Elden Ring weapons are more than just tools for combat; they are extensions of your character’s prowess and style. From the devastating strength of colossal weapons to the lightning-fast strikes of katanas, each weapon type in Elden Ring offers a unique approach to battling the challenging enemies and bosses that populate the Lands Between.
This guide delves into the intricacies of Elden Ring weapons, exploring their types, scaling, weapon arts, upgrade paths, and the unique weapons that set them apart. We’ll also discuss the effectiveness of weapon combinations and the captivating aesthetics that bring these tools to life.
Weapon Types in Elden Ring: Elden Ring Weapons
Elden Ring offers a wide variety of weapons, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the different weapon types is crucial for building an effective build and mastering combat. Here’s a breakdown of the primary weapon types in Elden Ring:
Straight Swords
Straight swords are versatile and balanced weapons that excel in both offense and defense. They have a good reach, decent speed, and a moderate amount of damage. Straight swords are a good choice for beginners as they are easy to learn and use.
- Strengths:Balanced stats, good reach, versatile moveset.
- Weaknesses:Lower damage output compared to other weapon types.
- Examples:Longsword, Broadsword, Claymore.
Greatswords
Greatswords are powerful weapons with a wide swing arc and high damage output. They are slow and require precise timing, but they can deal massive damage to enemies. Greatswords are best suited for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.
- Strengths:High damage output, wide swing arc.
- Weaknesses:Slow attack speed, low reach.
- Examples:Greatsword, Zweihander, Ruins Greatsword.
Curved Swords
Curved swords are fast and agile weapons with a unique moveset that emphasizes speed and precision. They are best used for dodging and attacking quickly, making them ideal for players who prefer a more mobile playstyle.
- Strengths:Fast attack speed, good reach, unique moveset.
- Weaknesses:Lower damage output compared to other weapon types.
- Examples:Scimitar, Curved Sword, Uchigatana.
Katanas
Katanas are fast and agile weapons with a unique moveset that emphasizes speed and precision. They are best used for dodging and attacking quickly, making them ideal for players who prefer a more mobile playstyle.
- Strengths:Fast attack speed, good reach, unique moveset.
- Weaknesses:Lower damage output compared to other weapon types.
- Examples:Rivers of Blood, Moonveil Katana, Meteorite Sword.
Colossal Swords
Colossal swords are massive weapons with an extremely wide swing arc and high damage output. They are slow and require precise timing, but they can deal devastating damage to enemies. Colossal swords are best suited for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle and have the stamina to sustain their attacks.
- Strengths:Extremely high damage output, wide swing arc.
- Weaknesses:Extremely slow attack speed, low reach, high stamina consumption.
- Examples:Greatsword, Zweihander, Ruins Greatsword.
Axes
Axes are heavy and powerful weapons that excel in dealing high damage with each swing. They are slower than other weapons, but their high damage output makes them a formidable choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.
- Strengths:High damage output, good stagger potential.
- Weaknesses:Slow attack speed, low reach.
- Examples:Greataxe, Battle Axe, Zweihander.
Hammers
Hammers are heavy weapons that excel in dealing high damage and staggering enemies. They are slow and require precise timing, but they can deal devastating damage to enemies. Hammers are best suited for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle and have the stamina to sustain their attacks.
- Strengths:High damage output, excellent stagger potential.
- Weaknesses:Slow attack speed, low reach.
- Examples:Great Hammer, Morningstar, Starscourage Greatsword.
Flails
Flails are unique weapons that combine the high damage output of hammers with the speed and agility of curved swords. They are a good choice for players who want a weapon that can both deal high damage and move quickly.
- Strengths:High damage output, fast attack speed, unique moveset.
- Weaknesses:Short reach, can be difficult to master.
- Examples:Flail, Chain Whip, Black Knife.
Spears
Spears are long-range weapons that excel in poking and prodding enemies from a distance. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more defensive playstyle and want to keep their enemies at bay.
- Strengths:Long reach, good poke damage.
- Weaknesses:Low damage output compared to other weapon types, limited moveset.
- Examples:Spear, Halberd, Pike.
