Elden Ring best weapons 2024: Tier list, early game, Strength, and more - Insane Games (2025)

In the vast and treacherous world of Elden Ring, choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between triumph and defeat. With a myriad of options tailored to various playstyles, from swift daggers to colossal greatswords, players are equipped to carve their own path through the Lands Between. This guide delves into the best weapons available, highlighting their strengths, ideal builds, and how to obtain them. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a newcomer seeking to master the art of combat, our comprehensive list will help you find the perfect weapon to unleash your potential against the formidable foes that await.

The Elden Ring is a huge game full of content. During your adventure, you can come across many different weapons. Your play style depends on the weapon you use, so finding the right one is a key part of the gameplay. Fortunately, you have a lot to choose from, as the game has over 300 types of various weapons. You shouldn’t bother with getting each of them, but some of the available weapons stand out. We have prepared a list of those considered to be the best in the entire game.

Rivers of Blood

Rivers of Blood is a standout katana in Elden Ring, revered for its exceptional scaling with Dexterity and Arcane attributes. This weapon not only boasts a unique design but also features a powerful Ash of War that unleashes a flurry of blood-infused attacks, dealing significant damage over time through bleed effects. Players can acquire Rivers of Blood by defeating an NPC invasion at the Church of Repose, located in the Mountaintops of Giants, making it a rewarding challenge for those seeking to enhance their combat prowess. Its combination of speed and devastating bleed potential makes it a favorite among players looking to dominate both PvE and PvP encounters.

Katanas in Elden Ring are one of the most popular types of weapons. They are quick and inflict the bleeding effect. It deals a lot of damage and, in addition, most of the opponents are susceptible to this status. In terms of applying bleeding, Rivers of Blood is the best weapon in the game. It has a great special attack and is perfect for fighting other players as well as opponents in the dungeons. The weapon requires the following stats: 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 20 Arcane.

Moonveil

Moonveil is a standout katana in Elden Ring, renowned for its exceptional blend of speed and magical prowess. This weapon excels in Dexterity builds, offering a unique moveset that allows players to unleash devastating slashes and powerful magic projectiles. Its Ash of War, the Moonlight Greatsword, enables players to perform a swift, ranged attack that can catch enemies off-guard, making it a versatile choice for both PvE and PvP encounters. Additionally, Moonveil’s ability to scale with Intelligence enhances its effectiveness for hybrid builds, solidifying its position as one of the best weapons in the game.

This katana scales with Intelligence. It is distinguished by a very good special attack. Moonveil fires a beam of energy, allowing you to deal a lot of magic damage from a safe distance. Additionally, the katana causes a bleeding effect with regular attacks. The weapon requires the following stats: 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence. The description of how to get it is on a separate page of the guide.

Reduvia

Reduvia is a powerful dagger in Elden Ring, highly regarded for its quick attack speed and bleed damage potential, making it an excellent choice for players focusing on Dexterity builds. This weapon features a unique Ash of War, allowing users to unleash a blood-infused projectile that can inflict significant damage from a distance, enhancing its versatility in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Found in the Cave of the Forlorn, Reduvia is particularly effective for those who prefer agile combat styles, enabling swift strikes while maintaining mobility against foes. Its combination of speed and bleed effects makes it a standout option for players looking to maximize damage output with minimal risk.

Daggers in Elden Ring are an interesting weapon category. They are very fast, but suffer from a really short range. So you need to put a little more time to practise if you want to use them effectively. Reduvia is a dagger that can deal massive damage at lightning speed. Additionally, you can use it to attack from a distance with an attack that causes a bleeding effect. The weapon requires the following stats: 5 Strength, 13 Dexterity, and 13 Arcane.

Greatsword

Greatswords in Elden Ring are a versatile weapon class, offering a balance of power and speed that appeals to many players. Among the most notable greatswords are the Banished Knight’s Greatsword and the Knight’s Greatsword, both of which excel in damage output and have unique movesets that cater to different playstyles. The Banished Knight’s Greatsword is particularly praised for its overall damage and infusion capabilities, making it a top choice for players focusing on quality builds. Other strong contenders include the Dark Moon Greatsword, known for its impressive scaling with intelligence and its ability to deal cold damage, and the Grafted Blade Greatsword, which is favored for strength builds. Overall, greatswords provide a robust option for players looking to deliver heavy hits while maintaining agility in combat.

A giant sword that requires a great deal of strength and endurance. The weapon is extremely slow, but it can quickly throw the opponent off balance and interrupt their attack. It also deals huge damage. Its advantage is also the fact that you can modify it with Ashes of War – you can use them to change its unique attack or to apply a special effect, such as magic damage. The weapon requires the following stats: 31 Strength and 12 Dexterity. We have described how to get this weapon on a separate page of the guide.

