Elden Ring is full of weapons you can use, and all of them can be viable with the right build and upgrades. But the fact is, some perform better than others when you’re fighting against real players. Yes, we’d all love to run around with a dagger hit-stunning PVP foes, but when you’re juggling with latency and multiple opponents, your options should include the very best tools.
In this list we’ve put together the very best weapons you can use in PVP duels. There are of course many other weapons you can do incredibly well with, as long as they complement your playstyle, but if you’re wondering where a good place to start is, these armaments are the best place to start.
Of course, for a good PVP build you’ll also need good armor and the best talismans. If you’re not interested in PVP, then make sure to take a look at our list of best overall weapons in Elden Ring.
Rivers of Blood
If you’ve taken even a brief look at recommended builds for Elden Ring, you will have come across the Rivers of Blood, a katana that got nerfed yet still gets used regularly in PVP matches – for good reason, of course. The Corpse Piler skill is unique to Rivers of Blood, and can execute up to six total slashes with consecutive inputs, and if even half of these land, you’ll inflict a lot of Bleed build-up.
This can be incredibly vicious, especially if you’re ready for that Bleed affliction, using items like Varre’s Nameless White Mask, which you can find with our Varre questline guide.
Moonveil
What needs to be said about the Moonveil that hasn’t already? The Transient Moonlight skill transforms the usual katana Sheathe ability into a long-range magic projectile, and the fact that it scales primarily with INT means you can use a staff in your off-hand and use a few spells while you fight.
Your main goal should really be to keep opponents at bay with sorceries, which will force them to approach. Once they’re close, you can use Moonveil’s skill to do heavy damage. Even if you don’t manage to use the skill, Moonveil’s normal strikes can still proc Bleed with enough slashes.
Lance
The Lance doesn’t have a gimmick – it’s a Lance. Pure, simple, and also very deadly in the right hands. The huge benefit this weapon brings is roll catching. Enemies can roll away from you, but if there’s an active hitbox waiting for them as soon as their i-frames end, they have no choice but to eat the hit. Enough of those, and the fight is yours.
The running light attack with the Lance is great for roll catches if you can time it right, while the running heavy attack is a bit riskier, but can end in a knockdown, giving you another advantage. If all else fails, crouch and poke at enemies for a great swift, mid-range strike. Since this weapon is so plain, you can pick pretty much any Ash of War you like to complement your playstyle.
Cleanrot Knight Sword
This sword has the rapier (or “Thrusting Sword,” if you prefer) moveset, and while it might not be an ideal weapon to use on its own, that’s underselling the potential it has. Instead of using this sword primarily, use it in the off-hand while fighting with another primary weapon.
The swift strikes and decent damage that can be inflicted with this rapier are great. If you’re fighting opponents that have learned to roll through your attacks, try mixing things up with a few stabs from the Cleanrot Knight Sword instead. A great tool for punishing opponents that get too comfortable being close to you.
Godskin Stitcher
An upgrade to the rapier class, the Godskin Stitcher is a “Heavy Thrusting Sword” (inspired as always, Miyazaki) that has a lot of the same potential as the Lance, with a few bonuses. For one, you can combo a jumping light attack in a standing light attack, meaning you have a nice bread-and-butter combo you can always execute.
Combine that with the running heavy attack and you have a deadly mix. The running heavy attack here has great range a roll catch potential, just like the Lance, but it goes much further, while dealing all the damage of a heavy strike.
Zweihander
A Colossal Sword is a great choice in Elden Ring, regardless of which one you choose. They got buffed heavily recently, making the jumping attacks stronger, and the normal attacks faster. If you gave up on using the biggest swords in the game in PVP, maybe you should take another look.
Plus, all of these huge swords have a great poke activated by crouching and tapping the light attack button. This attack is fast, does decent damage, and has good range too. You can spam enemies with it in PVE, and in PVP battles smart use will give the edge in battle.
Vyke’s War Spear
If you want to go all-out with your aggression, then Vyke’s War Spear is a good choice. In fact, not one, but two of Vyke’s War Spear will serve you well. Yes, but one in each hand, and you can achieve some great results.
This Great Spear can build Madness in foes, which is great since it still does an excellent amount of damage, even after a slight nerf. The skill of this weapon is great too, Frenzyflame Thrust, and can take down multiple foes with an explosion – just beware that this will also damage you.
Pulley Crossbow
You’re often going to be up against multiple opponents in PVP, and therefore you should back yourself up with the Pulley Crossbow. This crossbow is strong, and as long as you meet the modest Strength and Dexterity requirements, you can use it to its max potential.
This crossbow fires three bolts at once, meaning that you’re much more likely to hit your target. Use Sleepbone Bolts for the very best effect, as that can take a foe out while you focus on another.
Written by Dave Aubrey on behalf of GLHF.
