Ali Ikhwan
Since its release, Elden Ring has redefined the open-world action RPG genre, setting a high bar for environmental storytelling, challenging boss encounters, and, most importantly, a staggering variety of combat options. With the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, developer FromSoftware expanded the Lands Between—and the Realm of Shadow—with over 100 new armaments. These additions have not only revitalized existing character builds but have introduced entirely new mechanics that fundamentally alter how players approach combat.
For the aspiring Elden Lord, choosing the right tool is as critical as mastering the dodge roll. Whether you are navigating the dense forests of the Scadu Altus or standing toe-to-toe with the most formidable demigods, the following ten weapons represent the absolute pinnacle of what the expansion has to offer.
The Evolution of Combat: A New Arsenal
The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion arrived with the promise of deeper tactical complexity. While the base game favored established archetypes like Greatswords and Katanas, the DLC introduced entirely new weapon classes, such as Backhand Blades and Thrusting Shields. These additions were designed to address common player grievances regarding mobility and defensive options, effectively closing the gap between high-damage builds and defensive survivalism.
From a design perspective, these weapons are more than just stat sticks; they are mechanical extensions of the player’s agency. By integrating unique weapon arts—or "Ashes of War"—that function as pseudo-spells or advanced traversal tools, FromSoftware has ensured that the endgame of Elden Ring feels more dynamic than ever before.
10. Backhand Blade: The Art of the Counter
The Backhand Blade represents a paradigm shift for dexterity-focused builds. In a series that has historically relied on forward-facing combat, the Backhand Blade introduces a fluid, agile playstyle that rewards positional awareness.
Its signature weapon art, "Blind Spot," is a masterclass in tactical evasion. Upon activation, the player performs a rapid side-step followed by a punishing strike. This allows users to exploit the recovery animations of massive bosses, effectively turning a defensive maneuver into a high-damage counter. Its versatility in infusion scaling—performing exceptionally well regardless of whether you choose Keen, Heavy, or Blood—makes it a must-have for any versatile adventurer.
9. Carian Thrusting Shield: The Defensive Offensive
Traditionally, the "turtling" playstyle—hiding behind a shield—was often considered antithetical to aggressive gameplay. The Carian Thrusting Shield shatters this convention. As a member of the newly introduced thrusting shield class, it allows players to maintain their guard while executing light attacks.
This capability creates a rhythmic, safe playstyle that can trivialize even the most relentless boss combos. When paired with a Blood infusion, the shield becomes a terrifying tool of attrition. By blocking incoming strikes and simultaneously proccing bleed, the player can dismantle enemies without ever needing to drop their guard.
8. Dane’s Footwork: Martial Purity
For those who prefer to leave the steel behind, Dane’s Footwork offers a refreshing, albeit high-skill-ceiling, alternative. By transforming the player’s body into the weapon, this item provides a rapid-fire combat experience that excels at breaking enemy poise.
While the default weapon art is functional, the true potential of Dane’s Footwork is unlocked when paired with customized Ashes of War like "Dryleaf Whirlwind." This combination allows for sweeping, long-range kicks that can clear crowds and keep individual bosses off-balance. It is the ultimate choice for players who value speed and tactical positioning over raw, heavy-hitting output.
7. Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana: Scaling New Heights
The Great Katana class was one of the most anticipated additions, and the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana delivers on every front. Designed for "Quality" builds—those balancing Strength and Dexterity—it hits with the force of a Colossal weapon while maintaining the reach and speed of a standard blade.
The weapon art, "Dragonwound Slash," is its crowning achievement. It launches a projectile aura when charged, granting melee players a reliable, high-damage ranged option. It is the perfect answer for flying foes or dragons that would otherwise require a switch to a bow or spellcasting setup.
6. Death Knight’s Twin Axes: Lightning-Fast Destruction
The Death Knight’s Twin Axes offer a brutal combination of Faith and Strength scaling. By dealing inherent lightning damage, these axes are particularly effective against heavily armored foes or those weak to electrical discharge.
The "Blinkbolt: Twinaxe" weapon art is perhaps the most aggressive gap-closer in the game. It propels the player forward instantly, closing massive distances in the blink of an eye. The follow-up barrage of lightning strikes provides immense poise damage, often stunning bosses long enough for a critical riposte.
5. Euporia: The Holy Comet
Euporia stands as a testament to the power of commitment. As a twinblade, it requires a significant ramp-up period during combat. However, its weapon art, "Euporia Vortex," makes the effort worthwhile.
As you land successful hits, the blade’s "luster" increases. Once fully charged, the weapon art unleashes a sustained beam of holy energy, reminiscent of the legendary "Comet Azur" spell. This ability to switch between physical melee and high-burst magical damage makes Euporia one of the most versatile tools in the entire game.
4. Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword: The Heavyweight Champion
Weighing in at a massive 22.0, the Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword is a statement piece. It is one of the heaviest weapons in the expansion, yet it manages to swing with a speed that belies its gargantuan size.
Its "White Light Charge" weapon art is devastating. It launches the player forward with incredible velocity, impaling enemies and creating an AOE explosion upon the follow-up strike. It is an ideal weapon for players who favor high-poise builds and wish to steamroll through encounters with sheer force.
3. Star-Lined Sword: Celestial Precision
The Star-Lined Sword builds upon the legacy of the Elden Ring katana family. While weapons like the Rivers of Blood dominated the early meta, the Star-Lined Sword offers a more technical, magic-infused alternative.
Its signature move, "Onze’s Line of Stars," allows for a series of magically extended slashes. The ability to chain these attacks with repeated button presses makes it exceptionally lethal in duels. It rewards players who can track their enemy’s movement, as the extended reach of the magical slashes can catch opponents off-guard even at medium range.
2. Sword of Night: The Unblockable Shadow
The Sword of Night is a masterwork of design. Infused with the power of darkness, this pitch-black blade is specifically tuned to counter the defensive strategies of both AI enemies and player-controlled invaders.
Its passive trait—ignoring 50% of damage negation from shields—makes it a hard counter to high-defense enemies. Furthermore, its weapon art, "Witching Hour Slash," is a flurry of strikes that cannot be blocked. In a game where shield-turtling can often drag out fights, the Sword of Night is the ultimate equalizer.
1. Rellana’s Twin Blades: The Pinnacle of Versatility
At the top of our list sits Rellana’s Twin Blades. This weapon is the spiritual successor to the Sword of Night and Flame, but it refines the concept into a dual-wielding powerhouse.
By pulling out the second blade, the player switches between magic and fire damage, allowing for a diverse toolkit that can exploit almost any enemy weakness. The weapon art provides two distinct modes—a magical volley or a sweeping fire attack—depending on the player’s input. It is, without question, the most adaptable and powerful weapon introduced in the expansion, demanding a high skill ceiling but offering unparalleled rewards.
Implications for the Future
The introduction of these weapons suggests a shift in FromSoftware’s design philosophy. By focusing on weapons that facilitate mobility and complex defensive-to-offensive transitions, the developers are signaling that the future of the Souls formula lies in fluidity.
These weapons have not only expanded the potential for diverse "build-crafting," but they have also forced players to reconsider their reliance on the established "meta." As the community continues to explore the depths of the Shadow of the Erdtree, one thing is clear: the journey to become Elden Lord is no longer just about the strength of your character, but the versatility of the steel in your hands. Whether you prefer the raw force of a Greatsword or the technical precision of a Twinblade, these ten weapons ensure that your journey through the Realm of Shadow will be as lethal as it is stylish.
Nana Wu
Lina Irawan
