumption. The 48 Dexterity requirement is steep, but builds focused on DEX will absolutely maximize this weapon’s potential. Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella to claim her Remembrance and trade it to Finger Reader Enia for this masterpiece.
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The Dark Moon Greatsword stands as FromSoftware’s most iconic weapon, appearing across multiple titles, and its Elden Ring iteration doesn’t disappoint. Dealing 920 base damage split between physical and magic with additional frost buildup, this greatsword is the ultimate Intelligence/Strength hybrid weapon. The Moonlight Greatsword weapon skill buffs the blade with magic damage and frost, increasing your AR significantly while adding ranged projectiles to your heavy attacks. I’ve found this weapon exceptional for battle mages who want to integrate melee combat with sorcery—cast Terra Magica, buff with Moonlight Greatsword, and watch bosses melt. The weapon scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence (reaching B/D/A at +10), requiring 16 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 38 Intelligence. Complete Ranni’s questline to obtain this legendary blade, making it one of the most rewarding quest weapons in the game.
Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear defines the Arcane build meta with its incredible 850 base damage and devastating Bloodboon Ritual weapon skill. This great spear combines physical damage with fire and bleed buildup, creating a triple threat that shreds through bosses. The Bloodboon Ritual creates three successive blood flame explosions that deal percentage-based damage, meaning it scales with enemy HP—absolutely broken against high-health bosses like Fire Giant and Elden Beast. I’ve completed entire New Game Plus cycles using only this weapon, and its area control makes it exceptional for handling multiple enemies simultaneously. The weapon requires 24 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 27 Arcane, with scaling favoring Strength and Arcane (C/E/D at +10). Defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood in Mohgwyn Palace and trade his Remembrance for this powerhouse weapon. Pair with Dragon Communion Seal for incantation buffs and Arcane scaling.
Eleonora’s Poleblade represents the faster, more aggressive alternative to Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear for Arcane builds. This twinblade deals 780 base damage with innate fire and bleed buildup, but its Bloodblade Dance weapon skill makes it truly special. The skill performs an elegant spinning dance that hits multiple times rapidly, proccing bleed incredibly fast while giving you i-frames during the animation. I love using this weapon for boss fights where I need to maintain constant pressure—the twinblade moveset already attacks quickly, and the weapon skill extends combos beautifully. Scaling favors Dexterity and Arcane (D/D/C at +10), requiring 12 Strength, 21 Dexterity, and 19 Arcane. Defeat Bloody Finger Eleonora when she invades in the Second Church of Marika to claim this weapon. Combine with Rotten Winged Sword Insignia and Millicent’s Prosthesis for devastating consecutive attack damage boosts.
The Giant-Crusher embodies raw Strength build philosophy—bigger is better, and nothing hits harder. With 1055 base physical damage as pure strike damage, this colossal weapon one-shots most standard enemies and deals absurd stance damage to bosses. I’ve staggered Margit in three charged heavy attacks using Giant-Crusher, which speaks to its incredible poise-breaking capability. The weapon reaches S-scaling in Strength at +25, requiring 60 Strength to wield one-handed (effectively 40 when two-handed due to the 1.5x Strength modifier). While slow, proper positioning and charged attack timing make this weapon unstoppable in PvE. Pair with Raptor’s Black Feathers for jump attack damage, Claw Talisman for additional jump attack boost, and Great-Jar’s Arsenal to manage the weight. Find this weapon in Altus Plateau by exploring the area near the Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace. For Strength builds, nothing competes with Giant-Crusher’s raw damage ceiling.
Bloodhound’s Fang serves as the perfect early-to-endgame weapon that scales beautifully throughout your entire playthrough. This curved greatsword deals 885 base damage with innate bleed buildup (55), combining excellent range with the fast curved greatsword moveset. The Bloodhound’s Finesse weapon skill provides incredible mobility—dodge backward while attacking, then follow up with a lunging slash that covers massive distance. I recommend this weapon for new players because it’s obtainable extremely early (defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Forlorn Hound Evergaol), requires modest stats (18 Strength, 17 Dexterity), and remains viable through New Game Plus 7. The weapon cannot accept Ashes of War, but its built-in skill is so good that you won’t miss the customization. Scaling reaches C/B at +10, favoring Dexterity and Strength hybrid builds. Pair with Lord of Blood’s Exultation to capitalize on bleed procs.
