The Best Early Game Sword in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

The question on every Tarnished’s mind as they begin their journey in the Lands Between: What is the best sword to acquire early in Elden Ring? The answer isn’t as simple as one specific weapon, as “best” is subjective to playstyle, but there are several standouts readily available within the first few hours of gameplay. However, if you’re looking for a powerful, versatile, and readily accessible option, the Bloodhound’s Fang emerges as a top contender for the best early game sword in Elden Ring.

Bloodhound’s Fang: A Powerful Early Game Option

The Bloodhound’s Fang is a Curved Greatsword that is accessible very early in the game, and for most builds, it’ll remain a viable option well into the mid-game. Its combination of high base damage, excellent scaling in Strength and Dexterity, and a powerful unique weapon art, “Bloodhound’s Finesse,” make it an exceptional choice. “Bloodhound’s Finesse” allows you to quickly dash forward and then follow up with a powerful slash, making it a very effective tool in both PvE and PvP situations.

How to Obtain the Bloodhound’s Fang

The Bloodhound’s Fang isn’t found lying around; it’s the reward for defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil at the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in Limgrave, near the southern end of the region. You will need to be prepared for a moderately challenging fight, but the reward is well worth the effort. Darriwil is a fast-moving foe, but careful timing and spacing can make this fight manageable, even at low levels.

Why the Bloodhound’s Fang Stands Out

• Excellent Scaling: Scales well with both Strength and Dexterity, making it versatile for a variety of builds.
• High Base Damage: Provides a good foundation for damage output, even without significant upgrades.
• Unique Weapon Art: “Bloodhound’s Finesse” provides mobility and offensive power.
• Bleed Buildup: Imbues attacks with bleed, adding extra damage over time.
• Early Accessibility: Obtained relatively early in the game compared to other powerful weapons.

While the Bloodhound’s Fang might be the best all-around choice for many players early on, there are other strong contenders for the best sword, depending on your specific build and preferred play style. Here are other noteworthy contenders you can acquire early:

Other Notable Early Game Swords

Great Epee

The Great Epee is a thrusting sword with excellent range and damage. It’s found in a chest on a ruined caravan near the Church of Elleh area in Limgrave. Its thrusting attacks are especially good against armored opponents and make spacing easier.

Carian Knight’s Sword

If you prefer a more magic-focused build, the Carian Knight’s Sword is a great early choice. It’s found in the Liurnia of the Lakes region, near the Road to the Manor Site of Grace. It scales well with Intelligence and has a unique skill that allows you to quickly slash with a magical blade.

Uchigatana

The Uchigatana is the starting weapon for the Samurai class, but it is easily obtained in the Deathtouched Catacombs in northern Limgrave. It’s a Katana that deals decent damage and inflicts the Bleed status effect, making it excellent against bosses and regular enemies.

Lordsworn’s Greatsword

The Lordsworn’s Greatsword is an accessible option available within the first 10 minutes after finishing the tutorial. It is found on a slain knight on the road in Limgrave. This Greatsword is straightforward, but its powerful swings and solid damage make it a reliable choice if you’re set on a greatsword build early on.

Grafted Blade Greatsword

The Grafted Blade Greatsword, reminiscent of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, can be found in Castle Morne in the Weeping Peninsula. While it is a very large and slow sword, its massive damage output makes it a powerful option for those who like heavy-hitting weapons. It’s easily one of the earliest Legendary Armaments you can obtain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the easiest greatsword to get early in Elden Ring?

The Lordsworn’s Greatsword is often cited as the easiest greatsword to get early. It’s located right at the beginning of the game in Limgrave and doesn’t require any boss fights to obtain.

2. Can I get the Greatsword (Berserk Sword) early in Elden Ring?

Yes, the Greatsword, which is reminiscent of Guts’ Dragon Slayer from Berserk, can be found early in Caelid. You can find it in a carriage located near the Caelem Ruins Site of Grace.

3. Where is the best early katana in Elden Ring?

The Uchigatana is considered the best early katana. It’s found in the Deathtouched Catacombs in northern Limgrave.

4. What is the strongest beginner weapon in Elden Ring?

There isn’t a singular “strongest,” but the Bloodhound’s Fang, Uchigatana, and Great Epee are excellent early game weapons because of their stats, availability, and power.

5. What is the best non-unique straight sword in Elden Ring?

The Broadsword is the best non-unique straight sword for pure damage. However, it’s a bit shorter and has a slightly different moveset than some others.

6. Is the Longsword worth upgrading in Elden Ring?

Yes, the basic Longsword is a no-fuss option, and at its highest upgrade, it’s more than capable of handling end-game content.

7. Where is the easiest colossal sword to get in Elden Ring?

The Greatsword found in Caelid is among the easiest Colossal Swords to get early. It is found in a carriage near the Caelem Ruins Site of Grace.

8. What is the earliest bleed weapon in Elden Ring?

Reduvia is the earliest dedicated Bleed weapon, found after defeating the invader, Bloody Finger Nerijus, outside the Murkwater Cave, which is also quite early in the game.

9. What is the best quality weapon in Elden Ring?

While several weapons can be categorized as “quality” (scaling with Strength and Dexterity), Bloodhound’s Fang and Uchigatana are strong contenders for early and mid-game, respectively.

10. Where can I find the Grafted Blade Greatsword?

The Grafted Blade Greatsword is found in Castle Morne in the Weeping Peninsula.

11. What is the best sword for blood build in Elden Ring?

The Rivers of Blood katana is often cited as the best weapon for bleed builds, however it is acquired later in the game. The Uchigatana and Reduvia are excellent early options that also incorporate bleed damage.

12. What weapon should I use to fight Margit early?

The Uchigatana is one of the most accessible and effective weapons against Margit. Its Bleed effect is particularly useful. Alternatively, weapons like Bloodhound’s Fang and the Great Epee can also be quite effective, if upgraded.

13. What is the hardest hitting sword in Elden Ring?

The Heavy Giant-Crusher is generally considered to have the highest attack rating, although this is not a sword, but a colossal weapon. Among greatswords, the Heavy Greatsword can achieve high damage output.

14. Is it better to upgrade weapons early in Elden Ring?

Yes, upgrading your starting weapon or an early find is highly recommended. It’ll make surviving the game much easier, especially against early bosses.

15. What are the best early straight swords in Elden Ring?

The Carian Knight’s Sword, the Longsword, and the Broadsword are among the best early straight swords, each offering unique benefits depending on your preferred playstyle.

Choosing the best early sword in Elden Ring ultimately depends on your playstyle, your build, and personal preference. However, options such as the Bloodhound’s Fang provide a strong mix of damage, utility and accessibility and should be considered a top contender for most players. Make sure to experiment with different weapons to find the best one for your unique journey through the Lands Between.