The Best Non-Special Sword in Elden Ring: A Deep Dive

The Lands Between are rife with dangerous foes, and a reliable blade is paramount to survival in Elden Ring. While unique weapons with special abilities often steal the spotlight, sometimes the most dependable option is a solid, non-special straight sword. So, what reigns supreme in this category? The answer, unequivocally, is the Broadsword.

The Broadsword earns this distinction due to its impressive damage output among non-unique straight swords. It’s a workhorse weapon that can carry players through significant portions of the game with consistent reliability. While it may not possess the flash of a legendary armament or the utility of a unique skill, its raw power and uncomplicated nature make it a top choice for many players.

Why the Broadsword Stands Out

The Broadsword isn’t the longest straight sword in Elden Ring, nor does it boast the most intricate moveset. However, its balanced stat scaling, particularly with Strength, and relatively high base damage make it a formidable force. This means that even without investing heavily in advanced builds, the Broadsword can still inflict significant damage. It’s a dependable weapon that does not rely on gimmicks to win.

Here are some reasons that set the Broadsword apart:

• High Base Damage: Compared to other standard straight swords, the Broadsword has a high base damage, meaning it hits harder right out of the gate. This is especially valuable in the early game when players are still figuring out their builds and haven’t fully developed their character.
• Simple Scaling: The Broadsword primarily scales with Strength, making it an excellent choice for melee-focused builds. This is in contrast to swords like the Longsword which require points in Dexterity. This simplicity makes it ideal for newer players who aren’t yet accustomed to the intricacies of weapon scaling.
• Easy Availability: The Broadsword is relatively easy to obtain early in the game, being available from merchants or as a starting option for certain classes. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for players at any stage.
• Versatile: Straight swords have a versatile moveset, allowing for quick attacks and powerful charged heavy attacks. The Broadsword benefits from this move set, enabling players to effectively engage a variety of enemy types and encounter scenarios.
• Modifiable: As a standard weapon, the Broadsword can be infused with different Ashes of War and upgraded to reach its damage potential. This means that as the game progresses, the weapon can still be effective in the player’s current build.

Broadsword Downsides

While the Broadsword is undeniably powerful, it isn’t without its drawbacks:

• Shorter Range: The Broadsword has a shorter reach compared to other straight swords, requiring players to get closer to their enemies.
• Standard Moveset: While simple, the moveset is not very flashy, and it won’t have the unique capabilities that some other swords have.

The Case for Simplicity

Elden Ring is a complex game with many moving parts. The Broadsword provides an excellent entry point for players due to its high damage, ease of use, and dependable nature. While special weapons might offer more unique playstyles, the Broadsword is a consistent workhorse that can be modified for many build types. Players looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense weapon will find the Broadsword to be a fantastic companion on their Elden Ring journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding of swords in Elden Ring and their effectiveness.

1. What is the best sword for a beginner in Elden Ring?

For beginners, the Longsword and Broadsword are excellent options. They are readily available, have simple movesets, and scale well. The Twinblade, also an early-game option, is an exception if you don’t mind dual wielding. The Broadsword would be the pick from these for most people due to its higher damage.

2. What is the best overall sword in Elden Ring?

There’s no single “best” overall sword, as it depends on your build and playstyle. However, the Blasphemous Blade, Sword of Night and Flame (despite nerfs), and Dark Moon Greatsword are often cited as top-tier options due to their powerful skills and versatility.

3. Is the Sword of Night and Flame still good after the nerf?

Yes, the Sword of Night and Flame is still a very strong weapon after the nerf. While its damage output was reduced, it retains its unique Night-and-Flame Stance skill, which allows for powerful magic and fire attacks. It is an excellent option for Intelligence/Faith builds.

4. What is the best Strength weapon in Elden Ring?

For pure strength builds, heavy colossal weapons are the go-to choices. The Giant-Crusher and the Prelate’s Inferno Crozier are among the most powerful. For more manageable options, the Greatsword (Gut’s Greatsword) is a fantastic choice.

5. What is the coolest-designed weapon in Elden Ring?

The aesthetics are subjective, but popular picks include the Wing of Astel, Godslayer’s Greatsword, Golden Order Greatsword, and Sword of Night and Flame. These weapons have unique visuals and intricate designs.

6. Is there a weapon that does less damage than the Broadsword?

Yes, there are many weapons that do less damage than the Broadsword including the Weathered Straight Sword, the Hand Axe, the Dagger, and the Clinging Bone. These weapons are often used for challenge runs due to their limited offensive capabilities.

7. What is the strongest early game weapon in Elden Ring?

The Twinblade is considered one of the best early weapons. It’s easy to acquire and deals considerable damage, especially when dual-wielded. The Bloodhound’s Fang is also great if you prefer greatswords.

8. Can you buff the Sword of Night and Flame?

Yes, you can upgrade the Sword of Night and Flame with Somber Smithing Stones to increase its damage. You cannot buff it with spells.

9. What is the best mid-game curved sword?

The Magma Blade is a top-tier choice for the mid-game. It deals significant fire damage and has a unique skill that emits magma slashes.

10. What is the most underrated weapon in Elden Ring?

Several weapons are considered underrated, including the Golem Halberd, Rusted Anchor, St. Trina’s Torch, and Gargoyle Greatsword. These weapons offer unique playstyles and are effective when utilized correctly.

11. How do you get the Sword of Night and Flame?

The Sword of Night and Flame is located in a locked room in Caria Manor in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. You will need to navigate the manor and access the room to obtain it.

12. Is the Broadsword a good weapon for late game?

With proper upgrades and the right Ashes of War, the Broadsword remains a viable weapon in the late game. However, many players will likely have switched to more unique weapons by this point.

13. What is the lightest weapon in Elden Ring?

The Cipher Pata is the lightest weapon in Elden Ring, weighing zero units.

14. What are some of the best Elden Ring builds?

Popular builds include the Scavenged Bleeder, Magma Pyromancer, and Moonveil Mage. These builds utilize specific weapons and stats to create powerful character setups.

15. What is the black flame blade buff?

The Black Flame Blade is an incantation that adds a damage-over-time effect to your weapon. It deals bonus damage based on a percentage of the enemy’s max HP, making it effective against high-HP targets.

The Broadsword might not have the flash of other legendary weapons in Elden Ring, but its dependable power and simple design earn it the title of the best non-special sword. For those seeking a solid, reliable blade that does not require excessive build planning, the Broadsword is an excellent choice.