Every Greatsword in Elden Ring feels powerful until you slam into a late-game boss with inflated poise, input-reading AI, and a health bar that laughs at raw AR. This tier list isn’t about surface-level damage numbers or early-game impressions. It’s built to answer the real question players care about: which Greatswords actually carry you through PvE progression and still hold their own when another Tarnished invades your world.
The rankings below are informed by how weapons perform at realistic stat investments, how they interact with modern Ash of War metas, and how well they scale across New Game cycles. If a blade only shines at 80 Strength with perfect talismans, it’s judged differently than one that spikes hard at midgame levels. Context matters, and Elden Ring is nothing without context.
Scaling breakpoints over raw AR
Damage scaling is evaluated at multiple stat thresholds rather than max-level fantasy builds. The key breakpoints considered are 40 and 60 Strength, 40 and 60 Dexterity, and hybrid splits for quality and Int/Faith-infused setups. These are the levels where most PvE players finish the game and where PvP builds realistically live.
A Greatsword that gains disproportionate returns after a breakpoint earns higher placement, especially if it maintains strong damage on Heavy, Quality, or elemental infusions. Weapons that look good on paper but plateau early drop tiers fast. Scaling efficiency matters more than peak numbers you’ll never reach in an actual playthrough.
Patch context and balance reality
This tier list reflects the current post-balance environment, not launch-era Elden Ring. Poise damage adjustments, Ash of War FP costs, hyperarmor tuning, and stance-breaking changes all directly affect Greatsword viability. Weapons reliant on outdated tech or pre-nerf interactions are judged on how they function now, not how broken they once were.
Buffs to certain Ashes of War and changes to enemy posture values have quietly reshaped the meta. Greatswords that can reliably stance-break bosses or pressure players through hyperarmor are valued higher than those with flashy but inconsistent damage. Consistency wins fights, not nostalgia.
PvE vs PvP weighting
PvE performance carries slightly more weight overall, but PvP viability is never ignored. Boss DPS, stamina efficiency, and hitbox reliability define PvE rankings, especially in long fights where trades are unavoidable. A Greatsword that deletes trash mobs but crumbles against aggressive bosses won’t top the list.
For PvP, emphasis is placed on moveset utility, roll-catch potential, crouch poke speed, and Ash of War mix-up strength. If a Greatsword is predictable, easily parried, or loses neutral too often, it drops tiers even if its PvE damage is respectable. The best weapons threaten opponents without relying on gimmicks.
Ash of War compatibility and build freedom
Flexibility is a massive factor. Greatswords that accept a wide range of Ashes of War and perform well across multiple infusions score higher than locked-in uniques with narrow use cases. Being able to pivot between PvE boss melting and PvP pressure without respeccing defines true top-tier weapons.
Unique skills are judged harshly. If a weapon’s identity hinges on an Ash of War that’s slow, unsafe, or overly FP-hungry, it has to compensate with exceptional scaling or utility. Otherwise, customizable Greatswords with strong base movesets simply outperform them over the course of a full run.
S-Tier Greatswords: Meta-Defining Weapons for Endgame PvE and Competitive PvP
These are the Greatswords that sit at the top because they solve problems other weapons can’t. They deliver consistent damage, control space in neutral, and scale cleanly into NG+ and high-level PvP without falling apart under pressure. If you’re building around a Greatsword and want the fewest compromises possible, this is where the conversation starts.
Blasphemous Blade
Blasphemous Blade remains the gold standard for PvE dominance thanks to its absurd sustain and reliable boss DPS. Taker’s Flames trivializes endurance fights by converting aggression into healing, letting players trade hits where other builds would have to disengage. The Faith scaling pushes it comfortably into hybrid builds without sacrificing raw damage.
In PvP, it’s more honest than oppressive, but still dangerous. The weapon skill is punishable if spammed, yet forces respect in invasions and tight arenas. It’s not a duel king, but the sheer efficiency keeps it firmly S-tier overall.
Dark Moon Greatsword
Dark Moon Greatsword defines intelligence-based melee play in the late game. Once buffed, its charged heavies deliver massive stance damage and frost buildup at a range that breaks traditional Greatsword expectations. Bosses with high mobility still get clipped, and posture breaks come fast and often.
