Elden Ring, the highly-acclaimed action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm with its rich lore, immersive gameplay, and intricate world design. One of the most crucial aspects of the game is the choice of sword, as it can significantly impact a player’s combat experience. With numerous swords to choose from, each with its unique characteristics, stats, and playstyles, selecting the best Elden Ring sword can be a daunting task. In this article, we will delve into the world of Elden Ring swords, exploring the top contenders, their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, determining the best sword for your Tarnished journey.
Understanding Elden Ring Swords
Before we dive into the best swords, it’s essential to understand the basics of Elden Ring’s sword mechanics. Swords in Elden Ring are categorized into several types, including:
- Straight Swords: Balanced swords with moderate damage and scaling.
- Greatswords: Large, heavy swords with high damage but slow swing speeds.
- Katanas: Fast, agile swords with low damage but high scaling.
- Curved Swords: Swords with a curved blade, offering a balance between damage and speed.
- Thrusting Swords: Swords designed for thrusting attacks, with high damage and scaling.
Each sword type has its unique characteristics, and understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the best sword for your playstyle.
Top Contenders for the Best Elden Ring Sword
After careful consideration and analysis, we have narrowed down the top contenders for the best Elden Ring sword to the following:
- Malenia’s Katana
- Moonlight Greatsword
- Rivers of Yore
- Uchigatana
- Regal Greatsword
These swords have been selected based on their exceptional stats, scaling, and playstyles, making them viable options for players of all levels.
Malenia’s Katana: A Swift and Deadly Option
Malenia’s Katana is a unique sword that excels in speed and agility. With its high attack speed and low weight, this katana is perfect for players who prefer a fast-paced playstyle. Its high scaling with Dexterity also makes it an excellent choice for players who focus on agility and quick reflexes.
- Stats:
- Attack Power: 120
- Attack Speed: 1.2
- Weight: 4.5
- Scaling: Dexterity (A)
- Pros:
- High attack speed
- Low weight
- High scaling with Dexterity
- Cons:
- Low damage output
- Limited range
Moonlight Greatsword: A Powerful and Versatile Option
The Moonlight Greatsword is a popular choice among players due to its exceptional damage output and versatility. This greatsword excels in both melee and ranged combat, making it an excellent option for players who prefer a balanced playstyle. Its high scaling with Intelligence also makes it a great choice for players who focus on magic and sorcery.
- Stats:
- Attack Power: 180
- Attack Speed: 0.8
- Weight: 10.5
- Scaling: Intelligence (A)
- Pros:
- High damage output
- Versatile playstyle
- High scaling with Intelligence
- Cons:
- Slow attack speed
- High weight
Rivers of Yore: A Balanced and Deadly Option
Rivers of Yore is a curved sword that excels in balance and deadliness. With its moderate attack speed and high damage output, this sword is perfect for players who prefer a balanced playstyle. Its high scaling with Strength and Dexterity also makes it an excellent choice for players who focus on melee combat.
- Stats:
- Attack Power: 150
- Attack Speed: 1.0
- Weight: 6.5
- Scaling: Strength (B), Dexterity (B)
- Pros:
- Balanced playstyle
- High damage output
- High scaling with Strength and Dexterity
- Cons:
- Moderate attack speed
- Limited range
Uchigatana: A Fast and Agile Option
The Uchigatana is a katana that excels in speed and agility. With its high attack speed and low weight, this sword is perfect for players who prefer a fast-paced playstyle. Its high scaling with Dexterity also makes it an excellent choice for players who focus on agility and quick reflexes.
- Stats:
- Attack Power: 100
- Attack Speed: 1.2
- Weight: 4.0
- Scaling: Dexterity (A)
- Pros:
- High attack speed
- Low weight
- High scaling with Dexterity
- Cons:
- Low damage output
- Limited range
Regal Greatsword: A Powerful and Intimidating Option
The Regal Greatsword is a powerful greatsword that excels in damage output and intimidation. With its high attack power and slow swing speed, this sword is perfect for players who prefer a slow and deliberate playstyle. Its high scaling with Strength also makes it an excellent choice for players who focus on melee combat.
- Stats:
- Attack Power: 200
- Attack Speed: 0.6
- Weight: 12.0
- Scaling: Strength (A)
- Pros:
- High damage output
- Intimidating presence
- High scaling with Strength
- Cons:
- Slow attack speed
- High weight
Conclusion: The Best Elden Ring Sword
After careful analysis and consideration, we have determined that the best Elden Ring sword is the Moonlight Greatsword. This greatsword excels in both melee and ranged combat, making it an excellent option for players who prefer a balanced playstyle. Its high scaling with Intelligence also makes it a great choice for players who focus on magic and sorcery.
While the other contenders are excellent options in their own right, the Moonlight Greatsword’s versatility and damage output make it the top choice for players of all levels.
Final Tips and Recommendations
When choosing the best Elden Ring sword, it’s essential to consider your playstyle and preferences. If you prefer a fast-paced playstyle, the Malenia’s Katana or Uchigatana may be the best choice. If you prefer a slow and deliberate playstyle, the Regal Greatsword may be the best option.
