Elden Ring is home to a vast and dangerous world filled with all kinds of enemies—from undead foot soldiers to ferocious dragons. To survive and thrive in the Lands Between, players must arm themselves wisely. Choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between victory and defeat, especially when facing enemies with unique strengths and weaknesses.
This guide offers players an expert-curated list of the best weapons for each enemy type, taking into account weapon scaling, special abilities, and practical combat scenarios. Whether you’re a new Tarnished or a seasoned veteran, this list will help you identify powerful and safe Elden Ring items to take on every challenge the game throws at you.
1. Dragons – Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade
Dragons are among the most formidable enemies in Elden Ring. The Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade is a heavy, strike-type weapon with high poise damage and a unique ash of war that boosts effectiveness against dragon-type enemies. Its raw power, combined with reach, makes it ideal for interrupting dragon attacks and punishing their weak points.
2. Undead – Blasphemous Blade
The Blasphemous Blade is perfect for handling skeletal and undead foes. Its passive healing ability on kill offers sustainability, especially in areas like Catacombs where waves of undead rise repeatedly. It scales well with Faith, making it a great pick for hybrid caster builds.
3. Armored Knights – Greatsword (Colossal Sword)
When fighting heavily armored enemies like Cleanrot Knights or Crucible Knights, raw physical damage is key. The Greatsword, modeled after Guts’ weapon from Berserk, delivers massive blows that stagger even the toughest enemies. It’s best used with high Strength builds and can be infused with ashes of war for additional effects.
4. Magic Users – Eclipse Shotel
Enemies that rely on sorcery and shields can be a pain to deal with, especially in PvP and against certain NPCs. The Eclipse Shotel bypasses shields entirely and deals holy damage, making it effective against magic users hiding behind defenses. It’s also one of the more safe Elden Ring items due to its unique shield-piercing nature.
5. Large Beasts – Bloodhound’s Fang
Fast, agile enemies like Rune Bears and Red Wolves demand a quick, powerful response. Bloodhound’s Fang provides high bleed buildup and an evasive ash of war that allows users to avoid damage while delivering critical hits. Its dexterity scaling also makes it a favorite for nimble builds.
6. Bosses – Rivers of Blood
When it comes to boss fights, especially humanoid ones, Rivers of Blood is a top-tier pick. It inflicts rapid bleed buildup and has a fast attack animation that allows players to deal damage while maintaining mobility. This weapon is especially deadly in Phase 2 boss fights, where timing and speed are critical.
7. Ghostly and Spirit Enemies – Holy-infused Sword of Night and Flame
Spirit enemies like Revenants and Cursed Knights take extra damage from holy attacks. The Sword of Night and Flame, when infused or used with holy-boosting talismans, can deal significant damage while offering ranged magic options. It’s a versatile tool in many late-game dungeons.
8. Swarms of Small Enemies – Eleonora’s Poleblade
Fighting mobs like rats or demi-humans can become overwhelming if you’re not equipped to deal with multiple targets. Eleonora’s Poleblade offers fast multi-hit combos, bleed buildup, and wide coverage. It’s one of the best weapons for crowd control and a favorite among dex/arcane builds.
9. Flying Enemies – Pulley Bow with Serpent Arrows
While not a melee weapon, the Pulley Bow deserves mention. Flying enemies can be frustrating to hit, especially early on. The Pulley Bow has excellent range and can be paired with special arrows like Serpent or Rotbone to deal damage over time. A safe Elden Ring item choice for those who prefer to keep their distance.
10. Fire-Resistant Enemies – Dark Moon Greatsword
Enemies like Fire Monks and fire-based bosses resist flame attacks. The Dark Moon Greatsword, with its frost and magic scaling, provides an excellent alternative. Its charged R2 attack fires off magic projectiles, allowing players to strike from range and build up frostbite status.
Choosing the right weapon in Elden Ring isn’t just about stats—it’s about understanding your enemy and adapting your loadout to the situation. The ten weapons above are all considered powerful and safe Elden Ring items that offer unique strengths tailored to specific enemy types. By arming yourself with the right tools, you’ll make your journey through the Lands Between more efficient, rewarding, and survivable.