Choosing a weapon in Elden Ring is no small feat: it will determine your combat style, build (strength, dexterity, magic, or hybrid), and survival in the Middle Lands.
We clarify that in video games like Elden Ring, a build is the specific configuration of your character , that is, the combination of statistics, weapons, armor, spells and play style that are chosen to approach the game in a certain way, so that weapons are only one component of this.
In this guide, we'll look at the best weapons by specialization: for beginners, strength, dexterity, hybrid (intelligence/faith), and unique or legendary weapons that will accompany you in the mid- and late-game.
The importance of choosing the right weapon in Elden Ring
From the very beginning of your adventure, the weapon you use can determine your success or failure in the face of bosses, mini-bosses, and exploration.
A poorly scaled weapon or one with requirements you can't meet will limit you greatly.
That's why it's important to know viable options at each stage and adapt them with reinforcements and war ashes.
Plus, choosing wisely helps you save attribute points and invest in health, stamina, or mind depending on your build.
Best weapons for beginners
If you're new to Elden Ring, you need weapons that don't rely on high stats and are easy to use.
Some notable options:
- Longsword : Versatile early game, balanced between damage and speed.
- Uchigatana : If your build leans somewhat towards dexterity, this katana accompanies you well in early areas.
- Greatsword : It may seem heavy, but with few strength points it is powerful in strong blows.
These weapons allow you to learn dodges and combos without relying on mid-game only readable weapons.
As you grow older, you can upgrade to more demanding options.
Best Strength Builds
Strength-focused builds look for hard-hitting weapons that scale well with that attribute.
Here are some of the most powerful ones:
- Star Scourge Greatsword : Combines strength with good range and decent scaling.
- Great Club : Heavy weapon that makes good use of strength spikes and has deployment abilities.
- Outlaw Knight's Halberd : Ideal if you're looking to mix strength and a bit of dexterity.
These weapons require an investment in strength, but offer devastating blows and good performance in intense close-quarters combat.
Best Dexterity Weapons (Dexterity Builds)
If you prefer speed, dodging, and fluid combos, skill weapons are the way to go.
Among the most notable are:
- Nagakiba : Extremely useful for dexterity builds due to its long blade length.
- Lunar Veil : Hybrid weapon with Dexterity and Intelligence scaling; useful in mixed builds.
- Merciful : Perfect for critical hits and dodging; light and effective.
These weapons allow you to hit quickly, move nimbly, and dodge heavy boss attacks more easily.
Best Magic and Hybrid Weapons (Intelligence and Faith)
Magic and faith builds benefit most from weapons that scale with intelligence or faith, or that combine magic and physical damage, such as:
- Dark Moon Greatsword and Night-and-Flame Sword : Combine well with Intelligence and Faith, casting magical lightning bolts.
- Carian Regal Scepter - Ideal for casters who need a hybrid staff/weapon with magic scaling.
- Meteorite Blade – Excellent for early magic builds, with good magic scaling without requiring many additional attributes.
These weapons allow you to specialize in magic damage, cast spells, and attack with close combat when necessary.
Unique and legendary weapons
Finally, Elden Ring offers rare, unique, or legendary weapons that can change your level of play:
- Reduvia : dagger with bleeding and blood projection effects, very useful in dexterity/arcane builds.
- Star Scourge Greatsword - A high-tier weapon that many consider to be one of the best in the game.
- Golden Halberd : For hybrid builds with strength and faith, its ability and stats make it legendary.
These weapons often have demanding requirements, but their power justifies the investment.
Choosing a custom weapon for each player is everything
In Elden Ring, there is no universally “best” weapon, but rather the one that best suits your build, playstyle, and phase of the game.
For beginners, versatile light swords; for strength builds, blunt weapons like broadswords and clubs; for dexterity builds, katanas and light weapons; and for magic and hybrid builds, magic swords, scepters, and unique weapons with magic scaling.
Legendary weapons, on the other hand, provide that extra punch of power once you've mastered combat.
Explore, strengthen, and adapt your arsenal to conquer the Lands Between.
If you like this game and its weapons, don't miss the Elden Ring collection in our store, where you can find much more...
