RELATED: Elden Ring: Overpowered Builds
They started out rather poorly back near Elden Ring’s release date, but the numerous patches and updates have made them viable once again. Of course, some Quality weapons got the longer end of the stick when it comes to balancing. Tarnished looking to be as efficient as specialized single-stat builds will want to utilize these Quality weapons more than the others.
Updated November 2, 2022, by Sid Natividad: It’s no secret that Quality weapons in Elden Ring had a rough start. They were somewhat terrible compared to Strength or Dex weapons and builds. Thanks to the numerous updates to melee though, they do have a fighting chance now. They definitely deserve a second chance, so players would do well to take a moment to educate themselves on the best quality weapons in Elden Ring. They might not be the most conventional nor are they the most overpowered sharp sticks in the game, but they should work well enough for most Quality builds.
14 Dragon King Cragblade
Weapon class : Heavy Thrusting Sword Max scaling : Str - D; Dex - B Max damage : 225 + 144 Weight : 8
The Dragon King Cragblade might look like a pure Dex weapon, but it’s quite a popular option for Quality builds since it also scales a bit in Strength. It’s not ideal for a 50/50 Quality stat split, of course, since a good chunk of the damage is lighting and that scales with Dexterity. Still, it has one of the best weapon skills in the game.
After players close in with the Thundercloud Form skill, they can go with the traditional melee poking, and this is where a good balance of Strength and Dexterity helps. Some builds also combine it with a hybrid dip into Faith so they can use lightning Incantations which are thematically fitting for the weapon.
13 Rotten Greataxe
Weapon class : Colossal Weapon Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 321 Weight : 20
It’s a colossal weapon and Quality builds love their colossal bonking sticks. The Rotten Greataxe just happens to be one of the highest-damage Quality weapons in the game, provided the players actually infuse it with the Quality prefix. The double B scaling is instrumental in letting players enjoy their 50/50 Quality split.
RELATED: Elden Ring Characters Who Wear The Most Impractical Clothes
As an added bonus, this weapon also deals some Rot damage buildup which is great in PvP as it adds more pressure to the enemy. In PvE, players will likely see less utility for the Rot passive, but it’s good enough when it triggers; every little bit of damage helps in Elden Ring, after all.
12 Claymore
Weapon class : Greatsword Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 299 Weight : 9
The Claymore in Elden Ring is one of the most underrated weapons in the game. That’s because it’s a greatsword that starts with the Lion’s Claw Ash of War, which is one of the most busted melee skills in The Lands Between. That alone makes it worthy of at least a consideration as far as Quality weapons go.
When it comes to practicality, it’s weighty enough to stagger and poise break large enemies. It’s also faster than colossal swords, giving it an edge over those hulking steel slabs. The range does suffer a bit, along with the lower damage, but most Quality build players in Elden Ring usually live with the knowledge that it’s not the most powerful build in the game.
11 Duelist Greataxe
Weapon class : Colossal Weapon Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 336 Weight : 20
The Duelist Greataxe is the “clean” version of the Rotten Greataxe and it’s easier to obtain. It swings at around the same speed and has the same range and scaling. What gives it an advantage over its red brother is the slightly higher damage output. As far as Quality-infused weapons go, the Duelist Greataxe is the best.
RELATED: Elden Ring: Best Blood Weapons, Ranked
It deals the highest damage (though that’s not taking the unique or boss weapons into consideration). Players can definitely consider this one as a stepping stone until they get to the region where they can farm the Rotten Greataxe, though given how capable this weapon is already, it’s good enough to not be replaced.
10 Noble’s Slender Sword
Weapon class : Straight Sword Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 196 Weight : 3. 5
It might look unintimidating or too bland, but the Noble’s Slender Sword is a good starting point for a lot of Quality builds. The default skill is Square Off, which is good enough for boss fights and even better when it comes to PvP since not many opponents expect it. As far as straight swords go though, the Noble’s Slender Sword is the best option for Quality builds.
The damage is respectably high and the weapon’s weight is low, making it ideal for players who love to min-max with their stats. For style, it’s also impeccable as the weapon has a golden hue when viewed via its in-game 3D model, making it ideal for Elden Bling playthroughs.
9 Pulley Bow
Weapon class : Bow Max scaling : Str - D; Dex - D Max damage : 188 Weight : 5
It’s the composite bow equivalent of Dark Souls, but in Elden Ring and the Pulley Bow measures up well in terms of power. The scaling is a little bad as far as weapons go, but players will be hard-pressed to find a bow that scales with Strength and Dexterity that’s still manageable in terms of speed and weight.
The reason why it’s so low in the ranking is due to the fact that melee playstyles tend to be better for Quality builds because players don’t have to worry too much about ammunition. Still, for those looking for something different than melee, this bow will work well.
8 Axe Of Godrick
Weapon class : Greataxe Max scaling : Str - C; Dex - C Max damage : 347 Weight : 11
It’s a bit heavy, but the Axe of Godrick is obtainable very early in the game, making it one of the most accessible unique Quality weapons in Elden Ring. It allows players to use Godrick’s signature move as a weapon skill, making it ideal for clearing multiple enemies or even staggering bosses.
