Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons for players to choose from. Each weapon type has its own strengths and uses. The game’s DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, adds even more options to the mix.
The best weapons in Elden Ring and its DLC combine power, versatility, and unique abilities. Top picks often include the Blasphemous Blade for its life-stealing skill and the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana for its bonus damage against dragons. In the DLC, weapons like Rellana’s Twinblade stand out for their scaling and skills.
Choosing the right weapon depends on your playstyle and build. Some excel in close combat while others shine at range. The game rewards experimentation so try out different options to find what works best for you.
Dominating the Lands Between: Best Weapons in Elden Ring and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Elden Ring offers a vast arsenal of weapons, each with unique movesets, strengths, and weaknesses. This guide highlights some of the best weapons in both the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, catering to various playstyles and builds.
Melee Weapons
- Rivers of Blood (Katana): This katana boasts high bleed buildup and a devastating Corpse Piler weapon art, making it a top choice for Dexterity builds.
- Moonveil (Katana): A versatile katana with excellent range and a powerful Transient Moonlight weapon art that fires a magic projectile. Ideal for Dexterity/Intelligence builds.
- Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword): This Faith-based greatsword deals massive damage and heals you with each successful hit. Its Taker’s Flames weapon art unleashes a fiery wave.
- Starscourage Greatsword (Greatsword): A colossal greatsword with high poise damage and a unique weapon art, Starcaller Cry, that pulls enemies in before unleashing a powerful attack.
- Golden Order Greatsword (Greatsword): This Faith/Intelligence greatsword offers a balance of physical and magic damage. Its Establishing Order weapon art fires golden projectiles.
Ranged Weapons
- Black Bow: A versatile bow with high damage output. It can be infused with various Ashes of War for added effects.
- Pulley Bow: This greatbow excels at long-range sniping, allowing you to pick off enemies from afar.
- Hand Ballista: A heavy crossbow that deals massive damage, especially when paired with explosive bolts.
Shadow of the Erdtree DLC Weapons
- Spear of the Impaler: This spear boasts high damage and reach, along with a unique Impaling Thrust weapon art that can stagger even large enemies.
- Backhand Blade: A versatile weapon with a unique moveset that allows for both quick strikes and powerful sweeping attacks.
- Rellana’s Twinblades: These twinblades inflict bleed buildup and offer a flurry of attacks, making them ideal for aggressive players.
Choosing the Right Weapon
Consider these factors when selecting a weapon:
- Your Build: Choose weapons that scale with your primary attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, Arcane).
- Moveset: Experiment with different weapon types to find a moveset that suits your playstyle.
- Weapon Art: Consider the utility and effectiveness of the weapon art in various combat scenarios.
- Upgrade Materials: Ensure you have access to the necessary materials to upgrade your chosen weapon.
Upgrading Your Weapons
- Smithing Stones: Collect Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapons at a Site of Grace.
- Somber Smithing Stones: These special stones are used to upgrade unique and boss weapons.
- Ashes of War: Infuse your weapons with Ashes of War to change their affinities, weapon arts, and scaling.
By exploring the diverse arsenal and considering your individual preferences, you can find the perfect weapons to conquer the challenges of Elden Ring and its DLC.
Key Takeaways
- Weapons in Elden Ring vary widely in effectiveness and playstyle
- DLC introduces powerful new options like Rellana’s Twinblade
- Experiment with different weapons to find the best fit for your character build
Overview of Weapon Categories
Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons with unique playstyles and strengths. The game’s diverse arsenal caters to various builds and preferences. New weapon types in the DLC expand combat options even further.
Light Greatswords and Katanas
Light Greatswords are a new weapon type in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. They blend speed and power. These swords are faster than regular greatswords but hit harder than straight swords.
Great Katanas also debut in the DLC. They offer longer reach and higher damage than standard katanas. The Rakshasa’s Great Katana stands out as a top DLC weapon. It has a unique weapon skill called Moon-and-Fire Stance.
Both weapon types excel in dual-wielding setups. They scale well with Dexterity and deal good poise damage. This makes them great for breaking enemy stances.