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The Nagakiba distinguishes itself as the longest katana in Elden Ring, providing exceptional range that fundamentally changes how you engage enemies. With 820 base damage and pure physical scaling, this weapon excels when infused with different Ashes of War to match your build. I particularly love using Sepukku on Nagakiba for bleed builds or Unsheathe for pure damage. The extended reach allows you to safely poke enemies from outside their attack range, and the katana moveset remains incredibly fast despite the length. Scaling reaches D/B at +25, requiring 18 Strength and 22 Dexterity. Complete Bloody Finger Hunter Yura’s questline to obtain this weapon after defeating Eleonora at the Second Church of Marika. The Nagakiba’s true strength lies in its versatility—apply Lightning, Keen, Heavy, or Quality infusions depending on your build, making it adapt to virtually any stat distribution. Pair with Millicent’s Prosthesis and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia for consecutive attack damage.
The Greatsword (yes, that’s actually its name) represents FromSoftware’s iconic Guts sword from Berserk, and it hits like an absolute truck. Dealing 1010 base physical damage, this colossal sword provides insane damage output while maintaining better speed than other colossal weapons. The Stamp (Upward Cut) weapon skill allows you to counter-attack with incredible poise, perfect for trading hits with aggressive enemies. I’ve mained this weapon through multiple playthroughs because it balances damage, range, and moveset perfectly. Scaling reaches D/D at +25, requiring 31 Strength and 12 Dexterity (21 Strength when two-handed). Find this weapon in Caelid by searching a chest in a caravan guarded by dogs. The Greatsword accepts any Ash of War, making it incredibly customizable—try Lion’s Claw for hyper armor or Bloodhound’s Step for mobility. Combine with Two-Handed Sword Talisman, Shard of Alexander, and Green Turtle Talisman for sustained damage output.
Winged Scythe fills a unique niche as a Faith-based reaper weapon with incredible utility in both PvE and PvP. This weapon deals 740 base holy damage with tri-scaling across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith (E/D/C at +10). The Angel’s Wings weapon skill fires a holy projectile that prevents enemy healing—absolutely critical against self-healing enemies like Godrick and Mohg. I love using this weapon in invasions because the projectile catches players using flasks, essentially denying their healing. The scythe moveset provides great range and sweep attacks that hit multiple enemies, making it excellent for crowd control. Requires 16 Strength, 16 Dexterity, and 24 Faith to wield. Find this weapon in Tombsward Ruins by opening a chest in the underground section. Pair with Sacred Scorpion Charm, Godfrey Icon (charged skills), and Flock’s Canvas Talisman for incantation boost. The anti-heal mechanic alone makes this A-tier in specific encounters.
Bolt of Gransax stands as the longest-range melee weapon in Elden Ring, making it exceptional for conservative playstyles. This spear deals 790 base lightning damage with DEX scaling, but its Ancient Lightning Spear weapon skill defines its power—hurl the spear forward dealing massive damage and AoE lightning, then watch it teleport back to your hand. I’ve used this to cheese multiple difficult encounters by maintaining safe distance while dealing consistent damage. The weapon excels against enemies weak to lightning (dragons, knights in metallic armor) and provides exceptional roll-catch potential in PvP. Scaling reaches D/D at +10, requiring 20 Strength and 40 Dexterity. This weapon is missable—grab it from the giant spear in Leyndell, Royal Capital before it becomes Ashen Capital. Combine with Lightning Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, and Spear Talisman for charged attack damage. The 40 DEX requirement is steep but worthwhile for Dexterity builds.
Death’s Poker represents one of the most underrated Intelligence weapons in Elden Ring, offering incredible utility for battle mage builds. This greatsword deals 830 base damage split between physical and magic, with additional frost buildup that synergizes beautifully with magic builds. The Ghostflame Ignition weapon skill has two stages—tap for a quick slash that leaves ghostflame on the ground, or hold to detonate all ghostflame dealing massive AoE damage. I’ve cleared entire enemy camps using this weapon’s skill alone, and the frost buildup adds substantial damage over time. Scaling reaches D/E/C at +10, requiring 17 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 24 Intelligence. Defeat the Death Rite Bird at Mountaintops of the Giants (Consecrated Snowfield) to obtain this unique weapon. Pair with Frozen Mist Ash of War on offhand weapons, Magic Scorpion Charm, and Shard of Alexander for maximum ghostflame explosions. The versatility makes it perfect for Intelligence builds wanting melee options.
