Embarking on your journey through the Lands Between is a daunting, yet exhilarating, prospect. With countless dangers lurking around every corner, having the right tools at your disposal is paramount. That’s where understanding the best early game weapons Elden Ring has to offer becomes incredibly important. These initial pieces of equipment can dramatically shape your early combat encounters, making the difference between a swift defeat and a hard-won victory.
Choosing wisely in these formative stages not only makes the game more accessible but also allows you to experiment with different playstyles from the outset. This guide is designed to illuminate your path, revealing the most effective armaments to help you conquer those initial hurdles and set you on the road to becoming the Elden Lord.
The Foundation of Your Arsenal: Early Game Weaponry Breakdown
Starting Class Weapons: More Than Just Initial Gear
Often overlooked, the weapons you begin with as your chosen Tarnished class are not to be dismissed lightly. Each starting class comes equipped with a unique armament that, while perhaps not the flashiest, possesses its own distinct advantages. For instance, the Vagabond’s Longsword offers a balanced approach, suitable for both offense and defense, while the Warrior’s Scimitars provide a rapid, dual-wielding option for aggressive players. Understanding the inherent strengths of these starting weapons can allow you to overcome early challenges without immediately needing to seek out new gear.
These initial weapons serve as excellent training grounds, helping you learn the nuances of Elden Ring’s combat system. Mastering the attack patterns, stamina management, and defensive capabilities of your starting weapon builds a solid foundation for whatever comes next. Don’t underestimate the power of familiarity; a well-understood weapon, even a basic one, can be more effective than a powerful new toy you haven’t learned to wield.
The Early Scavenger’s Hunt: Finding Hidden Gems
Beyond your starting gear, the early regions of Limgrave and Stormhill are surprisingly generous with hidden weapon caches and enemy drops. Many of these discoveries are potent enough to serve you for a significant portion of the early to mid-game. Keep an eye out for unique weapon types that might complement your chosen build, such as the Uchigatana for Dexterity-focused characters or the Claymore for Strength enthusiasts. These weapons often boast better base damage, unique weapon arts, or more favorable scaling than starting equipment.
Exploring every nook and cranny, defeating tougher enemies, and even opening the chests found within minor dungeons are all crucial to unearthing these valuable early-game treasures. The thrill of finding a powerful weapon unexpectedly can be a significant motivator, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. This proactive approach to gear acquisition is a hallmark of successful Tarnished in the Lands Between.
Weapon Scaling and Upgrades: Maximizing Early Potential
One of the most critical aspects of weapon effectiveness in Elden Ring, even in the early game, is understanding weapon scaling. Weapons have letter grades (S, A, B, C, D, E) that indicate how well they benefit from your character’s stats. A weapon with ‘B’ scaling in Strength will deal significantly more bonus damage if your Strength stat is high, compared to a weapon with ‘E’ scaling in the same stat. Prioritizing weapons that scale with your primary damage-dealing attributes is key to maximizing your output.
Furthermore, the Smithing Stones scattered throughout the early game are invaluable for upgrading your chosen armaments. A +3 or +4 weapon will feel exponentially more powerful than its un-upgraded counterpart. Don’t hoard your Smithing Stones; invest them in the weapon you are most comfortable with and that best fits your build. The difference a few upgrade levels can make in overcoming challenging early bosses like Margit is profound and can save you considerable frustration.
Top Contenders: Standout Early Game Weapons for Every Build
The Reliable Stalwart: Longsword and Broadsword
For those who prefer a straightforward, balanced approach, the Longsword and its close cousin, the Broadsword, are exceptional early-game choices. The Longsword, often available as a starting weapon for the Vagabond and sellable by the Nomadic Merchant in the Weeping Peninsula, offers a versatile moveset with decent reach and a solid balance of speed and power. Its ability to be paired with a shield for consistent defense makes it incredibly forgiving for newcomers.
Pros: Excellent balance of speed, power, and range. Versatile moveset. Good for shield-and-sword play. Easily accessible. Cons: Lacks the raw damage of heavier weapons or the speed of daggers. Its weapon art (Square Off for the Longsword) is useful but not game-breaking early on.
