Elden Ring Weapons: The Best Picks For 2024

Alright, fellow Tarnished, let's talk about the real MVPs of the Lands Between: Elden Ring weapons! Seriously, without the right armament, you're pretty much walking into boss fights with a wet noodle. We're diving deep into the absolute best weapons you can get your grubby hands on in 2024. Whether you're a fresh-faced newbie or a seasoned veteran looking to shake up your build, this guide is for you. We'll cover everything from trusty straight swords to colossal greatswords and even some sneaky magical implements. So, grab your favorite brew, settle in, and let's find you a weapon that'll make Malenia herself weep!

The Legendary Greatswords: Big Damage, Big Style

When we talk about Elden Ring weapons, the Greatswords often steal the show, guys. These bad boys are all about that sweet spot between raw power and a manageable moveset. You're not swinging a colossal weapon so slow it gives enemies time to file their taxes, but you're also not tickling them with a rapier. For pure, unadulterated smack-down potential, the Dark Moon Greatsword is an absolute legend. Seriously, if you're a magic user, this sword is your best friend. Its heavy attack unleashes a frost wave that can absolutely melt bosses, and the passive frost buildup is no joke. Plus, it just looks cool. Channeling Ranni's power into every swing? Chef's kiss. Another top-tier contender is the Blasphemous Blade. This beauty is a powerhouse for Faith builds. Its unique skill, the Taker's Flames, not only deals massive fire damage but also heals you for a portion of the damage dealt. Talk about sustain! Imagine cleaving through a horde of enemies, spitting fire, and watching your health bar fill up. It's incredibly satisfying and makes even the toughest encounters feel a bit more manageable. Don't forget the Guts Greatsword (yes, it's literally called that in spirit if not in name in-game, though the Greatsword is the closest). This is for those who truly want to feel like they're crushing everything. It's slow, it's heavy, but when that swing connects? Oof. The sheer stagger potential is off the charts. Pair it with the Lion's Claw Ash of War, and you've got a recipe for pure, unadulterated destruction. These greatswords aren't just weapons; they're statements. They say, "I'm here to end things, and I look darn good doing it." Remember to consider your build, though. While these are fantastic, they often require significant investment in Strength and sometimes Intelligence or Faith. But trust me, the payoff is so worth it.

Dexterity Delights: Fast and Furious Fighters

If you're the type of player who loves to dance around enemies, dodging and weaving before unleashing a flurry of precise strikes, then Elden Ring weapons suited for Dexterity builds are your jam. These weapons are all about speed, critical hits, and keeping the pressure on. The Uchigatana is a staple for a reason. It's available early, has a fantastic moveset, and scales well with Dexterity. Its innate bleed buildup is incredibly potent, especially against bosses susceptible to hemorrhage. Pair it with the Unsheathe Ash of War, and you've got a fast, powerful attack that can dish out massive damage. It's a beginner-friendly weapon that can carry you through the entire game. Moving on to something a bit more exotic, the Rivers of Blood katana, despite its nerfs, is still a force to be reckoned with for Arcane/Dexterity builds. Its unique skill, Corpse Piler, unleashes a rapid series of fiery slashes that inflict massive bleed buildup. It's particularly devastating in PvP and against certain PvE enemies. Just be prepared for a bit of a grind to get it. For those who prefer something a little less common but equally deadly, consider the Guardian's Swordspear. This polearm boasts incredible reach and a fantastic moveset, especially its heavy attack. When infused with the right affinity and paired with buffs, it can absolutely shred enemies. It's a bit more niche, but a highly rewarding find for Dexterity enthusiasts. And let's not forget the Twinblade. While not a single weapon, this category offers a unique, multi-hit playstyle that excels with Dexterity. Weapons like the Godskin Peeler have a mesmerizing moveset that can apply status effects like Frostbite or Bleed incredibly quickly. The key to mastering these Dexterity weapons is timing and aggression. You want to be in your opponent's face, chipping away at their health and building up status effects. Mastering dodges and parries is crucial, as you'll often be in the thick of it. Don't underestimate the power of quickstep Ashes of War to enhance mobility even further. These speedy blades are perfect for players who enjoy a high-risk, high-reward playstyle, rewarding precision and relentless offense.