Sword of Night and Flame

The Sword of Night and Flame is a versatile weapon in Elden Ring, ideal for players focusing on Intelligence and Faith builds. This straight sword excels in dealing a combination of physical, magic, and fire damage, making it effective against a variety of foes. Its unique Night-and-Flame Stance Ash of War allows users to unleash powerful attacks that can devastate enemies at range or in close combat. Found in Carian Manor in Northern Liurnia, this weapon not only enhances damage output but also provides flexibility in combat, appealing to those who enjoy a dynamic playstyle.

This sword is the perfect choice for people who want to fight in close combat and deal magic damage at the same time. The best advantage of this weapon is a very strong special attack in the form of powerful swings dealing fire damage or shooting energy beams. The weapon requires the following stats: 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence.

Eleanor’s Poleblade

Eleonora’s Poleblade is a unique twinblade weapon in Elden Ring, renowned for its versatility and powerful attack capabilities. Found in the Altus Plateau, it is acquired by defeating Eleonora, the Violet Bloody Finger, at the Second Church of Marika. This weapon stands out due to its combination of physical and fire damage, alongside a notable ability to inflict blood loss on enemies. Its special skill, Bloodblade Dance, allows players to execute a series of rapid, tornado-like attacks, making it particularly effective for those who favor Dexterity and Arcane builds. With its impressive reach and combo potential, Eleonora’s Poleblade has become a favored choice among players seeking both style and effectiveness in combat.

Double bladed weapons stand out from other types of weapons. Their animations are very flashy. Very fast slashes inflict a bleeding effect. Its special attack allows you to perform a series of lightning-fast cuts, which also apply a bleeding status. The weapon requires the following stats: 12 Strength, 21 Dexterity, and 19 Arcane.

Winged Scythe

The Winged Scythe is a standout weapon in Elden Ring, particularly favored for its unique blend of speed and versatility. As a Reaper-type weapon, it excels in both melee combat and ranged attacks, making it a formidable choice for players who prefer agility in their playstyle. Its Ash of War, which can inflict significant damage while also applying a bleed effect, enhances its effectiveness against tougher foes. Moreover, the Winged Scythe scales well with Faith, allowing players to build around this stat for even greater damage output. Its combination of reach, quick strikes, and the ability to deal both physical and magical damage makes it one of the best weapons for those looking to dominate in the Lands Between.

Winged Scythe is the perfect weapon for people who want to keep a distance between their opponent. The weapon has a very good range and allows you to safely deal high damage with powerful swings. This is the perfect solution for characters who use magic, but who need to engage in close combat from time to time. The weapon requires the following stats: 16 Strength, 16 Dexterity, and 24 Faith.

Bloodhounds Fang

Bloodhound’s Fang is a formidable weapon in Elden Ring, renowned for its blend of Strength and Dexterity scaling, making it versatile for various builds. This curved greatsword boasts a unique Ash of War that enhances mobility, allowing players to execute swift, acrobatic attacks while maintaining pressure on opponents. Its ability to stagger enemies effectively makes it a favored choice for both PvE and PvP encounters. Players can obtain Bloodhound’s Fang early in the game by defeating the boss in Forlorn Hound Evergaol, making it an accessible yet powerful option as they navigate the challenges of the Lands Between.

A very well-balanced weapon that can be obtained relatively quickly. After improving it, the weapon will suffice you for most of the game. It causes a bleeding effect and has a great special attack – backward jump, which works great as a dodge from boss attacks. Additionally, after you jump back, you can perform a quick charge to deal a lot of damage. The weapon requires the following stats: 18 Strength and 17 Dexterity.

Blasphemous Blade

The Blasphemous Blade is a powerful greatsword in Elden Ring, particularly favored for Strength and Faith builds. Its unique Ash of War, which inflicts significant damage, is complemented by a special passive ability that allows players to heal upon defeating enemies while wielding the sword, even if the kill is made with spells. This makes it an excellent choice for players looking to sustain themselves during challenging encounters. The weapon can be obtained by exchanging Rykard’s Remembrance at the Roundtable Hold, further solidifying its status as one of the best weapons in the game, particularly for those who want to combine melee prowess with healing capabilities.

This sword has a unique passive ability that causes some of your health to be restored when someone dies in your area. Extra healing is always a good thing. Not only that, the blade also has a good special attack that fires a wide wave of flames. The weapon requires the following stats: 22 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 21 Faith.