The Broadsword, found in the ruins south of the Gatefront Ruins in Limgrave, is a slightly shorter, but more potent, straight sword. It sacrifices a little reach for increased raw damage and a slightly faster swing speed. It excels in close-quarters combat and benefits greatly from early Strength scaling if you invest points there. Both swords are fantastic options for learning Elden Ring’s combat fundamentals.
Pros: Higher base damage than the Longsword. Faster attack speed. Good for aggressive melee. Cons: Shorter reach than the Longsword. Less forgiving if you miss swings due to its aggressive nature.
The Dexterous Dancer: Uchigatana and Twinblade
If your playstyle leans towards agility, rapid strikes, and exploiting openings, the Uchigatana and Twinblade are phenomenal choices. The Uchigatana, the starting weapon for the Samurai class and also obtainable by defeating the Cemetery Shade in the Deathtouched Catacombs in Limgrave, is a masterclass in Dexterity-based weaponry. It boasts a fantastic reach, a swift moveset, and the innate ability to inflict Blood Loss, which can melt bosses and tough enemies quickly.
Pros: Excellent Dexterity scaling. Fast attacks with good reach. Innate Blood Loss buildup for high damage potential. Unique weapon art (Unsheathe) is very powerful. Cons: Can be more challenging to use effectively if you’re not comfortable with evasion and timing. Requires investment in Dexterity for optimal performance.
The Twinblade, found in the Dragon-Burnt Ruins in Limgrave, offers a unique dual-wielding experience right out of the box. Its rapid, multi-hit attacks can stagger smaller enemies and apply status effects like Bleed or Frostbite very efficiently when infused or paired with appropriate ashes of war. Its inherently aggressive nature rewards players who can stay in the thick of combat and manage their stamina effectively.
Pros: Incredibly fast, multi-hit attacks. Excellent for applying status effects quickly. Highly aggressive and stylish playstyle. Cons: Very stamina-intensive. Requires precise timing and positioning to avoid taking heavy damage. Lacks reach.
The Mighty Crusher: Claymore and Lordsworn’s Greatsword
For those who believe in the power of a well-placed, heavy swing, the Claymore and Lordsworn’s Greatsword are titans of the early game. The Claymore, a beloved weapon from previous FromSoftware titles, is found in Castle Morne on the Weeping Peninsula. It’s a colossal weapon that hits like a truck, staggering most smaller enemies with a single blow and dealing massive damage to larger foes. Its reach is excellent, and its charged heavy attack can be devastating.
Pros: High base damage. Excellent reach. Can stagger many enemies easily. Versatile weapon art (Lion’s Claw when infused). Cons: Slow attack speed. High stamina consumption. Requires significant Strength investment. Not ideal for players who prefer dodging over blocking.
The Lordsworn’s Greatsword, a common drop from the Godrick Soldiers wielding it, is an accessible alternative that offers similar heavy-hitting capabilities. While it doesn’t quite match the Claymore’s raw power or scaling potential, it’s far easier to acquire and upgrade in the early game. It provides a satisfying crunch with every hit and is a solid choice for Strength-based characters looking for a hefty weapon without venturing too far into dangerous territory.
Pros: Good Strength scaling. Decent reach and damage. Relatively easy to find and upgrade. Satisfying impact with each swing. Cons: Lacks the raw power of the Claymore. Can be slow and leave you vulnerable.
Strategic Choices: Axes, Hammers, and Unique Armaments
The Brutal Efficiency: Battle Axe and Mace
Sometimes, sheer brute force combined with a bit of speed is all you need. The Battle Axe, available from the Nomadic Merchant near the Castle Morne Rampart, offers a good balance of Strength scaling and attack speed, making it a solid choice for early Strength builds. It’s faster than most greatswords and deals respectable damage, allowing for more follow-up attacks and better stamina management.
Pros: Good Strength scaling. Faster attack speed than many other heavy weapons. Decent poise damage. Cons: Shorter reach than swords or axes. Can feel less impactful than larger weapons.
The Mace, found within the Tombs of Lost Grace in Limgrave, is another excellent early-game option, particularly against heavily armored enemies. Its blunt damage type is highly effective at breaking enemy guards and staggering them, opening them up for critical hits. Its moveset is straightforward and effective, making it a forgiving weapon for players still learning enemy attack patterns.
Pros: Excellent against heavily armored enemies due to blunt damage. Good for staggering. Accessible early on. Cons: Lacks reach. Can feel a bit slow compared to daggers or straight swords.