Greatspears
Greatspears are long-range weapons that excel in dealing high damage and staggering enemies from a distance. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle and want to keep their enemies at bay.
- Strengths:Extremely long reach, high damage output, good stagger potential.
- Weaknesses:Slow attack speed, limited moveset.
- Examples:Halberd, Pike, Naginata.
Daggers
Daggers are small, fast weapons that excel in dealing quick and precise damage. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more agile playstyle and want to deal damage quickly and efficiently.
- Strengths:Fast attack speed, high critical hit damage, can be used for backstabbing.
- Weaknesses:Low damage output compared to other weapon types, short reach.
- Examples:Dagger, Scavenger’s Curved Sword, Assassin’s Dagger.
Fist Weapons
Fist weapons are unique weapons that focus on close-range combat and rely on raw strength to deal damage. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle and want to get up close and personal with their enemies.
- Strengths:High damage output, unique moveset.
- Weaknesses:Short reach, low defense.
- Examples:Clawmark, Iron Fist, Golden Order Seal.
Sorceries
Sorceries are magical attacks that are cast using a staff. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more ranged playstyle and want to deal damage from a distance.
- Strengths:Long range, high damage output.
- Weaknesses:Requires FP to cast, can be slow to cast.
- Examples:Rock Sling, Glintstone Pebble, Carian Slicer.
Incantations
Incantations are magical attacks that are cast using a seal. They are a good choice for players who prefer a more support-oriented playstyle and want to buff themselves or their allies.
- Strengths:Versatile, can be used for healing, buffing, and attacking.
- Weaknesses:Requires FP to cast, can be slow to cast.
- Examples:Flame, Cleanse Me, Golden Vow.
Weapon Scaling in Elden Ring
Weapon scaling in Elden Ring determines how much damage a weapon deals based on the player’s stats. Understanding weapon scaling is crucial for building an effective build and maximizing your damage output.
Scaling Stats
Weapon scaling in Elden Ring is determined by the following stats:
- Strength (STR):Affects the damage output of physical weapons, particularly heavier weapons like great swords and axes.
- Dexterity (DEX):Affects the damage output of physical weapons, particularly faster weapons like curved swords and katanas.
- Intelligence (INT):Affects the damage output of sorceries.
- Faith (FAI):Affects the damage output of incantations.
- Arcane (ARC):Affects the damage output of some unique weapons and the effectiveness of certain status effects.
Scaling Levels, Elden ring weapons
Weapon scaling is represented by a letter grade, with higher grades indicating better scaling. The scaling levels are as follows:
- E:Very low scaling.
- D:Low scaling.
- C:Moderate scaling.
- B:Good scaling.
- A:Excellent scaling.
- S:Exceptional scaling.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Investing in different scaling stats has both benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each stat:
- Strength:
- Benefits:Increased damage output for heavy weapons, higher carry weight.
- Drawbacks:Can be slow to level up, may limit your build flexibility.
- Dexterity:
- Benefits:Increased damage output for faster weapons, higher critical hit damage.
- Drawbacks:May not be as effective for heavier weapons, can be slow to level up.
- Intelligence:
- Benefits:Increased damage output for sorceries, access to powerful sorceries.
- Drawbacks:Can be slow to level up, may limit your build flexibility.
- Faith:
- Benefits:Increased damage output for incantations, access to powerful incantations, can be used for healing and buffing.
- Drawbacks:Can be slow to level up, may limit your build flexibility.
- Arcane:
- Benefits:Increased damage output for certain weapons, increased effectiveness of status effects.
- Drawbacks:Can be slow to level up, may limit your build flexibility.
Weapon Arts in Elden Ring
Weapon arts are special abilities that can be used with certain weapons. They add a new layer of depth and complexity to combat, allowing players to perform unique attacks, buffs, or even defensive maneuvers.
Weapon Art Categories
Weapon arts can be broadly categorized into the following groups:
- Offensive:Weapon arts that deal direct damage to enemies. These arts can be used to inflict high damage, stagger enemies, or create openings for follow-up attacks.
- Defensive:Weapon arts that provide protection against enemy attacks. These arts can be used to block attacks, deflect projectiles, or create a temporary shield.