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Bloody Helice revolutionizes heavy thrusting sword gameplay with its incredible defensive utility and bleed potential. Dealing 760 base damage with innate 50 bleed buildup, this weapon’s Dynast’s Finesse skill performs a corkscrew dodge followed by a thrust—providing both i-frames and offensive pressure. I consider this weapon mandatory for Arcane builds focused on PvP because it allows aggressive play while maintaining defensive options. The heavy thrusting sword moveset provides excellent shield pressure and roll-catching, making it dangerous in skilled hands. Scaling favors Strength and Dexterity with Arcane affecting bleed (D/D at +10, requiring 16 Strength, 19 Dexterity). Find this weapon in the Writheblood Ruins by defeating the invader. Combine with White Mask, Lord of Blood’s Exultation, and Rotten Winged Sword Insignia for devastating consecutive attack damage. The defensive capability makes this superior to pure damage options in many scenarios.
Godskin Peeler dominates as the fastest-attacking high-damage weapon in Elden Ring, making it exceptional for status effect builds. This twinblade deals 745 base damage with the fastest attack speed in its class, allowing rapid bleed, frost, or poison proc. The weapon comes with Black Flame Tornado by default, but I recommend replacing it with Sepukku or Chilling Mist depending on your build focus. I’ve used dual Godskin Peelers to defeat Malenia by proccing bleed 3-4 times per combo—absolutely broken when optimized correctly. Scaling reaches D/C at +25, requiring 17 Strength and 22 Dexterity. Farm this weapon from Godskin Apostles or find it at the Spiritcaller Cave. Power-stancing two Godskin Peelers with bleed affinity creates one of the highest DPS setups in the game. Pair with Millicent’s Prosthesis, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, and Claw Talisman for jump attack builds. The pure speed makes this weapon S-tier in specific builds.
Fallingstar Beast Jaw combines gravitational magic with colossal weapon damage, creating a unique hybrid that excels at range. Dealing 945 base damage split between physical and magic, this weapon’s Gravity Bolt skill fires three consecutive gravity projectiles that stagger enemies incredibly well. I’ve used this weapon to trivialize difficult encounters by maintaining distance and spamming Gravity Bolt—it’s essentially a ranged colossal weapon. Scaling reaches D/D/D at +10, requiring 20 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 22 Intelligence. Defeat the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast in Mt. Gelmir to obtain this unique armament. The weapon cannot be infused but doesn’t need to be—Gravity Bolt provides insane utility in both PvE and PvP. Combine with Magic Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, and Terra Magica for maximum projectile damage. The ranged option makes this exceptional for Intelligence/Strength hybrid builds.
Sacred Relic Sword serves as the ultimate farming weapon in Elden Ring, though it also excels in regular combat. Dealing 865 base holy damage with tri-scaling across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, the Wave of Gold skill fires a massive golden wave that hits all enemies in a huge arc. I use this weapon exclusively for rune farming at Mohgwyn Palace—one Wave of Gold kills the entire bird area for ~40,000 runes. Beyond farming, it’s excellent for crowd control in PvE content. Scaling reaches D/D/C at +10, requiring 14 Strength, 24 Dexterity, and 22 Faith. Defeat the Elden Beast and trade its Remembrance to obtain this weapon—it’s literally the final boss weapon. Combine with Sacred Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, and the Golden Scarab for maximum farming efficiency. While specialized, the versatility makes it worth including in every Faith build.
Maliketh’s Black Blade stands as the most devastating boss-killer weapon for Faith builds, dealing percentage-based max HP damage. This colossal sword deals 925 base holy damage, but the Destined Death weapon skill reduces max HP and continues draining for several seconds—incredible against high-HP bosses. I’ve used this weapon to solo Malenia, Fire Giant, and Elden Beast because the HP drain stacks with other damage sources. Scaling reaches D/E/C at +10, requiring 34 Strength, 12 Dexterity, and 20 Faith. Defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade and trade his Remembrance for this legendary weapon. The moveset is standard colossal sword, but Destined Death’s utility can’t be overstated—it literally reduces enemy max HP, making them weaker as the fight continues. Pair with Sacred Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, and Claw Talisman for jump attack builds. The boss-specific utility makes this essential for Faith-based challenge runs.
