FromSoftware’s fantasy masterpiece,Elden Ring, allows players to choose from a wide variety of weapons, from short-range daggers to hard-hitting colossal weapons. Players can create unique builds using the diverse range of weapons available and, along the way, discover new ways of defeating the many enemies ofElden Ring.
As is expected with such a large range, certain weapons are just more effective than others. Every weapon inElden Ringis a viable choice for players to use, but certain weapons can make this notoriously tough game much easier to overcome. Each weapon category has a varied and unique selection, with the very best becoming the chosen tool for millions of players looking for every advantage they can get against some of the game’s toughest challenges.
Updated 26 May 2025 by Andy Chapman:With the release of the fantastic DLCShadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring’s status as one of the best games of the modern era has been solidified. This epic-scale action RPG has gained legions of fans and introduced new players to the Soulsborne series in the process. The game offers numerous weapon choices, which have been expanded even more with DLC. New weapon types have brought new ways for players to beat the game and offer endless overpowered possibilities. This article has been updated to include additional entries to give a full picture of the weapon types available in Elden Ring.
23Lion Greatbow
Rain Down Arrows on Enemies
The Bows and Greatbows are some of the most underused weapons inElden Ring. However, since the game was released, this weapon category has improved, with many bows becoming viable weapons throughout the game. The Lion Greatbow is by far the best of these, with a powerful ranged shot that can deal a good amount of damage. It is also the lightest of the Greatbows.
The bow does additional damage if Radahn’s arrows are used, while its weapon skill, Radahn’s Rain, is an effective opening attack against enemies. Players can acquire this weapon by first defeating Radahn and then trading the Remembrance of the Starscourge with Enia at Roundtable Hold.
22Hoslow’s Petal Whip
Serrated Edges Ensure Massive Blood Loss
Hoslow’s Petal Whip is one of the best Whip options inElden Ring. While whips can be niche weapons due to their lower damage output and low stance-breaking percentage, Hoslow’s Petal Whip is a viable weapon for dexterity builds. It’s fast attack speed and serrated edges are perfect for players wanting to inflict large amounts of blood loss on enemies.
Blood loss is one of the most effective status effects inElden Ringand can make low-damage weapons extremely dangerous. However, players will need to wait until later in the game to pick up the weapon. The Petal Whip can be found either by completing Diallos Hoslow’s storyline in Jarburg or by defeating Juno Hoslow as part of Volcano Manor’s questline.
21Star Fist
Punch Enemies to Death With Spiked Fists
The Star Fist is another extremely effective weapon that relies heavily on blood loss build-up. While the fists deal relatively low damage compared to larger weapons, their speed, and blood-loss effect can outpace most enemies. The Star Fist mainly scales in strength and can also be buffed. Casting Bloodflame Blade on the Star Fist will increase its damage and bleed effect even more.
The downside to using fists is the range is significantly shorter than most weapons. However, the Star Fist makes up for this with speed, allowing players more time to dodge enemies' attacks. Players will find the Star Fist to the far left of Leyndell’s Colosseum entrance, on a body at the edge of a cliff.
20Bloodhound Claws
A Very Effective Weapon Skill
The Bloodhound Claws are one of the best Claw-type weapons inElden Ring. Their quick attacks allow players to inflict multiple hits on enemies in a short amount of time. They also inflict significant blood-loss build-up on enemies and can also be buffed. However, what makes the Bloodhound Claws truly overpowered is its Weapon Skill. Bloodhound Step allows players to avoid almost any attack. The movement is far more effective than standard rolling and can make tough bosses far easier to deal with.
Players can acquire the Bloodhound Claws when exploring Volcano Manor. Once players have found the secret wall and entered the basement, they will encounter a lesser Bloodhound Knight. Defeating this enemy will reward players with the Claws.
19Reduvia
Inflict Fast Blood Loss On Enemies
Daggers are some of the most challenging weapons to use effectively inElden Ring. With their short range and low damage, taking down bosses requires skill and patience. Of all the dagger options, theReduviais the weapon of choice for many.
This is an ideal first weapon for players looking to start a blood-build character, as it can be found very early in the game. With good scaling in dexterity and arcane, the Reduvia can quickly inflict large amounts ofblood loss on enemies. Match this with the weapon skill that shoots hemorrhaging projectiles, and the Reduvia becomes an extremely potent weapon.
18Antspur Rapier
Decimate Enemies With Scarlet Rot
Much like daggers, thrusting weapons are one of the more difficult weapon categories to use effectively inElden Ring. Daggers are best used with a shield, and players will need to be precise in their attacks.
One of the most striking-looking, as well as damaging, choices in this weapon category is theAntspur Rapier. Formed from the spur of a giant ant, the weapon inflicts scarlet rot build-up on its enemies. Ideal for players looking to test their skills, this weapon will quickly chip away at an enemy’s health throughout a battle. Players willfind this weapon behind the Shaded Castlein the Altus Plateau region.
17Icerind Hatchet
Freeze Enemies With An Effective AOE
While maybe not the most widely used weapon type, the axe category offers some strong options for players looking for fast and powerful attacks. TheIcerind Hatchetis a solid option for players looking for their ideal axe of choice. With excellent scaling in dexterity and a unique weapon skill that spreads frost damage in an AOE attack, this frozen hatchet is the best in the range.
In addition to its standard damage, the Icerind Hatchet will inflict frost build-up on enemies, which can be effective against many foes, causing sudden high damage. Players will find the weapon in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, in a chest in the Temple Quarter.
16Wing Of Astel
A Powerful Weapon Skill For Crowd Control
Curved swords are one of the less used weapon types inElden Ring, as most players will find more effective choices in other categories. While not as powerful, curved swords can be deadly when dual-wielded, with fast slashing attacks and their back-step feint ability.
TheWing of Astelis by far the most effective curved sword, especially for intelligence builds. Its strong attack creates a ranged projectile and, when charged, will send out two. Its weapon skill, Nebula, spreads out a small dark cloud that will then explode, causing damage to multiple enemies when surrounded. Additionally, the weapon also inflicts 20% more damageagainst gravity-type enemies.
15Sword Of Night And Flame
The Ultimate Magic User Weapon
With their fast swings and solid damage, straight swords can be effective weapons against the many challenges ofElden Ring, especially when dual-wielded. There are many strong options in this category for players to choose from, but the sword often at the top of the list is theSword of Night and Flame.
The legendary armament is ideal for spell casters. Players will need to level both intelligence and faith to use the weapon, but by doing so, they can inflict both magic and flame damage with the sword. Players will be able to find the sword in a locked room in Caria Manor, accessed from above.
14Bloody Helice
Powerful For Blood-Build Characters
Much like the smaller versions, with their limited move set, the Heavy Thrusting Sword category requires good timing and precise attacks. However, with greater range, players will soon find these weapons can be deceptively effective.
For players looking to create a strong blood-build character, theBloody Heliceis a good choice. Found in a chest, after defeating the ruins' minor boss, the Bloody Helice inflicts strong piercing damage and blood loss on enemies. Match this withits unique weapon skill, Dynast’s Finesse, which allows players to avoid an attack and quickly follow up with a counterstrike, making this one of the best thrusting weapons inElden Ring.
