Elden Ring Best Weapons: S-Tier List for June 2026

With over 400 weapons available in Elden Ring (including 102 new DLC weapons from Shadow of the Erdtree), choosing the right weapon for your build can be overwhelming. This comprehensive tier list ranks every weapon based on performance in Patch 1.16, considering both PvE and PvP viability, scaling potential, unique weapon arts, and current meta dominance.

Quick Overview: Top Weapons by Category

What Makes a Weapon S-Tier in Elden Ring?

S-Tier weapons in Elden Ring represent the pinnacle of weapon design, combining exceptional damage output with unique mechanics that define the current meta. These weapons typically excel in multiple areas: high base damage, excellent scaling with key stats, powerful weapon arts that can turn the tide of battle, and versatility across different game modes.

In Patch 1.16, the introduction of Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has shaken up the meta significantly, with several new weapons immediately establishing themselves as S-Tier contenders. The current S-Tier weapons share common traits: they either deal massive damage quickly, provide unique utility that can’t be found elsewhere, or enable entirely new playstyles that dominate both PvE and PvP scenarios.

S-Tier: Meta-Defining Weapons (Patch 1.16)

These weapons define the current Elden Ring meta. They combine devastating damage output with unique mechanics that make them essential for optimal builds.

Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword)

• Scaling: Strength/Faith (C/C at +10)
• Requirements: 22 Str, 15 Fai
• Speciality: Life-steal and fire damage
• Why it’s S-Tier: Taker’s Flames weapon skill creates an explosive blast that heals you for a percentage of damage dealt. This self-sustain makes it nearly unbeatable in prolonged fights, especially against bosses. The fire damage scales directly with your Faith stat, and at 60+ Faith with proper talismans, this weapon can consistently hit for 1000+ damage while keeping you healed through most attacks. It’s the ultimate “win button” for Faith builds and remains untouched by nerfs in Patch 1.16.

Rivers of Blood (Katana)

• Scaling: Arcane/Dexterity (D/E at +10, S/D with Blood affinity)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 20 Arc
• Speciality: Bleed buildup and Corpse Piler weapon art
• Why it’s S-Tier: Corpse Piler is arguably the most powerful weapon art in the game, delivering rapid successive slashes that build up bleed incredibly fast. In PvP, it creates overwhelming pressure that’s difficult to counter, while in PvE, it can melt bosses and clear groups of enemies effortlessly. With 50+ Arcane and proper bleed-focused talismans, Rivers of Blood can trigger hemorrhage multiple times in a single weapon art use, making it the undisputed king of bleed builds even after the DLC release.

Moonveil (Katana)

• Scaling: Intelligence/Dexterity (C/D at +10)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 23 Int
• Speciality: Magic damage and Transient Moonlight weapon art
• Why it’s S-Tier: Transient Moonlight fires a powerful magic projectile that can be charged for additional damage and stagger potential. This weapon art is incredibly fast, has excellent range, and can be spammed to devastating effect. For Intelligence builds, Moonveil provides the perfect balance of melee and ranged capabilities, allowing you to safely poke enemies from distance while still maintaining strong melee damage output. The recent Patch 1.16 adjustments have only solidified its position as a top-tier weapon.

Backhand Blade (DLC)

• Scaling: Dexterity (A at +10 with Keen affinity)
• Requirements: 10 Str, 13 Dex
• Speciality: Paired weapon with dodge-strike mechanic
• Why it’s S-Tier: This DLC weapon has immediately established itself as a meta-defining choice for Dexterity builds. As a paired weapon, it enables unique dual-wielding mechanics when two-handed, and its weapon skill allows for quick dodge-strike combos that are both offensive and defensive. The Dexterity scaling reaches S-tier at higher upgrades, making it scale incredibly well into late-game builds. Its early accessibility in the DLC makes it a go-to choice for players starting their Shadow of the Erdtree journey.