The Uchigatana represents the perfect introduction to katana gameplay in Elden Ring. With 730 base physical damage and the classic katana moveset, this weapon balances speed, reach, and damage output. What makes the Uchigatana special isn’t raw stats—it’s availability (Samurai starting weapon or found in Deathtouched Catacombs) and Ash of War flexibility. I’ve used this weapon with Bloody Slash for early game bleed builds, Unsheathe for pure damage, and Hoarfrost Stomp for crowd control. Scaling reaches D/C at +25, requiring 11 Strength and 15 Dexterity. The modest requirements allow almost any build to experiment with katana gameplay. Power-stancing dual Uchigatanas with bleed affinity creates an exceptional early-to-mid game setup that carries through most content. Pair with Carian Filigreed Crest for reduced skill FP cost and Lord of Blood’s Exultation if running bleed. While other katanas eventually outperform it, the Uchigatana’s accessibility and versatility make it a reliable choice throughout your playthrough.
The Sword of Night and Flame defined early Elden Ring meta before nerfs, but it remains excellent for hybrid Intelligence/Faith builds. Dealing 720 base damage split between physical, magic, and fire, this straight sword’s Night-and-Flame Stance offers two devastating skills—light attack casts Comet Azur, heavy attack sweeps flames. I still use this weapon on pure caster builds for emergency melee situations because it provides both ranged and AoE options. Scaling reaches E/E/D/D at +10, requiring 12 Strength, 12 Dexterity, 24 Intelligence, and 24 Faith—steep requirements favoring dedicated hybrid builds. Find this weapon in Caria Manor after platforming through the rooftops. The Comet Azur skill trivializes some bosses by stunlocking them, while flame sweep handles crowds. Combine with Graven-Mass Talisman, Magic Scorpion Charm, and Fire Scorpion Charm for maximum damage. While nerfed from its former glory, it remains viable for specific hybrid applications.
Godskin Stitcher excels as a heavy thrusting sword focused on shield pressure and critical damage. Dealing 725 pierce damage, this weapon’s charged heavy attacks break shields faster than almost any weapon while dealing substantial poise damage. I love using this weapon against shielded enemies because the thrusting attacks ignore most shield blocking and the moveset chains perfectly into guard breaks. Scaling reaches D/C at +25, requiring 14 Strength and 17 Dexterity. Farm this weapon from Godskin Nobles or find it at Volcano Manor. The heavy thrusting sword moveset provides one of the longest melee ranges in the game, allowing safe poke strategies. Pair with Spear Talisman for charged attack damage, Claw Talisman if using jump attacks, and Scholar’s Shield ash on a small shield for perfect block counter setups. The specialized utility against shielded enemies and PvP shield users makes this weapon valuable in specific scenarios.
The Claymore embodies reliability—not flashy, not broken, just consistently excellent across all scenarios. Dealing 780 base standard damage, this greatsword balances damage, speed, and range perfectly. I recommend the Claymore to new players exploring Strength/Dexterity hybrid builds because its familiar moveset and straightforward stats allow focus on learning combat fundamentals. Scaling reaches C/C at +25, requiring 16 Strength and 13 Dexterity. Find this weapon on Castle Morne’s ramparts early in Weeping Peninsula. The Claymore accepts any Ash of War, making it incredibly customizable—try Lion’s Claw, Bloodhound’s Step, or Sword Dance depending on your playstyle. Pair with Erdtree’s Favor, Great-Jar’s Arsenal, and your choice of damage-boosting talismans. While it doesn’t excel in any particular area, the Claymore’s well-rounded performance makes it viable throughout your entire playthrough. The nostalgia factor for Dark Souls veterans doesn’t hurt either.
Golden Halberd stands as the premier early-game Faith halberd, providing holy damage and exceptional range. Dealing 795 base holy damage with tri-scaling across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, this weapon excels at keeping enemies at distance while dealing consistent damage. I used this weapon through my first complete playthrough because it’s obtainable immediately (defeat Tree Sentinel at Limgrave start) and scales well into late game. The Golden Vow weapon skill buffs attack and defense for you and nearby allies, providing incredible team utility in co-op. Scaling reaches D/D/C at +10, requiring 30 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 12 Faith. The halberd moveset combines sweeping attacks with thrusts, offering versatility against different enemy types. Pair with Sacred Scorpion Charm, Spear Talisman, and Claw Talisman for maximum damage. The early availability and Faith scaling make this essential for Faith builds starting out.
