Best Shadow of the Erdtree Weapons for All Builds

The best Shadow of the Erdtree weapons for the new Elden Ring expansion will vary greatly depending on which build you're using and what stats you prioritize – and frankly, certain types of players will have a lot more options than others. That's not to say there aren't solid weapon options for everyone, but if we're looking for S-tier options, those using Strength and Dex will generally have more options than those who use Intelligence, Faith or Arcana – probably because they should have a range of new spells to appease them.

Either way, below we've broken down all of the best weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree into categories based on your build and priority stats, with some info on why they're so good and – more importantly – where you can find them.

Best Weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree for Strength

Heavy weapons are arguably something of a meta for bosses in the early games, and while there are plenty of strength-boosting weapons in Erdtree, these two maximize the impact of that investment – as well as the impact of heavy metal on the skull of a ghoul.

• Large black steel hammer. A powerful weapon that scales up to A in Strength upon full upgrade and creates a burst of power on a guard meter. Defeat the knight at the Church of Consolation to get it.
• Greatsword of Solitude. A powerful sword that reaches A in Strength when upgraded and hits like a truck. Dropped by that damn Shadow of the Erdtree Blackgaol Knight who gives everyone so much trouble from the start.

Best Weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree for Dexterity

Dexterity-based players eat well in Shadow of the Erdtree, with a huge range of weapons for crafty warriors to choose from. The four below are the cream of the crop.

• Reverse blade. A fast two-handed weapon that lets you dodge with its skills and scales up to S on Dex if built correctly. Found on the altar east of the three-way cross in the cemetery plain.
• Madam. This light sword scales well with Dex and its winged stance deals huge damage. It also has a great set of easy-to-use moves. Found at the watchtower on your left as you enter Ensis Castle.
• Spear of the Impaler. This spear can be thrown infinitely with a heavy attack, and its skill is an insane combo that deals huge damage to an area on the last hit. Obtained from the Memory dropped by Messmer the Impaler, the fifth boss of the DLC (assuming you fight the main Shadow of Erdtree bosses in order).
• The Great Katana of Rakshasa. This giant katana deals high bleed damage and is actually a larger version of the Rivers of Blood from the main game. You can find it after defeating Rakshasa in the Nameless Eastern Mausoleum – for more information, check out our guide to the Erdtree Rakshasa's Great Shadow Katana.

Best Weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree for Intelligence

As mentioned above, those who invest in Intelligence for Shadow of the Erdtree will focus more on spells and affinities, although there is a notable point for those who combine brains with brawn.

• Sword lined with stars. A katana with good Dex and Intelligence scaling that moves quickly. Defeat the Demi-Human Queen boss Marigga in Northwest Cerulean Coast/Charo's Hidden Tomb to obtain it.

Best weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree for Faith

Many Erdtree weapons have Faith scaling, but often secondary to another stat, and those with it as primary don't always scale particularly well anyway. There is one exception, available near the very end of the game.

• Euporia. A twin blade that charges its skill when you deal damage to enemies. When fully charged, it fires a devastating beam that deals massive Holy damage. To get it, you have to hike: go to the Tower of Shadow/Enir-Ilim and the Spiral Rise Site of Grace, then go back down the steps and go under the stairs before jumping down. Eventually, you'll take two escalators that will take you to Belurat and a large set of doors that you'll open to access an altar with Euporia on it. If you don't know how to get to the Tower of Shadow, our guide shows you how to reach all areas and locations in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Best Weapons in Shadow of the Erdtree for Arcane

Arcane was a bit snubbed in Shadow of the Erdtree overall, but he's arguably always been the odd duck of the Elden Ring stat family. There is a weapon here that can truly do justice to this strange power.

• Ancient meteor ore sword. This colossal sword deals high damage and scales primarily to Strength and Arcane, with a skill that lets you charge forward and generate a blast of electricity in a small AOE. Found in the final altar of the ruined forge in Starfall Pass.