Best Elden Ring swords (2023)

As you journey through the realm of Elden Ring, you’ll discover a vast array of weapons at your disposal. However, if you’re looking to maximize your damage output with a strength build, there are a select few weapons that stand out as the best Elden Ring swords. These heavy, lumbering weapons are the epitome of strength-scaling, capable of breaking enemy stances and dealing devastating blows.

But don’t be fooled, finding the optimal weapons in Elden Ring can be a challenging task. In true Dark Souls fashion, discovering which weapons scale best and where to acquire them is no easy feat. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

Best Elden Ring swords (2023)

While Elden Ring boasts an incredible variety of builds, some might think that pure strength builds are at a disadvantage against the game’s swiftest and most lethal bosses. However, for those who possess the patience and skill to bide their time and seize their opportunities, strength weapons can still prove to be incredibly effective.

The best Elden Ring swords for strength builds aren’t just weapons that scale well with your strength stat. They also possess unique characteristics that make them stand out from the rest. So, if you’re looking to dominate in combat with a strength build, stay vigilant, and keep an eye out for these exceptional weapons.

Greatsword

When it comes to strength builds, colossal swords reign supreme, and the Greatsword is no exception. It’s a highly sought-after weapon in Elden Ring, thanks to its exceptional scaling, early availability, and customizable Ash of War.

To acquire the Greatsword, players must venture into the treacherous Dragonbarrow region of Caelid. However, those who are brave enough to face the dangers at lower levels will be rewarded with this mighty weapon that will serve them well throughout their journey.

With an A scaling in strength and a heavy affinity, the Greatsword is the go-to weapon for strength builds. It’s a versatile weapon that can deal devastating blows and break enemy stances with ease. For Dark Souls veterans, the Greatsword will be a familiar friend, as it’s a returning weapon in Elden Ring.

So, if you’re looking for the best Elden Ring swords for your strength build, look no further than the Greatsword. It’s an iconic weapon that’s sure to help you on your quest to conquer the toughest challenges in the game.

The Sword of Night and Flame

If you’re looking for a weapon that can easily bring pain and misery to your foes, then the Sword of Night and Flame should be on your radar. This popular weapon is a favorite among speed runners for its efficiency in dealing damage.

To obtain this sword, you’ll need to navigate the rooftops of Caria Manor. It’s a mixed bag of a weapon, but it’s undoubtedly an exciting addition to any loadout.

The Sword of Night and Flame is a unique weapon that requires a specific set of stats to wield effectively. To use it to its full potential, you’ll need 24 points in both Intelligence and Faith, as well as 12 points in Strength and Dexterity. This sword deals Physical, Magic, and Fire damage, making it a formidable weapon in any situation.

Although it has been nerfed since patches started being released, the Sword of Night and Flame is still one of the best Elden Ring swords you can get your hands on. So, if you’re up for the challenge of obtaining this weapon and meeting its stat requirements, you’ll have a powerful weapon at your disposal.

Ruins Greatsword

If you’re in search of a more unique weapon for your strength build, look no further than the Ruins Greatsword. This powerful weapon packs a punch with its S strength scaling and a potent Ash of War, making it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

However, the Ruins Greatsword does come with a caveat – it requires a high intelligence stat of 16, which may deter some players from using it. But for those willing to make the investment, this sword’s unique strong attacks create bursts of magic when striking the ground, adding an extra layer of devastation to your attacks.

As one of the game’s legendary weapons, acquiring the Ruins Greatsword is no easy feat. Players will have to take on a daunting dual boss fight against the Misbegotten Warrior and the Crucible Knight in Redmane Castle, located in the Caelid region. The fight can be taken on before or after the Radahn festival, so choose your timing wisely.

Ruins Greatsword is one of the best Elden Ring swords for strength builds, and its unique abilities make it an excellent addition to any loadout. So, if you’re up for the challenge of acquiring this legendary weapon, prepare for a tough fight ahead.