The Versatile Spear: Pike and Partisan
Spears offer a unique advantage in Elden Ring’s combat: reach. The Pike, found in a chest on the northeast side of the Agheel Lake in Limgrave, provides excellent range, allowing you to strike enemies from a safer distance. This is invaluable for learning boss patterns or engaging groups of enemies without getting overwhelmed. Its thrusting attacks are also excellent for poking and maintaining pressure.
Pros: Superior reach allows for safer engagement. Effective thrusting attacks. Good for poking and kiting. Cons: Can be predictable. Less effective against very agile enemies. May require specific Ashes of War to diversify moveset.
The Partisan, a drop from the Black Knights found in the Warmaster’s Shack area, offers a similar reach to the Pike but with a wider, sweeping attack on its heavy input. This makes it more versatile against groups of enemies. While its scaling might not be as impressive as some other early weapons, its utility in crowd control and maintaining distance makes it a valuable find.
Pros: Good reach. Sweeping heavy attack for crowd control. Useful when fighting multiple enemies. Cons: Lower base damage than some alternatives. Scaling may not be as strong for specialized builds.
Unique & Quirky Early Finds: Grafted Blade Greatsword and Flamberge
Sometimes, a weapon’s unique properties can be just as valuable as its raw stats. The Grafted Blade Greatsword, obtained by defeating the Leonine Misbegotten in Castle Morne, is an impressive looking and incredibly powerful greatsword that comes with a fantastic weapon art, Oath of Vengeance. This buff temporarily boosts all your damage, making it incredibly potent for boss encounters early on.
Pros: Incredible weapon art that buffs all damage. High base damage and solid Strength scaling. Looks visually striking. Cons: Found at the end of a challenging early dungeon. Requires significant Strength to wield effectively.
The Flamberge, a greatsword found in the Redmane Castle on the Weeping Peninsula, offers a unique advantage: innate Bleed buildup on its attacks, similar to katanas. This allows for a more aggressive, status-effect-focused playstyle with a heavier weapon, making it a fantastic hybrid choice for players who enjoy both heavy hits and the rapid damage of bleeding.
Pros: Innate Bleed buildup on a greatsword. Good for hybrid builds. Satisfying heavy hits with status effect potential. Cons: May require investment in Dexterity to maximize bleed effectiveness. Can be slower than dedicated bleed weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Game Weapons
What is the absolute best early game weapon Elden Ring has to offer?
This is subjective and heavily depends on your chosen starting class and preferred playstyle. However, for sheer versatility and ease of use, the **Longsword** is often cited as one of the best early game weapons Elden Ring players can acquire. Its balanced stats, accessible moveset, and ability to be upgraded significantly make it a reliable companion for a wide variety of builds. For Dexterity users, the **Uchigatana** is exceptionally strong due to its Blood Loss buildup and fast attacks. For Strength users, the **Claymore** provides immense power and stagger potential.
Should I focus on upgrading my starting weapon or finding a new one?
In the very early stages, it’s perfectly viable and often recommended to invest your Smithing Stones into upgrading your starting weapon if it aligns with your build. A +3 or +4 Longsword or Uchigatana will outperform many un-upgraded, rarer weapons. However, once you find a weapon that significantly appeals to your playstyle and has good scaling with your primary stats (like the Claymore or a weapon with better Dexterity scaling), prioritize upgrading that new find. The key is to make your chosen weapon as potent as possible for the challenges ahead.
How important are weapon arts (Ashes of War) in the early game?
Weapon arts can be incredibly important in the early game, often providing a significant boost in offensive or defensive capabilities that can trivialize certain encounters. Skills like the Uchigatana’s Unsheathe, the Grafted Blade Greatsword’s Oath of Vengeance, or any number of powerful Ashes of War you find can dramatically change the flow of combat. Experiment with different Ashes of War on your preferred weapons; finding the right combination can unlock surprising power and make overcoming tough bosses much more manageable.
As you venture deeper into the Lands Between, remember that your weapon is an extension of your will. The best early game weapons Elden Ring provides are not just tools of destruction, but also foundations upon which to build your legend. Prioritize understanding your chosen armament, invest wisely in upgrades, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
May your journey be filled with glorious victories and the satisfying clang of steel against your foes. With the right weapon in hand, the path to becoming Elden Lord is within your grasp.