Axes and Greataxes are nothing new in Elden Ring. However, Shadow of the Erdtree has introduced several of them that had never been seen before the DLC. And while most players prefer using Straight Swords, Katanas, or even Magic, there's still a considerable market for those Tarnished that like to feel like an axe-swinging Viking.

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As it happens with the base game, some weapons are considerably better than others. This can be measured by comparing weight, scaling, requirements, and even damage dealt. To help those Tarnished looking for a new weapon to add to their arsenal during their journey through the Land of Shadow, here are the best new axes in Shadow of the Erdtree.

6 Death Knight's Twin Axes

Physical Damage: 101

The Death Knight's Twin Axes are one of the best new axes in Shadow of the Erdtree, not only because they're quick and deal great Lightning Elemental Damage but also because they look great. These paired weapons scale equally with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, making them ideal for a versatile build that covers many Stats at once.

Also, these twin axes have simple Stat requirements that any player who's already reached the DLC should easily have. To get the Death Knight's Twin Axes, players must defeat the Death Knight in the Fog Rift Catacombs. While this boss is nowhere near as challenging as others in Shadow of the Erdtree, he can still give the Tarnished a hard time and will require players to learn his moveset if they want to be victorious.

5 Death Knight's Longhaft Axe

Physical Damage: 113

Considered to be the better choice by players with Strength builds, the Death Knight's Longhaft Axe is a reward gamers can get for defeating the Death Knight in the Scorpion River Catacombs. As opposed to the Twin Axes, this weapon doesn't scale as well with Dexterity and requires considerably higher Strength Stats to wield properly.

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As a Greataxe, this weapon deals more damage than regular axes but also suffers from a slower moveset, which can put players at a disadvantage against quick enemies both in the DLC and the base game. This weapon can't be buffed or infused, so players will have to rely solely on upgrading it with Somber Smithing Stones to the maximum possible level. All in all, while not the strongest, the Death Knight's Longhaft Axe is one of the best new axes in Shadow of the Erdtree.

4 Forked-Tongue Hatchet

Physical Damage: 125

When it comes to peculiar-looking weapons, the Forked-Tongue Hatchet is a great example. At a glance, this weapon doesn't seem too intimidating and hardly resembles an axe. However, players shouldn't let that fool them, as it's one of the best new axes in Shadow of the Erdtree thanks to its Physical Damage output and powerful Special Skill, "Dragonform Flame," which allows the Tarnished to spit fire in front of them to deal damage to enemies.

This weapon scales equally with Strength and Dexterity and also has passive Bleed buildup. It can be obtained by farming Imps in catacombs; however, the drop rate seems to be rather low, so players must have patience, an unmatched resolve, and a deep hatred for Imps to get this weapon.

3 Smithscript Axe

Physical Damage: 131

The Smithscript Axe is one of the most complete weapons in both the DLC and the base game, as it scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity and secondarily with Intelligence and Faith. Granted, the scaling for each Stat is far from ideal; however, if players like to use builds that combine Curved Swords or Colossal weapons with spells and Incantations, this weapon can be a godsend.

Found behind a Golem in Taylew's Ruined Forge, the Smithscript Axe deals a considerable amount of damage for a regular axe while being light enough that even players with low Strength Stats can wield it without issues. As opposed to other axes on this list, the Smithscript Axe can be infused and buffed with various Ashes of War, contributing further to its already extensive versatility.

2 Bonny Butchering Knife

Physical Damage: 134

Players who've been around Hidetaka Miyazaki's work since the Dark Souls days will probably find this Greataxe very familiar, as a very similar weapon was featured in the games. The Bonny Butchering Knife scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity and has a unique special weapon skill that can restore the Tarnished's health slightly when dealing damage to enemies.

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This weapon has great Physical Damage output and is relatively light considering it's a Greataxe. Unfortunately, as what happens with other weapons on this list, the Bonny Butchering Knife cannot be infused with Ashes of War; however, with enough Somber Smithing Stones, it can be upgraded to deal formidable damage to any enemies that cross its path. To obtain this Greataxe, players will have to find a small shed outside a house near the broken bridge at Bonny Village.

1 Putrescence Cleaver

Physical Damage: 141

The Putrescence Cleaver is arguably the best new axe in Shadow of the Erdtree because it deals the most Physical Damage and also has Magic Elemental Damage. Scaling primarily with Strength and Arcane Stats and secondarily with Dexterity, this massive semicircular Greataxe requires a whopping 28 Strength to wield and has a weight of 13.50. Obtained by trading the Remembrance of Putrescence with Enia at the Roundtable Hold after defeating the Putrescent Knight in the Stone Coffin Fissure, the Putrescence Cleaver is undoubtedly a weapon any player with a Strength build must add to their arsenal.

Its Special Skill, "Spinning Guillotine," allows players to propel themselves forward while spinning around with the Putrescence Cleaver, dealing considerable damage to enemies. This move is similar to the one the Putrescent Knight uses during its boss fight; however, it's noticeably weaker when used by the Tarnished. It should also be noted that repeated follow-up attacks are possible for as long as the Tarnished's Stamina allows, so players with high Endurance can take full advantage of this weapon during a battle.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Platform

Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One

Released

June 21, 2024

Developer(s)

FromSoftware

Genre

Soulslike , RPG