Few modern action RPGs have captured the imagination of players quite like Elden Ring. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, this critically acclaimed title offers a vast open world filled with deadly enemies, cryptic lore, and an astonishing variety of combat tools. Among its many strengths, one of the most celebrated aspects of the game is its deep and diverse weapon system.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Elden Ring weapons—types, scaling, upgrades, Ashes of War, legendary armaments, and how to choose the right weapon for your build. Whether you’re a newcomer stepping into the Lands Between for the first time or a veteran Tarnished refining your strategy, this article will help you better understand the incredible arsenal at your disposal.
Understanding the Core System Behind Elden Ring Weapons
At the heart of the combat system in Elden Ring lies flexibility. Weapons are not merely tools for dealing damage; they are extensions of your character’s build, playstyle, and strategy. Each weapon comes with:
- Base damage (physical, magic, fire, lightning, holy)
- Attribute scaling (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane)
- Weapon skills (Ashes of War)
- Weight and stamina consumption
- Upgrade paths
Unlike many RPGs where weapons are straightforward stat sticks, Elden Ring weapons are deeply customizable. A single sword can perform drastically differently depending on its scaling, Ash of War, and upgrade infusion.
Understanding how these systems interact is crucial for building an efficient character.
Categories of Elden Ring Weapons
The variety of Elden Ring weapons is staggering. Each category offers unique attack patterns, speed, and tactical advantages.
1. Daggers
Daggers are lightweight, fast, and excellent for critical hits. They consume minimal stamina and are ideal for stealth-oriented builds. Their short range is their primary weakness, but they excel in backstab-heavy playstyles.
Popular dagger choices often pair well with bleed or poison builds due to rapid attack speed.
2. Straight Swords
Balanced and beginner-friendly, straight swords offer moderate speed and solid damage. They are a staple for quality builds (Strength and Dexterity combined).
One iconic example is the Longsword, a reliable early-game option that remains viable throughout much of the adventure.
3. Greatswords
Greatswords provide higher damage and greater reach at the cost of speed. They are perfect for players who prefer a measured but powerful approach.
One of the most famous greatswords in the game is the Blasphemous Blade, which scales with Faith and provides health regeneration on kills—making it a top-tier choice for many players.
4. Colossal Weapons
Colossal weapons and colossal swords are massive armaments that deliver devastating blows. They demand high Strength investment and careful stamina management.
A legendary example is the Ruins Greatsword, a gravity-infused weapon that unleashes powerful magical shockwaves.
These weapons are ideal for players who enjoy staggering enemies and dealing massive burst damage.
5. Curved Swords and Katanas
Curved swords focus on speed and fluidity, while katanas often incorporate bleed buildup. These weapons are extremely popular due to their stylish movesets and powerful status effects.
A standout katana is Rivers of Blood, known for its devastating bleed-focused weapon skill. It became one of the most talked-about Elden Ring weapons in the PvP scene.
6. Spears and Halberds
Spears offer reach and safety, allowing players to attack from behind shields. Halberds combine range with versatility, delivering sweeping and thrusting attacks.
These are strong choices for defensive players or those who prefer methodical spacing in combat.
7. Axes and Hammers
Axes provide aggressive, straightforward damage output, while hammers specialize in breaking enemy posture and dealing strike damage—especially effective against armored foes.
Strike weapons are particularly useful in areas with heavily armored enemies.
8. Bows and Crossbows
Ranged combat plays a strategic role in Elden Ring. Bows allow for stealth kills, pulling enemies one at a time, and exploiting weaknesses from afar.
Though not typically main damage dealers, bows are essential tools in many situations.
9. Staves and Sacred Seals
For magic-focused builds, staves and sacred seals are indispensable. They scale with Intelligence and Faith respectively and enable spellcasting.
Weapons like the Lusat’s Glintstone Staff significantly boost sorcery power, while certain sacred seals enhance incantation effectiveness.
Scaling and Attributes in Elden Ring Weapons
One of the most important mechanics to understand is scaling. Every weapon has letter grades that determine how effectively it benefits from specific attributes:
- E (lowest)
- D
- C
- B
- A
- S (highest)
If a weapon has A scaling in Dexterity, investing points in Dexterity will significantly increase its damage output.
There are several common build archetypes:
- Strength builds – Favor colossal weapons and heavy armaments.
- Dexterity builds – Prefer faster weapons like katanas and curved swords.
- Quality builds – Balance Strength and Dexterity.
- Intelligence builds – Focus on sorceries and magic-infused weapons.
- Faith builds – Use incantations and holy-based armaments.
- Arcane builds – Enhance bleed, poison, and other status effects.
Choosing the right scaling path dramatically influences the performance of Elden Ring weapons.
Upgrading Elden Ring Weapons
Upgrading is essential to remain competitive against increasingly difficult enemies.
There are two main upgrade materials:
- Smithing Stones – Used for standard weapons.
- Somber Smithing Stones – Used for unique or legendary weapons.
