The Definitive Guide: Finding the Best Sword or Axe in Elden Ring
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The question of the “best” sword or axe in Elden Ring is like asking what the best flavor of ice cream is – it’s entirely subjective and depends on your build, playstyle, and preference. However, if forced to pick, the Dark Moon Greatsword stands out as a top contender. It boasts excellent scaling, powerful magic damage, frost buildup, and a unique weapon skill that makes it a force to be reckoned with, especially for Intelligence builds. For axes, the Warped Axe stands out for its sheer damage output and Strength scaling, making it a fantastic choice for players focused on brute force. This article will delve deeper into the best swords and axes, providing information and FAQs.
Top-Tier Swords in Elden Ring
Choosing the right sword hinges on understanding its scaling, weapon skill, and your character’s stats. Here are some standouts:
The Dark Moon Greatsword
This weapon is a favorite of many players due to its excellent Intelligence scaling. It deals both physical and magic damage, and its unique weapon skill, Moonlight Greatsword, empowers it further with additional magic attack and frost buildup. This makes it incredibly effective against a wide range of enemies and bosses, including those resistant to physical damage. It’s acquired after completing Ranni the Witch’s questline, making it a reward for dedication and exploration.
Rivers of Blood
For players interested in bleed builds, Rivers of Blood is a must-have. Its weapon skill, Corpse Piler, unleashes a rapid series of slashes that inflict massive bleed buildup. This sword shines against enemies susceptible to bleed and is a popular choice for PvP combat. It scales primarily with Dexterity and Arcane.
Sword of Night and Flame
Despite some initial balancing changes, the Sword of Night and Flame remains a solid choice, especially for Intelligence/Faith builds. Its weapon skill allows for both a magic-based comet and a fire-based slash, offering versatile damage options. While it might not be as overpowered as it once was, it’s still a viable choice for those seeking a hybrid damage output.
Blasphemous Blade
The Blasphemous Blade is another fantastic option, especially for those focusing on Faith builds. Its weapon skill, Taker’s Flames, deals fire damage and heals the user upon hitting enemies, providing sustain and offensive power simultaneously. It’s obtained by trading the Remembrance of the Blasphemous with Enia at the Roundtable Hold after defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy.
High-Performing Axes in Elden Ring
While often overlooked, axes can be incredibly effective weapons in Elden Ring, providing high damage output and unique move sets.
Warped Axe
This axe is a powerhouse when it comes to raw physical damage. It scales extremely well with Strength, making it an excellent choice for players focusing on a strength-based build. Its simple yet effective move set allows for devastating attacks, making it a formidable weapon against bosses and standard enemies alike.
Iron Cleaver
The Iron Cleaver is a surprisingly effective axe, especially when paired with the Axe Talisman, which boosts charged heavy attacks. Its relatively low stat requirements make it accessible early in the game. It can be found in the Stormveil Castle area.
Highland Axe
The Highland Axe is a great option for players who want to incorporate some status effects into their axe-wielding style. It has innate bleed buildup, making it effective against enemies susceptible to blood loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify some of the intricacies when choosing your best sword or axe:
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Is the Sacred Relic Sword really the “best” sword?
- The Sacred Relic Sword is excellent for farming runes due to its Wave of Gold weapon skill, but it might not be the “best” for all combat situations. Its effectiveness depends on your build and playstyle. Other swords might offer better damage output or status effects, so this is largely subjective.
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Are axes any good in Elden Ring?
- Yes, axes are very good. They provide high damage output, especially when optimized for a Strength build. Their move sets can be surprisingly versatile, and some axes offer unique advantages.
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Which is better, axe or sword?
- It depends on your preference. Swords generally have faster attack speeds and more diverse move sets, while axes tend to deal higher damage per hit and can be effective against shielded enemies.
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What makes the Dark Moon Greatsword so overpowered?
- Its combination of physical and magic damage, excellent Intelligence scaling, frost buildup, and powerful weapon skill makes it a formidable weapon against a wide range of enemies.
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Are greataxes viable in Elden Ring?
- Yes, greataxes are excellent, offering high damage output and staggering potential. They’re perfect for players who prefer slow but powerful attacks.
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What is the fastest weapon in Elden Ring?
- Daggers, like Reduvia, are the fastest weapons in Elden Ring. While they may lack range and raw power, their quick attacks and backstab potential make them deadly in the right hands.
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Why would I use an axe instead of a sword?
- Axes often deal more damage per hit and can be more effective against enemies with high armor or shields. They also have a unique move set that some players may prefer.
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Which axe deals the most damage in Elden Ring?
- The Warped Axe is generally considered to be one of the highest-damage-dealing axes due to its excellent Strength scaling.
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What’s the hardest weapon type to use in Elden Ring?
- This is subjective, but many players find daggers, claws, fists, bows, and flails to be among the more challenging weapon types due to their unique requirements and playstyles.
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Which weapons are generally considered “worth using” in Elden Ring?
- Weapons like Bloodhound’s Fang, Rivers of Blood, Dark Moon Greatsword, and Blasphemous Blade are all highly regarded for their effectiveness and unique abilities.
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Are there any really “weak” weapons in Elden Ring?
- Some weapons, like the Torch, Cipher Pata, and Clinging Bone, are generally considered weaker due to their low damage output or limited utility, often used for challenge runs or specific builds.
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With the upcoming DLC for Elden Ring, will the best weapons change?
- It’s highly likely that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC will introduce new weapons and rebalance existing ones, potentially shifting the meta and introducing new “best” options.
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Are the weapon types like Katana or axe better than the others?
- Katanas are great for faster attacks and bleed buildup, while axes excel in dealing high damage. The better choice depends on your desired playstyle and build.
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What are the advantages of dual-wielding weapons in Elden Ring?
- Dual-wielding can significantly increase your damage output and provide more versatile move sets, allowing you to adapt to different combat situations.
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What is the best sword for a blood build in Elden Ring?
- For a bleed build, Rivers of Blood is an exceptional choice due to its rapid bleed buildup and powerful weapon skill. Other options include the Hookclaws and Morgott’s Cursed Sword.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best sword or axe in Elden Ring is the one that best complements your playstyle, build, and preferences. Experiment with different weapons, upgrade them, and find what works best for you. Consider that weapons should be a reflection of your skills as you have learned.
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