Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Weapons Tier List

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Weapons Tier List
The release of the Shadow of the Erdtree update for Elden Ring has brought a wave of excitement among players, as it introduced new weapons, balance changes, and fresh ways to explore the Lands Between. With so many weapons now available, determining which ones stand out as the best can be a daunting task. This article aims to provide a comprehensive weapons tier list for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, helping players make informed decisions about their arsenal.

Understanding the Tier List
Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of weapons in Elden Ring depends on a variety of factors, including playstyle, build type, and enemy encounters. This tier list is based on the weapons’ versatility, damage output, and utility in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Weapons are categorized into tiers: S-tier (the best of the best), A-tier (excellent choices), B-tier (solid options), C-tier (situationally useful), and D-tier (subpar in most cases).

S-Tier Weapons
These weapons are considered the cream of the crop, offering exceptional performance across a wide range of situations.

Claymore

The Claymore remains a fan favorite due to its high damage output and versatility. Its wide range of motion and powerful charged attacks make it a top pick for both strength and quality builds.

Moonlight Greatsword

A staple for magic users, the Moonlight Greatsword combines high intelligence scaling with a unique projectile attack, making it a must-have for any sorcerer or mage build.

Erdtree Greatsword

Introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree update, this colossal weapon is a powerhouse for strength builds. Its ability to stagger enemies with ease and deliver crushing blows makes it a dominant force on the battlefield.

A-Tier Weapons
While not quite S-tier, these weapons are still excellent choices and can often outperform their higher-tier counterparts in the right situations.

Bloodhound’s Fang

A fast and aggressive weapon, the Bloodhound’s Fang excels in close-quarters combat. Its bleed effect and quick attack speed make it a nightmare for enemies in PvE and PvP alike.

Lionel’s Needle

For dexterity builds, Lionel’s Needle is a standout option. Its high crit damage and lightning-fast animations allow players to dodge and weave between attacks with ease.

Carian Regal Scepter

This staff is a go-to for pure magic builds, offering exceptional intelligence scaling and powerful sorceries when wielded correctly.

B-Tier Weapons
These weapons are reliable and effective but may lack the versatility or raw power of higher-tier options.

Longsword

A classic choice for quality builds, the Longsword offers balanced damage and a wide range of attacks. While not flashy, it’s a dependable workhorse for any playstyle.

Greatsword

A solid option for strength builds, the Greatsword provides heavy damage and good range. However, its slower attack speed can be a liability against faster enemies.

Blood Uchigatana

A popular choice for bleed-focused builds, the Blood Uchigatana is deadly in the right hands. Its high damage output is slightly offset by its short range.

C-Tier Weapons
These weapons are situational and may only shine in specific builds or against certain enemies.

Dagger

While fast and agile, the Dagger struggles to compete with other weapons in terms of damage output. It’s best used as a backup weapon for critical hits.

Flail

The Flail’s unique attack animations and crowd control potential are overshadowed by its lack of scaling and damage. It’s a niche choice for stun-focused builds.

Reaper

Aesthetically pleasing but lacking in practicality, the Reaper’s slow attacks and poor range make it a less desirable option for most players.

D-Tier Weapons
These weapons are generally considered subpar and should be avoided unless for specific aesthetic or roleplay purposes.

Coded Sword

Despite its unique design, the Coded Sword underperforms in both damage and utility, making it a poor choice for any serious build.

Harpe

While it has a unique bleed effect, the Harpe’s slow attack speed and lack of scaling make it a weak option in most scenarios.

Case Studies: When to Choose Specific