Elden Ring: The Best Weapons for Beating Bosses

Elden Ring took the video game market by storm in early 2022 and had players all over the world testing their mettle against its large variety of bosses. The team over at FromSoftware did everything in their power to fill The Lands Between with as many powerful and unique boss encounters as possible. At launch, many players found themselves repeatedly pounding their heads into the game’s first boss, the Tree Sentinel.

The few who strive to prove their might with even the most basic weapons may have finally succeeded after forty or fifty attempts, though most players just ran around the menacing encounter only to return later with greater gear and skills. There are plenty of weapons available to the Tarnished that can greatly aid in their quest, and some weapons can scale high enough to make even late-game bosses a breeze.

Updated September 28, 2024 by Erik Petrovich: Beating bosses in Elden Ring is tough, especially if you haven’t got the right weapon for the job. Luckily, there are tons of extremely powerful Elden Ring weapons you can get throughout the game, many of which can be acquired very early. The Backhand Blade is one such weapon, one that can be acquired almost as soon as you start the Elden Ring DLC, and one of the best weapons for melting boss HP bars all the way until you beat Promised Consort Radahn. This guide has been updated to include information on the Backhand Blade and what makes it one of the best Elden Ring weapons for killing bosses, and to include new details for every other weapon listed.

19 Backhand Blade

Take Advantage Of Their Blind Spot

When it comes to the best weapons to beat bosses in Elden Ring, the DLC initially added a bunch of great options that were eventually patched out. The Bloodfiend’s Arm bleed exploit and the Lightning Perfume Bottle glitch have both been removed from the game, but there is one new DLC weapon that still shines as one of the best boss-killing weapons in Elden Ring: the Backhand Blade.

It can be acquired very early in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and can be infused with the Bleed affinity to use alongside its extremely powerful Ash of War. This, plus the rapid attack speed of this dual-wielded weapon, makes the Backhand Blade a weapon should acquire early.

Though it doesn’t come with innate Bleed buildup, it scales extremely well with the Blood affinity – its fast attacks mean you will proc Bleed constantly, and its literal stat Scaling is improved to STR (C) and DEX (B), too.

Backhand Blade Ash of War: Ash of War: Blind Spot

Ash of War: Blind Spot is the default weapon skill for the Backhand Blade, and can be altered. This skill costs 9 FP to cast.

Leap into close quarters to take advantage of the enemy’s blind spot and gore them from the side.

Input determines which side you strike from.

This attack slips below the opponent’s guard.

How To Get The Backhand Blade

The Backhand Blade can be found in the Realm of Shadow in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. To get to the DLC you must defeat both Starscourge Radahn and Mohg, Lord of Blood, then touch the Withered Arm in Mohg’s arena.

Once in the Realm of Shadow, travel to the northeast of the Gravesite Plain, north of the Scorched Ruins, and look for a group of Hornsent Inquisitor enemies pacing around a mausoleum, to the east of the Furnace Golem in the area. The Backhand Blade can be looted on the ground next to a coffin in this area.

18 Bloodhound’s Fang

An Early Weapon That Lasts Into The End Game

The Bloodhound’s Fang is one of the better boss weapons, as it can be found relatively early on. This curved greatsword scales with both Strength and Dexterity and comes with one of the most useful Ashes of War in the game, Bloodhound’s Finesse. Activating this ash of war does an upward strike with the sword and causes players to jump backwards a bit, putting space between them and their foe.

If players activate the skill again immediately, it will perform the Bloodhound’s Step, a teleporting slash attack. This makes the weapon ideal for handling certain bosses, as players can use the combo to their advantage to avoid attacks while still dishing out heavy damage.

Bloodhound’s Fang Ash of War: Bloodhound’s Finesse Skill

Bloodhound’s Finesse is the default weapon skill for the Bloodhound’s Fang, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 8 FP to cast, and 12 FP to follow-up with the Bloodhound’s Step attack.

Slash upwards with the Bloodhound’s Fang, using the momentum of the strike to perform a backwards somersault and gain some distance from foes.

