The new, and so far the only addition to the game Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, has a diverse number of weapons suitable for any character. 8 new types of weapons were also added to the game, from which you can find many worthy options to cope with the stronger enemies of the expansion.
By balancing any weapon of your choice with Talismans and Ashes of War, you can create a powerful build. In this guide, we will tell you about the best weapons in the DLC, as well as how to find them, and what to upgrade them with.
How to choose the right weapon
Each weapon has its own characteristic requirement for its use. If the weapon is not suitable, you will be able to equip it, but the special ability will no longer work.
You can learn more about the technical part of the characteristics and various bonuses, as well as get acquainted with the best weapons of the main game in this guide.
The best weapons in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion
Dragon Hunter Great Katana
- Upgrade: requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: cannot be installed
The Great Katana is one of the new weapon types added to the game. This katana has 152 base damage and a special effect “Dragon Wound”.
This effect gives an advantage in combat with dragons: it deals additional damage +15 to ancients and +30 to everyone else. The special skill of this large katana is increased by the talisman Godfrey's Mark, received for killing the boss Godfrey the Hundred-Handed. How to find this boss, as well as learn about the other talismans of the main game, can be found in this guide.
This katana can be useful in completing the quest of Egon and the Priestess of the Dragon Sacrament, especially for defeating the main boss – Bale the Terrible.
Where to find
You can get the Great Katana of the Dragon Hunter by destroying the Ancient One dragon man in the Dragon Pit location. The exact location, as well as details of the quest of Egon and the Priestess, are described in this article.Â
MiladyÂ
- Improvements: required Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: Can be installed
Another representative of the new weapon type is the light two-handed sword. Unlike the regular two-handed sword, the light sword maintains a good balance between strength and dexterity.
One of them is Milady, who has the skill “Piercing Strike”, which deals damage that can break through the enemy's block.
This sword can be imbued with the properties of Ashes of War. Ashes of War: Half-Turn Stance, which can only be used with light two-handed swords, is ideal for this sword.
If you add here also the Cameo of Rellana, which can enhance attacks from a stand, the damage of this light sword, combined with its mobility, will be almost perfect. You can also add the Shard of Alexander, which increases the damage of weapon skills by another 15%.
Where to find
The sword can be found in the Ensis Castle location, in a treasure chest on a high watchtower.
Knight's Sword Moonrithil
- Upgrades: Dark Forge Stones
- War Ashes: Cannot be installed
Knight's Sword Moonrithil is a huge, gem-decorated sword that has an interesting special skill called “Giant Phalanx”, which allows you to summon three blades that attack nearby enemies. The skill is very easy to activate during combat, which will add more damage without wasting any time.
The special skill is an exact copy of the spell “Large Phalanx sword.”
This powerful sword is more focused on intelligence-based builds, especially when combined with strength or dexterity.
Where to find
This huge sword, like the previous one, is located in Ensis Castle. Dropped by killing the Karrian Knight Moonrithil.Â
You can get to it from the “Ensis Castle Rest Stop” save point by heading south. Jump straight into the hole in the ground and go forward to the waterfall. Climb up the stone path to the top of the waterfall and on the left you will see a long staircase leading up. Climb it and you will come out directly onto the Castle grounds.
Climb up the large stone stairs, then turn right into the passage between the buildings. Turn right again and you will see a chapel, at the entrance of which a Carrian Knight will be waiting for you.
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Rellana's Greatsword
- Upgrades: Requires Darksmithing Stones
- Ashes of War: Uninstallable
This two-handed sword is actually two swords that act as one. It has the “Fire and Moon Stance” move.
A normal attack with this two-handed sword creates light waves and, in addition to physical, deals additional magical damage.
A strong attack that can cause a whirlwind of flames, dealing fire damage. You can increase the skill's damage when performing a special move by 15% by using the Rellana Cameo Talisman. Additionally, you can use talismans aimed at increasing the power of consecutive attacks, endurance, or damage defense.