PvP viability hinges on discipline rather than gimmicks. Smart spacing and delayed charged heavies punish roll-happy opponents, while the projectile pressure forces movement. It’s not beginner-friendly, but in practiced hands, it’s devastating.
Claymore
The Claymore earns S-tier status through pure fundamentals. Its thrusting heavy attacks dominate both PvE and PvP by offering reach, counter-damage potential, and safe roll-catching. It accepts nearly every relevant Ash of War and performs well across Strength, Dexterity, Quality, and elemental infusions.
In competitive PvP, the Claymore is a neutral monster. Crouch pokes, running heavies, and Ash of War mix-ups make it unpredictable without being cheesy. It’s the benchmark every other Greatsword is measured against.
Banished Knight’s Greatsword
This weapon quietly terrorizes high-level play due to its superior reach and deceptively fast animations. It trades slightly lower base damage for consistency, excelling in long fights where spacing and stamina efficiency matter. Infusion flexibility keeps it relevant across multiple metas.
PvP players value it for pressure and roll-catch reliability. Combined with Ashes like Storm Stomp or Flaming Strike, it forces bad decisions and capitalizes hard on mistakes. It rewards clean fundamentals more than flashy aggression.
Iron Greatsword
The Iron Greatsword is a scaling monster that shines once fully optimized. With heavy or strength-leaning infusions, its raw AR climbs higher than most of the class while retaining a solid moveset. It lacks flair, but delivers brutal, repeatable damage against bosses with high HP pools.
In PvP, it’s a blunt instrument that excels at trading through hyperarmor. Proper timing turns it into a poise-breaking threat that punishes panic rolls and mistimed attacks. It’s less forgiving than the Claymore, but deadlier in direct confrontations.
Sacred Relic Sword
Sacred Relic Sword earns its S-tier spot almost entirely through PvE dominance. Wave of Gold deletes mobs, clears legacy dungeons effortlessly, and turns rune farming into a non-issue. For progression and NG+ cycles, its efficiency is unmatched.
PvP is where its limitations show, as the Ash of War is predictable and heavily punishable. Still, its Faith scaling and wide swings keep it relevant in invasions and chaotic fights. It’s a specialist weapon, but one that defines an entire phase of the game.
A-Tier Greatswords: Build-Defining Powerhouses with Minor Tradeoffs
Just below the absolute best sit the Greatswords that define entire builds, but ask you to play around a specific weakness. These weapons are absurdly strong when optimized, yet slightly constrained by scaling requirements, Ash of War dependency, or matchup volatility. In the right hands, they rival S-tier performance without fully escaping their tradeoffs.
Blasphemous Blade
Blasphemous Blade remains one of the most dominant PvE Greatswords thanks to its obscene sustain and fire-based damage profile. Taker’s Flames melts bosses, staggers humanoid enemies, and heals on hit, allowing aggressive play with minimal flask investment. Faith-focused builds extract enormous value from it throughout the entire game.
Its weakness shows in high-level PvP, where the Ash of War is slow, linear, and heavily telegraphed. Skilled opponents will dodge on reaction and punish the recovery. Outside of the Ash, the moveset is solid but unremarkable, making it deadly in invasions and PvE but less oppressive in duels.
Dark Moon Greatsword
Dark Moon Greatsword is a premier Intelligence weapon that turns sorcerers into frontline threats. Once buffed, its charged heavies fire frost-infused projectiles that stack status while dealing massive magic damage. It excels at mid-range pressure and boss fights where spacing control matters.
The tradeoff is commitment and setup time. Without its buff active, the weapon feels incomplete, and in PvP the projectile timing can be rolled on prediction. It’s devastating when allowed to operate freely, but far less forgiving under constant pressure.
Ordovis’s Greatsword
Ordovis’s Greatsword is a Strength-Faith hybrid powerhouse that thrives on posture damage and explosive burst windows. Ordovis’s Vortex hits like a truck, breaks stance rapidly, and annihilates shield users who misjudge spacing. Against large bosses, it chunks health bars while setting up easy criticals.
Its shortcomings lie in speed and flexibility. The Ash of War is slow and punishable if mistimed, and the weapon lacks infusion options to adapt to shifting metas. It’s a boss-slayer and gank-breaker, but demands confidence and precise reads.