Follow up with a strong attack to perform the Bloodhound’s Step attack.

Advertisement

How To Get Bloodhound’s Fang

Bloodhound’s Fang is obtained by defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, who is found in the Forlorn Hound Evergaol located in Southeast Limgrave, just before the Bridge of Sacrifice.

17 Fallingstar Beast Jaw

An Enormous Hammer With INT Scaling

Strength builds looking for a colossal weapon with some heft behind it should consider looking into the Fallingstar Beast Jaw. This huge sickle-like object scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence and requires quite a few points in all three attributes to wield effectively.

Fully upgraded to +10, the Fallingstar Beast Jaw hits hard, thanks to its 320 physical and 208 magic damage. It also comes equipped with a special Ash of War called Gravity Bolt that calls down a lightning strike when used. Increasing a player’s Intelligence stat will cause the magical component to hit harder and the weapon deals an additional 20 percent damage to Gravity-type enemies.

Fallingstar Beast Jaw Ash of War: Gravity Bolt Skill

Gravity Bolt is the default weapon skill for the Fallingstar Beast Jaw, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 13 FP to cast and can be chained.

Imbue the jaw of fallingstar beast with gravitational lightning, sending a bolt crashing down a short distance away.

Can be fired in rapid succession.

How To Get Fallingstar Beast Jaw

Unfortunately, snagging this weapon is a bit difficult as players will need to take down the Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast, located on Mt. Gelmir near the entrance to Volcano Manor. This boss is particularly challenging and will easily dispatch unprepared players.

16 Rivers Of Blood

It’s In The Name

Hands down, one of the most ridiculously powerful bleed weapons in Elden Ring, Rivers of Blood, can cut bosses to shreds with very little brain power needed. Simply walking near the target and spamming the left trigger will leave them lying at the Tarnished’s feet. This one has seen a slight decline, being left in the dust as compared to various other weapon buffs, but it still more than holds its own.

Bleed build-up happens fast, and there’s little anything can do to get out of the way of these wide arching blood slashes. It won’t be the most competitive boss fight, but victory will be achieved if Rivers of Blood is equipped.

Rivers Of Blood Ash of War: Corpse Piler Skill

Corpse Piler is the default weapon skill for the Rivers Of Blood katana, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 17 FP to cast, and 9 FP to follow-up.

Forms a blade of cursed blood for repeated, interweaving successive attacks.

Follow up with an additional input for further successive attacks.

How To Get Rivers Of Blood

The blade can be obtained by defeating Bloody Finger Okina in the Church of Repose. This church is found deep in the Mountaintops of Giants, so don’t expect to start melting any early or mid-game boss health bars (unless intentionally skipped).

15 Nightrider Glaive

Halberds Allow Hits From Further Away

This intimidatingly huge Nightrider Glaive is optimal for slicing and dicing enemies and easily holds its own in many boss fights. Players who favor transport on horseback will particularly find it useful, as the movement allows the heavy weapon to keep much of its momentum and inflict ample damage.

Yet wielders will want to spend much time on the ground with this beast as well, as Spinning Slash can be triggered quickly to unleash a flurry of attacks. Not only does this move produce a damaging spin move, but it triggers one final blow once concluded. The Nightrider Glaive is a great choice for those opting for a beefy, DPS-heavy build.

Nightrider Glaive Ash of War: Spinning Slash Skill

Spinning Slash is the default weapon skill for the Nightrider Glaive, which can be altered. This skill costs 6 FP to cast and 12 FP to follow up with a Heavy attack.

A favorite skill of dexterous warriors.

Slash foes as your body spins.

This momentum can connect into a final heavy attack.

Advertisement

How To Get Nightrider Glaive

This weapon is dropped by Night’s Cavalry (Liurnia North), which strolls along the road between East Raya Lucaria Gate and Belum Church. No other Night’s Cavalry can drop this weapon, but it is a guaranteed drop.