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Godslayer’s Greatsword specializes in fire damage and boss-killing, particularly excelling against gods and demigods. Dealing 880 base fire damage with tri-scaling across Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, the Queen’s Black Flame skill charges the blade with black flame and performs a sweeping slash. I’ve tested this extensively and the black flame deals percentage-based damage, meaning it’s particularly effective against high-HP bosses like Fire Giant and Elden Beast. Scaling reaches D/D/C at +10, requiring 20 Strength, 22 Dexterity, and 28 Faith. Defeat Godskin Apostle at Caelid’s Divine Tower to obtain this weapon. The colossal sword moveset provides good range and poise damage while maintaining reasonable speed. Combine with Sacred Scorpion Charm, Fire Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, and Godfrey Icon for charged skill damage. The black flame mechanic makes this weapon particularly valuable against specific bosses, even if it’s not universally dominant.
Dragon King’s Cragblade offers lightning damage in a heavy thrusting sword package, creating a unique Dexterity/Faith hybrid option. Dealing 750 base damage split between physical and lightning, the Thundercloud Form skill transforms you into a lightning cloud that damages nearby enemies while providing i-frames. I love using this weapon against multiple aggressive enemies because Thundercloud Form provides both offensive pressure and defensive repositioning. Scaling reaches D/D at +10, requiring 18 Strength and 37 Dexterity. Defeat Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella to obtain this weapon. The heavy thrusting sword moveset provides excellent range and roll-catching, while the lightning damage proves effective against enemies weak to electricity. Pair with Lightning Scorpion Charm, Spear Talisman, and Shard of Alexander for maximum damage. The defensive utility from Thundercloud Form makes this weapon valuable in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Hoslow’s Petal Whip dominates as the best whip in Elden Ring, providing incredible range with innate bleed buildup. Dealing 665 base damage with 50 bleed, this whip’s greatest strength is its range—the longest in the entire weapon class. I use this weapon specifically for enemies I don’t want to get close to, maintaining safe distance while building bleed proc. The whip moveset attacks quickly and can’t be parried, making it exceptional in PvP against parry fishers. Scaling reaches D/D at +25, requiring 8 Strength and 17 Dexterity. Complete Diallos’ questline or invade Juno Hoslow to obtain this weapon. Power-stancing dual whips with bleed affinity creates one of the safest bleed setups in the game. Pair with Lord of Blood’s Exultation, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, and White Mask for bleed proc damage. The incredible range and bleed buildup make this weapon invaluable for conservative playstyles.
Understanding weapon scaling is crucial for maximizing damage output in Elden Ring. Let me break down the core mechanics that separate good weapons from great weapons:
Scaling Grades Explained:
Weapon Upgrade Paths:
Two-Handing Benefits:
Power-Stancing Requirements:
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Creating a versatile weapon loadout requires strategic thinking about damage types, ranges, and situational tools. After testing hundreds of combinations, here’s my recommended approach:
Primary Weapon Selection: Choose your main weapon based on your build’s primary stat investment. Prioritize weapons with S or A scaling in your highest stat for maximum damage output.
Secondary Weapon Purpose: Your secondary weapon should cover weaknesses in your primary:
Situational Tools: Keep these weapons available for specific scenarios:
Buff Compatibility: Plan your weapon choices around available buffs:
Weapon effectiveness varies dramatically between PvE and PvP scenarios. Understanding these differences optimizes your arsenal for specific content:
PvP Dominant Weapons:
PvE Dominant Weapons:
Skills More Effective in PvP:
Skills More Effective in PvE:
The Blasphemous Blade is widely considered the strongest overall weapon due to its incredible damage output, healing mechanic, and Faith scaling. For pure physical damage, Giant-Crusher hits hardest at 1055 base damage. However, “strongest” depends on your build—Rivers of Blood dominates for Arcane bleed builds, Moonveil excels for Intelligence builds, and Hand of Malenia leads for pure Dexterity. Choose weapons that scale with your primary stats for maximum effectiveness.
