Finding Your Steel: A Guide to One-Handed Swords in Elden Ring

So, you’re on the hunt for the best one-handed sword in Elden Ring, eh? Tarnished, you’ve come to the right place. The Lands Between are littered with blades, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. While “the best” is subjective and depends heavily on your build and playstyle, this guide will point you towards some top contenders and prime locations to begin your search.

The location of the “best” one-handed sword in Elden Ring is not a single place, but rather dependent on player preference and build. However, a highly sought-after early to mid-game option can be found early: Head South from Lunar Estate Ruins until you find a Carriage being pulled by two Trolls. Either attack the Trolls to get them to stop or carefully jump onto the back of the Carriage to find one of the best one-handed weapons in Elden Ring in a chest.

Top Contenders for One-Handed Glory

Let’s not mince words. Finding the perfect one-handed sword requires understanding what makes a blade shine in the brutal world of Elden Ring. Here are some exceptional options:

• The Sword of Night and Flame: This legendary sword, while arguably better before patch adjustments, remains a potent choice for Intelligence/Faith builds. Its unique weapon art allows for both a comet-like projectile and a sweeping flame attack, offering versatility in combat. You can find it in Caria Manor, specifically in a chest guarded by a spectral knight. Prepare for a tricky jump to reach the lower level where it resides.

• The Broadsword: Don’t underestimate this seemingly simple option. The Broadsword is the best non-unique Straight Sword in Elden Ring when it comes to dealing damage. With a few drawbacks; the Broadsword is slightly shorter than most of the game’s Straight Swords and has a slightly different moveset. Its high damage output and relatively low stat requirements make it an excellent choice for strength-focused characters. You can purchase it from the Nomadic Merchant near the Coastal Cave in Limgrave.

• The Lordsworn’s Straight Sword: A solid all-around option with good scaling and a reliable moveset. What truly sets it apart is its innate critical hit bonus, making it devastating when paired with critical-focused talismans and skills. This sword can be farmed from the soldiers patrolling around Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave.

• The Uchigatana: While technically a katana, it functions very much like a one-handed sword when dual wielded. It is quick, light, and, like other katanas stacks Bleed—which tends to dispatch bosses relatively quickly. You can find this weapon in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave.

Understanding Scaling and Builds

Before you charge headfirst into battle, remember that a sword’s effectiveness is inextricably linked to your character’s build. Here’s a quick primer:

• Strength (STR): Determines your ability to wield heavier weapons effectively. Many powerful one-handed swords scale primarily with Strength.

• Dexterity (DEX): Affects weapon swing speed and the effectiveness of weapons that emphasize finesse. Katanas and curved swords often scale well with Dexterity.

• Intelligence (INT): Impacts the damage output of sorceries and weapons that deal magic damage. The Sword of Night and Flame, for example, requires significant Intelligence investment.

• Faith (FTH): Governs the effectiveness of incantations and weapons that scale with Holy damage.

Understanding how your stats affect a weapon’s damage output is crucial for optimizing your build.

Beyond the Basics: Weapon Arts and Ashes of War

Elden Ring’s combat system is enriched by Weapon Arts, unique skills associated with specific weapons, and Ashes of War, customizable skills that can be applied to many weapons.

Experiment with different Weapon Arts and Ashes of War to find combinations that complement your playstyle. Some examples include:

• The Taker’s Flames Ash of War: easily one of the strongest available to players. The Ash of War coats the sword in flames before it is slammed into the ground, sending a wave of flames in front of the player.

• Bloody Slash: is one of the most metal abilities Use it on an enemy and your character coats their blade in their own blood before attacking them with a wide, arcing slash that can easily one-shot a regular enemy.

General Locations to Explore

While specific sword locations are valuable, here’s a more general guide to areas where you’re likely to find one-handed weapons:

• Limgrave: The starting area is teeming with basic but effective swords. Explore ruins, caves, and enemy camps for valuable loot.