14 Morgott’s Cursed Sword

Innate Bleed & A Powerful Weapon Skill

Players opting for a swifter, more nimble build will want to search for this rugged sword of the damned. Morgott’s Cursed Sword scales nicely with Dexterity and is great for aggressive players that don’t shy from melee combat. Cursed-Blood Slice will have players launch forward and strike downward.

This inflicts lots of initial damage, but it also yields additional Blood Lost build-up. This curved greatsword is one of the better weapons that can be simply purchased, though it still requires players to overcome a major milestone.

Morgott’s Cursed Sword Ash of War: Cursed-Blood Slice Skill

Cursed-Blood Slice is the default weapon skill for Morgott’s Cursed Sword, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 20 FP to cast and can be chained.

Brace, then charge forward to deliver a downward diagonal slice.

The bloody trail of the late is followed by a burst of flame.

Advertisement

Additional input allows for a follow-up attack.

How To Get Morgott’s Cursed Sword

Morgott’s Cursed Sword must be purchased from Finger Reader Enia at the Roundtable Hold, by way of the Remembrance of the Omen King.

13 Sword Of Night And Flame

Two Weapon Skills – And Both Are Extremely Strong

While it’s lost a bit of stock thanks to a 1.09 debuff, the Sword of Night and Flame remains a strong and elegant weapon for any sorcerer-warrior. With its classic design and power, this one just feels great to use and proves quite versatile and useful in melee fights.

It possesses a distinct skill called Night-and-Flame Stance. This move begins by holding the sword level while granting the option for players to unleash a swinging slice that ignites in flames. This can be followed up (or interchanged with) the Comet Azur sorcery, which fires a large comet that wallops targets, even ominous bosses, for loads of damage.

Sword Of Night And Flame Ash of War: Night-and-Flame Stance Skill

Night-and-Flame Stance is the default weapon skill for the Sword Of Night And Flame, and cannot be altered. This skill costs either 26 or 32 FP to cast, depending on if you follow with a Light or Heavy input.

Hold the sword level and prepare to cast a sorcery.

Follow up with a normal attack to cast the Night Comet sorcery, or a strong attack to sweep forward with a burst of flames.

How To Get Sword Of Night And Flame

This unique sword can be had in Caria Manor, specifically in a locked room just behind the gardens of the manor, on the east side. Climb onto the ramparts, and go all the way down a walkway on the east until you see rooftops you can jump onto. Jump down, and look for a hole to drop down to get behind this locked door and get the sword.

12 Dark Moon Greatsword

An Iconic Fromsoft Sword (And One Of The Best)

Fans of FromSoftware’s previous titles will recognize this blade immediately, as it’s appeared in almost every game that the developer has made in some form or another. The Dark Moon Greatswordscales primarily with Intelligence, and its built-in Ash of War is one of the best in the game for spell sword builds, granting bonus magic damage and frost buildup.

Just like its versions in other FromSoftware titles, the Dark Moon Greatsword lets players shoot a beam of energy – in this case, frost magic – in front of them with its Weapon Skill. Its a supremely powerful weapon in PvP and PvE both for its frost buildup and impressive damage at max level.

Dark Moon Greatsword Ash of War: Moonlight Greatsword Skill

Moonlight Greatsword is the default weapon skill for the Dark Moon Greatsword, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 40 FP to cast and the buff lasts for 30 seconds.

Raise the sword aloft, bathing it in the light of the dark moon.

Temporarily increases magic attack power and imbues blade with frost.

Charged attacks release blasts of moonlight.

How To Get Dark Moon Greatsword

Players can obtain this sword after they’ve completed the entire Ranni The Witch side quest line, which is one of the longest side stories in the game. It can then be found under the Cathedral of Manus Celes. Ranni definitely makes it worth the effort, though, as the Dark Moon Greatsword is an excellent tool for shredding down bosses without getting too close.

11 Scavenger’s Curved Sword

Unrivaled Bleed For A Curved Sword, When Dual Wielded

The Scavenger’s Curved Sword is an underrated Elden Ring bleed weapon, as curved swords have some of the fastest attack patterns in the game. With bleed heavily relying on multiple attacks landed in succession, this weapon can become devastating quickly, especially when dual-wielding curved swords.

