Your Guide to Finding and Upgrading Weapons in Elden Ring

Introduction

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, has quickly become one of the most talked-about games in recent years. Known for its expansive world, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay, it offers a vast array of weapons for players to discover and master. This article delves into the world of Elden Ring weapons, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the choices and find the best weapons to suit your playstyle. We’ll explore different types of weapons, and their unique features, and offer tips on how to make the most out of them in your journey through the Lands Between.

Understanding Elden Ring Weapons

The Importance of Weapons in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, weapons are not just tools for combat; they are an extension of your character. The right weapon can enhance your abilities, complement your combat style, and even shape the way you approach battles. Whether you prefer close-range melee attacks, long-range magic spells, or a combination of both, there is a weapon for every play style.

Weapon Classes and Categories

Elden Ring features a diverse range of weapon classes, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Understanding these classes is crucial for making informed choices about your arsenal. Here are some of the primary weapon classes in Elden Ring:

1. Swords: Versatile weapons suitable for various combat situations. They come in different types, including short swords, long swords, and greatswords.
2. Axes: Powerful melee weapons that deal significant damage. They are effective against heavily armored foes.
3. Spears and Polearms: Long-reach weapons ideal for keeping enemies at bay. They allow for precise strikes from a distance.
4. Bows and Crossbows: Ranged weapons perfect for taking down enemies from afar. They require ammunition and are excellent for strategic play.
5. Magic Staffs and Catalysts: Essential for spellcasters. These weapons enhance magical abilities and allow for powerful spellcasting.
6. Daggers: Quick and nimble weapons designed for fast attacks and critical hits. They are ideal for stealthy playstyles.
7. Hammers and Maces: Blunt weapons that deal massive damage. They are particularly effective against armored enemies and structures.

Weapon Attributes and Scaling

Weapons in the Elden Ring have various attributes that influence their effectiveness in combat. These attributes include:

1. Attack Power: Determines the amount of damage a weapon deals. Higher attack power means more damage.
2. Scaling: Indicates how well a weapon’s damage increases with certain character stats, such as Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith. Weapons with good scaling can become significantly stronger as your character levels up.
3. Durability: Measures how long a weapon can be used before it needs repair. Higher durability means the weapon lasts longer.
4. Weight: Affects your character’s mobility and stamina usage. Heavier weapons can slow you down but often deal more damage.

Understanding these attributes and how they interact with your character’s stats is essential for optimizing your build and maximizing your combat effectiveness.

Swords in Elden Ring

Short Swords

Short swords are among the most versatile weapons in Elden Ring. They offer a good balance between speed and damage, making them suitable for various combat scenarios. Some notable short swords include:

1. Knight’s Sword: A reliable and balanced weapon with moderate attack power and good scaling with Strength and Dexterity. Ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.
2. Thief’s Blade: A lightweight short sword designed for quick attacks and critical hits. It has excellent Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for agile characters.

Long Swords

Long swords offer increased reach and damage compared to short swords. They are versatile and effective against a wide range of enemies. Key long swords include:

1. Claymore: A classic long sword with high attack power and good scaling with Strength. It is well-suited for players who prefer a balanced mix of speed and damage.
2. Bastard Sword: A heavy long sword with exceptional reach and damage. It requires significant Strength to wield effectively but rewards players with devastating attacks.

Greatswords

Greatswords are massive weapons that deal immense damage and have a longer reach. They are slower than other swords but can stagger enemies with powerful blows. Notable greatswords include:

1. Zweihander: A colossal greatsword with incredible attack power and high Strength scaling. It is ideal for players who prefer a slow but powerful playstyle.
2. Black Knight Sword: A legendary greatsword with high damage and unique abilities. It requires significant Strength and Dexterity but offers unparalleled power.

Axes in Elden Ring

Battle Axes

Battle axes are powerful melee weapons that deal substantial damage. They are effective against heavily armored foes and can break through shields. Key battle axes include:

1. War Axe: A balanced battle axe with good attack power and scaling with Strength. It is versatile and effective in various combat situations.
2. Viking Axe: A heavy battle-axe with exceptional damage and durability. It is ideal for players who prefer a slow but powerful playstyle.

