The Complete Guide To The Best Swords in Elden Ring

Having spent over 450 hours, here are my top picks for the Best Swords of every type for every build!

Just started your wild journey in the Lands Between and you can’t wrap your head around what weapon to choose? We’ve been in the same boat as you at one point, so you’re definitely not alone there. This guide is going to cover the Best Elden Ring sword, so you know which of these versatile armaments are worth picking up and investing your upgrades into. Read on as I dissect some of the best Elden Ring weapons.  

Key Takeaways

Elden Ring features a diverse range of sword types, each catering to different playstyles and builds:

  1. Colossal Swords: Require significant Strength investment for powerful options
  2. Curved Greatswords: Greatswords with more dexterity.
  3. Curved Swords: Ideal for agile and quick players.
  4. Greatswords: Formidable, slightly smaller than Colossal Swords.
  5. Heavy Thrusting Swords: Offer a unique combat style.
  6. Straight Swords: Versatile and user-friendly.
  7. Thrusting Swords: Balance range and swiftness effectively.

Choosing the best sword type depends on your preferred playstyle and character build in Elden Ring.

Here’s a quick comparison between every Best Sword in Elden Ring:

SwordsTypePhysical(ATK)Physical(Guard)Guard Boost
Grafted Blade GreatswordColossal Sword161.080.053.0
Bloodhound’s FangCurved Greatsword141.068.044.0
Magma BladeCurved Sword96.044.027.0
Dark Moon Greatsword Greatsword82.057.044.0
Great ÉpéeHeavy Thrusting sword124.052.031.0
Sword of Night and FlameStraight Sword87.036.031.0
EstocThrusting Sword 107.054.024.0

Best Colossal Sword

Let’s discuss some of the giant swords Elden Ring has to offer.

Grafted Blade Greatsword

Scales Best with both Strength and Dexterity.
Elden Ring Grafted Blade Greatsword
Grafted Blade Greatswor [Image Captured by Me]d
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Colossal sword Standard  Oath of Vengeance  20 21.0 200

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
161 0 0 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
80.0 48.0 48.0 48.0 48.0 53
Show Full Text

The Grafted Blade Greatsword is a true beast in Elden Ring. It’s massive, requiring 40 Strength to wield effectively. Moreover, it scales well with Dexterity and Strength.

To obtain it, you’ll have to face the menacing Leonine Misbegotten in Morne Moangrave. The catch? It’s heavy, weighing 21.0 units. But with the right investments in Endurance and the Arsenal Charm talisman, it becomes manageable.

Trust me, wielding this sword is an experience like no other in Elden Ring.

Why I Chose It: With its formidable physical attack and its scaling attributes with Dexterity and Strength, Grafted Blade Greatsword offers a unique and powerful combat experience in Elden Ring

  • Formidable Physical Attack
  • Scales with Dexterity/Strength
  • Heavy Weight (21.0)
  • High Strength Requirement (40)

Best Curved Greatsword

From a player’s perspective, Curved Greatswords are similar to most other Greatswords in the game, except for the fact that they comprise a curved design. They’re heavy weapons, require a fair amount of Strength and Dexterity, and are capable of inflicting a healthy amount of damage.

Read Best Curved Greatswords

Bloodhound’s Fang

Best for early-game Dex Build
Bloodhound's Fang
Bloodhound’s Fang [Image Credit: Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Curved Greatsword  Slash Bloodhound’s Finesse 8 (-12) 11.5 500

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
141 0 0 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
68.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 44
Show Full Text

The Bloodhound’s Fang is an impressive weapon in the Elden Ring, known for its menacing design and formidable power. It requires 18 Strengths and 17 Dexterity to wield. With a Blood Loss Buildup of 55 as a Passive Effect, it can deal significant damage and cause bleeding to enemies.

You can obtain the Bloodhound’s Fang in the early-game region of Limgrave. Start by reaching the Agheel Lake South Site of Lost Grace and then proceed to the Forlorn Hound Evergaol. There, you’ll face the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, an optional boss. Defeating him will make the Bloodhound’s Fang drop into your possession.

One of the standout features of this weapon is its two-handed skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse. This move allows you to perform a double slashing strike that not only deals substantial damage but also provides some space when enemies surround you. 

Why I Chose It: It has high physical attack power, bleeding passive effect, versatile two-handed skill, and is available early in the Elden Ring.

  • High Physical Attack
  • Bleeding Passive Effect
  • Two-handed skill versatility
  • Obtainable early-game
  • Optional boss required

Best Curved Sword

Curved Swords are some of the most lightning-fast armaments in Elden Ring, making it possible for curious players to dish out tons of damage and not take up the entirety of your stamina bar either. These usually comprise low-weight points and are one of the most preferable types of weapons for facing quick-witted enemies.