Dual wielding weapons of the same type unlocks the powerstance moveset for those weapons, essentially a special moveset that fully uses both equipped weapons. With two Scavenger’s Curved Swords, and the powerstance moveset, Bleed procs faster than almost any other weapon combination at the mid game.

Scavenger’s Curved Sword Ash of War: Spinning Slash Skill

Spinning Slash is the default weapon skill for the Scavenger’s Curved Sword, which can be altered. This skill costs 6 FP to cast and 12 FP to follow up with a Heavy attack.

A favorite skill of dexterous warriors.

Slash foes as your body spins.

This momentum can connect into a final heavy attack.

How To Get Scavenger’s Curved Sword

The sword can be found on a corpse northwest of the First Mt Gellmir Campsite Site of Grace. Players must visit this location again during a second playthrough if they want to obtain another Scavenger’s Curved Sword. If both swords are then imbued with the Seppuku Ash of War, players are looking at some wild bleed potential that will have most bosses shaking in their oversized boots.

10 Wing Of Astel

Good Scaling For Multiple Stats For Great Damage

The Wing of Astel is a beautiful curved sword based on Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. It deals decent physical and magic damage and scales well with Intelligence, but what makes this weapon so powerful is its intrinsic weapon skill which cannot be replaced with an Ash of War.

This skill, called Nebula, creates a burst of magic around the caster, which can massively drain enemy health bars. The strong attack is also very powerful, as it is a ranged magic attack that costs no FP.

Wing Of Astel Ash of War: Nebula Skill

Nebula is the default weapon skill for the Wing Of Astel, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 20 FP to cast.

Imbue the Naturalborn’s stars with magic to send forth a dark cloud of stars that lingers briefly before exploding.

How To Get Wing Of Astel

The blade can be found in a chest at the top of southern Uhl Palace Ruins, east of Nokstella, Eternal City Site of Grace. For players who have invested in Intelligence and are willing to make the journey to obtain it, the Wing of Astel is one of the best weapons in the game.

9 Executioner’s Greataxe

Slow, Long-Hafted Axe With High Damage

This rare axe is not a guaranteed drop, but it’s one worth grinding for. Once the Executioner’s Greataxe finally drops, however, players can begin to enjoy its high AR and even higher critical hit potential.

With a high Strength investment and the right Ash of War, this axe can become the best of its weapon class. Pairing the Executioner’s Greataxe with the Lightning Slash Ash of War essentially creates the Dragonslayer’s Greataxe from Dark Souls 3. This combination, in particular, is fantastic for taking down those pesky draconic tree sentinels.

Executioner’s Greataxe Ash of War: War Cry Skill

War Cry is the default weapon skill for the Executioner’s Greataxe, which can be altered. This skill costs 16 FP to cast.

Give a war cry to rally the spirit and increase attack power.

While active, strong attacks change to charging attacks.

Advertisement

How To Get Executioner’s Greataxe

This great axe is not easy to come by, as players will be forced to spend a fair amount of time farming undead enemies at The Church of Irith Graveyard. Other undead enemies at the Sellia Graveyard and the Academy Gate Town Graveyard can also drop this weapon, but the Church of Irith is one of the easiest to get to.

8 Eleonora’s Poleblade

Rapidly Inflicts Bleed

The go-to option for those looking to cosplay Darth Maul in-game, Eleonora’s Poleblade is a gorgeous weapon with an even more gorgeous Ash of War attached to it. Scaling mainly with Dexterity and Arcane, this pole blade deals both physical and fire damage and has innate bleed build-up.

Its Bloodblade Dance Ash of War is one of the most visually impressive in Elden Ring, and watching the Tarnished leap forward only to twist and flip back again never gets old. This attack can be difficult to get used to and can easily put the player in danger if timed incorrectly. However, just a few successful casts of this Ash of War will leave most bosses begging for mercy.

