With an Elden Ring DLC, “Shadow of the Erdtree,” currently in the works, but with no confirmed release date yet, it’s time to dust off those controllers (or keyboards) and start training up for some new adventures in the Lands Between.
For those Tarnished who prefer the faster striking, heavy hitting weapons that go hand-in-hand with Dexterity builds…we’ve got you! Read on to see our top ten ranking for the best weapons for Dexterity builds.
#10. Scorpion's Stinger
Finding this dagger requires some dangerous exploration of the Lake of Rot
Starting off our countdown is the Scorpion’s Stinger, one of the few weapons found in the Lands Between that inflicts Scarlet Rot buildup on enemies. As the only dagger on our top 10, Scorpion’s Stinger is an excellent choice for Dex builds looking to deal quick, powerful damage-over-time.
Scorpion's Stinger cannot be infused with Ashes of War, as it already holds the Repeating Thrust weapon skill, which requires very little FP and allows the player to land very quick, successive strikes. This dagger can be upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones.
How to get Scorpion's Stinger:
How to get Scorpion's Stinger. Start at 0:05.
Scorpion's Stinger full details:
- Attack: Phy 79, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 110
- Requires: Str 6, Dex 12
- Scaling: Str D, Dex C
- Weapon Skill: Repeating Thrust, costs 7 FP
- Weight: 2.5
- Causes Scarlet Rot buildup (50)
#9. Dragon King's Cragblade
Not pictured is the absolute insanity that is this weapon’s special skill, Thundercloud Form
Coming in at number nine is the Dragon King’s Cragblade, a heavy thrusting sword that scales primarily with Dexterity. This sword holds some pretty badass specials, such as dealing +30% damage against Dragon enemies and +15% damage against Ancient Dragon enemies.
While its weapon skill, Thundercloud Form, is unique and temporarily transforms the Tarnished into a red thundercloud, ending with a lightning-infused plunge of your sword,the Dragon King’s Cragblade is incredibly slow, hence its higher spot on our rankings. Somber Smithing Stones can be used to upgrade this sword.
How to get Dragon King's Cragblade:
How to get Dragon King's Cragblade. Start at 0:31.
Dragon King's Cragblade full details:
- Attack: Phy 92, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 59, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 18, Dex 37
- Scaling: Str E, Dex D
- Weapon Skill: Thundercloud Form, costs 35 FP
- Weight: 8
#8. Uchigatana
Better stock up on tampax. Uchigatana causes blood loss!
Uchigatana is probably one of Elden Ring’s most versatile weapons, and can be obtained extremely early in the game - if you choose the samurai class, this is your starter weapon! This katana requires a relatively low Dexterity level (15) to wield.
Players can stick with the Unsheathe weapon skill that the Uchigatana carries, or apply their favorite Ash of War to truly make the weapon their own. The Uchigatana can be upgraded using Smithing Stones and can also be honed with a Whetblade, scaling it however the player prefers; with Keen upgrade, the Uchigatana received A scaling for Dexterity starting from +23, making it a great option for Dex builds.
How to get Uchigatana:
How to get Uchigatana. Start at 0:40.
Uchigatana full details:
- Attack: Phy 115, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 11, Dex 15
- Scaling: Str D, Dex D
- Weapon Skill: Unsheathe, costs 10 FP for light attack release, 15 FP for heavy attack
- Weight: 5.5
- Causes Blood loss buildup (45)
#7. Rivers of Blood
What's more terrifying than a Jason Voorhees look-a-like wielding a bloody katana? Absolutely nothing
Those of you who have been exploring the Lands Between for a while are probably not surprised to see Rivers of Blood on our list. This katana does require an Arcane level of 20 in order to wield it, in addition to its Strength and Dexterity requirements, but is such a good weapon that it still earns its spot on our list for Dex builds.
Rivers of Blood holds the Corpse Piler weapon skill - which is unique to this weapon, and quite fittingly named - that allows players to successively deal up to six hits on surrounding enemies. Each slash of the sword leaves behind a trail of blood, increasing its effective range. On top of that, every strike on an enemy deals both physical and fire damage, in addition to Blood loss buildup. Regular attacks with this katana deal Blood loss buildup as well.
How to get Rivers of Blood:
How to get Rivers of Blood. Start at 0:45.
Rivers of Blood full details:
- Attack: Phy 76, Mag 0, Fire 76, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 12, Dex 18, Arc 20
- Scaling: Str E, Dex D, Arc D
- Weapon Skill: Corpse Piler, costs 17 FP
- Weight: 6.5
- Causes Blood loss buildup (50)
#6. Nagakiba
Size might not be everything…but a little extra length never hurt anyone
Similar to Uchigatana, Nagakiba is an extremely versatile weapon; it can be infused with different Ashes of War, as well as upgraded using a Whetblade and scaled with Dexterity.
Nagakiba offers exceptionally long range, paired with viciously quick slashing speed. Add in its inherent Blood loss buildup and you’ve got yourself a strong contender for Dex build weapon choices. Uchigatana requires regular Smithing Stones to upgrade.
How to get Nagakiba:
How to get Nagakiba. Start at 0:15.