RELATED: Elden Ring Fan Challenges To Make The Game Even Harder
As far as damage goes, this great axe ought to sate those looking for high numbers. The only problem with the weapon is the high stat investment needed in order to utilize it, but players don’t have to pump their Strength too high since they can just two-hand this weapon to save points.
7 Omen Cleaver
Weapon class : Curved Greatsword Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 278 Weight : 11. 5
Most Curved Greatswords seem like they were made for Quality builds because they do blend the best parts of both Strength & Dexterity weapons. The Omen Cleaver is a good example of this. It has higher damage than the Dismounter and players can change the Ash of War.
Some might think that they’ll need to get to Altus Plateau first in order to unlock this weapon, but it’s actually accessible in Stormveil Castle. Players just need to keep farming the lone Omen guarding the entrance to the Liftside Chamber Grace.
6 Bloodhound Claws
Weapon class : Claw Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 184 Weight : 3
The Bloodhound Claws apples Bleed buildup, which means it’s already a cut above the rest of the other Quality weapons. This Claw weapon also has the advantage of letting players attack fast and often, letting the Bleed stacks build even faster.
RELATED: Elden Ring: Best Weapons For A Level 1 Run
The Bloodhound Claws also inherently have Quality scaling, meaning it might give even more compared to another Claw with just a converted Quality prefix. Range is quite an issue here, however, but Bleed builds tend to disregard their personal safety too much anyway.
5 Zamor Curved Sword
Weapon class : Curved Greatsword Max scaling : Str - C; Dex - B Max damage : 306 Weight : 9
The Zamor Curved Sword is yet another Curved Greatsword that will surely make any Quality build fan excited. It’s one of the few heavy weapons in the game that deal Frostbite buildup, which, in some cases, is about as good as Bleed or even better against certain enemies.
Sadly, this weapon is gated by Morgott. Players will have to journey a bit past mid-game to obtain it as it’s located in the Mountaintops of the Giants. At that point in the game, players might have already invested too much in another weapon to consider changing to this one but for those who have unused Somber Smithing Stones lying around, then this is a worthy investment.
4 Bolt Of Gransax
Weapon class : Spear Max scaling : Str - D; Dex - C Max damage : 240 + 154 Weight : 8. 5
The Bolt of Gransax is one of the fanciest special weapons in the game and its requirements are high. 40 Dexterity is nothing to scoff at, but this spear is worth the points since it has one of the most destructive and satisfying weapon skills in the game.
RELATED: Elden Ring: Best Armor For A Level 1 Run
Bolt of Gransax will fire off a lighting version of a tactical nuke should players opt to spam the weapon skill. If not, then it’s still a good Quality weapon with lightning damage. The Bolt of Gransax is also the best spear for dragon boss fights since it deals bonus damage to dragon enemies.
3 Great Stars
Weapon class : Great Hammer Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 266 Weight : 10
It’s a good thing the Great Stars comes with a customizable Ash of War; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been as perfect as it is in Elden Ring. This weapon has it all. It has Bleed, it deals Bludgeoning physical damage, and it’s not as heavy as a Colossal weapon.
RELATED: Elden Ring: Bosses That Are Much Easier On New Game+
Of course, the best part for Quality fans is that this weapon has an inherent Quality scaling. The damage can easily go high with enough investment as the base damage for Great Stars is already stellar (no pun intended). If paired with the Wild Strikes Ash of War, players can easily trigger Bleed.
2 Uchigatana
Weapon class : Katana Max scaling : Str - B; Dex - B Max damage : 225 Weight : 5. 5
It’s no secret that Katanas in Elden Ring were sprinkled with a dash of favoritism, as most of them are overpowered or simply well-balanced compared to other weapons. The Uchigatana is no exception. In fact, it’s quite possibly the most powerful starting weapon in the game.
Any Samurai who starts out with the Uchigatana can take it well into the late game. It also helps that this is one of the most flexible weapons in the game — just about any class can use it with the right prefix. Quality builds will also find it delightful due to the inherent Quality scaling. And the most important part: it has Bleed damage.
1 Bloodhound’s Fang
Weapon class : Curved Greatsword Max scaling : Str - C; Dex - B Max damage : 345 Weight : 11. 5
As powerful as the Uchigatana is, it has one glaring disadvantage: its range. Bloodhound’s Fang — a Curved Greatsword, doesn’t have the same disadvantage while still being a Bleed weapon with impressive Quality scaling. The best part is that players can obtain it very early on.
If that’s not enough, then players will find solace in the fact that this weapon can be taken all the way to the toughest boss in the game. It has a weapon skill that counts as both an offensive and defensive move which absolutely shreds bosses susceptible to Bleed. It’s even easier to use than the Uchigatana, practically trivializing the early to mid-game.
Elden Ring is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE: Elden Ring: Great Weapons For The Early Game
