Top Picks for Early Game Weapons in Elden Ring

One of the main attractions of the RPG, Elden Ring, has always been collecting the best weapons. This remains true with the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. FromSoftware has added a variety of new weapons in the expansion, many of which are available right from the start.

It should be noted, however, that not all weapons are simply scattered in a chest or concealed in the open world; certain weapons can only be obtained after defeating a boss. Without delay, here are the top early-game weapons to test out in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Best weapons & locations

Backhand Blade

The Backhand Blade is a highly valuable weapon to acquire at the beginning of Shadow of the Erdtree, as it can be found in the starting area and boasts incredibly fluid animations. If you plan on incorporating it into your character’s build, it is important to have adequate Poise stats.

You can find the Backhand Blade right at the beginning.

How to obtain:

To obtain the Backhand Blade, travel north from the Scorched Ruins Site of Grace until you come across a small altar surrounded by yellow enemies. There is no need to engage in combat, as you can quickly grab the weapon and make your escape before they have a chance to harm you.

Statistics:

Attack Power	Guarded Damage Negation
Physical	105	40
Magic	0	30
Fire	0	30
Lighting	0	30
Holy	0	30
Critical (AP) / Guard Boost	100	15

Adjusting size and meeting criteria:

Strength: D, Level 10
Dexterity: D, Level 13

Backhand Blade Elden Ring — FromSoftware

You can upgrade the Backhand Blade up to +25.

Optimal build and playstyle:

As previously stated, maintaining a high Poise stat is essential for this blade as it helps prevent being interrupted or staggered during your combo. To aid in this, the Bull-Goat’s Talisman is the ideal companion as it not only decreases Poise damage taken, but also boosts the base stat.

To properly scale the Backhand Blade’s attributes, it is important to regularly upgrade both Strength and Dexterity. Additionally, infusing it with your preferred Ash of War can personalize the weapon to better suit your individual fighting style.

Great Katana

The Great Katana, found in Elden Ring, lives up to its name as a large weapon resembling a Katana. It belongs to the Great Katana weapon category, which was newly added in the DLC. If you enjoyed playing with “Unga Bunga”Strength builds in the base game, this weapon will be a perfect fit for you.

This weapon has both Strength and Dexterity scaling, and while infused with your preferred Ash of War, it causes a blood loss buildup of 55.

Great Katana location in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

Do not wake up the Ghostflame Dragon while you get the Katana to avoid the fight.

Ways to obtain:

To obtain the Great Katana in Shadow of the Erdtree, all you need to do is travel west from the Greatbridge, North Site of Grace, until you come across a lake where a black dragon is sleeping. Be cautious as it is the Ghostflame Dragon and engaging with it at this point in the game is not recommended. Just take the weapon and make a quick escape without disturbing the dragon.

Statistics:

Attack Power	Guarded Damage Negation
Physical	145	60
Magic	0	30
Fire	0	30
Lighting	0	30
Holy	0	30
Critical (AP) / Guard Boost	100	35

Scaling and Requirements:

Strength: D, Level 14
Dexterity: D, Level 18

Great Katana stats in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

The Great Katana is perfect for Strength users.

Optimal build and playstyle:

The Great Katana emphasizes Strength, making it the ideal focus for your skill points. Furthermore, the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, a new addition in the DLC, complements this weapon perfectly as you effortlessly slice through your foes.

In addition, you have the option to wield this weapon alongside another Strength weapon of your choosing, which will boost the Poise damage dealt to enemies and give you an advantage in most boss battles. It’s important to note, however, that your attacks will be slower, so be sure to compensate by dodging at the right moments.

Lady Milady

The Milady is a part of a new weapon category introduced in the DLC known as Light Greatswords, which have a quicker attack speed than regular Greatswords but are slightly slower than Katanas. It boasts impressive statistics across all areas and can also be infused with the new Ashes of War for added benefits.

Milady location in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

Milady is located inside Castle Ensis.

Instructions for obtaining:

The Milady can be obtained at Castle Ensis, which is situated on the other side of the bridge. As you approach the castle, be aware that there is a fierce giant waiting to attack you upon your arrival. Therefore, quickly make your way to the left and climb the stairs to avoid it.

To reach the chest containing Milady, all you need to do is make your way to the top of the watchtower using the stairs on the outer walls. While there will be enemies present, you can avoid any conflict as long as you move quickly and efficiently.