Great Axes

Great axes are larger and more powerful than battle axes. They have a longer reach and deal massive damage but are slower and require significant Strength to wield. Notable great axes include:

1. Executioner’s Axe: A colossal great axe with incredible attack power and high Strength scaling. It is perfect for players who want to deal devastating blows to their enemies.
2. Berserker’s Axe: A legendary great axe with unique abilities and high damage. It requires significant Strength but rewards players with unparalleled power.

Spears and Polearms in Elden Ring

Spears

Spears are long-reach weapons that allow for precise strikes from a distance. They are ideal for keeping enemies at bay and can be effective in both melee and ranged combat. Key spears include:

1. Pike: A standard spear with good reach and attack power. It is versatile and effective against a wide range of enemies.
2. Lancer’s Spear: A lightweight spear designed for quick attacks and mobility. It has excellent Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for agile characters.

Polearms

Polearms are larger and more powerful than spears. They have a longer reach and deal significant damage, making them effective against groups of enemies. Notable polearms include:

1. Halberd: A balanced polearm with good attack power and reach. It is well-suited for players who prefer a mix of speed and damage.
2. Glaive: A heavy polearm with exceptional damage and durability. It requires significant Strength to wield effectively but rewards players with devastating attacks.

Bows and Crossbows in Elden Ring

Bows

Bows are ranged weapons perfect for taking down enemies from afar. They require ammunition and are excellent for strategic play. Key bows include:

1. Longbow: A standard bow with good range and attack power. It is versatile and effective in various combat scenarios.
2. Hunter’s Bow: A lightweight bow designed for quick and precise shots. It has excellent Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for agile characters.

Crossbows

Crossbows are powerful ranged weapons that deal significant damage. They are slower than bows but can be more effective against heavily armored foes. Notable crossbows include:

1. Arbalest: A heavy crossbow with exceptional attack power and durability. It requires significant Strength to wield effectively but rewards players with devastating shots.
2. Repeating Crossbow: A unique crossbow that fires multiple bolts in quick succession. It is ideal for players who prefer a rapid-fire playstyle.

Magic Staffs and Catalysts in Elden Ring

Magic Staffs

Magic staffs are essential for spellcasters. They enhance magical abilities and allow for powerful spell casting. Key magic staffs include:

1. Sorcerer’s Staff: A standard staff with good magical attack power and scaling with Intelligence. It is versatile and effective in various magical combat scenarios.
2. Archmage’s Staff: A legendary staff with exceptional magical attack power and unique abilities. It requires significant Intelligence to wield effectively but rewards players with unparalleled magical power.

Catalysts

Catalysts are another type of magical weapon that enhances spellcasting abilities. They are typically used for casting specific types of spells. Notable catalysts include:

1. Pyromancer’s Flame: A catalyst designed for casting fire spells. It has excellent scaling with Intelligence and Faith, making it perfect for versatile spellcasters.
2. Cleric’s Talisman: A catalyst designed for casting healing and support spells. It is ideal for players who prefer a supportive role in combat.

Daggers in Elden Ring

Standard Daggers

Daggers are quick and agile weapons designed for fast attacks and critical hits. They are ideal for stealthy playstyles. Key standard daggers include:

1. Assassin’s Dagger: A lightweight dagger designed for quick and precise strikes. It has excellent Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for agile characters.
2. Thief’s Dagger: A standard dagger with good attack power and reach. It is versatile and effective in various combat scenarios.

Unique Daggers

Unique daggers often have special abilities or effects, making them stand out from standard daggers. Notable unique daggers include:

1. Poison Dagger: A dagger that inflicts poison damage on enemies. It is perfect for players who prefer a strategic play style.
2. Crystal Dagger: A legendary dagger with exceptional attack power and unique abilities. It requires significant Dexterity to wield effectively but rewards players with unparalleled speed and precision.

Hammers and Maces in Elden Ring

Hammers

Hammers are blunt weapons that deal massive damage. They are particularly effective against armored enemies and structures. Key hammers include:

1. Warhammer: A standard hammer with good attack power and durability. It is versatile and effective in various combat scenarios.
2. Blacksmith’s Hammer: A heavy hammer with exceptional damage and reach. It requires significant Strength to wield effectively but rewards players with devastating blows.

