What is the Easiest Weapon to Get in Elden Ring?
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The easiest weapon to get in Elden Ring is arguably the Longsword, purchasable from Merchant Kalé at the Church of Elleh in Limgrave right at the start of the game. For a mere 1,000 runes, you acquire a reliable, versatile weapon suitable for a wide range of early-game encounters. It’s a fantastic, easily accessible option for all starting classes, especially those who didn’t choose a melee-focused starting weapon.
Early Game Weapon Acquisition in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s open-world masterpiece, is notorious for its difficulty. However, acquiring a decent weapon early on doesn’t have to be a trial. While some of the more powerful options require significant effort or combat prowess, several readily available weapons can significantly ease your initial journey through the Lands Between.
Why the Longsword? Accessibility and Versatility
The Longsword stands out due to its combination of ease of acquisition and inherent flexibility.
- Early Availability: As mentioned, Merchant Kalé is one of the first NPCs you encounter after leaving the tutorial area. He’s impossible to miss, and his wares are affordable even with limited early-game resources.
- Low Stat Requirements: The Longsword requires only 10 Strength and 10 Dexterity, making it usable by almost any starting class without needing to immediately respec.
- Versatile Moveset: The Longsword offers a balanced moveset, allowing for both quick thrusting attacks and broader sweeping swings. This adaptability is invaluable for dealing with diverse enemy types and combat scenarios.
- Ash of War Compatibility: This weapon, like many others in Elden Ring, can be equipped with Ashes of War, further customizing its moveset and adding elemental damage or special abilities. Experimentation is key!
- Upgradeability: Like most standard weapons in Elden Ring, the Longsword can be upgraded using Smithing Stones at a smithing table or by Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold. Even a few upgrades can make a substantial difference in its damage output.
Beyond the Longsword: Other Easily Obtainable Early Weapons
While the Longsword is perhaps the easiest, several other weapons are relatively straightforward to acquire early on, offering different playstyles and advantages.
- Twinblade (Dragon-Burnt Ruins): Located in a chest within the Dragon-Burnt Ruins (Limgrave), the Twinblade is an excellent choice for Dexterity-focused characters who enjoy rapid attacks. Be wary of the rats within the ruins!
- Flail (Gateside Ruins): Found on a carriage in the Gateside Ruins, the Flail offers a unique moveset and the ability to inflict bleed buildup on enemies. However, it requires slightly higher Strength (12) than the Longsword.
- Greataxe (Carriage near Stormveil Castle): Positioned on a carriage being pulled by trolls near the entrance to Stormveil Castle, the Greataxe is a powerful Strength weapon. Be prepared for a fight, as some soldiers guard the carriage. This requires a significant Strength investment, making it less suitable for all starting classes.
- Uchigatana (Deathtouched Catacombs): For Samurai or those seeking a bleed-focused weapon, the Uchigatana can be found early on in the Deathtouched Catacombs. You’ll need to defeat the Cemetery Shade boss.
- Reduvia (Murkwater Cave): This dagger is dropped by Bloody Finger Nerijus, who invades you near Murkwater Cave. It scales with Arcane and causes bleed buildup, making it a potent early-game option.
Essential Tips for Early Weapon Acquisition
- Explore Thoroughly: The Lands Between are full of hidden locations and secrets. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path.
- Talk to NPCs: Non-player characters often provide valuable information about weapon locations and other secrets.
- Upgrade Your Weapons: Even a basic weapon can become formidable with a few upgrades. Seek out Smithing Stones and invest in upgrading your primary weapon.
- Experiment with Ashes of War: Ashes of War can dramatically alter a weapon’s functionality. Try different Ashes of War to find what suits your playstyle.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Run: Some areas are simply too challenging for a low-level character. If you encounter an overwhelming enemy, don’t hesitate to run and return later when you are stronger.
- Use Summons: Spirit Ashes can be incredibly helpful in tough fights. Experiment with different summons to find the ones that best complement your playstyle.
- Consult Online Resources: The Elden Ring community is vast and helpful. Don’t hesitate to consult online guides, forums, and videos for assistance. There is a wealth of information about the game online at the Games Learning Society website, accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best starting class for Elden Ring?
There is no “best” starting class. It depends on your preferred playstyle. Vagabond is a solid all-around choice, while Astrologer is ideal for mages and Samurai is excellent for Dexterity-focused builds.
2. What Keepsake should I choose at the beginning of the game?
The Golden Seed is a generally recommended choice, as it allows you to immediately upgrade your Sacred Flask. However, other options like the Crimson Amber Medallion (increased HP) or Fanged Imp Ashes (early summon) can also be helpful.
3. How do I upgrade my weapons in Elden Ring?
You can upgrade weapons at a Smithing Table using Smithing Stones. Early on, you can also upgrade weapons by speaking to Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold.
4. Where can I find Smithing Stones early in the game?
Smithing Stones can be found in various locations, including mines, caves, and as drops from certain enemies. The Limgrave Tunnels are a good source of early-game Smithing Stones.
5. What are Ashes of War, and how do I use them?
Ashes of War are special items that can be equipped on weapons to change their Skill and sometimes their scaling. You can equip Ashes of War at Sites of Grace after obtaining the Whetstone Knife from Gatefront Ruins.
6. How do I respec my character in Elden Ring?
You can respec your character by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
7. What stats should I focus on early in the game?
Vigor is crucial for survivability, so prioritize leveling it up to at least 40 early on. Also, focus on the stats required to wield your chosen weapon(s).
8. Is it better to dual-wield weapons in Elden Ring?
Dual-wielding can be powerful, especially with weapons that inflict status effects like bleed or frostbite. However, it prevents you from using a shield. Experiment to see what works best for you.
9. How do I use Spirit Ashes?
You can use Spirit Ashes after obtaining the Spirit Calling Bell from Renna at the Church of Elleh (she appears only at night after obtaining Torrent). You must be near a Rebirth Monument to summon spirits.
10. What are Great Runes, and how do I use them?
Great Runes are powerful items obtained after defeating certain bosses. To activate a Great Rune, you must restore its power at its corresponding Divine Tower. You then need to use a Rune Arc to gain its benefits.
11. Where can I find the map fragments in Limgrave?
The map fragments for Limgrave are found at the Gatefront Ruins (West Limgrave) and on the Weeping Peninsula (South of Limgrave).
12. What is the best armor to get early in Elden Ring?
The Kaiden Armor (dropped by Kaiden Riders) and the Royal Remains Armor (obtained at the Roundtable Hold after certain events) are good early-game options.
13. How do I cure poison and scarlet rot in Elden Ring?
Neutralizing Boluses cure poison, while Preserving Boluses cure scarlet rot. You can craft these items if you have the necessary crafting recipes and ingredients.
14. What is the purpose of the Roundtable Hold?
The Roundtable Hold is a safe haven for Tarnished, offering access to vendors, smiths, and other helpful NPCs. It becomes accessible after encountering Melina and agreeing to her terms.
15. Where can I find crafting recipes in Elden Ring?
Crafting recipes are found in Cookbooks, which are scattered throughout the Lands Between. Search chests, bodies, and purchase them from merchants.
By understanding the nuances of early weapon acquisition and utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can equip yourself for success in the challenging yet rewarding world of Elden Ring. Good luck, Tarnished!