Head over to the top of the watchtower right at the entrance of the castle.

Statistics:

Attack Power	Guarded Damage Negation
Physical	116	63
Magic	0	31
Fire	0	31
Lighting	0	31
Holy	0	31
Critical (AP) / Guard Boost	100	36

Scalability and Requirements:

Strength: D, Level 12
Dexterity: D, Level 17

Milady stats in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

Milady is a great weapon for Dexterity enthusiasts.

Optimal build and playstyle:

Similar to the other weapon types in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, this particular weapon does not possess any unique elements and can be imbued with any preferred Ash of War. Based on its scaling, it is advisable to focus on Dexterity for optimal performance.

The Talisman obtained by completing Milicent’s quest in the base game is essential for this weapon as it will continually increase Attack Power with each hit. Therefore, it is necessary to have the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia when using this weapon.

Greatsword of Solitude

We are currently progressing towards the weapons that can only be obtained by defeating a specific enemy, such as the Greatsword of Solitude which can only be obtained by defeating the Blackgaol Knight boss. Remember that although this boss is usually the first one encountered in the DLC, it is a challenging battle.

Blackgaol Knight location in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

You’ll have to defeat the Blackgaol Knight to get all the rewards.

To locate the Blackgaol Knight, make your way to the Western Nameless Mausoleum which can be found to the west of the Scorched Ruins Site of Grace.

To defeat Blackgaol Knight, follow these steps:

To successfully defeat Blackgaol Knight, it is recommended to maintain a distance and attack when an opportunity arises. However, this can be challenging as the boss inflicts significant damage. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain Scadutree Fragments to strengthen yourself.

His Poise is also immense, therefore it is important to use a sizeable weapon to consistently stagger him and take advantage of any brief opportunities.

Blackgaol Knight rewards in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

Once you defeat the boss, you’ll get his entire loadout.

Statistics:

Attack Power	Guarded Damage Negation
Physical	120	89
Magic	0	40
Fire	0	40
Lighting	0	40
Holy	0	40
Critical (AP) / Guard Boost	100	53

Scaling and Requirements:

Strength: B, Level 27
Dexterity: E, Level 13

Greatsword of Solitude stats in Elden Ring — FromSoftware

This weapon is one of the best Greatswords in early game.

Top recommended build and preferred playstyle:

The Greatsword in Elden Ring is entirely Strength-based, meaning that leveling up your Strength is all that’s necessary to wield it. This weapon shares similarities with the base game’s Greatsword and appears to be influenced by Guts’ sword from Berserk. As a result, focusing on jump attacks and poise damage will be crucial in mastering its use.

Therefore, the Claw Talisman and Bull-Goat’s Talisman are the most suitable options for this weapon, in addition to Radagon’s Soreseal of course.

Black Steel Greathammer

The Black Steel Greathamer, as its name suggests, is one of the top Strength weapons in the early stages of Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, along with the Greatsword of Solitude. In addition to its impressive physical damage, it also deals Holy damage, making it particularly useful in the early stages of the DLC.

You can get the Black Steel Greathammer after defeating the knight in the church.

How can one obtain:

To acquire the Great Hammer, make your way to the Church of Consolation, situated in the southeastern area near the Scorched Ruins Site of Grace. Upon arrival, you will need to defeat the black knight in this region to obtain the weapon.

Statistics:

Attack Power	Guarded Damage Negation
Physical	140	72
Magic	0	38
Fire	0	38
Lighting	0	38
Holy	42	45
Critical (AP) / Guard Boost	100	47

Scalability and Requirements:

Strength: B, Level 27
Dexterity: E, Level 13
Faith: D, Level 17

Black Steel Greathammer stats — FromSoftware

This weapon is great for breaking enemy Poise quickly.

Top recommended build and playstyle:

The Two Fingers Heirloom Talisman is an ideal option for this weapon as it increases Faith. Additionally, the Claw Talisman and Bull-Goat’s Talisman are both suitable for jump attacks and dealing Poise damage.

It is important to prioritize increasing your Strength and Faith stats to their maximum potential, as these are the main attributes that will transform this Great Hammer into a formidable force for breaking through defenses. Furthermore, the weapon deals Holy damage, making it an ideal choice for defeating undead enemies such as those found in Farum Azula.

In Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, there are countless other weapons waiting to be discovered. Be sure to thoroughly explore the vast Shadow Realm and collect as many items as possible before confronting the formidable bosses.