Elden Ring Best Weapons: Top Picks for Every Build in 2025

If you’re venturing into the Lands Between, one question that’s bound to come up is: What are the Elden Ring best weapons? Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran looking for an edge, choosing the right weapon is crucial for survival and success.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best weapons in Elden Ring across different build types: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. We’ve also updated this list for Patch 1.12 to reflect current balancing and community favorites as of 2025.

Why Choosing the Best Weapon Matters

With over 300 weapons in Elden Ring, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But not all weapons are created equal. The best Elden Ring weapons can:

Increase your damage output significantly

Enhance scaling with your stats

Open up powerful Ashes of War combos

Give you an advantage in both PvE and PvP

Elden Ring Best Weapons by Build

1. Best Strength Weapon: Greatsword (Colossal Sword)

Location: Caelid – in a caravan near the Rotview Balcony
Inspired by Berserk’s Dragonslayer, this massive blade is perfect for tanky builds. It has incredible strength scaling and pairs well with Lion’s Claw Ash of War.

2. Best Dexterity Weapon: Uchigatana / Nagakiba

Location: Uchigatana – Starting weapon for Samurai or found in Deathtouched Catacombs
The Uchigatana and Nagakiba are bleed-inflicting katanas with excellent dexterity scaling. Fast, deadly, and easily infused with Ashes of War like Seppuku or Bloody Slash.

3. Best Intelligence Weapon: Moonveil Katana

Location: Gael Tunnel (defeat Magma Wyrm)
The Moonveil is one of the Elden Ring best weapons for Intelligence builds. Its weapon skill, Transient Moonlight, delivers devastating ranged magic slashes.

4. Best Faith Weapon: Blasphemous Blade

Location: Trade Rykard’s Remembrance with Enia at Roundtable Hold
Not only does this weapon scale with Faith and Strength, but it also heals you on kills, making it perfect for hybrid and boss-slaying builds.

5. Best Arcane Weapon: Rivers of Blood

Location: Church of Repose (Mountaintops of the Giants)
Still dominant in 2025, Rivers of Blood shreds enemies with its unique skill, Corpse Piler, delivering rapid bleed procs. It’s a top-tier weapon for both PvE and PvP.

Honorable Mentions

Dark Moon Greatsword – Best for late-game Intelligence builds

Sword of Night and Flame – Great hybrid weapon for Faith + Intelligence

Bloodhound’s Fang – A curved greatsword with bleed and agility

Ruins Greatsword – High strength scaling and incredible burst damage

How to Upgrade the Best Weapons in Elden Ring

To fully unlock the potential of the best Elden Ring weapons, you’ll need to upgrade them using:

Smithing Stones (for standard weapons)

Somber Smithing Stones (for special/legendary weapons)

Upgrading weapons improves base damage, scaling, and overall performance—especially in late-game areas.

Tips for Choosing the Right Weapon

Match your weapon to your stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, etc.)

Don’t overlook weapon skills (Ashes of War)

Infuse weapons with elemental affinities that suit your build

Use Talisman support like Radagon’s Scarseal or Shard of Alexander for buffs

Conclusion: What Are the Elden Ring Best Weapons?

The answer depends on your build and playstyle, but these weapons consistently rank among the most powerful:

Greatsword for Strength

Moonveil for Intelligence

Blasphemous Blade for Faith

Rivers of Blood for Arcane

Nagakiba/Uchigatana for Dexterity

No matter your path, equipping one of the Elden Ring best weapons will give you a massive advantage against the horrors of the Lands Between.

FAQs: Elden Ring Best Weapons

Q: What is the strongest weapon in Elden Ring right now?
A: The Greatsword and Rivers of Blood are considered two of the strongest weapons in Patch 1.12.

Q: Are katanas still good in Elden Ring?
A: Yes! Katanas like Moonveil and Rivers of Blood remain top-tier choices for Dex and Arcane builds.

Q: Can I use magic with the best weapons?
A: Yes, hybrid weapons like the Sword of Night and Flame are great for caster builds.