Elden Ring Weapons Tier List (November 2025)

The best weapons in Elden Ring for November 2025 include Blasphemous Blade, Rivers of Blood, and Moonveil as S-tier choices dominating both PvE and PvP. This comprehensive tier list ranks all weapons based on damage output, scaling, weapon skills, and meta viability, incorporating the latest Shadow of the Erdtree DLC additions and patch 1.16 balance changes.

Tier	Top Weapons	Best For	Meta Status
S-Tier	Blasphemous Blade, Rivers of Blood, Moonveil	Faith/Arcane/Int builds	Meta-defining
A-Tier	Dark Moon Greatsword, Bloodhound's Fang, Sacred Relic Sword	Hybrid builds	Highly competitive
B-Tier	Sword of Night and Flame, Nagakiba, Ruins Greatsword	Niche builds	Viable alternatives
C-Tier	Godskin Peeler, Winged Scythe, Morgott's Cursed Sword	Specific playstyles	Situational use

This definitive guide combines insights from top community sources, official patch notes, and high-level player consensus to help you choose the perfect weapon for your build. Whether you're a Strength enthusiast, Dexterity devotee, or magical master, we've got you covered with detailed rankings, acquisition methods, and optimization strategies.

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Ranking Methodology

Our tier list evaluation criteria are based on comprehensive analysis from multiple authoritative sources including RankedBoost, Game8, IGN, Rock Paper Shotgun, and Seven Swords, combined with official patch notes and community feedback. We assess weapons using these key factors:

• Damage Output: Raw damage numbers and scaling potential at +25 upgrade
• Weapon Skills: Ash of War effectiveness and FP efficiency
• Status Effects: Bleed, Frostbite, Poison buildup speed and potency
• Versatility: Performance across different encounters (bosses, mobs, PvP)
• Accessibility: Early-game availability vs. late-game exclusivity
• Build Synergy: How well weapons complement popular build archetypes
• Meta Impact: Influence on current PvP and PvE strategies

This methodology ensures our rankings reflect both objective performance metrics and subjective community consensus, providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date weapon evaluations available.

Complete Tier List 2025

S-Tier: Meta-Defining Weapons

These weapons dominate the current meta and are considered essential for optimal builds. They offer exceptional performance across all game modes and define the high-level competitive scene.

Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword)

• Scaling: Strength/Faith (C/C at base, B/B at +25)
• Requirements: 22 Str, 15 Fai, 14 Dex
• Why S-Tier: The Taker's Flames Ash of War provides incredible life-steal healing while dealing massive fire damage. This weapon excels in both PvE boss fights and PvP encounters, making it the go-to choice for Faith builds. Recent patches have only solidified its position as the best overall weapon in the game.
• Acquisition: Exchange Rykard Remembrance with Finger Reader Enia at Roundtable Hold
• Build Recommendation: Strength/Faith hybrid with 40+ Faith for maximum healing potential

Rivers of Blood (Katana)

• Scaling: Arcane/Dexterity (E/D at base, D/A at +25)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 20 Arc
• Why S-Tier: Despite recent nerfs, Corpse Piler remains one of the most devastating Ashes of War for rapid blood loss buildup. In PvE, it melts through bosses and mobs alike. In PvP, its pressure and range make it nearly impossible to deal with for most players.
• Acquisition: Defeat Bloody Finger Okina at Church of Repose (Mountaintops of the Giants)
• Build Recommendation: Arcane/Dexterity hybrid with 45+ Arcane for maximum bleed buildup

Moonveil (Katana)

• Scaling: Intelligence/Dexterity (D/E at base, C/D at +25)
• Requirements: 12 Str, 18 Dex, 23 Int
• Why S-Tier: Transient Moonlight offers incredible burst damage with its projectile attack and follow-up strike. The low FP cost and high damage output make it perfect for Intelligence builds, excelling in both PvE boss deletion and PvP invasions.
• Acquisition: Defeat Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel (Caelid)
• Build Recommendation: Intelligence/Dexterity hybrid with 50+ Intelligence for maximum magic damage

Bloodhound's Fang (Curved Greatsword)

• Scaling: Strength/Dexterity (D/D at base, C/C at +25)
• Requirements: 18 Str, 17 Dex
• Why S-Tier: Obtained early in the game, this weapon carries players from Limgrave to the endgame. Bloodhound's Finesse provides excellent mobility and damage, while innate bleed scaling adds significant damage output. It's the most versatile early-game weapon that remains competitive throughout.
• Acquisition: Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Forlorn Hound Evergaol (Limgrave)
• Build Recommendation: Quality build (equal Str/Dex) with innate bleed synergy

A-Tier: Highly Competitive Weapons

These weapons are extremely strong and reliable choices that can compete at the highest level, though they may have slight limitations compared to S-tier options.

