Greataxes are some of the strongest weapons that you can come across in Elden Ring. Their strong points revolve around their swiftly charged attacks that deal heavy amounts of damage. These weapons are also incredibly efficient at breaking guards. However, while Greataxes are magnificent, it’s important to note that they can leave you vulnerable since most of them have slow attack times. You will also need high Strength levels to use them properly.
Regardless, these cons are outweighed by the stats of these weapons. With a great range and devastating physical damage, the Greataxe is a perfect weapon if you’re focused on Strength in combat. But, with several Greataxes to choose from, which one can we truly deem the best one?
11 Gargoyle’s Black Axe
Bronzed and blackened with corpse wax, the Gargoyle’s Black Axe represents those who serve Maliketh, the Black Blade. It differs from its counterpart, Gargoyle’s Great Axe, in a few ways. The Gargoyle’s Black Axe cannot be infused with Ashes of War, alongside dealing high Holy damage.
What makes this Greataxe much weaker is mainly the split damage, half of it dealing Holy damage. While this type of stat isn’t terrible, it’s in late game that you’d want to stray from Holy weapons as they’re less effective against bosses. But, if you focus on Faith builds, this weapon is a great option.
10 Gargoyle’s Great Axe
The Gargoyle’s Great Axe is a wonderful weapon to keep around if you have a decent Strength level. It scales well with Strength and is pretty great with Dexterity. This bronze Greataxe is wielded by Valiant Gargoyles, mended together by corpse wax.
Gargoyle’s Great Axe’s slow attack speed is the main element that brings this weapon down the most. On the other hand, though, it does have high damage output and is light in weight. Gargoyle’s Great Axe is also a good weapon against Malenia if you’ve infused it with Fire.
9 Rusted Anchor
This Greataxe is an underrated weapon in the game. While it isn’t exactly the best compared to more damaging Greataxes, the Rusted Anchor comes in clutch when upgraded. The thrust damage is entirely useful, and its Barbaric Roar weapon skill benefits its movement.
On its own, the Rusted Anchor doesn’t stand out too much besides its unique appearance. But taking the time to improve this weapon makes having it a lot of fun at the end of the day. Being a surprisingly quick-paced weapon, the four spears at the top are helpful in fast combat —especially when paired together with the Spear Talisman.
8 Crescent Moon Axe
Graced with its title through a spark of nostalgia, the Crescent Moon Axe is special as it sweeps through foes with its long handle. Scaling mainly with Strength and Dexterity, the Attack Rating combined with its unique heavy attack animations makes this Greataxe worthwhile.
Crescent Moon Axe’s overhead swing is incredible against flying enemies, and its sweeping motion does excellent damage when on horseback. This weapon is rare, with a drop rate of 4% (at 100 Discovery). The Crescent Moon Axe can be found early in the game, making it a trusty weapon to get early on — if you come across it.
7 Butchering Knife
The Butchering Knife can be easily confused with a Colossal weapon because of its massive size. It’s a signature weapon of the Ogress Anastasia, who’s been known to consume countless numbers of Tarnished. After you kill Anastasia, you’ll have the opportunity to use this ruthless Greataxe.
As you strike an enemy with the Butchering Knife, a small amount of HP is restored. It’s one of the best melee weapons in Elden Ring, as it increases attack power and creates strong combo attacks. The Butchering Knife is magnificent for high Dexterity builds, but it will still work wonderfully with other builds.
6 Longhaft Axe
A vast number of fans gravitate toward the Longhaft Axe. Once the wielder of this weapon moves to strike, it’s difficult to stop it in its tracks. The movement is elusive, with its blows striking enemies faster than their reaction time.
Many players will spend a good amount of time trying to find the Longhaft Axe. With only a rare drop rate of 2%, the journey to get your hands on it is long. However, it’s worth the effort as this Greataxe stands out. Even though it’s effective with just one hand, the hyper armor modifier becomes higher while two-handing.
5 Winged Greathorn
Centered around the power of worship, the Winged Greathorn has a gothic appearance. Having the power of ancestral spirits, this Greataxe does a great job at damage on top of temporarily reducing defense. It also has a one-of-a-kind skill, Soul Stifler, that allows you to raise the Winged Greathorn to summon a soul-sapping miasma.
This beautiful weapon can only be obtained after unlocking the Remembrance of the Regal Ancestor’s power and handing it to Enia at Roundtable Hold. The only element that brings this weapon down is the small range and slow skill speed.
4 Great Omenkiller Cleaver
As the only weapon in its class to deal blood loss buildup, this Greataxe does devastating damage that works wonders for powerstancing. The Great Omenkiller Cleaver is wielded by Omen Killers, comprised of Omen horns that cause a great amount of blood loss.
This weapon can only be dropped after killing Omenkillers, found in Volcano Manor or Perfumer’s Grotto. Once you have the Great Omenkiller Cleaver, it will be hard to let it go. It’s incredibly entertaining and effective in PvP. With great guarding stats, the final blow to your opponent will feel satisfying.
3 Greataxe
Aptly named after its type of weapon, the Greataxe is beneficial when it comes to a heavy-hitting Strength build. This weapon has a devastating amount of knockdown damage, featuring the highest base damage per swing out of any weapon in the class.
Even though it doesn’t have a lot of physical detail, the Greataxe’s properties make it appealing on its own. This weapon is dependable and gives you a jumping attack that will always break poise, requiring a high Strength level. You’ll come across the Greataxe early in the game, which helps you conquer even the toughest enemies.
2 Axe Of Godrick
While it’s fantastic that several Greataxes have a swift attack speed, there are some times when a slower pace can come in handy. With the Axe of Godrick, this weapon is a great outlet for melee players who want slow yet compelling combat.
Held by Godrick the Grafted, the golden battleaxe is embedded with a figure of a beast. The weapon skill for Axe of Godrick is notable, as ‘I Command Thee, Kneel’ causes a mighty shockwave on the ground. Overall, using the Axe of Godrick is endlessly commanding in its power.
1 Executioner’s Greataxe
This Greataxe is the one that players seem to use the most after they get their hands on it. That doesn’t come as a surprise because of its appealing appearance and wonderful aspects. The weapon showcases the War Cry weapon skill, which allows you to temporarily increase your attack power. Not to mention how combining it with Lighting Slash makes the weapon act similarly to the Dragonslayer’s Greataxe from Dark Souls 3.
Finding this weapon takes time, as it only has a drop rate of 4%. Having a guarding boost of 48, skillfully using the Executioner’s Greataxe gets you far in killing enemies that cross your path.