Eleonora’s Poleblade Ash of War: Bloodblade Dance Skill

Bloodblade Dance is the default weapon skill for Eleonora’s Poleblade, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 11 FP to cast, and can be chained.

Leap at foe to perform a flurry of tornado-like attacks.

Follow up with an additional input to perform an attack that ends in an evasive maneuver.

Advertisement

How To Get Eleonora’s Poleblade

Eleonora’s Poleblade can be found in the Second Church of Marika after defeating the NPC invader Eleanora, Violet Bloody Finger.

7 Reduvia

Start Building Bleed Early

Bleed builds can trivialize certain boss fights, removing massive chunks from enemy health bars in seconds. With patches 1.07 and 1.08, Reduvia became one of the best weapons for bleed builds and has gotten even more potent with the 1.09 patch. The buffs gave Reduvia’s weapon skill, increased attack power, and improved the speed and range of daggers, meaning that Reduvia could stack Blood Loss buildup incredibly quickly.

After investing in Dexterity and Arcane, players will be capable of some of the fastest burst damage in the game. Obtaining a second Reduvia in a second playthrough and Power Stancing them is optional but recommended if players really need to get revenge on a certain boss.

Reduvia Ash of War: Reduvia Blood Blade Skill

Reduvia Blood Blade is the default weapon skill for the Reduvia, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 6 FP to cast and can be chained.

Slash with the wicked dagger, transforming its never-drying bloostains into airborne blood blades that cause hemorrhaging.

Can be fired in rapid succession.

Advertisement

How To Get Reduvia

Reduvia can be found very early in Elden Ring in Limgrave. Look for the chasm that heads northward from Lake Agheel, and follow it until an NPC named Bloody Finger Nerijus spawns. Defeat him to get Reduvia.

6 Godslayer’s Greatsword

A visually stunning Colossal Sword with a lot to boast about, the Godslayer’s Greatsword is a terrific pick for players with midrange strength still hoping to have fun with a big chunky sword. This weapon scales off of Faith and Dexterity, with a small amount of strength scaling too. This separates it from the majority of other colossal swords, as does its devastating Ash of War, The Queen’s Black Flame.

The Queen’s Black Flame Ash of War attached to it is arguably the best among the colossal swords. It drowns the sword in black flame and delivers two massive, sweeping attacks in front of the Tarnished. The black flame will then continue to damage the target for a while, making it a great tool to have in the heat of battle.

Godslayer’s Greatsword Ash of War: The Queen’s Black Flame Skill

The Queen’s Black Flame is the default weapon skill for the Godslayer’s Greatsword, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 15 FP to cast.

Set the blade ablaze with the god-slaying black flame before delivering a sweeping slash.

Additional input allows for a follow-up attack.

The black flames will continue to wear down HP for a while.

How To Get Godslayer’s Greatsword

Tarnished can pick this sword up after defeating the Godskin Apostle at the Divine Tower Of Caelid.

5 Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Ever Wanted To Make Everyone Bleed At The Same Time?

Mohg, Lord of Blood is a complicated guy, to say the least. He’s able to commune with an outer god from a dimension beyond The Lands Between, and his Sacred Spear is one way he can do this.

The Ash of War attached to Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear creates a massive AOE around the player that continuously damages all enemies caught within it. The player thrusts the spear upward, spreading accursed blood across the battlefield, as well as coating the spear in the blood, buffing it for a short period.

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear Ash of War: Bloodboon Ritual Skill

Bloodboon Ritual is the default weapon skill for the Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 20 FP to cast and can be chained up to three times.

Raise the sacred spear and pierce the body of the Formless Mother.

Stab up to three times, creating explosions of blood with each thrust.

This skill will coat the armament with bloodflame for a while.

Advertisement

How To Get Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Players can grab this nightmare weapon after they defeat Mohg, Lord of Blood. It requires the Remembrance of the Blood Lord, so only one can be earned each playthrough.

