Elden Ring: Best Strength Weapons, Ranked

Summary

• Strength weapons like Zweihander and Marais Greatsword are perfect for crushing foes with hefty strikes in Elden Ring.
• Consider weapon requirements and scaling carefully to maximize damage output and defeat powerful bosses in the game.
• Unique skills like Stamp (Upward Cut) and Prelate’s Charge add strategic depth to combat encounters for a satisfying gameplay experience.

Even though some hardcore fans believe that Elden Ring is one of the easiest FromSoftware games (one fan even beat it in an hour!), newcomers to the series have struggled to pass even the first Major Boss. But of course, it wouldn’t be a Souls-like game if it didn’t mean players would need to die, rinse, and repeat continuously to cleanse the world of the ill-omened creatures.

Fortunately, players have access to powerful god-like weapons that can conquer even the largest foes. One powerful weapon class is that of Strength Weapons, which mostly take the form of Greatswords, Warhammers, and Halberds. With so many options available in Elden Ring, players will need to know which one is the best of them all.

Updated on March 25, 2025, by Gerardo Molina: Elden Ring is, without a doubt, the best game FromSoftware has released to date, as it retains many of the elements that make the Dark Souls franchise great while implementing new ones, along with improved graphics and more challenging boss fights. Players can choose from a large variety of builds that better suit their playstyles to take on the many obstacles they’ll encounter along the way, and Strength is usually one of the most popular. There are several weapons available for Strength builds that players can wield to turn area enemies and bosses into smudges on the ground. Some are easy to obtain, whereas others require a lot more effort.

30

Beastclaw Greathammer

A Just Reward For Delivering Enough Deathroot

The Beastclaw Greathammer is an excellent weapon of choice for those looking to craft a Strength build, although it can also be a good option for those who want a Quality build that combines Strength and Dexterity. That is, if players have enough Strength to wield it properly. As opposed to other weapons in Elden Ring, the Beastclaw Greathammer is not found randomly throughout the Lands Between, and it’s rather given to players by Gurranq as a reward for turning in their 7th Deathroot. Unfortunately, this weapon cannot be infused using Ashes of War, and it also can’t be buffed with magic or consumables.

However, it can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones and has a sell value of 500 Runes. Sadly, after patch 1.0,8 all Great Hammers received a poise damage nerf, which greatly reduces how efficient this weapon is. That said, it’s still an excellent weapon of choice, regardless. The Beastclaw Greathammer requires 20 Strength, 10 Dexterity, and 18 Faith to wield properly, and at level +7, its Strength scaling goes from D to C. Not the best, but also not the worst.

29

Zweihander

Powerful Colossal Sword

Zweihander

primarily scales with Strength and Dexterity in Elden Ring. Although it’s considered a Colossal Weapon, Zweihander possesses the lightest weight, which makes it a bit versatile. This is perfect for players who prefer fast and heavy swing attacks instead of the usual three-hits attack that consumes the Stamina bar.

The weapon comes with a Skill called the Stamp (Upward Cut), which can be found in a plethora of weapons in Elden Ring. The Skill basically means players deliver a deadly upward strike that can easily stagger large enemies.

28

Ordovis’s Greatsword

Great For Faith Builds

Ordovis’s Greatsword

mainly scales with Strength and Faith. The former starts with a C at level one and ends with an A at level 10, which provides great damage for Tarnished interested in a STR/FAI build in Elden Ring.

The Unique Skill, Ordovis’s Vortex, allows players to charge the Greatsword and slam it on the ground, dealing with Holy Damage. Keep in mind that the Strength scaling is much better than the Faith one, so Ordovis’s Greatsword is not a bad option as a Strength-based weapon.

27

Marais Executioner’s Sword

Eochaid’s Dancing Blade

The Marais Executioner’s Sword

scales solely with Strength while the rest of the stats stay the same. Upgrading it requires some Somber Smithing Stones, which will allow the weapon’s Strength to level up from an average C to a decent B. As for the weapon requirements, Tarnished must have 24 Strength, 14 Dexterity, and 23 Arcane.

The weapon’s Skill is the Eochaid’s Dancing Blade, and it allows the weapon to be infused with Arcane and send it toward an opponent in a swinging attack. While the weapon may stagger small or medium-sized enemies, large foes like bosses in Elden Ring won’t be knocked down.

26

Gargoyle’s Black Axe

Hunt The Black Blade Kindred

Similar to the Marais Executioner’s Sword, the Gargoyle’s Black Axe

Strength is the only stat that improves, with the remaining stats staying the same. Wielding the Gargoyle’s Black Axe will benefit Tarnished who already has an STR/FAI build as it requires 24 Strength, 8 Dexterity, and 22 Faith.

The Axe’s Skill, War Cry, is seen in many other weapons as it’s a handy Skill. Upon unleashing the cry, you will receive a buff and for 40 seconds all the strong attacks will become charge attacks.

