Elden Ring: The Best Weapons for PvP (Invasions & Duels)
This tier list focuses on the top 10 weapons for PvP in Elden Ring, specifically for invasions and duels. We won't waste time ranking every weapon in the game—because, frankly, some are so similar they might as well be twins (I'm looking at you, Knight's Great Sword and Banished Knight Great Sword). Instead, we'll evaluate each weapon based on its move set, damage output, versatility, and performance in PvP when used by players of higher-than-average skill. Think of it this way: if you're dueling yourself with an A-tier weapon and a D-tier weapon, the version of you with the A-tier weapon will most likely win.
With that in mind, let's dive into the list.
1. Fingerprint Stone Shield (A for Invasions, SS for Duels)
Known affectionately (or not) as "The Shield Named Finger," the Fingerprint Stone Shield is a bit of an anomaly. On its own, it's slow, clunky, and lacks range. However, when used properly as a shield, it becomes a formidable tool for passive, turtling playstyles. With the second-highest guard boost in the game, this shield can be used to poke at opponents with thrusting swords or heavy thrusting swords, breaking down many playstyles. Additionally, its ability to infuse with different Ashes of War gives it more versatility.
In duels, this shield shines, allowing you to block and counter while stacking bleed and madness buildup if infused properly. However, in invasions, its slow, defensive nature doesn't work as well in multi-enemy scenarios. Still, it stands as the best of its class in duels, countering even the most aggressive players.
2. Banished Knight Halberd (A for Both Invasions & Duels)
The Banished Knight Halberd is by far the best in Elden Ring, and that's saying something. With its long reach, excellent damage, and solid move set, this halberd is a deadly tool for both invasions and duels. Its two-handed attacks grant hyper armor, which is perfect for trading blows with aggressive opponents, especially when combined with powerful Ashes of War like Flaming Strike.
What sets it apart is its fantastic running light attack, which synergizes beautifully with some of the best talismans in the game, making it incredibly difficult to evade. The only downside is that, like most halberds, it's a bit on the slow side, leaving it vulnerable to strafing. Pair it with a secondary weapon like a hand axe, and you've got a balanced, versatile setup.
3. Guts' Sword (A for Invasions, A for Duels)
Colossal swords are a favorite in FromSoftware games, and Guts' Sword (or the Greatsword) is no exception. One of the longest colossal swords in the game, it delivers insane damage when paired with strength builds. The sword is great for trading thanks to its hyper armor and high poise damage, making it a solid pick for invasions, where multiple opponents can be dealt with using wide, sweeping attacks.
In duels, the sword's crouch poke attack becomes invaluable for trading and roll-catching. The major downside, however, is its sluggish speed. Skilled players can dodge most of their attacks on reaction, making it less effective against faster weapons.
4. Shamshir (A for Invasions, S for Duels)
The Shamshir stands out from the rest of the curved swords in Elden Ring due to its unique move set, which offers excellent forward momentum and wide, sweeping attacks. Its quick strikes can hit multiple times before opponents can even react, making it a potent choice in both invasions and duels. The Rotten Winged Sword Insignia combined with this weapon can turn it into a roll-catching machine.
Though incredibly fast and versatile, the Shamshir doesn't reach the highest tiers because there are simply better weapons that outperform it in every category.
5. Rivers of Blood (S for Invasions & Duels)
Ah, Rivers of Blood—the infamous bleed weapon that has become a go-to for many players. What makes this katana exceptional is its ability to dish out high damage with its unique heavy attack move set, which allows it to trade and roll-catch effectively. The bleed buildup only adds insult to injury, as landing a few hits often guarantees a kill.
While great shields like the Fingerprint Stone Shield can counter this weapon, it still holds its own in both invasions and duels, earning it a solid S-tier rating.
6. Carian Thrusting Shield (SS for Duels, S for Invasions)
The Carian Thrusting Shield is one of the most unique weapons in the Elden Ring. Introduced in the DLC, this shield functions both as a defensive tool and an offensive powerhouse. Its thrusting attacks have insane range, and it can block while attacking, making it incredibly difficult to counter in duels. Pair it with the Greatshield Talisman for even more absurd defense, and you've got one of the best dueling weapons in the game.
In invasions, its defensive capabilities falter slightly when faced with multiple enemies, but it's still incredibly strong.
7. Pugilist's Ornate Gauntlets (S for Both Invasions & Duels)
If you like to get up close and personal, Pugilist's Ornate Gauntlets are the weapon for you. These fist weapons boast the speed of fists with the range of spears, making them fantastic for chasing down enemies and landing quick hits. Thanks to their DLC-damage parameters, these gauntlets deal a ton of damage, especially when paired with talismans that boost their offensive capabilities.
The only downside is their reliance on close-range combat, making them a bit more situational in larger invasions, but they remain a solid pick for PvP.
8. Cleanrot Knight's Sword (S for Invasions, SS for Duels)
The Cleanrot Knight's Sword is the pinnacle of thrusting swords in the Elden Ring. Known for its blazing fast attack speed and ridiculous damage potential, this sword can easily overwhelm even the most patient players. Its synergy with Bloodhound Step makes it one of the best options for PvP, as it allows for quick strikes and unparalleled evasiveness.
In invasions, this sword becomes even more terrifying when combined with bleed or poison builds, making it a top-tier weapon for both duels and invasions.
9. Starfist (SS for Invasions, SSS for Duels)
This unassuming fist weapon is a sleeper hit. Starfist may lack the range of other weapons, but its raw damage and stun potential more than make up for it. Heavy attacks can chunk down even the most heavily armored players, and the weapon's synergy with Endure makes it possible to trade hits with even the toughest opponents.
In duels, Starfist becomes a nightmare for anyone who isn't prepared. Its ability to break guards and overwhelm shields puts it in the upper echelon of PvP weapons.
10. Backhand Blades (SSS for Both Invasions & Duels)
Finally, we have the Backhand Blades. These blades boast one of the fastest move sets in the game, with huge forward momentum and insane combo potential. Their unique crouch attack functions like a dagger, while dealing the damage of great spears. This combination of speed, range, and power makes them almost unbeatable in both invasions and duels.
When paired with the right Ash of War (like Blind Spot), these blades can bypass shields and make short work of even the most experienced players, earning them a well-deserved spot at the top.
There you have it—a breakdown of the top weapons for PvP in Elden Ring. Keep in mind that these weapons were judged based on their potential when used by players who know what they're doing. If you need weapons, you can choose P2Pah to buy Elden Ring Items.
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