4 Giant-Crusher

Some Of The Highest Poise Damage, When It Connects

The most premium bonking stick available to the Tarnished is the Giant-Crusher. Those relentlessly dumping points into strength will need to pick this colossal weapon up if they haven’t already. This boulder on a stick will one-shot just about any smaller enemies in the game, and with the right build, just a few jump attacks will have bosses reduced to dust.

At max strength, the Giant Crusher boasts the highest non-split AR in the game. Naturally, it’s also extremely heavy, so timing those giant swings is essential to avoid being stuck in combo range.

Giant Crusher Ash of War: Endure Skill

Endure is the default weapon skill for the Giant Crusher, which can be altered. This skill costs 9 FP to cast.

Assume an anchored stance to brace for incoming attacks, briefly boosting poise.

Damage taken while using this skill is reduced.

How To Get Giant Crusher

The Giant Crusher can be found on the back of a carriage south of the Outer Wall Phantom Tree Site of Grace.

3 Moonveil

Not Just The Best Int Weapon

As one of the most popular picks in Elden Ring, Moonveil has a lot to offer. This katana scales from strength, dexterity, and intelligence, and it comes equipped with one of the best ashes of war in the game. The user will sheath Moonveil, allowing for rapid slashes that release waves of light.

Transient Moonlight also has very low FP consumption, so it can be spammed with no worries. On top of all that, Moonveil also has a bleed effect, allowing for massive damage from creative combos.

Moonveil Ash of War: Transient Moonlight Skill

Transient Moonlight is the default weapon skill for the Moonveil, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 15 or 20 FP to cast, depending on if you follow up with a Light or Heavy attack.

Sheathe blade, holding it at the hip in a composed stance.

Follow up with either a normal or a strong attack to draw the blade at great speed for an instant slash attack.

Both attacks fire off a wave of light.

How To Get Moonveil

If dashing through dungeons like a vengeance-seeking anime protagonist sounds interesting, players can pick up the Moonveil katana after defeating the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel.

2 Greatsword

Back To Basics For All-Around Performance

While this Colossal Sword may have one of the most unremarkable names and designs in the game, this is only because its sheer damage potential speaks for itself. Recent patches have also improved it with increased attack speed. With a good amount of Strength and proper timing, the Greatsword almost seems to bully bosses as it tears through health and poise alike.

This weapon can also be infused with an Ash of War, making it much more adaptable. Players can infuse it with Waves of Darkness or Gravitas for some area of effect damage or Lion’s Claw for great damage.

Greatsword Ash of War: Stamp (Sweep) SkillStamp

Stamp is the default weapon skill for the Greatsword, which can be altered. This skill costs 5 FP to cast, and 8 FP to follow up with a Heavy attack.

Brace armament and step into a low stance that prevents recoil from most enemy attacks.

Follow up with a strong attack for a sweeping strike.

How To Get A Greatsword

To get their hands on a standard Greatsword, players will have to find a carriage northwest of the Caelem Ruins Site of Grace.

1 Blasphemous Blade

Even After Nerfs, It’s Still Totally Broken

A fantastic non-bleed option and arguably the strongest weapon in the Elden Ring, the Blasphemous Blade has had the hearts of fans since the game launched. Scaling with Faith, Dexterity, and Strength, it also has built-in life steal, which is incredible against bosses with giant health bars. The Blasphemous Blade is the best item in the toolkit for that.

The Taker’s Flames Ash of War is 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. The flames also steal HP from the affected enemies. All of these factors combined make for easily the best weapon in the Elden Ring.

Blasphemous Blade Ash of War: Taker’s Flames Skill

Taker’s Flames is the default weapon skill for the Blasphemous Blade, and cannot be altered. This skill costs 30 FP to cast.

Raise the sacred sword aloft to set it ablaze with blasphemous flames, then bring it down to fire off a forward blast.

The flames steal HP from those they touch.

How To Get Blasphemous Blade

This awesome greatsword can be obtained after trading in the Remembrance of the Blasphemousat Roundtable Hold after defeating Rykard.