Bloodfiend’s Arm (DLC)

• Scaling: Strength/Arcane (C/C at +10 with Blood affinity)
• Requirements: 18 Str, 8 Dex, 12 Arc
• Speciality: Bleed buildup and heavy attack stagger
• Why it’s S-Tier: This DLC weapon has revolutionized bleed builds with its unique heavy attack pattern that easily staggers enemies while building up bleed status. When upgraded with Blood affinity, it becomes one of the most consistent bleed applicators in the game, capable of triggering hemorrhage multiple times in a single combo. Its versatility in both PvE and PvP, combined with its excellent stat distribution, makes it a top contender for any Arcane or hybrid build.

Dark Moon Greatsword

• Scaling: Intelligence/Strength (D/C at +10)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 11 Dex, 38 Int
• Speciality: Frost damage and Moonlight Greatsword weapon art
• Why it’s S-Tier: The iconic weapon from FromSoftware’s legacy returns in full force. When buffed with its weapon art, the Dark Moon Greatsword becomes charged with Frost, allowing all attacks to build up Frostbite while changing charged heavy attacks into projectiles. The combination of melee pressure and ranged capability, along with the Frostbite status effect that reduces damage absorption, makes this weapon incredibly versatile. While the Intelligence requirement is steep, the payoff is unmatched for dedicated mage builds.

Giant-Crusher

• Scaling: Strength (S at +25 with Heavy affinity)
• Requirements: 60 Str (two-handed)
• Speciality: Highest raw physical damage potential
• Why it’s S-Tier: When it comes to raw physical damage, nothing beats the Giant-Crusher. With S-tier Strength scaling at maximum upgrade, this colossal weapon can reach damage numbers that other weapons can only dream of. When paired with Royal Knight’s Resolve or other damage-boosting Ashes of War, it becomes the ultimate “bonk” weapon capable of one-shotting many bosses and staggering even the most resilient enemies. Its only drawback is the high Strength requirement, but for dedicated Strength builds, it’s unparalleled.

Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword (DLC)

• Scaling: Strength/Arcane (B/B at +10)
• Requirements: 35 Str, 14 Dex, 20 Arc
• Speciality: Explosive AoE weapon art
• Why it’s S-Tier: This DLC weapon brings a unique combination of Strength and Arcane scaling with a weapon art that creates devastating explosive AoE effects. The White Light Charge skill is surprisingly fast for a colossal weapon and has excellent reach, making it effective against both single targets and groups of enemies. The B/B scaling distribution allows for versatile hybrid builds, and the weapon’s overall performance in both PvE and PvP has cemented its place in the S-Tier.

A-Tier: Excellent Weapons (Strong Contenders)

These weapons are just a step below S-Tier but still offer exceptional performance that can compete at the highest levels of play.

Moonveil

• Scaling: Intelligence/Dexterity (C/D at +10)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 23 Int
• Speciality: Magic damage and Transient Moonlight weapon art
• Why it’s A-Tier: While Moonveil is technically S-Tier, I’m including it here to emphasize its versatility. The Transient Moonlight weapon art provides both light and heavy projectile attacks that can be spammed for incredible damage output. Its Intelligence scaling makes it perfect for mage builds, while the Dexterity requirement ensures it remains viable for hybrid builds.

Bloodhound’s Fang

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 18 Str, 17 Dex
• Speciality: Bleed buildup and Bloodhound’s Finesse weapon art
• Why it’s A-Tier: Bloodhound’s Fang offers an incredible combination of early accessibility and late-game viability. The Bloodhound’s Finesse weapon art provides both offensive damage and a defensive dodge animation, making it perfect for aggressive playstyles. Its ability to proc Bleed combined with its excellent moveset makes it a top choice for Quality builds.

Hand of Malenia

• Scaling: Dexterity/Arcane (D/E at +10)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 22 Dex, 18 Arc
• Speciality: Waterfowl Dance weapon art and Scarlet Rot buildup
• Why it’s A-Tier: This weapon replicates Malenia’s signature move with the Waterfowl Dance weapon art, delivering a flurry of attacks that can devastate enemies. While it requires precise timing to use effectively, the payoff is immense. The Scarlet Rot buildup adds another layer of damage over time, making it particularly effective against bosses with large health pools.