Maces

Maces are another type of blunt weapon that deals significant damage. They are slower than hammers but can be more effective against heavily armored foes. Notable maces include:

1. Morning Star: A balanced mace with good attack power and reach. It is well-suited for players who prefer a mix of speed and damage.
2. Flanged Mace: A heavy mace with exceptional damage and durability. It requires significant Strength to wield effectively but rewards players with devastating attacks.

Best Weapons for Different Playstyles

Melee Combat

Melee weapons like swords, axes, and hammers are ideal for players who prefer close-range combat. Some of the best melee weapons in Elden Ring include:

1. Zweihander: A colossal greatsword with incredible attack power and high Strength scaling. It is perfect for players who want to deal devastating blows to their enemies.
2. Executioner’s Axe: A colossal great axe with incredible attack power and high Strength scaling. It is ideal for players who want to deal devastating blows to their enemies.

Ranged Combat

For players who prefer long-range combat, bows and crossbows are ideal. Some of the best ranged weapons in Elden Ring include:

1. Longbow: A standard bow with good range and attack power. It is versatile and effective in various combat scenarios.
2. Repeating Crossbow: A unique crossbow that fires multiple bolts in quick succession. It is ideal for players who prefer a rapid-fire playstyle.

Magic Combat

For players who prefer magical combat, staffs and catalysts are essential. Some of the best magical weapons in Elden Ring include:

1. Sorcerer’s Staff: A standard staff with good magical attack power and scaling with Intelligence. It is versatile and effective in various magical combat scenarios.
2. Archmage’s Staff: A legendary staff with exceptional magical attack power and unique abilities. It requires significant Intelligence to wield effectively but rewards players with unparalleled magical power.

Stealth Combat

For players who prefer stealthy combat, daggers are ideal. Some of the best daggers in Elden Ring include:

1. Assassin’s Dagger: A lightweight dagger designed for quick and precise strikes. It has excellent Dexterity scaling, making it perfect for agile characters.
2. Poison Dagger: A dagger that inflicts poison damage on enemies. It is perfect for players who prefer a strategic playstyle.

Tips for Finding and Upgrading Weapons

Exploring the World

Elden Ring features a vast and interconnected world filled with hidden treasures and powerful weapons. To find the best weapons, players should explore every nook and cranny of the game world. Key tips for exploration include:

1. Search Hidden Areas: Many powerful weapons are hidden in secret areas or behind breakable walls. Keep an eye out for unusual markings or structures that may indicate a hidden path.
2. Defeat Bosses: Defeating bosses often rewards players with powerful weapons or upgrade materials. Be prepared for challenging battles and make sure to collect your rewards.
3. Complete Quests: Many NPCs offer quests that reward players with unique weapons or upgrade materials. Take the time to talk to NPCs and complete their quests.

Upgrading Weapons

Upgrading weapons is essential for maximizing their effectiveness in combat. Key tips for upgrading weapons include:

1. Collect Upgrade Materials: Upgrade materials, such as Titanite and Twinkling Titanite, are essential for upgrading weapons. These materials can be found throughout the game world or purchased from certain NPCs.
2. Visit Blacksmiths: Blacksmiths can upgrade your weapons in exchange for souls and upgrade materials. Make sure to visit blacksmiths regularly to keep your weapons in top condition.
3. Enhance Scaling: Some weapons can be infused with special materials to enhance their scaling with certain stats. For example, infusing a weapon with a Sharp Gem can increase its Dexterity

Conclusion

Elden Ring offers a vast and diverse array of weapons for players to discover and master. From versatile swords and powerful axes to precise spears and magical staffs, there is a weapon for every playstyle and preference. Understanding the different weapon classes, attributes, and scaling is essential for making informed choices about your arsenal.

Exploring the world of Elden Ring and upgrading your weapons is key to maximizing your combat effectiveness and overcoming the many challenges that await. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find and master the best weapons in the game.

Whether you prefer close-range melee combat, long-range magic spells, or a combination of both, Elden Ring offers endless possibilities for customization and experimentation. So, gear up, explore the Lands Between, and embark on an epic adventure filled with powerful weapons and unforgettable battles. Happy gaming!