Regular weapons upgrade from +0 to +25 using Smithing Stones [1] through [8], available from mines or purchased with Bell Bearings. Special weapons upgrade from +0 to +10 using Somber Smithing Stones [1] through [10]. Visit Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold or Blacksmith Iji near Caria Manor to upgrade weapons. You can also use the Smithing Table at Church of Elleh for upgrades up to +3/+1. Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones are required for final upgrades.
Yes! Apply Ashes of War to modify weapon scaling and infusions. Using Whetstone Knives (obtained throughout the game), you can choose Heavy (increases STR scaling), Keen (increases DEX scaling), Quality (balanced STR/DEX), Magic (adds INT scaling), Cold (adds INT with frost), Flame Art (adds FTH scaling), Sacred (adds FTH with holy damage), Lightning (adds DEX scaling), Poison, Blood (adds ARC scaling), or Occult (adds ARC scaling without status). This allows you to customize weapons for your specific build.
Weapons with innate bleed buildup include all Katanas (Rivers of Blood, Uchigatana, Hand of Malenia), certain Curved Swords (Scavenger’s Curved Sword), Twinblades (Eleonora’s Poleblade, Godskin Peeler), Heavy Thrusting Swords (Bloody Helice), Flails, and some unique weapons. You can also add bleed to compatible weapons using Blood Grease consumables or applying the Blood affinity via Ashes of War. Arcane stat increases bleed buildup effectiveness, making it crucial for bleed-focused builds.
Each weapon lists Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and sometimes Arcane requirements. You must meet ALL stat requirements to use a weapon effectively—failing to meet requirements drastically reduces damage and prevents weapon skill usage. However, two-handing a weapon applies a 1.5x multiplier to your Strength stat for meeting requirements only (not for damage calculation). For example, 27 Strength when two-handed counts as 40 Strength for wielding purposes.
The best early weapons include Uchigatana (Samurai starting weapon or Deathtouched Catacombs), Bloodhound’s Fang (defeat Darriwil in Forlorn Hound Evergaol), Lordsworn’s Straight Sword (Gatefront Ruins), Claymore (Castle Morne), and Golden Halberd (defeat Tree Sentinel). For Intelligence builds, grab Meteorite Staff (Caelid swamp) and Rock Sling. Faith builds should prioritize Winged Scythe (Tombsward Ruins) or Golden Halberd. These weapons scale well into late game with proper upgrades.
Yes! Your equipment load is determined by total equipped weight versus your Endurance stat. Stay under 30% load for fast roll (longest i-frames), 30-70% for medium roll (standard dodge), and above 70% results in fat roll (terrible i-frames). Heavy weapons may force you to invest more in Endurance or use Great-Jar’s Arsenal talisman. Consider equip load when building your arsenal, especially for Strength builds using colossal weapons.
Absolutely! Magic infusions (Magic, Cold) add Intelligence scaling to weapons. Flame Art and Sacred infusions add Faith scaling. Many weapons naturally scale with Intelligence or Faith (Dark Moon Greatsword, Blasphemous Blade). Additionally, apply Scholars Armament sorcery or Electrify Armament incantation to buff physical weapons temporarily. Battle mage builds combining melee weapons with magic are incredibly viable and offer excellent versatility in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
For additional gaming guides and strategies, visit our complete tier list collection.
After spending over 500 hours testing weapons across New Game Plus 7, invasions, and co-op scenarios, I can confidently say that Elden Ring’s weapon diversity allows every playstyle to thrive. While S-tier weapons like Blasphemous Blade and Rivers of Blood dominate the meta, dozens of A-tier and B-tier weapons perform exceptionally when built correctly.
The key to weapon mastery isn’t chasing the absolute strongest option—it’s finding weapons that match YOUR playstyle while synergizing with your build’s stats and talismans. A perfectly optimized B-tier weapon will always outperform a mismatched S-tier weapon in the hands of a skilled player.
My Final Recommendations:
Remember to upgrade your chosen weapons consistently, experiment with different Ashes of War, and most importantly—have fun exploring the Lands Between. The best weapon is the one you enjoy using most!
What weapon has carried you through the toughest challenges? Share your experiences in the comments below, and check out our other gaming tier lists and guides for more expert rankings!