25

Troll’s Hammer

Useful For Defeating Multiple Foes

Troll’s Hammer

is one of the most underrated weapons in Elden Ring. Although its Active Skill, Troll’s Roar, is found on other weapons while exploring the Lands Between, the Hammer can be considered one of the heaviest Strength-based weapons among them.

While the skill does allow players to unleash a powerful shockwave that has a high chance of stunning enemies, the Troll’s Hammer’s true powers lie in its powerful attack, which will cause heavy damage once the weapon reaches +25. Additionally, maxing out the Hammer will upgrade the Strength scaling from a normal C to a decent B.

24

Great Omenkiller Cleaver

Build Up Blood Loss

The Great Omenkiller Cleaver

doesn’t only scale with Strength, it can also cause blood loss build-up in battles. Tarnished can try to use a Blood Affinity Ashes of War on the cleaver, which will upgrade the Strength scaling to B and the bleed becomes even stronger.

The Wild Strikes allow the user to perform a chain of heavy attacks and, at the end, you can use a normal or a heavy attack. It’s great for building blood loss as players will be swinging at the enemy multiple times.

23

Winged Greathorn

Comes With The Powerful Soul Stifler Ability

As of Patch 1.09, the Winged Greathorn

was buffed to have a better speed, range, recovery time, and many more. That doesn’t mean the weapon wasn’t useful before, but it had many disadvantages that may put players in a difficult or vulnerable position.

Other than the heavy damage inflicted by swinging around the Winged Greathorn, Tarnished can take advantage of the unique Skill that debuffs enemies upon contacting the harmful aura released by the Greathorn. The Skill may hinder players since the enemy must pass through the fog to get debuffed, but the results are worth it since the weapon’s damage increases.

22

Serpent-Hunter

Perfect For Attacking

The Serpent-Hunter

in Elden Ring is similar to the Storm Ruler in Dark Souls 3. Although it’s possible to use it on other enemies, and it will deal great damage, the Serpent-Hunter is especially effective against the Shardbearer, Rykard Lord of Blasphemy. Although the boss is considered mid to late-game, players can acquire the Serpent-Hunter quite early by interacting with the Abductor Virgin in the lowest part of Raya Lucaria Academy.

One of the Serpent-Hunter’s great features is that the initial Strength scaling is B and later becomes A once fully upgraded. Players can take advantage of such Skill to wield one of the best Strength Weapons in the Elden Ring. While the weapon does scale with Dexterity, the E won’t be upgraded later on.

21

Rotten Greataxe

A Powerful Late-Game Weapon

The Rotten Greataxe is, without a doubt, one of the best-looking weapons in the entirety of Elden Ring, as not only is it massive, but it also looks extremely intimidating with its red and black undertones. Since it’s a late-game weapon, it requires a whopping 30 Strength and 10 Dexterity to wield properly. This incredible weapon is dropped by the Rotten Duelist at the north of Ordina, Liturgical Town. The encounter isn’t extremely challenging, especially for players who have leveled up enough, but they should still proceed with caution.

The Rotten Greataxe’s active skill, “Endure”, can temporarily boost players’ poise so they can withstand more damage and still deliver powerful blows to their enemies, a very desirable trait for those building a Strength character. As opposed to the Beastclaw Greathammer, the Rotten Greataxe can be infused with Ashes of War and buffed by magic or consumables. It can also be upgraded by using Somber Smithing Stones and causes Scarlet Rot buildup. Normally, this weapon would not be recommended for those looking to play with a Strength build, as it seems to favor Dexterity more. However, when infused to the Heavy configuration, its Strength scaling goes from E to B, which is a considerable upgrade.

20

Watchdog’s Greatsword

Cleave Through Several Enemies At Once

Similar to the Zweihander, Watchdog’s Greatsword

has the same Skill which allows players to deliver a powerful upward attack that has a high chance of staggering enemies. The Watchdog’s Greatsword scales mainly with Strength, and starting from a +3 upgrade, the scaling becomes a decent B.

Watchdog’s Greatsword can be a great option for large crowds as its attacks can take out multiple enemies at once. As a result, Tarnished should consider using it for Runes farming in Elden Ring as well as beating bosses.

19

Magma Wyrm’s Scalesword

The Deadly Dragon’s Jaw

Despite needing 18 Faith to wield, the Magma Wyrm’s Scalesword

is a decent strength weapon that deals 114 Physical Damage and an additional 74 Fire Damage. Moreover, its Active Skill creates a large puddle of magma around the player, which deals Fire Damage for a few seconds.

But players will need to defeat the powerful Magma Wyrm Makar boss to be able to obtain it, which can prove challenging if fought solo. Fortunately, this boss is susceptible to Madness, which means using Incantations like Inescapable Frenzy is highly recommended.