Dark Moon Greatsword (Greatsword)

• Scaling: Intelligence (D at base, B at +25)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 11 Dex, 38 Int
• Why A-Tier: When buffed with Moonlight Greatsword, this weapon gains frostbite application and charged projectile attacks. It's the ultimate Intelligence weapon for pure casters, offering excellent range and status effect application.
• Acquisition: Complete Ranni's questline
• Build Recommendation: Pure Intelligence build with 60+ Intelligence

Sacred Relic Sword (Greatsword)

• Scaling: Faith/Dexterity (E/D at base, D/D at +25)
• Requirements: 14 Str, 24 Dex, 22 Fai
• Why A-Tier: The Wave of Gold Ash of War provides incredible AoE damage, making it the best rune farming weapon in the game. While only available in NG+, its area denial capabilities make it invaluable for mob clearing and certain boss fights.
• Acquisition: Exchange Elden Beast Remembrance with Finger Reader Enia
• Build Recommendation: Faith/Dexterity hybrid with 40+ Faith

Nagakiba (Katana)

• Scaling: Dexterity/Arcane (D/E at base, C/D at +25)
• Requirements: 18 Str, 25 Dex, 15 Arc
• Why A-Tier: Superior range compared to other katanas and excellent customization options with Ashes of War. When paired with Seppuku or Flaming Strike, it becomes a versatile powerhouse for both PvE and PvP.
• Acquisition: Find Yura at Second Church of Marika (Altus Plateau)
• Build Recommendation: Dexterity/Arcane hybrid with 50+ Dexterity

B-Tier: Solid Viable Choices

These weapons are perfectly viable and can perform excellently in the right hands, though they typically require specific builds or are outshined by higher-tier options in their class.

Sword of Night and Flame (Straight Sword)

• Scaling: Intelligence/Faith (D/D at base, C/C at +25)
• Requirements: 10 Str, 12 Dex, 24 Int, 24 Fai
• Why B-Tier: Formerly overpowered, now balanced but still excellent for hybrid casters. The beam attack and flame strike provide versatility, though the high stat requirements make it less accessible.
• Acquisition: Loot from Caria Manor rooftop (Liurnia)
• Build Recommendation: Intelligence/Faith hybrid with 40+ in both stats

Ruins Greatsword (Colossal Sword)

• Scaling: Strength (D at base, S at +25)
• Requirements: 30 Str, 14 Dex
• Why B-Tier: One of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game with S-tier Strength scaling at Heavy infusion. While slow, its gravity-based Ash of War provides excellent crowd control and staggering potential.
• Acquisition: Defeat Misbegotten Warrior & Crucible Knight at Redmane Castle (Caelid)
• Build Recommendation: Pure Strength build with 60+ Strength

Winged Scythe (Reaper)

• Scaling: Faith/Dexterity (D/D at base, C/C at +25)
• Requirements: 16 Str, 16 Dex, 24 Fai
• Why B-Tier: Excellent in PvP due to its anti-healing properties and fast attack animations. The Angel's Wings Ash of War provides good range and status application, making it a solid choice for Faith builds.
• Acquisition: Defeat Tibia Mariner in Consecrated Snowfield
• Build Recommendation: Faith/Dexterity hybrid with 40+ Faith

DLC Weapons Analysis

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduced several powerful weapons that have quickly established themselves in the meta. Based on our analysis of recent tier lists and community feedback, these DLC weapons deserve special attention:

Top DLC Weapons

Backhand Blade (DLC)

• Scaling: Dexterity (C at base, S at +25)
• Why It's Meta: Easy to obtain early in the DLC, reaches S-tier Dexterity scaling, and features a useful dodge-strike weapon skill. As a paired weapon, it enables powerful dual-wield setups.
• Best For: Pure Dexterity builds focusing on speed and mobility

Bloodfiend's Arm (DLC)