Magma Blade

Stunning Design with high fire damage
Magma Blade
Magma Blade [Image Captured by Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Curved Sword  Slash Magma Shower  12 (-12) 4.0 200

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
96 0 62 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
44 30 44 30 30 27
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The Magma Blade is undoubtedly one of the top Curved Swords in the Elden Ring. It features a menacing appearance with live lava flowing through its core. This weapon scales well with Dexterity and Faith, making it ideal for characters built around the Dexterity attribute. To wield it effectively, you’ll need 9 Strength, 15 Dexterity, and 16 Faith.

The Magma Blade deals fire-based damage due to its molten rock composition. However, it’s not obtained through a boss fight or found at a specific location. Instead, it is a random drop in the game, but there are ways to increase your chances of acquiring it.

You can find the Magma Blade in the Volcano Manor area of Mt. Gelmir. This region is treacherous, with lava and dangers aplenty. To access it more easily, assist a young girl named Rya in recovering her stolen necklace. You’ll encounter Rya near the Scenic Isle Site of Grace, located in the distant part of Laskyar Ruins.

Why I Chose It: I chose it for its formidable fire-based damage, coupled with its scaling attributes in Dexterity and Faith, making it an ideal choice for characters focused on these attributes in the Elden Ring.

  • Powerful fire-based damage
  • Dexterity and Faith scaling
  • Menacing appearance
  • Random drop chance
  • Dangerous acquisition area

Best Greatsword

Next up, I have another form of a heavy weapon in Elden Ring that does take away a fair amount of mobility from the player but grants them high attack power instead. Greatswords are a norm in the Soulsborne series, whether they manifest as Ludwig’s Holy Blade from Bloodborne or The Claymore in Dark Souls 3.

Dark Moon Greatsword

Best Greatsword for Intelligence Build
Dark Moon Greatsword
Dark Moon Greatsword [Image Taken by Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Greatsword  Standard/

Pierce 

Moonlight Greatsword  32 10.0 1000

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
82 98 0 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
57.0 63.0 31.0 31.0 31.0 44
Show Full Text

The Dark Moon Greatsword has a great, glowing design that’s reminiscent of previous titles in the franchise and a good number of base stats for casual players. The weapon scales mainly with the Intelligence attribute, and you’ll need 38 levels of this to wield it. As for Strength and Dexterity, 16 and 11 points will do, respectively.

Furthermore, the Dark Moon Greatsword passive effect causes the infliction of Frost Buildup, which causes additional damage to the player as you’re hitting them. When the buildup bar is full, the opposing party’s movements are slowed down, essentially freezing them. 

To get the armament, you have to take up a character called Rannion in her search for hidden treasures. You first meet the ominous witch at the Church of Elleh, but if you don’t go up to her at that time, you can find Ranni at the Ranni’s Rise Site of Grace, which is in Lirunia of the Lakes.

Why I Chose It: I opted for the Dark Moon Greatsword due to its powerful base stats, unique Frost Buildup effect, and striking design reminiscent of previous franchise titles.

  • Powerful base stats
  • Stunning design
  • Frost Buildup effect
  • Requires high attributes
  • Difficult to acquire

Best Heavy Thrusting Sword

Heavy Thrusting Swords in Elden Ring offer a unique combat experience with their exceptional reach, allowing you to strike enemies from a distance and disrupt their actions. This weapon type boasts an exciting moveset that includes the ability to cancel heavy attacks with dodges, low Stamina consumption, and a higher likelihood of staggering enemies.

Great Épée

Highest Physical Damage Heavy Thrusting Sword in early-game
Great Epee
Great Epee [Image by Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Heavy Thrusting sword  Standard/ Pierce  Impaling Thrust 9 6.5 100

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
124 0 0 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
52 36 36 36 36 31
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Starting my collection of Heavy Thrusting Swords is the Great Épée, a classic design reminiscent of fencing. The term “Épée” translates to “Sword” in French, and this weapon lives up to its name with its impressive length. It excels on the battlefield, allowing you to engage enemies from a distance with its long-reaching attacks and handle groups with its powerful swings.

It’s a versatile and easily obtainable weapon early in the game without the need for boss fights. Head east from the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace to find it in a chest among some ruins, but ensure your character has 15 Strength and 15 Dexterity to wield it effectively.

Why I Chose It: Its classic design reminiscent of fencing, impressive length for engaging enemies from a distance, and its ability to handle groups with powerful swings, make the Great Épée a versatile and accessible weapon early in the Elden Ring.

  • Long-reaching attacks
  • Powerful swings
  • Easily obtainable early
  • No elemental damage

Best Straight Sword

Straight Swords are similar to Curved Swords in Elden Ring if I compare their versatility and ease of use. They’re standard, consistent armaments that bode well for a shield and sword combo, and most of them can be blended with almost every Ashes of War skill. Read on as I jot down the best Straight Swords in Elden Ring.

Sword of Night and Flame

Best Straight Sword for Intelligence and Faith Build
Sword of Night and Flame
Sword of Night and Flame [Image Captured by Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Straight Sword  Standard/ 

Pierce

Night-and-

Flame Stance

26 (-32) 4.0 1000

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
87 56 56 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
36 42 42 26 26 31
Show Full Text

The Sword of Night and Flame in Elden Ring is an exceptional Straight Sword with a stunning fantasy design. It scales with Faith, Intelligence, Strength, and Dexterity. To wield it, you need 24 points in Intelligence and Faith. You can find this legendary armament in Caria Manor, closest to the Manor Lower Level Site of Grace.