Standard weapons can typically be upgraded to +25, while unique weapons cap at +10.
Upgrading increases base damage and sometimes improves scaling. In many cases, a fully upgraded common weapon can outperform a flashy legendary weapon if it fits your build better.
Ashes of War and Weapon Customization
Ashes of War are one of the most innovative features in Elden Ring weapons. They allow players to:
- Change weapon skills
- Alter scaling affinities
- Modify damage types
For example, applying a Heavy affinity improves Strength scaling, while a Keen affinity boosts Dexterity scaling.
This system encourages experimentation. A simple straight sword can transform into a magic-scaling weapon or a bleed-inflicting monster depending on the Ash of War applied.
Some Ashes of War are locked to specific weapons, especially unique boss armaments, but many are interchangeable.
Legendary Elden Ring Weapons Worth Pursuing
The game features several legendary armaments tied to bosses and hidden quests. These weapons often have unique skills and lore significance.
Dark Moon Greatsword
Inspired by FromSoftware’s tradition of moonlight weapons, this Intelligence-scaling greatsword fires magical projectiles. It’s a top-tier choice for spellblade builds.
Sword of Night and Flame
Once considered overpowered, this weapon combines sorcery and incantation-based attacks. It scales with both Intelligence and Faith, making it ideal for hybrid builds.
Marais Executioner’s Sword
A powerful Strength and Arcane weapon that unleashes spinning magical attacks capable of shredding enemies.
These legendary Elden Ring weapons are often tied to some of the toughest challenges in the game, rewarding perseverance with exceptional power.
Status Effects and Their Impact on Elden Ring Weapons
Status effects add another strategic layer. Common ones include:
- Bleed (Hemorrhage) – Causes massive percentage-based damage when triggered.
- Frostbite – Lowers stamina recovery and deals burst damage.
- Poison/Scarlet Rot – Damage over time.
- Sleep – Puts enemies temporarily out of combat.
- Madness – Affects players and NPCs, draining FP and health.
Arcane scaling increases the buildup of many status effects, making it crucial for bleed-focused builds.
Some of the most powerful Elden Ring weapons in PvP revolve around efficient status effect application.
Best Early-Game Elden Ring Weapons
Starting strong can make a huge difference in early survival. Some excellent early options include:
- Uchigatana – Strong bleed buildup and versatile moveset.
- Claymore – Balanced greatsword with excellent reach.
- Morning Star – Strike damage with bleed.
These weapons are accessible relatively early and remain viable with proper upgrades.
PvE vs PvP: Choosing the Right Elden Ring Weapons
Different scenarios call for different strategies.
PvE Considerations
In PvE (Player vs Environment):
- Stagger potential is valuable.
- Area-of-effect skills are useful.
- Status effects can trivialize bosses.
Colossal weapons and bleed builds often shine here.
PvP Considerations
In PvP (Player vs Player):
- Speed and unpredictability matter.
- Range and spacing are crucial.
- Weapon skill timing becomes critical.
Fast katanas and thrusting weapons frequently dominate competitive duels.
Balancing power with stamina efficiency is essential in both modes.
How to Choose the Right Elden Ring Weapons for Your Build
When deciding on your weapon, consider:
- Your primary stat investment.
- Preferred combat pace (fast vs heavy).
- PvE or PvP focus.
- Weight limits and armor synergy.
- Status effect goals.
Avoid chasing meta trends blindly. A weapon that fits your playstyle will outperform a so-called “best” weapon that feels uncomfortable to use.
Experimentation is part of the experience. The freedom to respec later allows players to test multiple Elden Ring weapons before settling on a final build.
Tips for Mastering Elden Ring Weapons
- Learn the moveset thoroughly before switching weapons.
- Manage stamina carefully—especially with heavy armaments.
- Upgrade consistently rather than hoarding materials.
- Pair weapons strategically (dual wielding can be powerful).
- Use buffs and consumables to maximize output.
Understanding spacing, timing, and enemy patterns will always matter more than raw damage numbers.
The Evolution of Weapon Design in Elden Ring
Compared to earlier FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls III, Elden Ring expands weapon freedom significantly. The open-world structure allows players to discover powerful gear much earlier than in previous games.
The addition of Ashes of War also breaks rigid class boundaries, enabling unprecedented customization.
This evolution reflects FromSoftware’s growing design philosophy: player freedom over strict archetypes.
Conclusion: The Depth and Diversity of Elden Ring Weapons
Elden Ring weapons are more than mere combat tools—they are the backbone of your journey through the Lands Between. With dozens of categories, intricate scaling systems, status effects, and Ashes of War customization, the weapon system offers near-endless experimentation.
Whether you prefer the crushing might of colossal swords, the swift precision of katanas, or the mystical power of sorcery catalysts, there is a weapon tailored to your style.
Mastery comes not from simply equipping the strongest blade, but from understanding how your chosen weapon complements your build, strategy, and skill level.