Sword of Night and Flame

• Scaling: Intelligence/Faith (C/C at +10)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 12 Dex, 24 Int, 24 Fai
• Speciality: Dual magic and fire damage
• Why it’s A-Tier: This unique weapon offers both magic and fire damage options through its Night-and-Flame Stance weapon art. The ability to switch between Comet Azor-style magic beams and flame attacks provides incredible versatility for hybrid Intelligence/Faith builds. While the stat requirements are steep, the weapon’s performance justifies the investment.

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

• Scaling: Strength/Arcane (D/C at +10)
• Requirements: 24 Str, 14 Dex, 27 Arc
• Speciality: Blood Loss buildup and Bloodboon Ritual weapon art
• Why it’s A-Tier: Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear excels at building up Blood Loss with its weapon art, Bloodboon Ritual, which creates an AoE blood explosion. This makes it incredibly effective against groups of enemies and bosses susceptible to bleed. The spear’s reach combined with its Arcane scaling makes it a top choice for bleed-focused builds.

B-Tier: Good Weapons (Viable Options)

These weapons are solid choices that perform well in the right hands but may lack the raw power or versatility of higher-tier weapons.

Godskin Peeler

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 15 Str, 22 Dex
• Speciality: Black Flame Tornado weapon art
• Why it’s B-Tier: The Godskin Peeler offers a unique weapon art that creates a spinning black flame tornado, dealing consistent damage while building up Black Flame buildup. It’s particularly effective against enemies with high health pools but requires careful positioning to use effectively.

Rivers of Blood

• Scaling: Arcane/Dexterity (D/E at +10)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 20 Arc
• Speciality: Bleed buildup and Corpse Piler weapon art
• Why it’s B-Tier: While Rivers of Blood is technically S-Tier, I’m including it here to show its versatility. The Corpse Piler weapon art delivers rapid successive slashes that build up bleed incredibly fast, making it a top choice for Arcane builds.

Bolt of Gransax

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 24 Str, 14 Dex
• Speciality: Lightning damage and ancient dragon lightning
• Why it’s B-Tier: This spear deals lightning damage and has a unique weapon art that calls down ancient dragon lightning strikes. It’s particularly effective against enemies weak to lightning but requires specific build optimization to reach its full potential.

Dark Moon Greatsword

• Scaling: Intelligence/Strength (D/C at +10)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 11 Dex, 38 Int
• Speciality: Frost damage and Moonlight Greatsword weapon art
• Why it’s B-Tier: While the Dark Moon Greatsword is technically S-Tier, its high Intelligence requirement and late-game availability place it here for accessibility. The Frost damage and projectile attacks make it excellent for Intelligence builds, but it requires significant investment to use effectively.

C-Tier: Average Weapons (Situational Use)

These weapons are middle-of-the-road options that can work well in specific situations but generally lack the power or versatility to compete with higher-tier weapons.

Starscourge Greatsword

• Scaling: Strength/Intelligence (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 38 Str, 12 Dex, 24 Int
• Speciality: Gravity-based weapon art
• Why it’s C-Tier: The Starscourge Greatsword offers a unique gravity-based weapon art that can pull enemies in before dealing damage. While thematically cool and situationally useful, it requires high stat investment and doesn’t deal as much damage as other colossal weapons.

Grafted Blade Greatsword

• Scaling: Strength (D at +10)
• Requirements: 40 Str (two-handed)
• Speciality: Weapon art boosts all stats
• Why it’s C-Tier: This weapon’s unique weapon art temporarily boosts all your stats, making it situationally useful for specific builds. However, its base damage and scaling are underwhelming compared to other Strength weapons, and the stat boost duration is relatively short.

Ruins Greatsword

• Scaling: Strength/Intelligence (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 32 Str, 12 Dex, 15 Int
• Speciality: Gravity-based weapon art
• Why it’s C-Tier: Similar to the Starscourge Greatsword, the Ruins Greatsword offers gravity-based abilities but with lower stat requirements. Its weapon art creates a gravity well that can group enemies together, making it useful for crowd control, but its individual damage output is lacking.