Death’s Poker
Death’s Poker blurs the line between Greatsword and spellcasting tool, offering some of the highest burst potential in the class. Its Ghostflame Ignition Ash creates brutal zoning tools that shred bosses and punish panic rolls in PvP. When optimized, its damage output is borderline absurd.
The catch is complexity and stat investment. It requires understanding Ash variations, spacing, and timing to avoid whiffs that leave you exposed. In chaotic fights it dominates, but in tight duels it can feel feast-or-famine compared to more straightforward options.
These A-tier Greatswords don’t just deal damage, they dictate how you approach combat. They reward players who build around their strengths and respect their limits, offering near-S-tier performance with just enough friction to keep them balanced.
B-Tier Greatswords: Solid Progression Picks and Niche Specialists
After the fireworks of A-tier, B-tier Greatswords are where Elden Ring’s build diversity really opens up. These weapons won’t hard-carry encounters on their own, but they offer consistency, flexibility, and room for player expression. In the right hands or at the right point in progression, they can feel far stronger than their ranking suggests.
Claymore
The Claymore remains one of the most reliable Greatswords in Elden Ring, especially for players who value moveset over raw scaling. Its thrusting heavy attacks give it superior reach, better counter-hit potential, and safer poke options in tight spaces. This alone makes it a standout for both PvE corridors and PvP duels.
What keeps the Claymore in B-tier is its lack of specialization. Its damage scaling is good but not exceptional, and it doesn’t abuse any single Ash of War the way higher-tier weapons do. Still, for quality builds or early-to-mid game progression, it’s one of the safest investments you can make.
Banished Knight’s Greatsword
Banished Knight’s Greatsword offers a slightly faster-feeling moveset that shines in aggressive playstyles. Its wide swings and solid hyperarmor windows make it excellent for crowd control and trading through lighter enemies. In PvE, it’s especially strong against mobs and legacy dungeon layouts.
The downside is efficiency at higher levels. Its scaling falls off compared to elite Greatswords, and in PvP it struggles to pressure disciplined opponents who understand spacing. It’s powerful during progression, but tends to get replaced once builds are fully optimized.
Flamberge
Flamberge is a niche pick that thrives on status-based setups rather than raw damage. Its innate bleed gives it immediate synergy with Arcane or hybrid Dexterity builds, especially when paired with Blood or Occult infusions. Against bosses vulnerable to bleed, it can outperform weapons ranked above it.
However, bleed reliance is also its weakness. Against resistant enemies or in PvP matchups where bleed is managed carefully, its baseline damage feels underwhelming. Flamberge rewards specialization, but outside of those builds, it lacks universal appeal.
Bastard Sword
The Bastard Sword is a straightforward Greatsword that excels as an early-game workhorse. It’s easy to acquire, easy to upgrade, and adapts well to most infusions without demanding heavy stat investment. For players learning Greatsword fundamentals, it’s an excellent training tool.
As the game progresses, its limitations become clear. The moveset is serviceable but unremarkable, and its damage scaling can’t keep pace with more optimized options. It’s dependable, not dominant, which defines its place in B-tier.
Iron Greatsword
Iron Greatsword is a Strength-focused option with deceptively strong scaling at high investment levels. When infused correctly, it can deliver impressive AR numbers that rival higher-tier picks. It pairs well with Ashes of War that emphasize raw physical damage and posture breaking.
The tradeoff is accessibility and feel. Its drop rate is unreliable, and the moveset lacks the finesse of thrust-capable Greatswords. In PvP, it hits hard but predictably, making it best suited for players who win through fundamentals rather than mix-ups.
C-Tier and Below: Outclassed Greatswords and Why They Fall Behind
At this point in the tier list, the issue isn’t that these Greatswords are unusable. It’s that Elden Ring is ruthless about efficiency, and these weapons simply don’t justify their weight once better options are available. Whether it’s poor scaling, awkward stat demands, or weak Ash of War synergy, they struggle to earn a slot in optimized builds.