The sword’s signature skill is the Night-and-Flame Stance, symbolizing the bond between Astrologers and Fire Giants. Dual-wield the sword, then follow up with light or strong attacks to unleash a combination of magic and fire.

Why I Chose It: The Sword of Night and Flame was selected for its exceptional dual elemental combination, diverse attack scaling, and stunning fantasy design, despite its high FP cost and mid-game availability.

  • Stunning fantasy design
  • Diverse attack scaling
  • Unique elemental combination
  • High FP cost
  • Mid-game weapon

Best Thrusting Sword

The last weapon type falling in the Elden Ring’s best sword category is Thrusting Swords. These are rapid-paced, have good range, and are able to slash and pierce enemies. A variety of Ashes of War can be used with Thrusting Swords to enhance their stats even further as you wipe out opponents with lightning-quick strikes and pokes.

Estoc

Highest Physical Damage Thrusting Sword in early-game
Estoc
Estoc [Image by Me]
Type Attack type Skills FP Cost Weight Sell Price
Thrusting Sword  Standard/ Pierce Impaling Thrust  9 4.5 100

Attack Power

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Critical
107 0 0 0 0 100

Guarded Damage Negation

Physical Magic Fire Lightning Holy Guard Boost
54 36 36 36 36 24
Show Full Text

The Estoc looks like a Heavy Thrusting Sword, but don’t let its size and design fool you initially. It can deal a flurry of attacks in mere moments and allow enthusiasts to experience versatile gameplay with it. You can take its Physical Attack damage as high as 639 with maximum upgrades. If you begin your journey using the Prisoner class, you’ll get the Estoc as a starting weapon, so there’s a plus in terms of obtaining it. 

You can get the armament for other classes by finding the Nomadic Merchant who’s seated near a campfire in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. He’s most likely to be found near the Liurnia Lake Shore Site of Lost Grace, selling the Estoc for 3000 Runes

Why I Chose It: The Estoc’s versatile, flurry attacks and high physical damage potential make it an excellent choice for quick, varied combat encounters, providing an adaptable gameplay experience.

  • Versatile, flurry attacks
  • High physical damage
  • Obtainable through Prisoner class
  • Available through merchant
  • No elemental bonuses
  • High FP cost

Some Other Swords Worth Trying

Here are the other weapons which we couldn’t add to this guide but are worth mentioning:

  • Coded Sword: Good for inflicting Holy Damage but lacks when it comes to physical damage.
  • Troll Knight’s Sword: It can deal magic damage but it requires three different stats upgrades. 
  • Zamor Curved Sword: It can cause blood loss on hits, but it lacks elemental damage.

My Take On The Best Sword In Elden Ring

I have over a few months of experience in Elden Ring, so I had the time to test out most of the best swords. And, in my experience, I can say that Bloodhound’s Fang and the Dark Moon Greatsword are the best swords in the Elden Ring. These weapons have great damage, especially the ones I’ve just mentioned.

elden ring save slot
My Elden Ring profiles (Xbox ID: HuzaifahHD)

Among these, I had the most with the Dark Moon Greatsword due to its unique Ash of War. While it has a high DPS potential, it also looks absolutely stunning, making it a great pick for everyone. Of course, I wouldn’t be lying if I said I picked up this weapon due to its legacy among FromSoft titles, but aside from that, it’s actually amazing. If you have enough stats to wield and use the Dark Moon Greatsword, give it a shot and I’m confident it won’t disappoint. 

Get more into-depth info by reading the review about Elden Ring by Abdul Haddi 

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Community Feedback
Morse

Godslayer Greatsword is the best colossal sword and it aint even close.

Pragma

I LOVE USING MALIKETH\'S BLACK BLADE

blackhole

The downfall of Sword of Night and Flame must be studied

SteelSwordmaster

Bloodhound’s Fang is my trusty companion. That Bloodhound’s Finesse skill? Perfect for hit-and-run tactics

CursedBladeBearer

The Blasphemous Blade lives up to its name. It’s like wielding a nightmare.

Appreciate the final section where you gave some original insight

love the Bloodhound Fang suggestion. Nice Ash of War and good damage

DJ Khaleed

Bloodhound’s Fang is my best pick but I\'ll give Dark Moon Greatsword a try, the stats look interesting, thanks

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Huzaifa is eXputer's Review Editor, who’s all about RPG games. He’s got several years of experience critically judging games and writing his unbiased thoughts on them. You can also find his content published on sites like Twinfinite & GearNuke. Huzaifa has been gaming for 23+ years, during which he managed to amass 400+ hours on Elden Ring! You can follow his gaming activity on his Xbox and Steam Profiles.

Experience: 5+ years || Previously Worked At GearNuke & Twinfinite || Mainly Covers RPG Guides & Latest Games Reviews || Education: Bachelors in Hospitality.

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