Sacred Relic Sword

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity/Faith (E/E/D at +10)
• Requirements: 14 Str, 24 Dex, 24 Fai
• Speciality: Wave of Gold weapon art
• Why it’s C-Tier: The Sacred Relic Sword is excellent for farming due to its wide-reaching weapon art, but its actual combat performance is mediocre. The triple stat scaling means it doesn’t excel in any particular area, making it outclassed by more specialized weapons.

D-Tier: Below Average (Niche Use)

These weapons are generally weaker than average but might have specific niche uses or appeal to players looking for unique challenges.

Uchigatana

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (E/D at +10)
• Requirements: 11 Str, 15 Dex
• Speciality: Early-game bleed buildup
• Why it’s D-Tier: While the Uchigatana is a solid early-game weapon with bleed buildup, it’s quickly outclassed by other katanas like Rivers of Blood or Hand of Malenia. Its low base damage and mediocre scaling make it a poor choice for late-game content.

Longsword

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 10 Str, 10 Dex
• Speciality: Balanced moveset
• Why it’s D-Tier: The Longsword offers a balanced moveset but lacks any standout features. Its damage output is average at best, and it’s quickly outclassed by more specialized weapons as you progress through the game.

Claymore

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at +10)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 11 Dex
• Speciality: Versatile moveset
• Why it’s D-Tier: While the Claymore is a fan favorite from previous Souls games, in Elden Ring it’s largely outclassed by other greatswords. Its moveset is versatile but its damage output and scaling are mediocre compared to S and A-tier options.

Zweihander

• Scaling: Strength (D at +10)
• Requirements: 24 Str (two-handed)
• Speciality: Heavy attacks sweep multiple enemies
• Why it’s D-Tier: The Zweihander is a classic ultra greatsword but suffers from low damage output and poor scaling in Elden Ring. While its sweeping heavy attacks can hit multiple enemies, it’s outclassed by other colossal weapons that offer better damage and unique effects.

E-Tier: Weak Choices (Generally Avoid)

These weapons are generally not recommended for serious play due to low damage output, poor scaling, or being outclassed by nearly every other option in their category.

Dagger

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (E/E at +10)
• Requirements: 6 Str, 13 Dex
• Speciality: Critical hits
• Why it’s E-Tier: The basic Dagger has incredibly low base damage and poor scaling. While it can deal high critical hits on backstabs and ripostes, its regular combat performance is abysmal, making it one of the weakest weapons in the game.

Short Sword

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (E/D at +10)
• Requirements: 7 Str, 10 Dex
• Speciality: Fast attacks
• Why it’s E-Tier: The Short Sword offers fast attacks but suffers from extremely low damage output. Its range is poor, and it’s quickly outclassed by nearly every other straight sword in the game.

Club

• Scaling: Strength (D at +10)
• Requirements: 8 Str
• Speciality: Basic hammer
• Why it’s E-Tier: The Club is one of the most basic weapons in the game with low damage output and no special features. It’s outclassed by every other hammer and most other weapon types, making it a poor choice for any build.

Fist

• Scaling: Strength (D at +10)
• Requirements: 6 Str
• Speciality: Bare-handed combat
• Why it’s E-Tier: While fist weapons can be fun for challenge runs, the basic Fist has terrible damage output and range. It’s outclassed by every other weapon type and should generally be avoided unless you’re specifically doing a fist weapon build.

F-Tier: Worst Options (Avoid Completely)

These weapons are the bottom of the barrel, offering virtually no advantages and being outclassed by every other option in the game.

Broken Straight Sword

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (-/- at +10)
• Requirements: 3 Str, 3 Dex
• Speciality: Starting weapon for Wretch class
• Why it’s F-Tier: The Broken Straight Sword is literally broken – it has negative scaling and deals minimal damage. It’s only meant to be used temporarily at the very beginning of the game and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Torch

• Scaling: Strength (E at +10)
• Requirements: 8 Str
• Speciality: Provides light
• Requirements: 8 Str
• Why it’s F-Tier: While the Torch provides light, it deals virtually no damage and has no combat utility. It’s strictly a utility item and should never be used as a primary weapon.

Whip

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (E/E at +10)
• Requirements: 6 Str, 13 Dex
• Speciality: Long range but low damage
• Why it’s F-Tier: The Whip has long range but deals pitiful damage with poor scaling. Its attacks are slow and leave you vulnerable, making it one of the worst weapon choices in the game.

