Elden Ring Weapons: 15 That Are Worth Upgrading Early in the Game
When you're first starting your adventure in Elden Ring, the sheer number of weapons can be overwhelming. From swords to colossal weapons, each has its own advantages, but knowing which ones are worth upgrading early can make a huge difference in your journey through the Lands Between. Whether you're aiming for damage output, survivability, or versatility, here’s a list of 15 weapons that are definitely worth upgrading early in the game.
1. Uchigatana
One of the most iconic early-game weapons in Elden Ring, the Uchigatana excels in both speed and bleed buildup. This katana allows you to deal rapid damage while keeping enemies at a distance. It also scales well with Dexterity, making it perfect for players focusing on that stat. If you're looking for a weapon that works well in both PvE and PvP, this is a solid choice. You can farm Elden Ring Runes by taking down enemies with this weapon, thanks to its impressive attack speed and bleed effect.
2. Claymore
A reliable, large sword that offers a balanced combination of reach and damage, the Claymore is one of the best early game weapons for strength builds. Its wide sweeping attacks make it effective in crowd control, while its heavy hits make short work of tougher foes. Upgrading this weapon early will make a huge impact on your gameplay.
3. Glintstone Staff
Magic users in Elden Ring can benefit greatly from upgrading the Glintstone Staff early. This staff is your ticket to casting powerful spells and gaining access to the magic system. With the ability to increase your sorceries’ effectiveness, it’s crucial for any mage build.
4. Morning Star
This club-style weapon comes with an added bonus: it inflicts bleeding damage. The Morning Star is excellent against tougher enemies that require a little extra oomph, especially when paired with Elden Ring Items that boost bleed effects. Its early-game accessibility makes it one of the best weapons to invest in early on.
5. Reduvia
A unique and highly potent dagger, Reduvia excels in causing bleeding status effects quickly. This weapon is a fantastic choice for Dexterity builds. With its impressive ranged ability (via the Reduvia Blood Blade skill), it allows you to strike from a safe distance, which can help you manage enemies while conserving your health.
6. Twinblades
If you want a weapon that gives you speed and finesse, then the Twinblades are the way to go. Their dual-wielding capability makes them a deadly force in the right hands. They’re perfect for those who prefer a fast-paced combat style, and upgrading them early ensures you can deal consistent damage with rapid attacks.
7. Great Axe
For those who favor strength over finesse, the Great Axe is an absolute powerhouse. It’s slow but delivers some of the heaviest hits in the game. When upgraded early, it can help you dispatch even the most formidable foes with relative ease, making it a must-have for strength builds.
8. Rapier
A highly effective thrusting sword, the Rapier is ideal for players who enjoy a precise, technical approach to combat. It’s especially effective in Elden Ring PvP, thanks to its ability to deal quick, reliable damage while keeping enemies at bay with its range. This weapon pairs well with fast builds and is highly effective when upgraded.
9. Banished Knight's Halberd
If you’re looking for versatility, the Banished Knight’s Halberd is an excellent pick. It offers both thrust and sweep attacks, making it a great weapon for both PvE and PvP scenarios. When upgraded, it deals significant damage and can stagger most enemies, which is particularly useful in tough fights.
10. Estoc
The Estoc is another fantastic thrusting weapon that combines speed and range. It’s a great choice for Dexterity builds and has a good reach, allowing you to poke at enemies from a safe distance. Upgrading it early will make your encounters much easier, especially in tight spaces.
11. Dragon Slayer
For those who prefer to wield a large weapon, the Dragon Slayer offers a powerful combination of range and damage. While its heavy weight and slow attack speed might seem intimidating, it can deal devastating damage when upgraded. This weapon is particularly effective against large enemies, including bosses, making it a great investment for players focusing on strength.
12. Stone Crusher
A colossal weapon that excels in smashing enemies, the Stone Crusher’s massive hits can break through defenses and stagger enemies with ease. While it’s slower than lighter weapons, its raw power can make early-game bosses and enemies a lot easier to handle.
13. Spiked Club
A versatile and brutal weapon, the Spiked Club is excellent at dealing with groups of enemies. Its high stagger potential ensures that enemies will be knocked out of their attacks, making it a great option for aggressive playstyles. It’s also perfect for adding additional bleed effects in tandem with Elden Ring Items that increase bleed damage.
14. Crossbow
For ranged combatants, the Crossbow is an effective and easy-to-use option. While it doesn’t offer the high mobility of bows, its heavy hits make up for that lack of speed. Upgrading the Crossbow early will ensure you can deal damage from afar while minimizing risks during exploration.
15. Flail
The Flail is an underrated weapon that excels in causing status effects, particularly when upgraded. Its chain attack animation ensures it hits multiple times in quick succession, making it perfect for aggressive players looking to stack effects like poison or bleed on enemies. It’s also very effective against heavily armored foes, offering great versatility for early-game combat.
In conclusion, upgrading the right weapons early in Elden Ring can drastically improve your chances of survival and success. Whether you prefer fast, nimble weapons or large, slow-hitting instruments of destruction, these 15 weapons will serve you well throughout your journey. Don’t forget that upgrading Elden Ring Runes through smart farming and finding the best Elden Ring Items will further enhance the power of these weapons, making them even more formidable in battle.