Strength and Sorcery: Unleashing Elden Blasts

Now, let's get to the heavy hitters, not just in terms of physical strength but also magical prowess. When we discuss Elden Ring weapons, it's impossible to ignore the sheer destructive force that Strength and Sorcery builds can unleash. For the Strength-focused Tarnished, colossal weapons are the name of the game. The Greatsword (yes, the one that looks like it's straight out of Berserk) is a fan favorite for its raw damage output and satisfying heft. When you two-hand this absolute unit and charge up a heavy attack, enemies just explode. It's simple, brutal, and incredibly effective. Pair it with the Giant Hunt Ash of War for some truly epic ground-shattering slams. Another fantastic option is the Prelate's Inferno Crozier. This massive hammer is a Faith/Strength hybrid that comes with the Prelate's Charge Ash of War, allowing you to basically become a flaming bowling ball, bowling over anything in your path. The range and damage are insane. Moving over to the arcane arts, Sorcery builds have some insane Elden Ring weapons at their disposal. The Lusat's Glintstone Staff is often considered the king of sorcery staves. While it consumes more FP per cast, the sheer increase in spell damage is undeniable. If you want your Glintstone Pebbles to feel like meteors, this is the staff for you. Pair it with powerful spells like Comet Azur for a truly screen-clearing experience. For those who prefer a more balanced approach or a slightly different flavor of magic, the Carian Regal Scepter is an excellent alternative. It offers a great balance of damage and FP consumption, and it also boosts Glintstone sorceries. Don't forget about Moonveil, the katana that blends Dexterity and Intelligence. Its unique skill, Transient Moonlight, unleashes a swift, magical wave slash that deals significant damage and can stagger enemies. It's incredibly versatile and powerful, making it a top choice for many players. These weapons and staves aren't just tools; they are extensions of your will, capable of reshaping the battlefield with overwhelming force or arcane devastation. Choosing between brute strength and mystical power often comes down to personal preference, but rest assured, both paths are paved with immense power and satisfying gameplay.

Unique and Situational Saviors: When Normal Just Won't Cut It

Sometimes, the most powerful Elden Ring weapons aren't the ones with the highest base damage or the flashiest skills. Sometimes, it's about finding that perfect tool for a specific job, or just embracing the sheer weirdness that FromSoftware loves to bake into their games. Let's talk about some of these unique gems. First up, the Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear. This colossal weapon is a Faith/Arcane monster. Its unique skill, Bloodboon Ritual, is absolutely terrifying. It unleashes a wave of bloodflame explosions around you, dealing insane damage and inflicting bleed buildup. It's particularly devastating against large groups of enemies or bosses that stand still for too long. If you're rocking an Arcane build, this is a must-have. Then there's the Fallingstar Beast Jaw. This colossal weapon is a Strength/Dexterity beast that boasts incredible stagger potential and a unique heavy attack that slams down with seismic force. Its innate lightning damage also adds a nice punch. It’s a great choice for breaking enemy stances and punishing them severely. For those who love inflicting status effects, the Antspur Rapier is a surprisingly effective choice, especially when infused with the Rotten Breath incantation or a weapon art that adds poison/scarlet rot. The ability to apply Scarlet Rot from a distance or with rapid strikes can trivialize certain encounters. And let's not forget the meme-worthy, yet surprisingly effective, Jar Cannon. This colossal armament fires powerful explosive projectiles. While slow and ammo-hungry, a well-aimed shot can deal absolutely colossal damage, especially against stationary targets or bosses with large hitboxes. It’s the definition of a situational savior – utterly useless in some fights, game-changing in others. These unique Elden Ring weapons often require a specific playstyle or build to truly shine, but when you find that perfect synergy, they offer some of the most satisfying and memorable combat experiences in the game. They remind us that sometimes, the most effective approach is the one nobody sees coming.

Choosing Your Destiny: What's the Best Weapon for YOU?

So, we've run through a ton of awesome Elden Ring weapons, from the colossal to the quick, the magical to the status-inflicting. But the real question is: what's the best weapon for you, guys? It boils down to a few key things. First, your build. Are you pouring all your points into Strength? Intelligence? Faith? Arcane? Dexterity? Your stats are going to dictate which weapons you can effectively wield and which will scale best. A pure Strength build isn't going to get much mileage out of the Carian Regal Scepter, and a pure sorcerer might struggle with the sheer stat requirements of the Greatsword. Second, your playstyle. Do you like to be up close and personal, trading blows? Or do you prefer to hang back, raining down spells or arrows? Do you enjoy the methodical, heavy-hitting approach, or the fast-paced, evasive dance? There's no single