Greatbow

• Scaling: Strength (D at +10)
• Requirements: 20 Str
• Speciality: Fires great arrows
• Why it’s F-Tier: While Greatbows can be situationally useful for specific encounters, they’re incredibly slow, consume expensive ammunition, and deal inconsistent damage. They’re not viable as primary weapons and are outclassed by every other weapon type for regular combat.

How to Choose the Best Weapon for Your Build in June 2026?

Choosing the right weapon in Elden Ring depends heavily on your build, playstyle, and progression point in the game. Here’s how to make the best choice:

Consider Your Primary Stats

Your weapon should scale with your highest stats for maximum effectiveness:

• Strength builds (40-60 Str): Giant-Crusher, Blasphemous Blade, Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword
• Dexterity builds (40-60 Dex): Backhand Blade, Bloodhound’s Fang, Hand of Malenia
• Intelligence builds (40-60 Int): Dark Moon Greatsword, Moonveil, Carian Regal Scepter
• Faith builds (40-60 Fai): Blasphemous Blade, Sword of Night and Flame, Black Knife
• Arcane builds (40-60 Arc): Bloodfiend’s Arm, Rivers of Blood, Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Evaluate Weapon Arts and Special Effects

Look for weapons with weapon arts that complement your playstyle:

• Defensive options: Blasphemous Blade (life-steal), Backhand Blade (dodge-strike)
• Offensive pressure: Rivers of Blood (Corpse Piler), Moonveil (Transient Moonlight)
• Crowd control: Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword (explosions), Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear (AoE bleed)
• Status effects: Bloodfiend’s Arm (bleed), Dark Moon Greatsword (frost)

Consider Availability and Progression

Some weapons are available early while others require significant progression:

• Early game: Bloodhound’s Fang, Moonveil, Backhand Blade (DLC)
• Mid game: Blasphemous Blade, Rivers of Blood, Hand of Malenia
• Late game: Dark Moon Greatsword, Giant-Crusher, Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword

How to Get More Powerful Weapons in June 2026?

Acquiring the best weapons in Elden Ring requires knowledge, exploration, and sometimes defeating challenging bosses. Here’s how to get the most powerful weapons:

Defeat Bosses and Exchange Remembrances

Many of the best weapons are obtained by defeating major bosses and exchanging their Remembrances:

• Blasphemous Blade: Exchange Rykard Remembrance at Roundtable Hold
• Dark Moon Greatsword: Complete Ranni’s questline
• Rivers of Blood: Defeat Okina at Mountaintops of the Giants
• Hand of Malenia: Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella

Explore the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

The DLC introduced many new S-Tier weapons:

• Backhand Blade: Found early in the DLC area
• Bloodfiend’s Arm: Dropped by specific DLC enemies
• Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword: Hidden in DLC legacy dungeons

Farm Specific Enemies and Areas

Some weapons require farming specific enemies or exploring hidden areas:

• Moonveil: Defeat the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel
• Bloodhound’s Fang: Defeat the boss in Forlorn Hound Evergaol
• Giant-Crusher: Found in Altus Plateau

Optimize Your Upgrades and Affinities

Maximize your weapon’s potential through proper upgrades:

• Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones: For unique weapons (cannot be changed)
• Regular Smithing Stones: For standard weapons (can change affinity)
• Best affinities: Heavy (Strength), Keen (Dexterity), Quality (Str/Dex), Blood (Arcane)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Weapons

Many players make these mistakes when selecting weapons in Elden Ring. Avoid them to optimize your build:

Ignoring Scaling and Requirements

Don’t just look at base damage – consider how well the weapon scales with your stats:

• Mistake: Using a weapon that doesn’t scale with your primary stats
• Solution: Match weapon scaling to your build’s focus (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, or Arcane)

Overlooking Weapon Arts

Weapon arts can make or break a weapon’s effectiveness:

• Mistake: Choosing weapons based solely on base damage
• Solution: Consider how the weapon art complements your playstyle and build

Neglecting Upgrade Materials

Weapons need proper upgrades to reach their full potential:

• Mistake: Using unupgraded weapons in late-game areas
• Solution: Prioritize finding Smithing Stones and upgrade your main weapon regularly

Spreading Stats Too Thin

Trying to use weapons that require multiple high stats can weaken your build:

• Mistake: Spreading points across Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith
• Solution: Focus on 1-2 primary stats and choose weapons that scale with those

Ignoring Status Effects

Status effects like Bleed, Frost, and Scarlet Rot can dramatically increase damage:

• Mistake: Focusing only on raw physical damage
• Solution: Consider weapons with strong status effect buildup for additional damage

Pro Strategies for Weapon Optimization

Take your weapon usage to the next level with these advanced strategies:

Pair Weapons with Complementary Talismans

The right talismans can dramatically enhance your weapon’s effectiveness:

• Blasphemous Blade: Winged Sword Emblem + Kindred of Rot’s Exultation
• Rivers of Blood: Lord of Blood’s Exultation + Kindred of Rot’s Exultation
• Moonveil: Graven-Mass Talisman + Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear

Optimize Ashes of War

Choose Ashes of War that complement your weapon and build:

• Strength weapons: Royal Knight’s Resolve, Square Off
• Dexterity weapons: Stormcaller, Unsheathe
• Intelligence weapons: Carian Grandeur, Glintblade Phalanx
• Faith weapons: Flame, Grant Me Strength, Golden Vow

Use Buffs and Consumables

Temporary buffs can significantly boost weapon performance:

• Physical damage: Flame, Grant Me Strength, Royal Knight’s Resolve
• Magic damage: Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Terra Magica
• Fire damage: Flame-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Flame, Grant Me Strength
• Lightning damage: Lightning-Shrouding Cracked Tear, Fortisbane

Master Weapon Movesets

Each weapon has unique movesets that can be optimized:

• Jump attacks: Most weapons deal bonus damage on jump attacks
• Charged attacks: Some weapons have unique charged heavy attacks
• Two-handed vs. one-handed: Different movesets and damage calculations
• Power stancing: Dual-wielding compatible weapons opens new movesets

Platform-Specific Information

Elden Ring weapon performance can vary slightly between platforms, though the core mechanics remain the same:

PC (Maximum Performance)

• Advantages: Higher frame rates allow for precise weapon art timing
• Optimization: Use 60 FPS for the best weapon animation responsiveness
• Controls: Keyboard and mouse or controller both work well

PlayStation 5/PS4

• Advantages: Consistent performance, haptic feedback enhances weapon impact
• Optimization: Performance mode for higher frame rates
• Controls: DualSense controller provides excellent weapon handling

Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One

• Advantages: Quick resume feature for weapon testing
• Optimization: Performance mode for smoother combat
• Controls: Xbox controller offers precise weapon control

Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version)

• Considerations: Internet connection quality affects weapon timing
• Optimization: Stable internet connection recommended
• Performance: Slightly lower frame rates may affect weapon art precision

FAQ

What is the overall best weapon in Elden Ring?

The Blasphemous Blade is widely considered the best overall weapon in Elden Ring due to its exceptional versatility, life-steal weapon art, and excellent scaling for Faith/Strength builds. It performs exceptionally well in both PvE and PvP, providing self-sustain while dealing massive fire damage. However, the “best” weapon ultimately depends on your build and playstyle – for Dexterity builds, the Backhand Blade or Rivers of Blood might be superior, while Intelligence builds should consider the Dark Moon Greatsword or Moonveil.

How do weapon tiers work in Elden Ring?

Weapon tiers in Elden Ring rank weapons based on their overall effectiveness in the current meta, considering factors like damage output, scaling potential, weapon art utility, and versatility across different content types. S-Tier weapons are meta-defining choices that excel in multiple areas, A-Tier weapons are excellent but may have some limitations, B-Tier weapons are solid but not exceptional, and lower tiers (C through F) represent progressively weaker or more situational options. These rankings can change with game patches and balance updates.

Are DLC weapons better than base game weapons?