18

Ghiza’s Wheel

Deal Great Physical Damage

Most Elden Ring players agree that any weapon that deals with Blood Loss is automatically a powerful weapon, and that’s why Ghiza’s Wheel is one of the best STR weapons in Elden Ring. Apart from dealing with Blood Loss (70 points), this heavy-strength weapon has a decent reach, making it ideal for poking enemies.

But, obtaining Ghiza’s Wheel

is no easy task as it means traveling to the harsh environment of Volcano Manor. On top of that, players will need to kill Inquisitor Ghiza, which primarily uses Blood Loss damage.

17

Dragon Greatclaw

Great For Dragon Or Other Massive Enemies

Even though obtaining the Dragon Greatclaw

involves defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel (one of the most challenging world bosses in Elden Ring), it’s well worth the struggle since it’s a powerful Colossal Weapon that no strength enthusiast can ignore.

But, this isn’t only one of the best strength weapons in Elden Ring, since its Active Skill, Endure, boosts a player’s poise stat while reducing incoming damage. Players can pair this strength weapon with the Dragonclaw Shield, making them an unstoppable force in PVE and PVP battles.

16

Maliketh’s Black Blade

A Good One For Holy-Based Damage

Like any boss weapon in Elden Ring, Tarnished must trade the boss’ Remembrance to Enia at Roundtable hold to get Maliketh’s Black Blade. In this case, defeat Maliketh the Black Blade in Crumbling Farum Azula and trade it. Maliketh’s Black Blade scales with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, making it the perfect weapon for inflicting heavy and holy damage. Additionally, upgrading the weapon will eventually reward players with a decent B for both Strength and Faith.

Maliketh’s Black Blade

possesses a Unique Skill that allows Tarnished to unleash a heavy holy attack that melts away opponents’ HP. Additionally, the weapon removes a good chunk of HP for a certain amount of time.

15

Beastman’s Cleaver

Weapon For The Beasts

The Beastman’s Cleaver

is one of the fastest strength type weapons in Elden Ring since it has an equip load of 16.5, significantly less than other strength weapons. Moreover, the Beastman’s Cleaver has a powerful Active Skill, Spinning Slash, that slashes enemies with several strikes and ends with a powerful heavy attack.

The only issue that holds the Beastman’s Cleaver back as the best strength weapon in Elden Ring is that the drop rate is quite inconsistent, which may lead to hours of farming. But, players have found that farming the Azula Beastmans near the Dragon Temple Lift Site of Grace in Crumbling Farum Azula is the best farming location.

14

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

Get It For The Fire Damage

Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear

is perhaps one of the best Great Spears in Elden Ring since it has Physical and Fire Damage, not to mention that its Active Skill coats it with Bloodflame, which further increases its Fire Damage. Unfortunately, the damage scaling of its Active Skill scales with Arcane and not Strength, so players will need to invest a little in Arcane to increase its damage potential.

But, obtaining Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear means players will need to defeat the Blood Lord Mohg. The good news is that players can team up with other Tarnished to take him down with relative ease.

13

Forked Greatsword

The Oddly Shaped Weapon

Despite not looking as epic as the other entries, the Forked Greatsword is a decent Strength Weapon that can crush foes in a couple of thrusts once upgraded enough. Moreover, Stamp (Upward Cut) is a useful skill to manage stance and positioning, since it can absorb a blow (Stamp) and then follow up with an Upward Cut that can knock up most enemies, except for large ones.

On top of that, the Forked Greatsword

Passive Skill causes Hemorrhage, which will slowly bleed the enemy out. Players can easily farm this weapon in the Black Knife Catacombs or Road’s End Catacombs.

12

Prelate’s Inferno Crozier

Send Enemies Into The Air

Players into Fashionborne will absolutely love how FromSoftware designed the Prelate’s Inferno Crozier since it’s an aesthetically pleasing Colossal Weapon with flames all over it. What’s more, alongside the god-like appearance, Prelate’s Inferno Crozier

has powerful stats that will fling enemies up in the air.

Moreover, if players use Radagon’s Soreseal (one of the best Talismans in the Elden Ring), they can further increase this weapon’s damage output. Sadly, farming the Prelate’s Inferno Crozier can take a while since only one enemy drops it (the Prelate). At least the Site of Grace isn’t too far from its spawn location.

11

Sword Lance

Once Wielded By Commander Gaius

The Sword Lance

is a mix of a greatsword and a lance, which is why it’s classified as a heavy-thrusting weapon. Players can obtain it by defeating Commander Gaius in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree. The Sword Lance focuses mainly on Strength and Dexterity, requiring 21 and 11 respectively to be wielded.

The Spinning Gravity Thrust is one of the boss’ many signature moves that usually deplete Tarnished HP. The Skill allows players to jump high and do a wild spinning attack while coating their weapon with gravity magic.