Nagakiba full details:
- Attack: Phy 115, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 18, Dex 22
- Scaling: Str D, Dex C
- Weapon Skill: Unsheathe, costs 10 FP for light attack release, 15 FP for heavy attack (does come with Piercing Fang Ash of War equipped, which can be removed for the weapon’s default skill)
- Weight: 7
- Causes Blood loss buildup (45)
#5. Scavenger's Curved Sword
A curved sword with notched, shark-like teeth
If you prefer a curved sword scaling primarily in Strength and Dexterity, look no further: our number five spot is held by Scavenger’s Curved Sword, a great weapon choice for Tarnished looking to inflict short-reaching, heavier hits.
Its weapon skill, Spinning Slash, is a favorite for Dex builds, due to its double 360-degree attack, followed by additional input, but this weapon can also be infused with different Ashes of War. Smithing Stones can be used to upgrade Scavenger’s Curved Sword.
How to get Scavenger's Curved Sword:
How to get Scavenger's Curved Sword. Start at 1:38.
Scavenger's Curved Sword full details:
- Attack: Phy 105, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 9, Dex 14
- Scaling: Str D, Dex D
- Weapon Skill: Spinning Slash, costs 6 (-12) FP
- Weight: 3.5
- Causes Blood loss buildup (45)
#4. Godskin Peeler
Dexterity/Arcane builds: this twinblade is excellent for dealing extra bleed build-up
Our ranking for fourth best weapon for Dex builds goes to the only Twinblade on our list, the Godskin Peeler. This weapon scales primarily in Dexterity, and can also be infused with Ashes of War as well as buffed with magic.
Make sure to try out its default weapon skill, Black Flame Tornado, before applying your own Ash of War, though. Black Flame Tornado deals purely fire damage and actually counts as a ranged skill, which scales purely based on weapon level and Faith. While Godskin Peeler is fantastic for getting out of tight, enemy-infested corners, it is surpassed by the remaining weapons on our list.
How to get Godskin Peeler:
How to get Godskin Peeler. Start at 0:38.
Godskin Peeler full details:
- Attack: Phy 121, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 17, Dex 22
- Scaling: Str E, Dex C
- Weapon Skill: Black Flame Tornado, costs 30 FP
- Weight: 8
#3. Morgott's Cursed Sword
Very cursed, also a little trippy
Coming in at our number three spot is Morgott’s Cursed Sword. This Curved Greatsword scales primarily with Dexterity but also requires an Arcane level of 17 in order to wield it.
This sword’s weapon skill, Cursed-Blood Slice, is unique to this weapon, and allows the player to charge forward at an enemy while delivering a diagonal slash, which is followed by a burst of flame. As such, it cannot be infused with Ashes of War, but can be upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones.
How to get Morgott's Cursed Sword:
How to get Morgott's Cursed Sword. Start at 2:10.
Morgott's Cursed Sword full details:
- Attack: Phy 120, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 110
- Requires: Str 14, Dex 35, Arc 17
- Scaling: Str E, Dex C, Arc D
- Weapon Skill: Cursed-Blood Slice, costs 20 (-20) FP
- Weight: 7.5
- Causes Blood loss buildup (60)
#2. Bloodhound's Fang
Bloodhound's Fang = forever my favorite weapon
Our runner-up for best weapon for Dexterity builds is Bloodhound’s Fang. This is the weapon that I stuck with during my first playthrough, and though I tried other weapons (Rivers of Blood, Dark Moon Greatsword, and Reduvia, to name a few), I kept coming back to Bloodhound’s Fang. It cannot be infused with Ashes of War, but can be upgraded by Somber Smithing Stones.
This Curved Greatsword sword can be obtained quite early in the game, and can be wielded with a relatively low Dex level (17). Bloodhound’s Fang offers players a great reach, due to the length of this curved sword, and causes Blood loss buildup on enemies. The weapon’s skill, Bloodhound’s Finesse, allows players to attack enemies with an upward Slash, followed by a backwards somersault that provides distance between the players and foes, allowing players the chance to heal or use consumables.
How to get Bloodhound's Fang:
How to get Bloodhound's Fang. Start at 4:28.
Bloodhound's Fang full details:
- Attack: Phy 141, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 18, Dex 17
- Scaling: Str D, Dex C
- Weapon Skill: Bloodhound’s Finesse, costs 8 (-12) FP
- Weight: 11.5
- Causes Blood loss buildup (55)
#1. Hand of Malenia
Defeating Malenia rewards you with her katana, Hand of Malenia
Our number one spot belongs to the Hand of Malenia. This weapon has the highest wield requirement on our list; players will need 48 Dexterity to wield this katana, which works out surprisingly well, as it isn’t obtainable until quite late in the game.
To obtain the Hand of Malenia, players must defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, which is no simple task. Upon her defeat, and bringing her Remembrance to the Roundtable Hold, players can unlock this katana. Waterfowl Dance, its weapon skill, is nearly as useful in slaying enemies as it was frustrating being on the receiving end. Most notably, this weapon scales primarily with Dexterity and Strength, making it a top choice for Dexterity builds. The Hand of Malenia can be upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones.
How to get Hand of Malenia:
How to get Hand of Malenia. Start at 0:33.
Hand of Malenia full details:
- Attack: Phy 117, Mag 0, Fire 0, Lgt 0, Holy 0, Crit 100
- Requires: Str 16, Dex 48
- Scaling: Str E, Dex C
- Weapon Skill: Waterfowl Dance, costs 12 (-9) FP
- Weight: 7
- Causes Blood loss buildup (50)
