As a classic choice for all types of play, from sword-and-board to spellblade, the Sword category is friendly to nearly all builds in Elden Ring. If players so choose, they can opt to use two different swords in either hand, pair one up with a bulky shield, wield a single blade in both hands, or switch between any combination. Since Swords are one of the deepest categories in Elden Ring, the possibilities are endless.
Because there are so many in the game, Swords also represent one of the best early game options in Elden Ring, with the formidable Longsword being available either as a starter option for the Vagabond class or immediately once players reach Roundtable Hold. Still, in spite of their wide availability, they remain strong throughout an entire playthrough, and can easily carry players past even the most difficult bosses in Elden Ring.
S-Tier
Sword of Night and Flame: Before Patch 1.03, the Sword of Night and Flame would have been unquestionably S-tier. Despite recent nerfs, the Sword of Night and Flame is still an excellent option for players due to its versatility. Its special ability, Night-and-Flame Stance, equips players with a Flame spell and the Comet Azur sorcery - one of the best spells in Elden Ring. 
Sword of St. Trina: The Sword of St. Trina is an odd duck. Its unique ability, Mists of Slumber, puts enemies to sleep. It has its uses in PvE gameplay, but the Sword of St. Trina shines in PvP combat. It not only allows the user to dominate heads-up fights, but also helps them to dictate fights when they are outnumbered. While Sleep was initially overlooked for other status effects in Elden Ring such as Bleed and Scarlet Rot, players are slowly waking up to the massive potential of Sleep. 
Noble's Slender Sword: Some players have argued that the Noble's Slender Sword is the best weapon in Elden Ring. It has an outstanding skill set, low requirements, incredible scaling, and, perhaps most importantly, a deceptively long range. It is also an ultra-stylish choice. 
Lordsworn's Straight Sword: The Lordsworn's Straight Sword can be upgraded to +25 with Smithing Stones. It's very unassuming, but ranks right up there with the flashiest choices. It's also available near Stormveil Castle, so players don't have to go out of their way to find it.
A-Tier
Carian Knight's Sword: An interesting choice for Intelligence-based builds in Elden Ring, this weapon's Carian Grandeur skill gives it massive range as well as the ability to weave together combat and spells rather seamlessly. 
Miquellan Knight's Sword: Its unique skill, Sacred Blade, offers players more range than usual. At first glance, the scaling may not seem like anything to write home about, but maxed out the Miquellan Knight's Sword packs a serious wallop. 
Crystal Sword: The Crystal Sword is a sort of alternative to the Carian Knight's Sword. It has comparably lackluster stat scaling, but can make up for this with its excellent weapon skill. Oddly enough, it makes a great offhand choice when paired with the Carian Knight's Sword. 
Rotten Crystal Sword Again comparable to its counterpart, the Crystal Sword, since it inflicts the Scarlet Rot status effect it can be paired with the Kindred of Rot's Exultation talisman to boost damage. 
Longsword: Like the Lordsworn's Straight Sword in S-tier, the basic Longsword is a no-fuss choice. It's simple and does its job. At its highest upgraded point, it's more than worthy of any challenge that Elden Ring offers. 
Golden Epitaph: A perfect choice for a Faith-based build, its unique skill, Last Rites, increases Holy damage and Faith scaling, making it deal huge damage for 45 seconds. Unfortunately, it's a terrible choice for PvP where enemies can simply buff their Holy defense to counter the Golden Epitaph and other similar tools. 
Coded Sword: For players insistent on taking Faith builds into PvP, the Coded Sword may be a better option due to its skill, Unblockable Blade. It can still be countered by items that raise Holy defense, but the Coded Sword will take most enemies by surprise.
B-Tier
Regalia of Eochaid: While its unique Ash of War may be visually stunning, the cast time for Regalia of Eochaid is far too slow. It's altogether a relatively strange choice because it scales with Dexterity and Arcane. When it's compared to other Arcane weapons like the katana Rivers of Blood, the Regalia of Eochaid simply won't entice players looking to optimize their damage. 
Broadsword: The Broadsword is generally outshone by its peers, but is arguably the best option if players equip it with a Heavy prefix affinity since it scales at A level with Strength. However, most Strength builds will look elsewhere for better options. 
Short Sword: While the Short Sword is limited by its range, it's the only option that has two pokes, making it the thrust weapon of choice. Still, beyond stylistic reasoning, the Short Sword is a difficult sell for most builds. 
Warhawk's Talon: Arguably as good as the Longsword in the A-tier, but players will have to spend a ton of time grinding in Elden Ring to obtain one, at which point they probably should have just picked up a Longsword. 
Lazuli Glintstone Sword: The Lazuli Glintstone Sword could gain traction in PvP scenarios. Like the Carian Knight's Sword, its heavy attack also doubles as a block against enemies' attacks. Still, similar to Warhawk's Talon it takes a fair bit of grinding, so it's hard not to favor alternatives like the Carian Knight's Sword.
C-Tier
Ornamental Straight Sword: Despite having a dramatic-looking weapon skill, the Ornamental Straight Sword fails to deliver any serious damage. It also comes equipped with one of the most predictable special attacks, making it a no-go in PvP combat in Elden Ring. 
Cane Sword: Cane Sword is the weapon that fans collectively wish was good, but unfortunately isn't. It's undoubtedly an excellent stylistic option, but its range is comparable to the Short Sword and its stats are nothing to write home about. 
Weathered Straight Sword: There is very little reason to use the Weathered Straight Sword. Its range is on-par with the Short Sword, but players also have to grind to get it. Unless players want it for purely fashionable reasons, it's best to pass this one up.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