Lordsworn’s Greatsword
Lordsworn’s Greatsword is one of the most common early-game pickups, and for a while, it does its job. The crit modifier is a nice bonus for backstab-focused PvE routes, especially in early legacy dungeons where posture breaks are frequent. It feels responsive and familiar, which makes it comfortable for newer players.
The problem is that comfort doesn’t scale. Its damage and stat growth are thoroughly outclassed by mid-game Greatswords, and the crit bonus rarely compensates for lower DPS in boss fights. In PvP, opponents rarely give free backstabs, making its main selling point largely irrelevant.
Forked Greatsword
On paper, the Forked Greatsword looks appealing thanks to its innate bleed. In practice, it’s one of the weakest ways to apply status in the Greatsword class. The bleed buildup is low, and the weapon’s base damage suffers heavily because of it.
Compared to options like Flamberge, it lacks the scaling and flexibility to justify a status-focused build. In PvE, bleed procs are inconsistent without heavy investment, and in PvP, experienced players will out-trade it every time. It’s a thematic weapon, not a competitive one.
Troll’s Golden Sword
Troll’s Golden Sword is a classic example of inflated numbers hiding poor performance. It has solid reach and respectable Strength scaling, but the Faith requirement immediately limits build flexibility. That hybrid tax doesn’t pay off with meaningful holy damage or unique Ash of War interactions.
In PvE, it’s serviceable against standard enemies but struggles against holy-resistant bosses, which are common in the late game. PvP exposes it even more harshly, as its slow, readable swings and lack of pressure tools make it easy to punish. Other Strength or Faith Greatswords simply do its job better.
Other Low-Impact Greatswords
Several remaining Greatswords fall into this tier for similar reasons: unremarkable movesets, weak scaling, or poor Ash of War compatibility. They can clear content, but they don’t excel at posture breaking, burst damage, or mix-up potential. In a game where optimization matters, being “fine” isn’t enough.
These weapons often appeal during experimentation or roleplay runs, but they rarely survive the transition into late-game PvE or competitive PvP. When every swing needs to count, players gravitate toward Greatswords that offer either superior damage efficiency or unique mechanical advantages, and these simply don’t deliver either.
Ash of War Synergy Analysis: Which Greatswords Scale Best with Customization
Once you strip away unique weapon skills and locked affinities, Ash of War compatibility becomes the single most important differentiator between average Greatswords and top-tier ones. This is where customization, scaling manipulation, and build expression collide. The best Greatswords aren’t just strong out of the box; they actively get better the more you tailor them to your playstyle.
Claymore: The Gold Standard for Ash Flexibility
The Claymore remains unmatched when it comes to Ash of War synergy. Its balanced Strength and Dexterity scaling lets it thrive on Heavy, Keen, Quality, and even elemental infusions without collapsing its damage profile. More importantly, its thrusting heavy attack pairs absurdly well with aggressive Ashes like Piercing Fang, Storm Blade, and Flaming Strike.
In PvE, this flexibility allows the Claymore to adapt to enemy resistances on the fly, which is invaluable in the late game. In PvP, access to roll-catching Ashes turns it into a pressure monster that punishes panic rolls and passive play. Few Greatswords reward mechanical mastery as consistently.
Iron Greatsword: Raw Scaling Meets Ash Abuse
Iron Greatsword is the sleeper pick that min-maxers quietly gravitate toward. It boasts some of the highest pure Strength scaling in the class once infused Heavy, and it loses very little AR when swapping Ashes. This makes it ideal for high-damage Ashes like Lion’s Claw, Giant Hunt, and Royal Knight’s Resolve.
In PvE, posture damage stacks quickly, letting you stance-break bosses faster than most alternatives. PvP players benefit from its deceptively high burst potential, especially when Resolve is timed before trades. It lacks flair, but mechanically, it’s brutally efficient.
Flamberge: Status Scaling Done Right
Flamberge is one of the few Greatswords where status-focused Ashes actually feel worth the investment. Its innate bleed combines cleanly with Blood or Occult infusions, and it scales well with Ashes that add multi-hit pressure like Sword Dance or Double Slash. Unlike other bleed Greatswords, it doesn’t sacrifice too much base damage to get there.
