The shattered realm of Elden Ring presents warriors with an arsenal of formidable weapons, each possessing unique capabilities to overcome the game’s formidable challenges. This analysis examines ten particularly devastating arms, assessing their combat efficacy and acquisition methods for discerning Tarnished.
Rivers of Blood (Katana)
This cursed blade exemplifies the potency of hemorrhage effects in the current meta. Its Corpse Piler skill unleashes a rapid sequence of sanguine slashes, each applying substantial bleed accumulation. The weapon’s true power manifests against targets vulnerable to blood loss, with successive attacks triggering catastrophic damage spikes.
Acquisition: Confront the Bloody Finger Okina near the Church of Repose in the Mountaintops of the Giants region.
Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword)
A grotesque armament that sustains its wielder through the Taker’s Flames skill, which both damages foes and restores health. The sword’s passive life-steal on enemy defeats makes it indispensable for prolonged engagements. When enhanced, its faith scaling reaches remarkable potency.
Acquisition: Exchange the Remembrance of the Blasphemous at Roundtable Hold.
Moonveil (Katana)
This glintstone-infused blade delivers swift strikes coupled with magical projectiles through its Transient Moonlight ability. The weapon’s capacity to stagger opponents while building bleed makes it particularly lethal against heavily armored foes. Its quick draw attacks provide exceptional counter opportunities.
Acquisition: Slay the Magma Wyrm in the Gael Tunnel connecting Limgrave and Caelid.
Greatsword (Colossal Sword)
A brutish implement recalling the armaments of legendary warriors from beyond the fog. When properly upgraded and wielded with sufficient strength, its crushing blows can flatten most adversaries. The weapon’s moveset allows for both sweeping cleaves and devastating overhead strikes.
Acquisition: Located within a transport wagon in Dragonbarrow, Caelid.
Maliketh’s Black Blade (Colossal Sword)
This relic of the Black Blade Kindred possesses the Destined Death skill, which unleashes a series of energy slashes that reduce maximum enemy health. The weapon proves particularly effective against endgame bosses and other resilient foes.
Acquisition: Trade the Remembrance of the Black Blade at Roundtable Hold.
Dark Moon Greatsword
The culmination of Ranni’s questline yields this frost-imbued greatsword. Its charged heavy attacks release waves of freezing moonlight that inflict both direct damage and frostbite buildup. The weapon’s projectiles conserve stamina while maintaining pressure at range.
Acquisition: Complete Ranni the Witch’s extensive quest chain.
Eleonora’s Poleblade (Twinblade)
A whirlwind of crimson destruction, this twinblade excels in applying rapid hemorrhage through its Bloodblade Dance skill. The weapon’s spinning attacks create space while dealing multiple instances of damage, making it formidable against groups and single targets alike.
Acquisition: Defeat Eleonora, Violet Bloody Finger at the Second Church of Marika in Altus Plateau.
Sacred Relic Sword
Forged from the Elden Beast’s essence, this weapon’s Wave of Gold skill clears wide areas with golden shockwaves. Its unparalleled area coverage makes it the premier choice for efficient rune acquisition in specific farming locations.
Acquisition: Exchange the Elden Beast’s Remembrance.
Ghiza’s Wheel
A monstrous mechanical weapon that transforms into a spinning sawblade during its unique skill. The continuous damage and stagger potential allow wielders to dismantle even the most resilient opponents. When properly timed, its attacks can interrupt nearly any enemy action.
Acquisition: Vanquish Inquisitor Ghiza in Volcano Manor.
Sword of Night and Flame
This versatile armament channels both sorcerous and pyromantic energies through its Night-and-Flame Stance. The weapon’s dual-mode skill provides solutions for various combat scenarios, though recent balancing adjustments have tempered its overwhelming early-game dominance.
Acquisition: Located within a locked chamber of Caria Manor’s western wing.
Strategic Considerations
Each weapon excels in specific combat scenarios:
- Bleed-focused arms dominate against health-rich targets
- Colossal weapons provide unparalleled poise damage
- Hybrid magic blades offer tactical flexibility
Progressive enhancement significantly improves all armaments, with somber smithing stones being particularly valuable for unique weapons. Wise Tarnished will select implements that complement their chosen attributes and combat approach, as even formidable weapons underperform without proper stat investment.
These ten weapons represent the pinnacle of destructive potential within the Lands Between, though numerous other arms remain situationally potent. Mastery of any requires understanding both its capabilities and the enemies it will face.
Want build advice that suits your playstyle? Check out our Elden Ring build guide