- Utility:Weapon arts that offer a variety of effects, such as summoning allies, buffing stats, or healing.
Weapon Art Table
| Weapon Art | Effect | Associated Weapons | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stormcaller | Summons a storm to strike enemies with lightning damage. | Night and Flame Sword | Offensive |
| Bloodflame Chase | Infuses the weapon with bloodflame, increasing damage and inflicting blood loss. | Rivers of Blood | Offensive |
| Carian Greatsword | Creates a large, sweeping arc of magic that deals frost damage. | Moonveil Katana | Offensive |
| Golden Vow | Increases the attack power and defense of the player and nearby allies. | Golden Order Seal | Utility |
| Flame Cleanse Me | Cleanses the player of status effects and deals damage to nearby enemies. | Erdtree Seal | Utility |
| Flame, Cleanse Me | Cleanses the player of status effects and deals damage to nearby enemies. | Erdtree Seal | Utility |
| Black Flame Ritual | Summons a black flame that deals fire damage and inflicts madness. | Black Knife Tiche | Offensive |
Weapon Upgrades in Elden Ring
Weapon upgrades in Elden Ring enhance a weapon’s stats, making it more powerful and effective in combat. Different weapons have different upgrade paths, each with its unique requirements and benefits.
Upgrade Paths
The primary weapon upgrade paths in Elden Ring are as follows:
- Smithing Stones:These are the most common upgrade materials, used to increase a weapon’s base stats like attack power and scaling. They are found throughout the Lands Between and can be obtained from various sources.
- Somber Smithing Stones:These are a rarer type of upgrade material used to upgrade unique weapons found in specific locations. They are typically obtained from bosses or hidden areas.
- Sacred Tears:These are a special type of upgrade material used to upgrade certain weapons, such as the Black Knife. They are typically obtained from specific enemies or bosses.
Upgrade Path Effectiveness
The effectiveness of different upgrade paths depends on the weapon type and the player’s build. For example, Smithing Stones are best for upgrading common weapons, while Somber Smithing Stones are better for upgrading unique weapons.
Materials Availability
The availability of upgrade materials varies depending on the location and progress in the game. Some materials are readily available, while others are rare and require specific strategies to obtain.
Unique Weapons in Elden Ring
Elden Ring features a variety of unique weapons, each with its own distinct stats, special abilities, and origins. These weapons often require specific strategies or quests to obtain, making them highly sought after by players.
Unique Weapon Table
| Unique Weapon | Unique Attributes | Method of Acquisition |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers of Blood | Inflicts blood loss buildup with every attack, has a unique weapon art called “Bloodflame Chase.” | Obtained from the boss, Bloody Finger Okina, in the Mohgwyn Dynasty. |
| Moonveil Katana | Deals frost damage with every attack, has a unique weapon art called “Carian Greatsword.” | Obtained from the boss, Regal Ancestor Spirit, in the Crumbling Farum Azula. |
| Night and Flame Sword | Can switch between fire and lightning damage, has a unique weapon art called “Stormcaller.” | Obtained from the boss, Regal Ancestor Spirit, in the Crumbling Farum Azula. |
| Black Knife Tiche | Deals frost damage and inflicts frostbite with every attack, has a unique weapon art called “Black Flame Ritual.” | Obtained from the boss, Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, in the Lake of Rot. |
| Starscourage Greatsword | Deals holy damage and inflicts madness with every attack, has a unique weapon art called “Starscourge’s Fury.” | Obtained from the boss, Starscourage Radahn, in the Redmane Castle. |
Unique Weapon Arts
Unique weapons often have special weapon arts that enhance their effectiveness or provide unique gameplay mechanics. For example, the Rivers of Blood’s “Bloodflame Chase” weapon art infuses the weapon with bloodflame, increasing its damage and inflicting blood loss buildup.
Conclusive Thoughts
Mastering Elden Ring weapons is a journey of exploration and experimentation. From understanding the nuances of weapon scaling to discovering the power of unique weapon arts, the path to combat mastery is paved with countless possibilities. By embracing the diverse array of weapons available, you can unleash your inner Tarnished and conquer the challenges that await in the Lands Between.