• Scaling: Strength/Arcane (D/D at base, B/B at +25)
• Why It's Meta: Easily procs bleed with heavy attacks, deals high physical damage, and has excellent staggering potential. When upgraded with Blood affinity, it becomes a bleed monster.
• Best For: Strength/Arcane hybrid builds focusing on bleed

Ancient Meteoric Ore Greatsword (DLC)

• Scaling: Strength/Arcane (C/C at base, B/B at +25)
• Why It's Meta: White Light Charge skill is fast with good reach and explosive AoE effects. Excellent against multiple enemies while maintaining solid single-target damage.
• Best For: Strength/Arcane builds needing crowd control

Build-Specific Recommendations

Strength Builds

Top Weapons: Grafted Blade Greatsword, Ruins Greatsword, Giant-Crusher

Optimization: Focus on Heavy infusion for maximum Strength scaling. Use Royal Knight's Resolve for burst damage setups. Prioritize 60+ Strength for endgame content.

Dexterity Builds

Top Weapons: Rivers of Blood, Moonveil, Nagakiba

Optimization: Use Keen infusion for maximum Dexterity scaling. Consider Seppuku Ash of War for additional bleed buildup. Aim for 50+ Dexterity with complementary secondary stats.

Intelligence Builds

Top Weapons: Moonveil, Dark Moon Greatsword, Wing of Astel

Optimization: Use Magic infusion for pure Intelligence builds. Pair with high-FP cost spells for burst damage. Target 60+ Intelligence for maximum spell and weapon scaling.

Faith Builds

Top Weapons: Blasphemous Blade, Sacred Relic Sword, Winged Scythe

Optimization: Use Sacred infusion for Faith scaling. Consider offensive incantations for ranged options. Maintain 40+ Faith for optimal weapon skill damage.

Arcane Builds

Top Weapons: Rivers of Blood, Mohgwyn's Sacred Spear, Eleonora's Poleblade

Optimization: Use Blood infusion for maximum bleed buildup. Pair with Arcane-focused talismans. Build 45+ Arcane for rapid status effect application.

Meta Analysis and Balance Changes

The current weapon meta has been significantly shaped by recent patches, particularly version 1.16 which introduced several balance changes affecting top-tier weapons:

Recent Nerfs

• Rivers of Blood: Corpse Piler damage reduced by approximately 15%
• Moonveil: Transient Moonlight FP cost increased by 20%
• Sword of Night and Flame: Beam attack damage reduced and tracking improved

Recent Buffs

• Strength Weapons: Overall damage increased by 5-10% across colossal weapons
• Faith Scaling: Improved scaling on several hybrid Faith weapons
• Status Effects: Bleed and Frostbite buildup speeds increased for slower weapons

Meta Shifts

The DLC release has created a significant meta shift, with several new weapons entering the S and A tiers. Traditional top-tier weapons like Rivers of Blood and Moonveil remain dominant but face increased competition from DLC additions like Backhand Blade and Bloodfiend's Arm.

PvP vs PvE Considerations

PvP Meta

In PvP, the current meta favors weapons with:

• Fast attack animations and good tracking
• Strong Ashes of War with low FP costs
• Bleed or Frostbite status effects
• Good range and mobility options

Top PvP Weapons: Rivers of Blood, Moonveil, Winged Scythe, Nagakiba

PvE Optimization

For PvE content, prioritize weapons with:

• High raw damage output
• Good crowd control capabilities
• Efficient boss damage
• Low stat requirements for early progression

Top PvE Weapons: Blasphemous Blade, Sacred Relic Sword, Bloodhound's Fang, Giant-Crusher

Early Game Weapon Recommendations

For players starting their journey or beginning a new playthrough, these early-game weapons provide excellent value and can carry you through mid-game:

Top Early Game Weapons

1. Uchigatana (Starting Samurai class or found in Deathtouched Catacombs)
2. Bloodhound's Fang (Defeat Bloodhound Knight Darriwil in Limgrave)
3. Reduvia (Kill Nerijus outside Murkwater Cave)
4. Great Épée (Found in mercenary camp in south Limgrave)
5. Meteorite Staff (Found in Caelid, best early-game catalyst)

Early Game Optimization Tips

• Focus on upgrading weapons to +3 or +6 before moving to mid-game areas
• Prioritize weapons with good base scaling that complement your starting class
• Consider weapon arts that don't require high stats for early effectiveness
• Don't hesitate to respec if you find a weapon that better suits your playstyle