In PvE, this makes Flamberge excellent against high-HP enemies and bosses susceptible to hemorrhage. In PvP, bleed buildup forces reactions, opening windows for roll-catches or delayed heavies. It’s not the highest DPS option, but its pressure profile is uniquely oppressive.
Banished Knight’s Greatsword: Moveset Carries the Ashes
What elevates Banished Knight’s Greatsword isn’t just scaling, but how its altered light attack chain synergizes with Ash of War pressure. Faster slashes mean Ashes like Storm Stomp, Flaming Strike, and Vacuum Slice integrate smoothly into combos without breaking flow. It performs best on Strength or Quality setups.
PvE players benefit from its consistency and ease of use, especially in dungeon crawling where spacing matters. In PvP, the speed throws off timing, making Ash follow-ups harder to react to. It’s a weapon that amplifies Ash effectiveness through moveset alone.
Lordsworn’s Greatsword: Early Game Ash Carry
Lordsworn’s Greatsword doesn’t dominate endgame scaling, but its high critical modifier and broad Ash compatibility make it an early-to-mid game standout. Ashes like Square Off, Stamp, and Determination compensate for its lower base damage and enable reliable stance breaks.
In PvE progression, this allows players to punch above their stat investment. PvP viability drops off later, but in lower brackets, its Ash-driven burst can still surprise careless opponents. It’s a reminder that Ash synergy isn’t just about raw numbers.
Why Unique Skill Greatswords Fall Behind Here
Greatswords with locked Ashes or unique skills often look flashy but suffer in long-term optimization. Without access to affinity swapping, they’re stuck with suboptimal scaling for many builds. As enemy resistances rise and PvP matchups diversify, that lack of adaptability becomes a liability.
Customization is power in Elden Ring. The Greatswords that scale best with Ashes of War are the ones that let you control damage types, pacing, and engagement rules. When every fight demands a different answer, flexibility wins.
PvE vs PvP Performance Breakdown: Boss Shredders, Invasion Kings, and Duel Staples
Understanding why a Greatsword feels unstoppable in PvE but underwhelming in PvP comes down to pacing, target behavior, and how often you’re allowed to swing without punishment. Bosses care about stagger thresholds and DPS windows. Players care about recovery frames, spacing traps, and mind games. The best Greatswords adapt to both, but very few dominate equally.
PvE Boss Shredders: Stance Damage and Sustained Pressure
In PvE, Greatswords shine when they convert raw poise damage into frequent stance breaks. Claymore, Iron Greatsword, and Knight’s Greatsword excel here because their movesets allow safe charged heavies and consistent jump attack loops. Pair them with Ashes like Lion’s Claw or Giant Hunt, and bosses melt once posture starts cracking.
Scaling matters, but reliability matters more. Strength-leaning Greatswords with solid base damage outperform greedier Dex or Quality options during progression because they hit PvE breakpoints earlier. When a boss only gives you two safe hits, you want those hits to count.
Mob Control and Dungeon Efficiency
Dungeon PvE favors Greatswords with wide sweeps and fast recovery. Banished Knight’s Greatsword and Flamberge stand out because their light chains handle multiple targets without awkward camera fights. Ashes like Storm Blade or Flaming Strike add ranged or AoE pressure, smoothing out encounters that would otherwise chip you down.
This is where unique-skill Greatswords struggle again. Flashy weapon arts look good, but long wind-ups and fixed damage types slow clear speed. Flexible Ash access lets standard Greatswords adapt to catacombs, caves, and legacy dungeons without respeccing.
Invasion Kings: Roll-Catches and Panic Punish
PvP invasions reward unpredictability and burst. Greatswords that can roll-catch reliably, like Claymore with its thrusting R2 or Iron Greatsword with delayed heavies, dominate chaotic fights. Bleed-infused options like Flamberge amplify this by forcing panic rolls once status pressure builds.
Ashes of War define invasion success. Storm Stomp, Flaming Strike, and Waves of Darkness create spacing traps that punish groups and overconfident phantoms. Invasions aren’t about clean duels; they’re about control, and Greatswords with flexible Ashes control space better than almost anything else.
Duel Staples: Frame Data Over Raw Damage
In organized PvP and duels, raw AR takes a back seat to recovery frames and mix-ups. Knight’s Greatsword and Banished Knight’s Greatsword perform exceptionally because their faster light attacks let you test reactions without overcommitting. This makes them ideal for baiting rolls and setting up delayed heavies.