• Weeping Peninsula: South of Limgrave, this area features more challenging enemies and rewards with powerful early-game weapons.

• Stormveil Castle: A Legacy Dungeon filled with valuable items, including several one-handed sword options. Prepare for a tough fight.

FAQs: Your One-Handed Sword Questions Answered

1. What is the earliest Katana I can get in Elden Ring?

The Samurai starting class begins the game with Uchigatana, but for everyone else, it’s still the easiest and earliest katana you can acquire. It can be found in the Deathtouched Catacombs, which is located in northern Limgrave.

2. Is it better to dual wield or use a shield?

That depends entirely on your playstyle. Dual-wielding offers increased damage output at the cost of defense, while a shield provides protection and opens up opportunities for parrying and guard counters. Learn more about the relationship between video games and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

3. Where can I find Smithing Stones to upgrade my sword?

Smithing Stones can be found in mines, caves, and on corpses throughout the Lands Between. Purchasing them from merchants becomes easier as you progress and acquire Bell Bearings. Remember, each weapon type (normal or somber) requires its own unique stones.

4. What is the most overpowered weapon in Elden Ring?

“Overpowered” is subjective and often depends on the current game patch. The Taker’s Flames Ash of War, which coats the sword in flames before it is slammed into the ground, sending a wave of flames in front of the player, is easily one of the strongest available to players.

5. Can I change the Ash of War on any sword?

No, some swords have fixed Weapon Arts. However, most standard swords can have their Ash of War changed at a Site of Grace using the appropriate Whetstone Knife.

6. What is the best infusion for a strength build?

The “Heavy” infusion typically provides the best scaling for Strength-focused builds.

7. What is the best infusion for a dexterity build?

The “Keen” infusion typically provides the best scaling for Dexterity-focused builds.

8. Is the Uchigatana the best katana?

Uchigatana: Surprisingly, the starter Uchigatana is arguably the best katana in the entire game. It’s quick, light, and, like other katanas stacks Bleed—which tends to dispatch bosses relatively quickly.

9. Where can I get 2 Uchigatana?

You can find one in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave, early in the game. Otherwise, selecting a Samurai as your starting character will give you this weapon.

10. What is the most popular sword in Elden Ring?

Moonveil is considered one of the most popular weapons in Elden Ring and is one of two exceptional katanas the game offers. Obtained after defeating the Magma Wyrm located at the Gael Tunnel in Caelid, Moonveil does so much more than simply deal slashing damage.

11. What is the difference between a Katana and an Uchigatana?

The Katana, generally speaking, is heavier than the Uchigatana. This added weight, combined with its curved blade, provides the wielder with a powerful cutting force. The Uchigatana, in comparison, is lighter and thus, can be maneuvered with more speed and agility.

12. What does Bloody Slash do?

Bloody Slash is one of the most metal abilities Use it on an enemy and your character coats their blade in their own blood before attacking them with a wide, arcing slash that can easily one-shot a regular enemy.

13. What weapon does the least damage in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring: Weak Weapons To Try In A Challenge Run include:

• Clinging Bone.
• Hand Axe.
• Dagger.
• Soldier’s Crossbow.
• Weathered Straight Sword.
• Cipher Pata.
• Torch.
• Bare Fists.

14. Where is the first sword Elden Ring?

The Grafted Blade Greatsword can be found in Castle Morne in Elden Ring’s Weeping Peninsula. The sword looks a lot like the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones and is remarkably strong for such an early-game weapon. When fully upgraded, it can even carry you through NG+ if your build suits the sword.

15. Can you dual wield in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can dual wield in Elden Ring; doing so is an extremely fun mechanic in the game that lets players wield two weapons they like for double the fun.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect one-handed sword in Elden Ring is a journey of experimentation and discovery. Don’t be afraid to try different weapons, infusions, and Ashes of War until you find a combination that feels right for you. Remember to consult online resources, like those available through the Games Learning Society, and communities for build ideas and strategies. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your blade always find its mark!