Should You Upgrade Your Starting Weapon in Elden Ring? A Tarnished’s Guide
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Unequivocally, yes, you should upgrade your starting weapon in Elden Ring. Your initial armament is more than capable of carrying you through a significant portion of the game, especially with proper investment. Early upgrades are incredibly cost-effective and provide a substantial boost to your damage output, making those initial encounters far less harrowing. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-honed starting weapon!
Why Your Starting Weapon Deserves Some Love
Many players fall into the trap of chasing the shiniest new weapon they find, often abandoning their initial choice for something perceived as “better.” However, Elden Ring’s weapon upgrade system is designed to make viable almost any weapon throughout the entire game. Several factors contribute to why upgrading your starting weapon is a smart decision:
- Familiarity Breeds Success: You begin the game already comfortable with the weapon’s moveset, attack speed, and range. This familiarity allows you to focus on learning enemy attack patterns and timing your dodges, rather than struggling with an unfamiliar weapon.
- Early Accessibility of Upgrade Materials: Smithing Stones, the primary resource for upgrading weapons, are relatively abundant in the early game areas, particularly Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. This makes upgrading your starting weapon relatively easy and inexpensive in the early game.
- Scaling Benefits: Upgrading improves the weapon’s scaling with your character’s stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane). As your stats increase, the weapon’s damage will also increase, ensuring it remains effective as you level up.
- Ash of War Versatility: Most starting weapons can be infused with Ashes of War, allowing you to customize their skills and damage types. This flexibility allows you to tailor your weapon to your playstyle and adapt to different enemy weaknesses.
- Resource Management: Upgrading multiple weapons early on can quickly deplete your supply of Smithing Stones. Focusing on upgrading your starting weapon allows you to conserve resources for later in the game when you might find a weapon that truly synergizes with your build.
The Journey Beyond: When to Consider Alternatives
While upgrading your starting weapon is generally recommended, there will come a point where you might want to explore other options. This isn’t necessarily because your starting weapon becomes “bad,” but rather because:
- Build Specialization: As you progress, you might refine your build towards specific damage types (e.g., magic, fire, holy) or weapon categories (e.g., colossal weapons, katanas). A different weapon might better complement your build’s strengths.
- Weapon Scaling Optimization: Some weapons have significantly better scaling with certain stats than others. If you’ve heavily invested in a particular stat, a weapon with superior scaling in that stat will likely outperform your starting weapon.
- Unique Weapon Skills: Certain weapons possess unique skills that can drastically alter your combat effectiveness. For example, the Moonveil katana’s Transient Moonlight skill offers powerful ranged attacks, while the Bloodhound’s Fang‘s Bloodhound’s Finesse provides excellent mobility and damage.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best weapon is the one you enjoy using the most. If you find a weapon that you find more fun or engaging, don’t hesitate to switch, even if it’s not objectively “better.”
How to Maximize Your Starting Weapon’s Potential
To make the most of your starting weapon, consider these tips:
- Experiment with Ashes of War: Visit War Master Shack and purchase different Ashes of War. Test them out and find one that complements your playstyle.
- Pay Attention to Scaling: Check the weapon’s scaling grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) in the equipment menu. Choose a weapon that scales well with your primary stats.
- Upgrade Strategically: Prioritize upgrading your weapon early on. The damage increase from each upgrade is most significant in the early game.
- Consider Infusions: Some Ashes of War allow you to infuse your weapon with different damage types (e.g., fire, lightning, magic). This can be useful for exploiting enemy weaknesses.
- Learn the Moveset: Practice with your weapon and master its various attacks. Understanding the timing and range of each attack will greatly improve your combat effectiveness.
Elden Ring, like many other open-world games, provide different kinds of learning experiences for its players. You can learn more about the learning aspects of video games at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which starting class has the best starting weapon?
The Samurai class is often considered to have the best starting weapon, the Uchigatana, due to its high damage output, bleed buildup, and versatility. However, the other classes’ starting weapons are also viable with proper upgrades.
2. Can you beat Elden Ring with your starting weapon?
Yes, it is entirely possible to beat Elden Ring with your starting weapon. Many players have completed the game using their initial armament, demonstrating that skill and strategy are more important than simply having the “best” weapon.
3. How important is weapon scaling in Elden Ring?
Weapon scaling is extremely important in Elden Ring. It determines how much additional damage your weapon gains based on your character’s stats. Weapons with higher scaling grades in your primary stats will generally deal more damage.
4. What are the best stats to level up early in Elden Ring?
Early on, focus on leveling up Vigor (for HP) and Endurance (for stamina). These stats will improve your survivability and allow you to perform more attacks and dodges. Also invest in the stats that scale with your starting weapon, such as Strength and Dexterity for melee builds, or Intelligence and Faith for magic builds.
5. How many Smithing Stones do I need to fully upgrade a weapon?
You need a total of 12 Smithing Stones (1) through (8) to fully upgrade a regular weapon to +24. The final upgrade to +25 requires an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
6. Where can I find Smithing Stones early in the game?
Smithing Stones can be found in various locations in Limgrave and the Weeping Peninsula. Mines are a particularly good source, such as the Limgrave Tunnels and the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel. You can also purchase them from certain merchants, such as the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold after giving them certain Bell Bearings.
7. Does weapon level affect multiplayer matchmaking in Elden Ring?
Yes, weapon level does affect multiplayer matchmaking. The game considers both your character level and your highest upgraded weapon level when pairing you with other players.
8. What is the best early strength weapon in Elden Ring besides my starting weapon?
The Great Axe is a powerful early-game strength weapon located in the chest of the first carriage you’ll see being pulled by giants near the gateway to Stormveil Castle.
9. What is the best early dexterity weapon in Elden Ring besides my starting weapon?
The Twinblade, found in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins in Limgrave, is a great early dexterity weapon.
10. Is it worth upgrading the Twinblade?
Yes, the Twinblade can be a very effective weapon with enough upgrades. It’s a fast-attacking weapon that can deal significant damage, especially when infused with bleed or frost.
11. Where is the best starter sword in Elden Ring if I don’t like my class starter weapon?
The Longsword, sold by Kalé at the Church of Elleh, is a solid and versatile straight sword that’s available very early in the game.
12. What is the easiest armor to get in Elden Ring?
The Twinned Armor Set, worn by D, Hunter of the Dead, is one of the strongest and easiest to obtain early armor sets.
13. Do enemies scale with your level in Elden Ring?
No, Elden Ring enemies do not scale with your level. This means that you can eventually overlevel areas and find them much easier.
14. What is the best non-unique sword in Elden Ring?
The Broadsword is often considered the best non-unique Straight Sword in Elden Ring for dealing damage.
15. What does Arcane do in Elden Ring?
In Elden Ring, the Arcane stat’s primary function is governing item discovery. It also influences Holy damage resistance and resistance to Death Blight buildup.