Colossal Weapons and Twinblades
Colossal Weapons remain a powerhouse for Strength builds. They deal massive damage and stagger foes easily. The Greatsword of Solitude and Anvil Hammer are standout choices in this category.
Twinblades offer a mix of speed and combo potential. They shine in the hands of Dexterity-focused characters. The Spear of the Impaler is a notable DLC twinblade with high damage output.
Both weapon types benefit from two-handing for increased damage. Colossal Weapons trade speed for raw power. Twinblades sacrifice individual hit strength for rapid attacks.
Specialty and Faith Weapons
Faith builds get new toys in the DLC. The Bloodfiend’s Arm is a standout Faith weapon. It scales with Faith and lets users cast Incantations without a seal.
Some specialty weapons blend physical attacks with magic damage. This makes them great for hybrid builds. The Dragonwound Slash skill on certain weapons adds an extra layer of versatility.
New weapon categories like Beast Claws and Perfume Bottles offer unique playstyles. They cater to niche builds and add flavor to combat. These weapons often have special effects or scaling that set them apart from standard types.
Weapon Effectiveness and Advanced Mechanics
Mastering weapon mechanics in Elden Ring is key to success. Players must understand how different factors affect weapon performance to maximize their build’s potential.
Damage Types and Scaling Optimization
Weapons in Elden Ring deal various damage types. These include physical, magic, fire, and lightning. Each enemy has different weaknesses. Matching damage types to enemy vulnerabilities is crucial.
Scaling ties weapon damage to character stats. Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith are common scaling attributes. The Blasphemous Blade is a top Faith weapon. It scales well with Faith stats.
Players should choose weapons that match their build. A high Intelligence character benefits from magic-scaling weapons. This optimizes damage output based on invested stat points.
Unique Weapon Skills and Ashes of War
Weapon Skills are special abilities tied to specific weapons. The Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana has a skill called Dragonwound Slash. It deals extra damage to dragons.
Ashes of War let players customize weapon skills. They can change a weapon’s scaling or damage type. The Beast Claw and Weed Cutter are examples of unique Ashes of War.
Some weapons have irreplaceable skills. These are often powerful and define the weapon’s use. Players should experiment to find skills that fit their playstyle.
Status Effects and Weapon Synergies
Status effects like Bleed and Frostbite add extra damage over time. Bleed causes blood loss when built up. Frostbite lowers enemy defenses and stamina recovery.
Certain weapons excel at applying status effects. Relanna’s Twin Blades from the DLC might have good bleed buildup. This makes them effective against high-health enemies.
Combining weapons with spells or items can create powerful synergies. A fire-infused weapon pairs well with fire-boosting talismans. This increases overall damage output. Players should look for ways to stack complementary effects for maximum impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Elden Ring DLC brings many new weapons to explore. Players want to know which ones are the best and how to get them. Let’s look at some common questions about DLC weapons.
What are the top-tier weapons available in the Elden Ring expansion?
The Rakshasa’s Great Katana is a top-tier weapon in the DLC. It offers powerful slashes and unique abilities. Other strong choices include the Red Bear’s Greatsword and the Dryleaf Arts weapon.
Which weapons from the Elden Ring DLC are considered must-haves for early-game players?
Early-game players should look for weapons that are easy to use and find. The DLC offers new options that can help beginners. Some good choices might be faster weapons or those with simple move sets.
Which weapon in Elden Ring’s DLC is recognized as the most powerful in terms of damage output?
One standout weapon for high damage is the Red Bear’s Greatsword. It lets players attack often and deal big hits. With the right build it can take down enemies very quickly.
Can you identify the most essential weapon to obtain before venturing into the DLC of Elden Ring?
Players should aim to get a strong weapon from the base game before starting the DLC. This will help them face new challenges. A good all-around weapon like a sword or greatsword can be helpful.
What are some of the hidden gem weapons included in the latest Elden Ring DLC?
The DLC has some weapons that might be overlooked at first. These could include new weapon types or those with unique skills. Players should explore thoroughly to find these hidden treasures.
Which weapon has gained the title of being the rarest find within the Elden Ring DLC?
The rarest weapon in the DLC is likely hidden in a secret area. It might require solving puzzles or beating tough enemies. Players will need to search carefully to find this special weapon.