Where to find
Go through Ensis Castle and fight the boss Rellana, the Double Moon Knight. After defeating her, you will receive a Memory that can be exchanged at the Round Table Fortress with Enya, the Finger Reader.
Ancient Meteorite Ore Greatsword
- Upgrade: Requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: Cannot be installed
This ancient, sharpened greatsword has a special move called “Ancient Light Charge”, which can imbue the weapon with light and then pierce the enemy.
When you use this attack again, lightning is released and additional magic damage is dealt. In addition, the sword has a good range of different attacks and an excellent block.
You can strengthen its truly powerful attacks with the help of the Alexander Shard and the Ax talisman.
Where to find
The Ancient Greatsword is located in the Ruined Forge of Starfall in the Shadow Altus location. At the grace of the same name, on the other side of the room you will see the first lever. Interact with it to open a passage deeper into the forge. Follow further until you see another lever. Activate it to lower the stone slab blocking the passage.
Once the plate goes down, activate the lever again and stand on the rising plate. Use it as an elevator to get to the place where the required altar is located. Interact with it to get the Ancient Meteorite Greatsword.
Two-handed Fire Knight
- Upgrades: requires blacksmithing stones
- Ashes of War: can be installed
This two-handed weapon focuses on strength, dexterity and faith, and also initially has fire damage.
Has a special skill “Stomp (Bottom Strike)”, which allows you to step from a low stance to block enemy strikes. Strong attack allows you to perform a powerful strike from below upwards.
Since this weapon can be equipped with Ashes of War, it is worth paying attention to those options that can change its tempering to “Burning”. Ashes of War: Flame of the Redmanes will be effective, which will significantly increase the attack of the two-handed weapon. Also Ashes of War, which can only be found in the DLC: Blazing Spear or Blazing Skewer. Of the talismans, the Shard of Alexander is a good choice, increasing weapon skills by 15%.
Where to find
The two-handed sword can drop from the Fire Knights located in the Haven of Shadows location. However, you can't get it from the first kill, since it has a low drop rate. Â Â
When trying to knock out a sword, you can use Pickled Bird's Foot, which temporarily increases the chance of finding items.
Spear of the Impaler
- Improvements: requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: cannot be installed
Has fairly high Dexterity and Faith stats, as well as good fire damage.
Has a special skill, “Mesmer Attack,” which allows you to throw a fiery spear at enemies. When used again, the spear explodes, covering a small area in stakes and fire.
The Rotting Winged Sword Emblem, which increases the power of consecutive attacks, is a great fit for this spear. And also the Fire Scorpion Amulet, which increases fire damage.
Where to find
In the Haven of Shadows, defeat the boss Messmer the Impaler and get the Memory of the Impaler, which you can exchange in the Fortress of the Round Table to get this weapon.
Sword of Dancing Stars
- Upgrades: requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: cannot be installed
The Sword of Dancing Stars is one of the strongest katanas in the game, dealing magic damage. With the special skill “Onze Constellation”, it can perform a series of chopping blows. Each subsequent blow deals more damage than the previous one. This weapon also has a high requirement for the Dexterity and Wisdom characteristics.
Of the talismans, this katana can be ideally complemented with the Emblem with a rotting sword, which will increase the power of consecutive attacks. You can also add the Triumph of the Blood Lord, since the sword of Dancing Stars is able to accumulate bleeding.
Where to find
To get this sword, you need to defeat the boss Queen of the Demi-People Marigga, who is located on the southern coast. There is only one way to get there. From the grace “Côte d'Azur, West”, turn around and go into the gorge between the mountains.
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Follow the river and turn left after the waterfall. To the west you will see an exit to the coast, where Marigga will be, surrounded by a large number of demi-humans.
Ranaha's Dancing Sword
- Improvements: requires Dark Forge Stones
- War Ashes: cannot be installed
When equipping this sword, it is better to focus on its special skill – “Endless Dance”. This skill allows you to deliver slashes to the enemy while dancing until your stamina runs out.