Lusat’s Glintstone Staff

Lusat’s Glintstone Staff is a powerful weapon in Elden Ring, particularly favored by Intelligence builds. This staff excels in sorcery scaling, making it an excellent choice for players who prioritize magic damage. With its unique ability to enhance the potency of spells, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff allows mages to unleash devastating attacks on their foes. Its design reflects the mystical aesthetics of the game, and it can be found in a hidden location, rewarding players who explore the world thoroughly. Overall, this staff stands out as one of the best options for those looking to maximize their magical prowess in the Lands Between.

The best staff in the game and the perfect weapon for mages. Lusat’s Glintstone Staff scales well with the Intelligence, allowing it to deal massive damage later in the game. The weapon requires the following stats: 10 Strength and 51 Intelligence.

Dark Moon Greatsword

The Dark Moon Greatsword is a legendary weapon in Elden Ring, renowned for its unique blend of physical and magic damage. Acquired through the completion of Ranni the Witch’s questline, this greatsword not only scales primarily with Intelligence but also inflicts Frostbite, making it a versatile choice for magic-focused builds. Its weapon skill, Moonlight Greatsword, allows players to enhance their magic attack power while imbuing the blade with frost, and charged attacks unleash powerful blasts of moonlight. With its rich lore tied to Ranni and its status as one of the nine Legendary Armaments, the Dark Moon Greatsword stands out as a must-have for players seeking both aesthetic appeal and combat effectiveness in their arsenal.

FromSoftware’s flagship weapon, its various versions can be found in many games of the Japanese developer. This greatsword is basically the best weapon in Elden Ring when it comes to scaling with the Intelligence, making it the perfect choice for mages. The weapon itself deals enormous magic damage. Additionally, the special attack increases your temporary magic damage and covers the weapon with ice. The main disadvantage of this sword is that it can only be obtained in the final stages of the game, after completing a series of tasks related to the witch Ranni. The weapon requires the following stats: 38 Intelligence, 16 Strength, and 11 Dexterity.

Pulley Bow

The Pulley Bow is a versatile light bow in Elden Ring, known for its unique design and effective range. It excels in delivering quick, precise shots, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer agility and speed in combat. With a solid balance of damage output and ease of use, the Pulley Bow is particularly effective for builds that focus on Dexterity. Its ability to infuse arrows with various effects allows for strategic versatility in both PvE and PvP encounters. Additionally, its lightweight nature ensures that players can maintain mobility while firing, making it a favored option among those who value hit-and-run tactics in the challenging landscapes of the Lands Between.

A well-balanced weapon for all archers. Deals good damage and has the best range out of all bows in the game. Therefore, it is perfect for situations when you do not want to get close to a group of opponents. The weapon scales mainly with Strength and Dexterity, and additionally has really low requirements. It also has a very useful special attack that increases the range and damage even further. The weapon requires the following stats: 11 Strength, 11 Dexterity.

Icerind Hatchet

Icerind Hatchet is a unique weapon in Elden Ring that stands out for its versatility and effectiveness in various builds. This axe not only boasts a solid damage output but also features a powerful Ash of War called “Ice Lightning,” which allows players to unleash a devastating ice attack, freezing enemies in their tracks. With its balanced scaling between Strength and Dexterity, the Icerind Hatchet is suitable for both melee-focused and hybrid builds. Its aesthetic design, reminiscent of icy landscapes, adds to its allure, making it a popular choice among players looking to combine style with functionality in combat.

Recent updates have weakened this weapon, but it is still worth your attention. This is basically speedrunners’ favorite weapon due to the special attack. The weapon allows you to launch an ice stomp, which interrupts enemy attacks, deals good damage and covers a large area in front of the player with ice. Standard hits also deal passive frost damage. The weapon requires the following stats: 11 Strength, 16 Dexterity.

Ghiza’s Wheel

Ghiza’s Wheel is a unique weapon in Elden Ring, notable for its distinctive design and functionality. This colossal weapon, resembling a large spinning wheel, excels in dealing damage while providing a unique playstyle that emphasizes mobility and crowd control. Its Ash of War, which allows for spinning attacks, can devastate groups of enemies, making it particularly effective in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Players who invest in strength will find Ghiza’s Wheel especially rewarding, as it scales well with this attribute, enhancing its already formidable damage output. Overall, this weapon stands out for its versatility and the engaging combat mechanics it introduces to the game.

Another weapon that allows you to abuse the bleeding effect. It is a unique giant weapon with a special attack in the form of a rotating blade. You can move freely while using it. The effect resembles a chainsaw and instantly causes enemies to bleed. The weapon requires the following stats: 28 Strength and 18 Dexterity.