Bloodhound’s Fang

If you’re searching for a powerful curved greatsword to add to your strength build, look no further than the Bloodhound’s Fang. This formidable weapon is dropped by the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Limgrave and requires 18 Strength and 17 Dexterity to wield.

What sets the Bloodhound’s Fang apart from other weapons is its unique skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse. With this skill, the wielder can leap forward to land a powerful attack and immediately retreat to safety. If timed correctly, this skill can deal heavy damage to your enemies while also allowing you to evade incoming attacks.

But that’s not all – the Bloodhound’s Fang can become one of the best Elden Ring swords in the game if upgraded correctly with Somber Smithing Stones. With the right upgrades, this curved greatsword can reach its full potential and deal devastating blows to your foes.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and powerful weapon to add to your arsenal, the Bloodhound’s Fang is an excellent choice for any strength build. Just be prepared to face off against the Bloodhound Knight Darriwil to obtain it!

Rusted Anchor

Don’t be fooled by its name or appearance – the Rusted Anchor may seem like a joke, but it’s actually one of Elden Ring’s most underrated weapons. This heavy weapon is easily available very early on in the game and can be obtained by defeating the Scaly Misbegotten boss at the end of the Morne Tunnel in the Weeping Peninsula.

What sets the Rusted Anchor apart from other great axes is its unique piercing damage type. This type of damage is typically limited to spears or certain attacks of other weapon types, making it a rare and powerful attribute.

Pierce damage has the unique ability to counterattack, dealing extra damage to enemies in the middle of an attack. With its piercing damage and heavy weight, the Rusted Anchor can deal devastating blows to your foes, especially when combined with the Spear Talisman.

So, if you’re looking for a unique weapon to add to your strength build, don’t overlook the Rusted Anchor. It may be an underrated weapon, but it packs a serious punch and can be a game-changer in battle.

The Rivers of Blood Katana

Among all the weapons in Elden Ring, Rivers of Blood is the one that has garnered the most attention across various platforms. This bright red katana lives up to its name, dealing severe Bleed buildup to enemies. If the wielder has high Arcane, the Bleed damage inflicted by this weapon is even more devastating. However, the wielder must have at least 20 Arcane, 18 Dexterity, and 12 Strength to wield it effectively.

To obtain the Rivers of Blood, players must defeat Bloody Finger Okina near the Church of Repose in the Mountaintop of the Giants. This weapon also boasts the unique skill, Corpse Piler, which allows the wielder to unleash a flurry of attacks with a cursed blood blade, dealing extra damage and devastation to enemies.

Rivers of Blood is undeniably one of the best Elden Ring swords for those looking for a weapon that deals Bleed damage. With its high Arcane requirement and powerful Corpse Piler skill, it’s a weapon that’s sure to leave a trail of destruction in its wake. So, if you’re willing to take on the challenge of obtaining this weapon, you’ll have a formidable tool at your disposal in battle.

Starscourge Greatsword

If you’re looking for a colossal sword to add to your strength build, the Starscourge Greatsword should be on your radar. This powerful weapon belongs to General Radahn, one of the most formidable bosses in Elden Ring, and can be obtained by giving the Remembrance of the Starscourge to Enia at Roundtable Hold.

To wield the Starscourge Greatsword effectively, players must have at least 38 Strength, 12 Dexterity, and 15 Intelligence. This sword is widely regarded as one of the most efficient in the game and is a favorite among many players.

One of the unique features of the Starscourge Greatsword is its skill, Starcaller Cry. This skill can both stagger and pull in enemies close to the wielder before unleashing an almighty explosion when activated again. This makes it an especially useful weapon for taking care of hordes of enemies and quickly earning Runes.

Starscourge Greatsword is one of the best Elden Ring swords for strength builds. Its impressive stats and unique skill make it a formidable weapon in any situation, and its association with General Radahn only adds to its mystique. So, if you’re looking for a weapon that can deal massive damage and take on multiple foes at once, the Starscourge Greatsword is an excellent choice.