When combined with stamina-boosting talismans, this weapon is truly capable of laying waste to many opponents. The Two-Headed Turtle Talisman is a good choice for this.
The best armor choice would be the Dancer's Set, which increases the damage of dance attacks by 10% when equipped in full.
Where to find
From the “Azure Coast, West” point, head forward southeast until you see a large withered tree. Next to the tree, there will be a small path leading down directly to a small rift.
Jump down, go through the entire cave until you reach the island, on top of which is the Nameless Southern Mausoleum. Go into it, go through the fog and defeat the boss Dancer Ranaha, after defeating which you will receive a unique dancing Sword, as well as the rest of the Dancer's set.
Poisonous Hand
- Upgrades: Requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: Cannot be installed
Poisonous Hand is one of the strongest weapons in the game, dealing poison damage.
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The special action “Poisonous Strike” is capable of turning a hand into a spear and poisoning the enemy with its blow. It's good to use in conjunction with the Mushroom Crown, which increases attacks near poisoned enemies by 10%.
The Rot Kin's Triumph Talisman increases attack power near poisoned enemies, and stacks with the Fungal Crown effect.
Where to find
The Poisonous Palm can be found in the Belurat location. To get to it, you need to find the key, go down into the sewers, and, after opening the door, go through the poisonous swamp.
The descent into the sewers is located near the point “Belurat, settlement near the tower”. Go south through the alley until you come to a small square with a fountain, follow further to reach the road. Turn right, where you can find a ladder leading to the well. Before going down, find the key that opens the door in the sewers.
To find the Key to the Depths of the Well, you need to get to the location of the key to the pantry, needed for the quest Old Woman Horn. The location of the key is described in detail in this article.
From the corpse with the key for the Horned Old Woman, exit the room and turn left, where you can see a small sloping roof. Climb onto it and jump onto the bridge along the purple cloth. Go into the room where the key to the sewers will be.
Return to the well and go down. After opening the door, you will find yourself in a huge space with a poisonous swamp. Turn right and follow it to the end until you see a small half-sunken building, next to which there is a corpse from which you can take the palm.
Bloodletter's Hand
- Upgrades: Requires Smithing Stones
- Ashes of War: Can be installed
Bleeder's Hand is a huge weapon with 147 physical damage and the ability to inflict bleed. His special skill, “Fortitude,” is capable of reducing the damage dealt to you and at the same time increasing your balance.
Also, the Hand can inflict bleeding almost immediately if you use any Ash of War with this ability. Along with this, use the Blood Lord's Talisman, which increases the attack when the owner is near a bleeding enemy.
Where to find
From the Last Rest Stop at the Mountain Road, you will have a view of the Prospect City Ruins you need. Climb to the highest floor, where you will see a group of Bloodletters, one of whom will be armed with a trident. This huge weapon should drop from one of them.
Blight Cleaver
- Upgrades: Requires Dark Smithing Stones
- Ashes of War: Cannot be installed
The Rot Cleaver will be a pretty strong weapon if you focus on strength and magic. It has the skill “Spinning Guillotine”, the name of which speaks for itself. It deals a powerful slashing blow with a turn until the end of stamina.
The best talismans are: Alexander's Shard and the Two-Headed Turtle Talisman. The shard will enhance the special attack, and the turtle talisman will help make the attack last longer, since it depends on endurance.
Where to find
Can be obtained in exchange for the Memory of the Rotten, which drops from the Rotting Knight boss. This boss is located in the Purple Garden location, underground in the sea off the southern coast.
A detailed path to the garden, as well as the passage of the related quest of Saint Trina and Tiolier, can be found in this detailed walkthrough.
Leda's Sword
- Improvement: requires Dark Forge Stones
- War Ashes: cannot be installed
Leda's Sword of the Needler has a good set of different attacks, as well as physical and holy damage types.
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This weapon has a special skill called “Sharp Needles”. It allows you to create 10 golden needles that pierce the victim, simultaneously removing all buffs from them, but also negative effects that you may have placed on them. You can use the Sacred Scorpion Amulet to increase the holy type of damage.