Community Resources

Official Sources

• Official Elden Ring Website: https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/elden-ring/elden-ring
• Developer Twitter: @ELDENRING - Follow for patch notes and announcements
• Official Discord: https://discord.com/invite/eldenring - Join 500k+ players for real-time discussions

Community Hubs

• r/EldenRing: Main subreddit for all Elden Ring discussions
• r/EldenRingBuilds: Dedicated to character builds and weapon optimization
• r/EldenRingPVP: Focus on competitive PvP strategies and weapon choices
• Fextralife Wiki: Comprehensive weapon database and detailed mechanics

Content Creators

• YouTube: Search for "Elden Ring weapon tier list November 2025" for latest video guides
• Twitch: Watch high-level players demonstrate weapon effectiveness in real-time
• Discord Communities: Join build-specific servers for specialized advice

FAQ Section

What is the absolute best weapon in Elden Ring?

The Blasphemous Blade is generally considered the best overall weapon due to its life-steal mechanic, high damage output, and versatility across all game modes. However, the "best" weapon ultimately depends on your build and playstyle.

How often does the weapon meta change?

The meta typically shifts with major patches, which occur every 2-3 months. Significant changes usually happen with DLC releases or major balance updates. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC caused the biggest meta shift since launch.

Are DLC weapons better than base game weapons?

Many DLC weapons are competitive with top base game weapons, but they're not universally better. Weapons like Backhand Blade and Bloodfiend's Arm have entered the meta, but traditional top-tier weapons like Blasphemous Blade and Rivers of Blood remain dominant.

What weapon type is best for beginners?

Curved swords like the Scimitar or katanas like the Uchigatana are excellent for beginners due to their fast attack speed, good damage output, and relatively low stat requirements. The Bloodhound's Fang is particularly recommended as it can carry you from early to late game.

How important is weapon infusion?

Weapon infusion is crucial for optimizing damage output. Matching your infusion to your primary stat (Heavy for Strength, Keen for Dexterity, etc.) can increase damage by 20-30% compared to base scaling. Always consider infusion when planning your build.

What's the best weapon for rune farming?

The Sacred Relic Sword is unmatched for rune farming due to its Wave of Gold Ash of War, which clears large groups of enemies quickly. While only available in NG+, it's worth the wait for efficient farming.

How do I get the Moonveil early?

Moonveil requires defeating the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel (Caelid), which is accessible early but challenging. The recommended level is 25-30 with good fire resistance. It's worth the effort as it's one of the best weapons in the game.

Are strength weapons viable in PvP?

Yes, strength weapons are very viable in PvP, particularly colossal weapons like the Giant-Crusher and Ruins Greatsword. They require good timing and spacing but can one-shot opponents with proper setup using Royal Knight's Resolve.

What's the best weapon for a quality build?

The Bloodhound's Fang is excellent for quality builds (equal Strength and Dexterity), offering innate bleed, good scaling, and an excellent weapon skill. The Grafted Blade Greatsword is another top choice for its high damage and unique weapon art.

How do I counter Rivers of Blood in PvP?

Countering Rivers of Blood requires good spacing, shields with high bleed resistance, and weapons with good range. The Winged Scythe's anti-healing properties are particularly effective. Learning to dodge Corpse Piler is essential for PvP success.

Conclusion and Future Updates

This Elden Ring weapons tier list represents the current meta as of November 2025, incorporating all major balance changes and DLC additions. The weapon landscape continues to evolve with each patch, so bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates.

Key Takeaways:

• Blasphemous Blade, Rivers of Blood, and Moonveil remain the undisputed S-tier choices
• DLC weapons have significantly expanded the meta with several new top-tier options
• Build-specific optimization is more important than ever for maximizing weapon effectiveness
• The community consensus continues to shape tier rankings through practical experience

Stay Updated:

• Follow official channels for patch notes and balance changes
• Join community Discord servers for real-time meta discussions
• Experiment with different weapons to find what works best for your playstyle
• Don't be afraid to try unconventional weapons - sometimes hidden gems outperform meta choices

Remember that while tier lists provide excellent guidance, the best weapon is ultimately the one you enjoy using most. Experiment with different options, find your perfect match, and may your journey through the Lands Between be filled with victory!

Have questions about specific weapons or builds? Join our community discussions or check out our related guides for more detailed optimization strategies!