Great Stars

breaking capabilities, the Great Stars has a few unique aspects that set it apart from the rest. Not only does it deal significant bleed buildup to enemies, but it also has a passive effect that restores HP with every successful hit.

This combination of bleed buildup and healing makes the Great Stars an incredibly powerful weapon, particularly when paired with faster-hitting abilities. With this weapon, even the toughest bosses in the game can be brought down quickly while the wielder’s health remains topped off.

Acquiring the Great Stars is a bit of a challenge, as it can be obtained both from a carriage and an invasion sign in the Altus Plateau. But for those who are willing to put in the effort, this versatile weapon is an excellent option for strength builds.

Great Stars is one of the best Elden Ring swords for strength builds due to its unique combination of bleed buildup and healing. If you’re looking for a weapon that can deal massive damage while keeping you alive in battle, the Great Stars is definitely worth considering.

Nightrider Glaive

If you’re searching for a faster option with great range, the Nightrider Glaive is a powerful halberd that’s perfect for strength builds. It boasts the best overall damage, scaling, and range for strength-oriented halberds, making it a formidable weapon for any player.

However, the Nightrider Glaive is also one of the rarest weapons in Elden Ring, so obtaining it can be a challenge. It’s dropped by a Night’s Cavalry boss near the Bellum Church in Liurnia, and most players who aren’t lucky enough to be traveling through the region at night may have missed the boss fight entirely.

But for those who are able to obtain the Nightrider Glaive, it’s a valuable addition to any loadout. Its long range and relatively light weight make it a versatile weapon that can deal significant damage to enemies while also allowing for quick movement and evasive maneuvers.

Nightrider Glaive is one of the best Elden Ring swords for strength builds that prioritize speed and range. Just be prepared to put in some extra effort to obtain this rare and powerful weapon.

The Dark Moon Greatsword

The Dark Moon Greatsword is a unique weapon in Elden Ring that’s not simply found in the wilderness of the Lands Between. Instead, it’s obtained by progressing in Ranni’s quests and giving her the Dark Moon Ring. Once you’ve completed the necessary steps, you can find the weapon below the Cathedral of Manus Celes.

This sword is a popular choice for strength builds because of its A scaling in strength and unique skill, Dark Moon Slash. This skill allows the wielder to charge up a powerful attack that unleashes a wave of dark energy, dealing massive damage to enemies in its path.

Additionally, the Dark Moon Greatsword also has a unique ability to drain HP from enemies, giving the wielder an extra boost of health in battle. With its impressive stats and powerful skill, this sword is a valuable addition to any strength build.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and powerful weapon to add to your arsenal, don’t overlook the Dark Moon Greatsword. Just be prepared to complete Ranni’s quests and give her the Dark Moon Ring to obtain it.

The Sacred Relic Sword

The Sacred Relic Sword is widely regarded as the best Elden Ring sword for those who prioritize Holy damage. This impressive weapon is obtained by defeating the final boss of the game, the Elden Beast, and trading the Elden Remembrance with Enia at Roundtable Hold. To wield it effectively, players must have at least 14 Strength, 24 Dexterity, and 22 Faith.

One of the standout features of the Sacred Relic Sword is its powerful skill, Wave of Gold. This skill unleashes a deadly arc of Holy damage that can annihilate multiple enemies at once, making it perfect for crowd control in overwhelming situations. It’s a fitting skill for a weapon obtained by slaying the final boss of the game.

The Sacred Relic Sword is an excellent choice for those who prioritize Holy damage and want a weapon that can deal massive damage to multiple enemies at once. If you’re able to defeat the Elden Beast and trade the Elden Remembrance, this impressive weapon is definitely worth considering for your loadout.