Where to Find
Follow the cross line of Leda the Needler. The sword can be obtained by defeating her in the final battle in Belurath, near the save point “Hallway of the Chamber of Purification”.
Night Talons
- Upgrade: requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: cannot be installed
This weapon has a good skill “Scatter”, which distinguishes this weapon from other claws. This skill is able to create several copies of sharp needles to throw them at enemies.
Nightclaws are able to accumulate bleeding and throw out quite a large number of needles, which will be difficult for your opponents to dodge. We recommend using a special skill, as well as a heavy attack.
To supplement the claws, use the Blacksmith's Talisman, which adds + 10 damage to his special ability. You can also use Millicent's Prosthetic to get the required agility that you need to focus on, and the Spear Talisman.
Where to find
Dropped by Night Swordswoman Anna. She can only be found during the quest of Count Ymir in the Cathedral of Manus Metir. Read this guide to start the quest and complete it.
Sword of Light and Sword of Darkness
- Upgrade: requires Dark Forge Stones
- Ashes of War: cannot be installed
In this section, we will tell you about one nondescript, at first glance, weapon that can be turned into a Sword of Light or a Sword of Darkness, following a certain algorithm.
To begin with, you need to get the initial basic version – Sword in a Stone Sheath, which does not deal much damage.
In order to transform this blade into a sword of Light or a sword of Darkness, you need to find the other two altars and activate them. You can use them in any order and, if desired, in the future, change one sword for another. Also, when pumping with forge stones of darkness, the improvement will be saved when changing the sword.
The sword of Light and Darkness differ only in a special skill. In other parameters, they will be the same: they will inflict physical and holy damage equally.
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The special skill can deal area damage while simultaneously making the enemy vulnerable to holy damage by 20%, but only for one minute.
These swords are suitable for talismans that protect the player from any damage during a special attack. For example, the Talisman with Crimson Amber and the prayer Protection of the Black Flame.
Where to find
There are three altars scattered across different locations. You can start from any altar and each subsequent one will change the sword to the one you need.
We recommend that you start from the altar in the Catacombs of the Misty Rift in order to find the initial version of the sword there. So that when you change the sword of Light to the sword of Darkness or vice versa, you do not have to go through all the catacombs again.
Catacombs of the Foggy Rift
Enter the catacombs and follow forward until you reach the hall with the bridge. Go forward to the exit and jump into the next room, watch out for the spikes falling from above. Go further to the elevator and go down on it.
You need to get to the huge hall, which is in the south. Go to the very end of the hall to the guard, hiding from the platforms with spikes in the arches on the left. Kill the guard and turn to face the hall. As soon as the platform falls in front of you again, there will be a small room in it. Jump into it and when the platform rises up, jump out. There will be a chest with Ashes of War in front of you.
Turn around and now jump on top of the platform. Go along the top to the opposite side of the hall to the room where the altar will be. If this is the first altar you found, there will be a Sword in a stone sheath there.
Ruins of Rauch's Abbey
From the point “Ruins of the Rauch Abbey, West”, enter the ruins and go deeper until you see the exit outside where there will be a gazebo with the Ashes of the Glorious Spirit.
Enter the next ruins, go through them outside, where a view of a dilapidated tower will open. The road to it will be invisible. Run along this road to get to the next altar.
Unte Ruins
From the Castle Watering Hole teleporter, head straight ahead to the Unte Ruins, where the inactive Furnace Giant lies. The final altar is located in the ruins themselves, but you can only get to them by activating the giant with a Large Furnace Pot.
In the northeast, you will find several buildings. Walk through them to reach the roof directly above the giant and throw the Big Pot at him. All that remains is to defeat the awakened giant and enter the ruins, where you will see the last altar on the right.
These are all the best weapons in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring. If you have information about other powerful swords, axes, katanas and other weapons, you can tell us about it in the comments to the article.