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear is a standout weapon in Elden Ring, celebrated for its exceptional performance as a great spear. This weapon excels in both damage output and versatility, making it a top choice for players who favor Faith builds. Its unique skill, the “Bloodboon,” allows users to unleash a powerful attack that not only deals significant damage but also inflicts bleed status on enemies, enhancing its effectiveness in combat. Additionally, Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear is noted for its impressive reach and speed, which can outclass other great spears in the game, solidifying its reputation as one of the best weapons available for players looking to dominate their foes in the Lands Between.

A powerful spear with a very good range, which allows you to attack from a safe distance. Additionally, each attack deals fire damage. The weapon scales well with the Arcane stat. It also has an area of effect special attack that can inflict bleeding to a whole group of enemies. The weapon requires the following stats: 24 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 27 Arcane.

What are the top weapons for a quality build in Elden Ring

For a Quality build in Elden Ring, which balances both Strength and Dexterity, several weapons stand out due to their impressive scaling and versatility. Here are the top choices:

Top Weapons for Quality Builds

1. Bloodhound’s Fang
   • Type: Curved Greatsword
   • Scaling: B/B when infused with Quality
   • Notes: Excellent for both damage and bleed effects, making it a versatile choice for aggressive playstyles.
2. Knight’s Greatsword
   • Type: Greatsword
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Offers a solid moveset and good damage output, particularly effective at mid-range.
3. Banished Knight’s Greatsword
   • Type: Greatsword
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Known for its high damage potential and adaptability across various combat scenarios.
4. Cross-Naginata
   • Type: Halberd
   • Scaling: B/B when infused with Quality
   • Notes: Features great reach and a powerful moveset, along with bleed damage that enhances its effectiveness.
5. Flamberge
   • Type: Greatsword
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Similar to the Cross-Naginata but offers more damage at the cost of speed, making it a strong choice for players who prefer heavier hits.
6. Scorpion’s Stinger
   • Type: Dagger
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Fast and agile, this weapon excels in quick strikes and can be particularly deadly when used effectively in PvP.
7. Zamor Curved Sword
   • Type: Curved Sword
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Combines speed and damage, making it a well-rounded option for those who enjoy fast-paced combat.
8. Stormhawk Axe
   • Type: Axe
   • Scaling: B/B with Quality infusion
   • Notes: Offers a unique moveset and solid damage output, suitable for players who prefer axes.

These weapons not only provide excellent damage potential but also allow for a variety of playstyles within the Quality build framework, making them ideal choices for players looking to maximize their effectiveness in Elden Ring .

What are the best weapons for a hybrid build in Elden Ring

For a hybrid build in Elden Ring, which typically combines two different attributes such as Strength and Intelligence or Dexterity and Faith, several weapons stand out for their versatility and effectiveness. Here are some of the best weapons to consider:

Best Weapons for Hybrid Builds

1. Moonveil
   • Type: Katana
   • Scaling: Primarily scales with Intelligence and Dexterity.
   • Notes: Known for its powerful weapon art, the Moonveil allows for both melee damage and ranged magic attacks, making it a favorite among hybrid builds.
2. Darkmoon Greatsword
   • Type: Greatsword
   • Scaling: B scaling in Intelligence.
   • Notes: This weapon not only deals significant physical damage but also has a strong magic attack, making it ideal for an Intelligence-focused hybrid build.
3. Morgott’s Cursed Sword
   • Type: Curved Greatsword
   • Scaling: Scales well with Dexterity and has bleed potential.
   • Notes: Offers great physical damage along with an effective Ash of War that enhances its capabilities in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
4. Mohgwyn Sacred Spear
   • Type: Spear
   • Scaling: Strong scaling with Strength and Arcane.
   • Notes: This weapon excels in dealing bleed damage while also allowing for an effective mix of melee and incantations.
5. Reduvia
   • Type: Dagger
   • Scaling: Primarily Arcane, with benefits from Dexterity.
   • Notes: A great early-game weapon that excels in bleed buildup while allowing for quick strikes and spellcasting.
6. Bolt of Gransax
   • Type: Spear
   • Scaling: Scales with Dexterity and Faith.
   • Notes: This weapon provides a unique mix of melee attacks and lightning-based spells, making it effective against various enemies.
7. Blasphemous Blade
   • Type: Greatsword
   • Scaling: Strength and Faith.
   • Notes: Excellent for a Strength/Faith hybrid build, it offers high damage output along with unique incantation capabilities.
8. Wing of Astel
   • Type: Glintstone Staff
   • Scaling: Scales with Intelligence.
   • Notes: While primarily a magic weapon, it allows for physical attacks as well, making it suitable for hybrid builds focusing on both melee and sorcery.

These weapons not only complement the hybrid playstyle but also provide flexibility to adapt to different combat situations in Elden Ring. By combining them with appropriate spells or incantations, players can create powerful builds that leverage the strengths of both attributes effectively.