The top game of last year for many, Elden Ring has maintained its reputation as one of the best RPGs ever released. Focusing on the player's open-ended journey through FromSoftware's latest world of The Lands Between, the replayability of Elden Ring's rich depth of content has been one of the biggest contributing factors to its lasting appeal. In a brutal world filled to the brim with unique bosses and layers of carefully crafted lore, the build of each Tarnished is a key aspect to developing the player character with each successive playthrough.
While The Lands Between may be packed with a diverse array of options when it comes to the equipment able to be wielded by the player, some have been designed to stand out among the rest. Known as Legendary Armaments, several key weapons were made with more lore and gameplay significance than the normal gear typically found throughout the world. Between the selection of mythical swords and beyond, however, some prove to be far more useful than others.
S Tier
Dark Moon Greatsword - The final reward for Ranni's questline, this FromSoftware weapon staple lives up to the reputation of its predecessors. With an excellent Skill and utilization of the Frostbite status, the Dark Moon Greatsword backs up its great scaling and moveset to cement itself as the peak of Elden Ring's legendary weapons.
A Tier
Ruins Greatsword - Obtained from defeating the pairing of the Misbegotten Warrior and Crucible Knight at Redmane Castle, this massive sword is worth its massive 50 strength requirement. While it may have an impressively flashy Skill that utilizes its gravity magic damage, the Ruins Greatsword's normal moveset is already capable of taking down bosses with charged R2 attacks alone.
Marais Executioner's Sword - Obtained by the defeating the boss Elemer of the Briar at The Shaded Castle, the impractical nature of this sword's powerful Skill severely invalidates the cool appeal of its design and effects. While it may have amazing PvE potential, the inconsistency involved with using this unique sword limits it in the end.
Sword of Night and Flame - Found within the Caria Manor, this sword is infamous for its split scaling across multiple opposing stats. While it requires a highly specific build to be used effectively, the correct stat distribution allows access to two of the strongest weapon Skills in Elden Ring.
B Tier
Golden Order Greatsword - The reward for defeating the Misbegotten Crusader boss at the Cave of the Forlorn, the Golden Order Greatsword that employs holy damage feels more average than legendary. It has a powerful Skill that can be as devastating as it is flashy, but is still ultimately situational.
Bolt of Gransax - Found in the city of Leyndell, this weapon is only available prior to completing Crumbling Farum Azula. With its intense and long range lightning bolt Skill, the Bolt of Gransax can evoke the wrath of a god if the player manages to actually hit their target.
Grafted Blade Greatsword - The reward for defeating the Leonine Misbegotten boss fight of Castle Morne, this sword is definitely a reference to the Iron Throne of Game of Thrones fame. A decent early game option for strength builds due to the buff its Skill provides.
C Tier
Devourer's Scepter - An uncanny great hammer obtained from the completion of Bernahl's questline in Crumbling Farum Azula, the Devourer's Scepter finds itself simply outclassed by many other weapons. While it can restore HP while dealing damage to enemies, this hammer's stat requirements and split scaling make it a strange pick at best.
Eclipse Shotel - Found within Castle Sol, this unique weapon is one of the few in Elden Ring capable of dealing the Death Blight status ailment. With its extremely niche use being really only limited to PvP, the Eclipse Shotel is a Legendary Armament in name only to many.
Elden Ring is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