Many Shadow of the Erdtree DLC weapons are indeed among the best in the game, with several immediately establishing themselves as S-Tier contenders. Weapons like the Backhand Blade, Bloodfiend’s Arm, and Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword offer unique mechanics and excellent scaling that make them competitive with or superior to many base game weapons. However, many base game weapons like Blasphemous Blade, Rivers of Blood, and Moonveil remain top-tier choices even after the DLC release.

What weapon type is best for beginners?

For beginners, straight swords like the Longsword or broadswords like the Lordsworn’s Straight Sword are excellent choices due to their balanced movesets, moderate damage, and low stat requirements. As you progress, katanas like the Uchigatana or Bloodhound’s Fang offer good damage output with bleed buildup, while greatswords provide higher damage at the cost of speed. The best beginner weapon ultimately depends on your starting class and preferred playstyle.

How important are weapon upgrades in Elden Ring?

Weapon upgrades are extremely important in Elden Ring – they’re often more impactful than leveling up your character. A +25 weapon deals significantly more damage than an unupgraded one, even with lower stats. Prioritize finding Smithing Stones and upgrading your main weapon as you progress through the game. Unique weapons require Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and cannot have their affinities changed, while standard weapons use regular Smithing Stones and can be customized with different Ashes of War and affinities.

What stats should I focus on for weapon damage?

The stats you should focus on depend entirely on your weapon’s scaling:

• Strength scaling: Prioritize Strength (40-60 for optimal returns)
• Dexterity scaling: Focus on Dexterity (40-60 for optimal returns)
• Intelligence scaling: Invest in Intelligence (40-60 for optimal returns)
• Faith scaling: Build up Faith (40-60 for optimal returns)
• Arcane scaling: Focus on Arcane (40-60 for optimal returns)
• Quality (Str/Dex): Balance Strength and Dexterity (25-30 each minimum)
• Hybrid builds: Consider meeting minimum requirements for multiple stats

Can you change weapon affinities in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can change the affinities of standard (non-unique) weapons using Ashes of War at any Site of Grace. Affinity changes alter the weapon’s stat scaling and can add or change damage types. For example, changing a weapon to Heavy affinity improves Strength scaling, Keen affinity improves Dexterity scaling, and Blood affinity adds Arcane scaling with bleed buildup. Unique weapons (those requiring Somber Smithing Stones) cannot have their affinities changed.

What is the best weapon for PvP in Elden Ring?

For PvP, weapons with fast attacks, good range, and strong weapon arts tend to perform best. Rivers of Blood is often considered top-tier due to its Corpse Piler weapon art creating overwhelming pressure. Moonveil is excellent for its fast projectile attacks, while the Blasphemous Blade provides self-sustain during prolonged fights. DLC weapons like the Backhand Blade and Bloodfiend’s Arm have also established themselves as strong PvP choices due to their unique mechanics and excellent damage output.

How do you get the Moonveil katana?

To obtain the Moonveil katana, you need to defeat the Magma Wyrm boss in Gael Tunnel, located in western Caelid. The tunnel entrance is found near the Fort Gael site of grace. Once you defeat the Magma Wyrm, Moonveil will be dropped as a reward. The weapon requires 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence to use effectively, making it ideal for Intelligence/Dexterity hybrid builds.

What weapons are best for bleed builds?

For bleed builds, the top weapons include Rivers of Blood (arguably the best bleed weapon in the game), Bloodfiend’s Arm (DLC weapon with excellent bleed buildup), Eleonora’s Poleblade (twinblade with rapid bleed application), and Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear (AoE bleed weapon art). When building for bleed, focus on Arcane stat (50+ for optimal results) and use the Blood affinity upgrade to maximize bleed buildup. Pair these weapons with talismans like Lord of Blood’s Exultation to boost bleed damage.

Conclusion

This comprehensive Elden Ring Best Weapons Tier List provides everything you need to know about the game’s weapons in Patch 1.16, including both base game and Shadow of the Erdtree DLC content. Whether you’re a veteran player looking to optimize your build or a newcomer trying to choose your first serious weapon, this guide will help you make informed decisions based on current meta performance, scaling potential, and overall versatility.

Save this page for quick reference during your Elden Ring journey, as weapon rankings may shift with future patches and updates.