Elden Ring's 101 Weapons to Rule Them All: A Comprehensive Guide to the Vast Arsenal

Introduction

Discover the boundless armament of Elden Ring, a masterpiece of FromSoftware's legendary "Soulsborne" series. This colossal role-playing game presents players with a staggering arsenal of 101 unique weapons, each promising unparalleled power and customization. From nimble swords to heavy hammers, arcane staves to enigmatic special armaments, the world of Elden Ring offers an inexhaustible trove of combat tools to suit every playstyle.

The Power of Swords

Swords stand as the quintessential weapons of Elden Ring. Their versality and balanced attributes make them a formidable choice for both close-quarters combat and ranged engagements. From the elegant Longsword to the weighty Greatsword, or the exotic Curved Sword and its sweeping attacks, swords offer a diverse range of options for skillful fencers and relentless brawlers alike.

• Straight Swords: With their swift attacks and extended reach, straight swords excel at precise thrusts and quick slashes. The Longsword is an excellent all-around weapon, while the Broadsword offers increased damage at the cost of speed.
• Curved Swords: Known for their wide, swinging arcs, curved swords excel at slashing and hacking. The Scimitar is a popular choice for its excellent critical strike potential, while the Uchigatana offers both speed and reach.
• Greatswords: These massive blades prioritize brute force over agility. The Greatsword is a devastating weapon for heavy hitters, while the Zweihander offers even greater reach and stagger potential.
• Colossal Swords: The ultimate expression of raw power, colossal swords are capable of true devastation. The Starscourge Greatsword, wielded by the legendary General Radahn, is a force to be reckoned with.

The Impact of Heavy Weapons

Heavy weapons in Elden Ring trade speed for overwhelming force, capable of smashing through enemy defenses with thunderous blows. Greathammers, colossal axes, and colossal weapons offer devastating area-of-effect attacks, perfect for clearing hordes of weaker foes or breaking the guard of tough bosses.

• Greathammers: These heavy two-handed weapons deliver crushing blows that can stagger even the largest enemies. The Giant-Crusher is a formidable weapon, while the Erdtree Greatshield offers exceptional defense and a powerful charge attack.
• Colossal Axes: These brutal weapons combine speed and power, with their wide swings capable of cleaving through multiple foes. The Greataxe is an excellent all-around choice, while the Royal Great Axe boasts increased damage at the cost of speed.
• Colossal Weapons: The most massive and powerful weapons in Elden Ring, colossal weapons require exceptional strength to wield. The Greatsword of Artorias, wielded by a legendary knight of old, is a true work of art.

The Mastery of Magic

Elden Ring offers a plethora of arcane weapons for those who prefer the power of magic. Staves, seals, and catalyst weapons channel the player's intelligence or faith, allowing them to cast powerful spells and incantations that can decimate enemies from afar or provide valuable support in battle.

• Staves: Staves are the primary weapons for intelligence-based spellcasters. The Glintstone Staff is a popular choice for its excellent spellcasting capabilities, while the Carian Royal Scepter offers increased damage to gravity-based spells.
• Seals: Seals are the instruments of faith-based spellcasters. The Sacred Seal is a versatile choice for general incantations, while the Golden Order Seal excels in fire and holy-based spells.
• Catalyst Weapons: Certain weapons possess unique magical properties that allow them to cast spells without the need for staves or seals. The Sword of Night and Flame is a versatile weapon that combines melee combat with powerful incantations.

The Enigmatic Specials

Beyond the traditional sword, heavy weapon, and arcane categories, Elden Ring offers a range of enigmatic special weapons that defy easy classification. These weapons often possess unique abilities and playstyles that can completely transform the player's combat experience.

• Blasphemous Blade: This colossal sword drains the player's health to unleash devastating fire-based attacks. Its innate "Taker's Flames" ability heals the user with each successful hit, making it a formidable weapon for aggressive playstyles.
• Moonveil Katana: This elegant curved sword grants the player access to the powerful "Transient Moonlight" ability, which releases a wave of magical energy that deals severe damage. Its combination of speed and arcane power make it an excellent choice for hybrid builds.
• Meteorite Staff: A unique staff that scales with intelligence and strength. Its innate gravity magic grants it advantages against enemies weak to this element, making it particularly effective in subterranean environments.

Combat Strategies with Elden Ring Weapons

Close-Quarters Combat: Swords, greathammers, and colossal axes excel at close-quarters combat, where their speed, power, or area-of-effect attacks can dominate opponents. Use quick attacks with swords to dodge enemy retaliation, or unleash powerful swings with heavy weapons to break through defenses.

Ranged Engagements: Staves, seals, and catalyst weapons offer ranged spellcasting capabilities, allowing players to attack from a distance or provide support to allies. Use spells with high damage or area-of-effect to clear groups of enemies, or cast buffs and debuffs to enhance or weaken combatants.

Hybrid Playstyles: Elden Ring allows players to combine melee and magic by equipping weapons with unique abilities or using special weapons that bridge the gap between physical and arcane combat. The Sword of Night and Flame, for example, grants the player access to both melee and fire-based incantations.

Why Elden Ring Weapons Matter

Endless Customization: With 101 unique weapons to choose from, Elden Ring offers an unparalleled level of customization for players to tailor their playstyle. Experiment with different weapon types, affinities, skills, and ashes of war to create a truly personalized combat experience.

Builds and Min-Maxing: Different weapons and playstyles favor different character builds. Intelligence-based spellcasters may focus on staves, while strength-based warriors will excel with heavy weapons. By choosing the right weapons and attributes, players can min-max their characters to maximize their potential.

Overcoming Challenges: Elden Ring is renowned for its challenging bosses and formidable enemies. By carefully selecting the right weapons for each encounter, players can gain a tactical advantage and overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

Comparing Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Vast arsenal of weapons with diverse playstyles
• Endless customization options for personalized combat
• Weapons tailored to different character builds
• Tactical advantage against bosses and enemies

Cons:

• Some weapons may require specific character attributes or skill levels
• Gathering all 101 weapons can be a time-consuming task
• Certain weapons may be weaker or less effective in specific situations

Conclusion

The vast array of Elden Ring weapons empowers players to explore countless combat possibilities and forge a unique destiny in the Lands Between. From the nimble Longsword to the colossal Starscourge Greatsword, from the arcane Glintstone Staff to the enigmatic Moonveil Katana, each weapon holds its own story, power, and potential for greatness. Embrace the unparalleled arsenal of Elden Ring and unleash your inner warrior!

Additional Resources

• Elden Ring Wiki: Weapons
• The Gamer: Elden Ring: 10 Best Weapons And How To Get Them
• IGN: Elden Ring: Best Weapons Tier List