There is no single best weapon for every Elden Ring player. The strongest choice depends on your attributes, the combat rhythm you enjoy, and whether you own Shadow of the Erdtree. For Faith-leaning PvE, consider Blasphemous Blade; for mobile Strength/Dexterity play with bleed, Bloodhound’s Fang; and for high-Intelligence frost and ranged pressure, Dark Moon Greatsword. DLC owners can also look at Milady or Rellana’s Twin Blades.
How to choose a weapon that fits your build
Think of a weapon as a match for your character and preferred approach, not as a universal ranking. Requirements matter: a weapon whose skill looks powerful may be a poor fit if your attributes are spread elsewhere. Also consider whether you want reach and heavy commitment, quicker attacks, mobility, status buildup, or an attack skill that adds utility.
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The recommendations below draw on PCGamesN’s weapon guide, updated December 3, 2024. Its mechanics and requirements predate the later balance changes in patch 1.17, so those details are not a claim that every weapon was retested under the current patch.
Best weapons by build and playstyle
| Weapon | Build fit | Damage, status, and skill utility | Speed, reach, and commitment | Acquisition and DLC | Notable limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blasphemous Blade | Faith-leaning PvE; guide requirements: Strength 22, Dexterity 15, Faith 21 | Taker’s Flames sends a forward fire attack and heals on hit | Not stated in the cited guide | Base game; trade Rykard’s Remembrance to Enia, making it a later acquisition | Fire-resistant enemies can blunt its fire damage |
| Bloodhound’s Fang | Strength/Dexterity; requires Strength 18 and Dexterity 17 | Curved greatsword with bleed buildup; its skill slashes, somersaults backward, then allows a forward-dash follow-up | Skill emphasizes repositioning and a follow-up dash; specific speed and reach figures are not stated in the cited guide | Base game; dropped by Bloodhound Knight Darriwil at Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave | Its attribute requirements may not suit builds focused elsewhere |
| Dark Moon Greatsword | High-Intelligence build; guide states 38 Intelligence requirement | Skill buffs the blade with magic and frost buildup; heavy attacks launch a moonlight projectile | Projectile adds ranged pressure; specific speed and reach figures are not stated in the cited guide | Base game; reward for completing Ranni’s questline, so not an early-game pick | Requires substantial Intelligence and a long questline |
| Milady | Players seeking a fast light greatsword | Specific damage type, status effects, and skill utility are not stated in the cited guide | Described by the guide as a quick light greatsword | Shadow of the Erdtree required | DLC-only; base-game players need another option |
| Rellana’s Twin Blades | Agile paired option for Intelligence/Faith; requires investment across Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith | Patch 1.17 raised its critical-hit power; other damage and status details are not stated in the cited sources | Described by the guide as an agile paired option | Shadow of the Erdtree required | DLC-only and attribute-intensive |
Faith-leaning PvE: Blasphemous Blade
Taker’s Flames gives this weapon a forward fire attack that heals on hit, making it a utility-minded choice for Faith-leaning PvE. Its requirements are Strength 22, Dexterity 15, and Faith 21, according to PCGamesN’s guide. You obtain it by trading Rykard’s Remembrance to Enia, so it is not an early-game weapon. Fire resistance is the key matchup caveat.
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- Collaborating with George R.R. Martin to create the ELDEN RING mythos has been a genuinely delightful experience and a source of wonderful inspiration. The team is working hard to ensure that the world of ELDEN RING will be a fascinating place for players to explore, filled with peril and wonder from its furthest reaches to its lowest depths. This is a FromSoftware title through and through, rich in fantasy and RPG action. We sincerely hope you look forward to it.
- Building the world of ELDEN RING with Miyazaki-san and his team was a treat! The graphics, mythos, and action-RPG gameplay will deliver an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for people to see what ELDEN RING has in store for them.” Said George R.R. Martin.
Strength/Dexterity mobility and bleed: Bloodhound’s Fang
Bloodhound’s Fang combines bleed buildup with a mobile weapon skill: after a slash, the character somersaults backward, and the skill allows a forward-dash follow-up. It requires Strength 18 and Dexterity 17. Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil at Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave to acquire it.
Intelligence, frost, and ranged pressure: Dark Moon Greatsword
Dark Moon Greatsword suits a high-Intelligence build that wants frost buildup and a ranged option. Its skill buffs the blade with magic and frost buildup, while heavy attacks send a moonlight projectile. PCGamesN lists a 38 Intelligence requirement. The weapon is a reward for completing Ranni’s questline, so plan around a later acquisition rather than expecting it early.
Rank #3
- Elden Ring: Nightreign - Seekers Edition /PS5
DLC choices: Milady and Rellana’s Twin Blades
For a quick light greatsword, the guide points to Milady. Rellana’s Twin Blades offer an agile paired approach for players investing across Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. Both require Shadow of the Erdtree; Rellana’s Twin Blades also received a critical-hit power increase in patch 1.17.
What patch 1.17 changed—and what it does not tell you
Bandai Namco’s latest identified official patch is version 1.17, dated August 27, 2026. The notes cover PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, and say the update supports the Tarnished Pack and includes balance adjustments. Its listed weapon changes are specific adjustments, not a definitive ranking of the game’s arsenal.
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- Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Spear, and Spear of the Impaler: reduced stamina use and increased power for throwing attacks.
- Carian Sorcery Sword: changed Intelligence scaling so it increases all damage types.
- Smithscript Greathammer: increased throwing-attack power.
- Golem Fist: increased heavy-attack range.
- Several perfume bottles: increased attack power.
These notes do not establish that every weapon has been compared under patch 1.17, or that a named change makes a weapon best overall. Use them as balance context when considering the listed changes, rather than as a tier list.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Base game or Shadow of the Erdtree?
The official Elden Ring site describes the expansion as adding new weapons, equipment, weapon skills, and magic, and states: “Shadow Of The Erdtree requires ELDEN RING base game to play.” That makes ownership a practical filter: the Blasphemous Blade, Bloodhound’s Fang, and Dark Moon Greatsword options above are base-game recommendations, while Milady and Rellana’s Twin Blades are DLC choices.
Best Value
- ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware Inc. and produced by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG and FromSoftware's largest game to date, set within a world full of mystery and peril
- Journey through the Lands Between, a new fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the influential DARK SOULS video game series, and George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire
- Traverse the breathtaking world on foot or on horseback, alone or online with other players, and fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains, and foreboding castles
- Create your character in FromSoftware’s refi ned action-RPG and defi ne your playstyle by experimenting with a wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills found throughout the world
- Charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, or even call upon allies for aid - many options are at your disposal as you decide how to approach exploration and combat
Official expansion information: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Current balance details: Bandai Namco’s Elden Ring patch notes, version 1.17. Weapon mechanics and acquisition details: PCGamesN’s Elden Ring weapon guide.
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