Beastman’s Curved Sword

For those who prefer faster weapons, the Beastman’s Curved Sword is an excellent choice for strength builds. This unique option is one of the fastest and lightest strength-scaling weapons in Elden Ring, with more rapid attacks than most other strength-based weapons.

Additionally, the Beastman’s Curved Sword boasts unique jumping attacks that are exclusive to curved swords. This makes it a versatile weapon that can deal significant damage while also allowing for quick movements and evasive maneuvers.

Obtaining the Beastman’s Curved Sword can be a challenge, as it only drops randomly from Azula Beastman enemies carrying the weapon in Farum Azula, near the end of the game. But for those who are able to obtain it, this powerful and unique weapon is definitely worth considering for your loadout.

Beastman’s Curved Sword is one of the best Elden Ring swords for those who prioritize speed and agility in their gameplay. With its rapid attacks and unique jumping attacks, it’s a versatile weapon that can deal significant damage to enemies while also allowing for quick movements and evasive maneuvers.

Morgott’s Cursed Sword

Morgott’s Cursed Sword is a unique and powerful weapon in Elden Ring that’s obtained by defeating its primary user, Morgott, the Omen King, and taking the Remembrance of the Omen King to Enia at Roundtable Hold. This unique weapon is definitely worth the effort, as it boasts impressive stats and a deadly skill called Cursed-Blood Slice.

To wield Morgott’s Cursed Sword effectively, players must have a hefty 35 in Dexterity, as well as 14 Strength and 17 Arcane. However, with its impressive stats and unique skill, this sword is definitely worth the investment. And upgrading it with Somber Smithing Stones can make it even more powerful, easily making it one of the best swords in Elden Ring.

With its deadly combination of quick attacks and devastating power, Morgott’s Cursed Sword is a formidable weapon that’s well-suited for strength builds that prioritize speed and agility. If you’re looking for a powerful and unique weapon to add to your arsenal, Morgott’s Cursed Sword is definitely worth considering.

Giant-Crusher

If you’re looking for a weapon with immense power and damage, the Giant-Crusher is a great option for strength builds in Elden Ring. This colossal weapon is certainly cumbersome to use, with massive weight and enough size to block a sizable portion of the screen, but its raw power more than makes up for any inconvenience.

Once upgraded and infused with Heavy, the Giant-Crusher boasts an impressive S scaling in strength. Its unique heavy attack is particularly devastating, capable of flattening anything that stands in your way. It’s a powerful weapon that’s well-suited for taking on even the toughest of enemies and bosses.

To obtain the Giant-Crusher, players will need to venture to the Altus Plateau, south of the Outer Wall Phantom Tree grace. Once acquired, this impressive weapon will quickly become a mainstay in any strength-focused build.

Giant-Crusher is one of the best Elden Ring swords for those who prioritize power and damage above all else. While it may be cumbersome to use, its raw strength and unique heavy attack make it a formidable weapon that’s well worth the effort of obtaining and upgrading.

The Blasphemous Blade

For those looking for a unique and powerful weapon, the Blasphemous Blade is an excellent choice for strength builds in Elden Ring. This fearsome weapon is known as the weapon of the Lord of Blasphemy himself, Rykard, and can be obtained by trading in the Remembrance of the Blasphemous to Enia at Roundtable Hold after defeating the bizarre and horrifying boss.

To wield the Blasphemous Blade effectively, players must have at least 22 Strength, 21 Faith, and 15 Dexterity. But with its impressive Physical and Fire damage stats, this weapon is definitely worth the investment. And its skill, Taker’s Flames, allows the user to steal HP from enemies, making it especially useful in battles against tough foes or hordes.

Blasphemous Blade is one of the best Elden Ring swords for those who want a unique and powerful weapon that can deal massive damage while also providing a useful healing effect. If you’re able to defeat the boss and trade in the Remembrance of the Blasphemous, this impressive weapon is definitely worth considering for your loadout.

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the best Elden Ring Samurai armor sets! The game is available on Steam.