Locked-skill Greatswords fall off hardest here. Predictable weapon arts get punished, and without Ash swapping, opponents quickly learn your options. Duel viability demands adaptability, and the best Greatswords are the ones that can change tempo mid-fight.
Why No Greatsword Truly Does It All
The reality is that PvE and PvP ask different questions. PvE wants stamina efficiency and stance damage, while PvP demands frame traps and psychological pressure. Greatswords that rank highest overall are the ones that let you tune your answers through Ashes and affinities rather than forcing a single playstyle.
That flexibility is the real tier divider. Damage numbers fluctuate, meta shifts, but control over your engagement toolkit never stops being valuable.
Final Verdict and Build Recommendations: Choosing the Right Greatsword for Your Playstyle
At the end of the day, Greatswords succeed in Elden Ring because they let you dictate tempo. They’re heavy enough to break stance and light enough to play around I-frames, making them one of the most adaptable weapon classes in the game. The best choice isn’t about raw AR on a spreadsheet, but how well a blade fits the way you approach fights.
What separates top-tier Greatswords from the rest is freedom. Open Ash of War slots, strong scaling paths, and clean movesets give you answers to PvE gauntlets and PvP mind games without forcing a respec.
For PvE Progression and Exploration
If your priority is clearing dungeons efficiently and bullying bosses with stance breaks, standard Greatswords with flexible Ash access are king. Claymore remains the gold standard thanks to its thrusting R2, excellent reach, and compatibility with Heavy, Quality, or elemental infusions. It scales cleanly into late game while staying stamina-efficient in long encounters.
Banished Knight’s Greatsword and Knight’s Greatsword are close seconds, trading a bit of reach for faster-feeling light attacks. Pair them with Lion’s Claw or Flaming Strike to shred boss poise and delete trash mobs without overcommitting. These weapons reward fundamentals and stay effective all the way to NG+.
For Strength and Poise-Break Builds
Pure Strength players should look toward Iron Greatsword or Gargoyle’s Greatsword. Their high Strength scaling and weight let you hit key poise damage breakpoints, especially when two-handing. They thrive with Ashes like Cragblade or Stamp, turning every opening into a stance-breaking threat.
These weapons aren’t flashy, but they’re brutally consistent. If your game plan is trading hits, forcing staggers, and ending fights quickly, these Greatswords do exactly what Strength builds want.
For Bleed, Status, and Hybrid Builds
Flamberge stands out as the premier status Greatsword. Its innate bleed lets it pressure bosses and players alike, especially when infused with Bleed or Cold. In PvE, it melts health bars once status procs stack, and in PvP it forces panic rolls that open up roll-catches.
Hybrid builds also benefit from Greatswords with good scaling flexibility. Cold or Flame Art infusions on adaptable bases let you tailor damage types for specific zones or matchups without changing weapons.
For PvP Duels and Invasions
In competitive PvP, moveset and recovery matter more than peak damage. Knight’s Greatsword and Banished Knight’s Greatsword shine here due to their deceptively fast light attacks and strong neutral game. They let you poke safely, bait reactions, and punish mistakes without getting locked into long animations.
Invasions favor control and burst. Claymore’s thrusts, Iron Greatsword’s delayed heavies, and Flamberge’s bleed pressure all excel when paired with spacing-focused Ashes like Storm Stomp or Flaming Strike. These tools let you manage multiple opponents and punish overextensions.
So, Which Greatsword Is “Best”?
There isn’t a single best Greatsword, and that’s the point. The strongest picks are the ones that adapt to your build, your Ash choices, and the content you’re tackling. Locked-skill weapons may look impressive, but flexibility wins more fights and clears more bosses over time.
If you’re unsure, start with Claymore or Banished Knight’s Greatsword and build outward. Master spacing, learn your Ash timings, and let the weapon support your decisions rather than define them.
Final tip: upgrade one Greatsword you truly understand instead of chasing every tier list favorite. Elden Ring rewards mastery more than novelty, and a familiar blade in confident hands will always outperform the so-called best weapon used poorly.