The world ofElden Ringis not a forgiving one. As expected from a FromSoftware game, your initial steps will be punishing, challenging, and enjoyable. However, as you progress into the Lands Between, you’ll discover potent weaponry to help level the playing field, regardless of your chosen build.
Powerful weapons are not too far away; some can be looted from chests, found in dungeons, or obtained by defeating bosses. If you’re prepared to face some challenges, summon your trusty steed Torrent, and get ready to showcase your mettle to the Lands Between.
Updated on May 08, 2025, by Andrew Scariati: If you’re rushing toaccess the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, then you can use some of Elden Ring’s best early-game weapons to shred through bosses en route to Radahn and Mohg. Some Elden Ring early-game weapons can be found accidentally, but others are just as easy to find if you know where to look.
11Morning Star
Not too far from Limgrave is the Weeping Peninsula, which you can access by heading southeast from the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace. After crossing the bridge, travel south down the road a bit and you’ll find a wrecked carriage. In the back of the carriage, you’ll find a trunk, which contains the unique weaponMorning Star.
This handy battle weapon requires low Strength and Dexterity to wield and does an impressive 118 physical damage. The weapon’s true power lies within its ability to cause blood loss, making it easy to take off huge chunks of your enemy’s health.
10Crystal Sword
TheCrystal Swordis a solid early weapon, especially for those investing in Intelligence and seeking a magic sword.
It can be acquired early in the gamein the southern landmass of Liurnia,specifically in an area called the Village of the Albinaurics. On a wooden bridge in this location, you’ll find the sword on a corpse.
This Straight Sword deals both Physical and Magic damage and requires 13 Strength, 10 Dexterity, and 15 Intelligence to wield effectively. It can serve as a reliable weapon in the early game, though you may want to find a more powerful option if you decide to pursue a Magic build later on.
9Uchigatana
Requiring an 11 in Strength and 15 in Dexterity, the Uchigatana deals 115 physical damage and causes blood loss, meaning that you can swiftly dispose of lightly-armored enemies without much trouble. If your starting class is a Samurai, however, you’ll already have this weapon equipped when you start the game.
8Zweihander
While you’re exploring the Weeping Peninsula, you’ll come across theIsolated Merchant’s Shack.This particular merchant sells theZweihandersword, a Colossal Sword that deals a staggering 141 physical damage, meaning you’ll be able to destroy anything in front of you in two or three hits.
Its Stamp Weapon Art allows you to deal an uppercut slash to enemies while still maintaining your recoil and balance.
But there are a few things to note with this weapon. It has a high Strength requirement of 19, must be wielded in both hands to use effectively, and costs 3,500 runes. If you want one of Elden Ring’s many colossal swords early, you’ll have to be prepared for it in stats and spending.
7Reduvia
Reduviais a nifty little dagger that specializes in one thing: bleeding your enemies. Coming in with low Strength, Arcane, and Dexterity requirements, fast attack speed, and relatively low Stamina usage, this dagger is already an impressive weapon for early Tarnished.
To obtain this weapon, you must defeat Bloody Finger Nerijusin the ravine heading towards Murkwater Catacombs. While Nerijus may catch you off-guard the first time, if you’re nimble (and have a little help from Bloody Finger Hunter Yura), you will be able to dispose of him easily.
6Demi-Human Queen’s Staff
Even early in-game, even melee players will find that a bit of magic goes a long way. While certain magical weapons may not be acquired until you reach Liurnia of the Lakes after Stormveil Castle, one sorcerer’s staffcan be found in the Weeping Peninsula.
In the north forest of the region, you’ll find the Demi-Human Forest Ruins, which are filled with demi-humans and, of course, the imposing queen herself. After defeating the queen, she’ll drop theDemi-Human Queen’s Staffand the Crystal Burst spell.
This staff requires a ten stat in Intelligence to use, making it useful for those who aren’t building a magic-focused character, but may need a bit of magical assistance from time to time.
5Shield Of The Guilty
While you’re still hanging around the Demi-Human Forest Ruins, there’s another unique item that can provide some assistance for a still-squishy Tarnished. You’ll find a staircase leading to an underground cellar hidden behind some walls near where you fought the Demi-Human Queen. In the cellar, you’ll find theShield of the Guilty.
This brier-covered shield is very lightweight, requiring only eight Strength to wield.
Not only does the shield boost Focus (whichkeeps you from being easily affected by hazardous status effectslike Sleep and Madness), but the briers and thorns on the front build blood loss on enemies when you bash them with it. you may both protect yourself and hurt your enemies with this ominous, but useful shield.
4Axe Of Godrick
The tougher the boss, the stronger its weapon. You’ll have todefeat Godrick the Graftedto get through Stormveil Castle and, for doing so, the grotesque would-be Lord will drop his Remembrance. Take this Remembrance to Enia at the Roundtable Hold and exchange for theAxe of Godrick.
This weapon is perfect fora pure Strength build, requiring a whopping 34 Strength stat and 22 in the Dexterity stat. These high requirements are worth it, as Godrick’s axe is a powerhouse of damage.
The axe’s skill, “I Command Thee, Kneel!,” produces three powerful shockwaves that will stagger and knock down enemies in a wide radius, allowing you to deliver critical — and often fatal — hits.
3Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear
Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spearis the Remembrance weapon you can receive forexchanging the Remembrance of the Blood Lord once you’ve defeated Mohg.This fantastic bleed and Fire-based weapon is one of the best early-game weapons you can get.
you may alsograb the White Mask armor pieceto increase your damage andcreate a powerful bleed buildto defeat some of the hardest bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Once you’ve defeated Godrick, all you need to do isfollow White Mask Varre’s questlineuntil you can access Moghwyn Palace. If you’re skilled enough tofight Mogh and defeat him, then the rest of the game will be much easier with this powerful weapon.
2Moonveil
Not only is it one of the best Katanas in the game, but theMoonveilis also a unique magic Katana acquired by early in the game by defeating the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel. This dungeon is located along the western cliffs ofCaelid, bordering Limgrave.
Like any Katana in the game, it comes with apassive ability that builds up the Bleed status effect,complementing the Physical and Magic damage it deals for a well-rounded performance.
With a stat requirement of 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence, it is most suitable for an Intelligence build. What sets the Moonveil apart is its skill, Transient Moonlight, allowing you to unleash a quick horizontal wave of magic that attacks any enemy in its path.