Ultimately, the best Elden Ring sword is the one that fits your playstyle and preferences. Experiment with different swords and playstyles to find the one that works best for you.
| Sword | Attack Power | Attack Speed | Weight | Scaling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malenia’s Katana | 120 | 1.2 | 4.5 | Dexterity (A) |
| Moonlight Greatsword | 180 | 0.8 | 10.5 | Intelligence (A) |
| Rivers of Yore | 150 | 1.0 | 6.5 | Strength (B), Dexterity (B) |
| Uchigatana | 100 | 1.2 | 4.0 | Dexterity (A) |
| Regal Greatsword | 200 | 0.6 | 12.0 | Strength (A) |
By following this guide and considering your playstyle and preferences, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best Elden Ring sword for your Tarnished journey.
What makes a sword great in Elden Ring?
A great sword in Elden Ring is one that complements the player’s playstyle and offers a balance of damage output, range, and mobility. The best sword for a player will depend on their preferred approach to combat, whether it’s fast and agile or slow and powerful. Some swords excel at dealing massive damage in a single hit, while others are better suited for rapid, successive strikes.
When evaluating a sword’s greatness, players should consider factors such as its base damage, scaling, and affinity. Scaling refers to how much the sword’s damage increases when paired with a high-level stat, such as Strength or Dexterity. Affinity, on the other hand, determines the type of damage the sword deals and how it interacts with enemies. By considering these factors, players can choose a sword that fits their playstyle and helps them overcome the challenges of the Lands Between.
What is the best sword for beginners in Elden Ring?
For beginners, the best sword in Elden Ring is often one that is easy to wield and offers a forgiving playstyle. The Longsword is a popular choice among new players, as it has a moderate range and damage output, making it suitable for a variety of situations. Additionally, the Longsword has a relatively low Strength requirement, allowing players to use it effectively even at lower levels.
Another great option for beginners is the Broadsword, which offers a slightly higher damage output than the Longsword but requires a bit more Strength to wield effectively. Both of these swords are great choices for new players, as they allow for a range of playstyles and can help players develop their skills and confidence in combat.
What is the best sword for PvP in Elden Ring?
In PvP, the best sword in Elden Ring is often one that excels at close-range combat and has a high damage output. The Rivers of Yorshka’s Sword is a popular choice among PvP players, as it has a fast swing speed and deals massive damage when paired with a high-level stat. Additionally, this sword has a unique ash of war that allows players to quickly close the distance to their opponents.
Another great option for PvP is the Moonlight Greatsword, which offers a high damage output and a long range, making it suitable for both close-range and mid-range combat. However, this sword requires a high level of Intelligence to wield effectively, making it less accessible to players who focus on other stats.
How do I choose the right sword for my build in Elden Ring?
To choose the right sword for your build in Elden Ring, you should consider your character’s stats and playstyle. If you’re building a Strength-focused character, you’ll want a sword with high base damage and a high Strength scaling. On the other hand, if you’re building a Dexterity-focused character, you’ll want a sword with high Dexterity scaling and a fast swing speed.
You should also consider the type of damage you want to deal. If you want to deal physical damage, you’ll want a sword with a high physical damage output. If you want to deal magical damage, you’ll want a sword with a high magical damage output. By considering these factors, you can choose a sword that complements your build and helps you overcome the challenges of the Lands Between.
Can I use any sword with any build in Elden Ring?
While it’s technically possible to use any sword with any build in Elden Ring, some swords are better suited to certain builds than others. For example, a sword with high Strength scaling is unlikely to be effective with a Dexterity-focused build, as the player’s low Strength stat will limit the sword’s damage output.
Similarly, a sword with high Dexterity scaling is unlikely to be effective with a Strength-focused build, as the player’s low Dexterity stat will limit the sword’s swing speed and range. By choosing a sword that complements your build, you can maximize your damage output and overcome the challenges of the Lands Between more effectively.
How do I upgrade my sword in Elden Ring?
To upgrade your sword in Elden Ring, you’ll need to use Smithing Stones, which can be found throughout the game world or purchased from merchants. You can upgrade your sword at any Site of Sacrifice, which are scattered throughout the Lands Between. Upgrading your sword will increase its base damage and scaling, making it more effective in combat.
As you upgrade your sword, you’ll also need to consider its affinity, which determines the type of damage it deals. Some affinities are better suited to certain playstyles than others, so be sure to choose an affinity that complements your build. By upgrading your sword and choosing the right affinity, you can maximize your damage output and overcome the challenges of the Lands Between.
Are there any unique swords in Elden Ring that are worth using?
Yes, there are several unique swords in Elden Ring that are worth using. One example is the Sword of Ys, which has a unique ash of war that allows players to deal massive damage to enemies. Another example is the Dark Moon Greatsword, which has a high damage output and a unique affinity that makes it effective against a wide range of enemies.
These unique swords can be found throughout the game world, often by completing side quests or defeating powerful enemies. They offer a range of benefits, from increased damage output to unique abilities and affinities. By using these unique swords, players can add some variety to their playstyle and overcome the challenges of the Lands Between in new and interesting ways.