The long-anticipated expansion for Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, will drop on the 21st of June. With it, the size of Elden Ring’s universe will grow by one large area, and its bosses will be increased by ten. The road to these challenges presents itself best now, equipping with some base game weapons.
New Weapons and Features in Shadow of the Erdtree
While we do not have the count, over 100 new weapons and eight new weapon categories will be included in the Erdtree DLC. That includes innovative types such as light greatswords and martial fists, among many others. These new weapons will not be limited to the area of the DLC alone; they can be brought back into the main game to enrich your experience. We’ve had a chance to try out some of these new weapons, and there’s some real promise here. Look for a full breakdown closer to release.
A Tour of Elden Ring’s Armaments
The Elden Ring has a great arsenal of weapons at its disposal—each with its features and powerful sides. Some of them can be easily found, while others can be reached only after substantial effort in searching and mastering has been done. This overview describes some of the best weapons that are collected during the early-to-mid-game phase. You will be well-armed for further progress.
Greatsword (Colossal Sword)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 31 / Dexterity 12
- Location: Region of Caelid, to the east of Limgrave
The Greatsword feels like something out of a Berserk manga, due to the scale and weight it carries. Best used in heavy, strong raw attacks but has high stamina and strength requirements. Now, to find this, you want to head east from the Warmaster’s Shack in Limgrave into Caelid. Search for a ruined caravan guarded by large dogs. It’s inside a chest at the rear of one of the wagons. Although this area is relatively dangerous for early access, careful planning and using Torrent can help a player through the danger.
Reduvia (Dagger)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 5 / Dexterity 13 / Arcane 13
- Location: Near Murkwater Cave, Limgrave
This makes Reduvia a fast, bleeding dagger, excellent for rapid attacks or backstabbing due to its short range. Defeat the invading Bloody Hunter Nerijus near Murkwater Cave to get this. If you spoke to NPC Yura (south of the lake in Limgrave), he’ll help you with this fight.
Twinblade (Double-sided Sword)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 10 / Dexterity 18
- Location: Dragon Burnt Ruins, southern Limgrave
Agile double-sided sword with heavy damage, fitting strength, and dexterity builds. You will find it inside a chest in Dragon Burnt Ruins. The chest itself lies in what would look like an inaccessible building, but you can reach it by jumping over the nearby rocks using a Torrent.
Winged Scythe (Reaper)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 16 / Dexterity 16 / Faith 24
- Location: Weeping Peninsula, Tombsward Ruins
The Winged Scythe does Holy Damage, so it’s well-suited for builds that balance magic and melee. It’s in a chest beneath a ruined temple in the Tombsward Ruins. Clear the immediate area of enemies to grab this weapon safely.
Meteorite Staff (Staff)
- Stat Requirements: Intelligence-based, no specific numbers required
- Location: Street of Sages Ruins, central Caelid
The Meteorite Staff is crucial for magic users, enhancing spells during the early to mid-game. It cannot be upgraded but provides significant boosts to intelligence-based characters. You’ll find it on a corpse in the Street of Sages Ruins, accessible after escaping the Sellia Crystal Tunnel.
Moonveil (Katana)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 12 / Dexterity 18 / Intelligence 23
- Location: Gael Tunnel, Caelid
Moonveil is the katana with infused magical abilities. Its Transient Moonlight skill releases waves of magical energies every time it slashes. Acquire this by defeating the Magma Wyrm residing in the Gael Tunnel.
Sword of Night and Flame (Sword)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 12 / Dexterity 18 / Intelligence 23
- Location: North of Liurnia of the Lakes, located within Caria Manor.
The Sword of Night and Flame is versatile, dealing with strong energy beams and fiery strikes. It can be found in a chest within Caria Manor, past ghost knights, and other dangerous enemies.
Death’s Poker (Greatsword)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 15 / Dexterity 17 / Intelligence 11
- Location: Southeast of the Southern Aeonia Swamp Bank grace site, Caelid
One of the great examples that can be acquired is Death’s Poker. It deals with frostbite damage and has a very strong skill in Ghostflame Ignition. To acquire this weapon, defeat the Death Rite Bird, only available at night. This involves strategic positioning and quick strikes.
Ghiza’s Wheel (Colossal Weapon)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 28 / Dexterity 18
- Location: Mt. Gelmir – Volcano Manor
Ghiza’s Wheel is just another variant of the buzzsaw axe with normal slashing damage but has the combo of the heavy chainsaw. It appears visually to be very near to Bloodborne’s Whirligig Saw. To obtain this, players must defeat Inquisitor Ghiza in Volcano Manor.
Eleonora’s Poleblade (Double-sided Sword)
- Stat Requirements: Strength 12 / Dexterity 21 / Arcane 19
- Location: Second Church of Marika, Altus Plateau
Eleonora’s Poleblade is speed and damage, which generally means loss of blood. Defeat Eleonora, Violet Bloody Finger, who can be found at the Second Church of Marika. You need to advance far enough in Yura’s questline for her to be available.
Rivers of Blood Katana
- Requirements: Str 12, Dex 18, Arc 20
- Location: Church of Repose, Mountaintop of the Giants
The Rivers of Blood katana is very potent for PvP and dungeon crawling due to its blood loss damage, which is extremely effective on nearly all enemies. It’s obtained after defeating Bloody Finger Okina within the Church of Repose.
Current Weapons’ Effectiveness in the DLC
How effective these weapons will be within the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is yet to be known. There are over 100 new weapons that can prove to be even better than the current favorites, so a good deal of exciting possibilities that this new DLC brings. New synergies of weapons with talismans, paired weapons, spells, and other gear make for a new layer of strategy and builds. New mechanics or items from the DLC may further enhance existing weapons to bring newer strategies and builds.
Conclusion
Gather these top weapons, and you’ll stand well-armed against the challenges posed in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Each weapon includes different benefits, most of which serve various play styles. More elaborate insights and strategies will have to be retained as we move through the expansion upon its release. With these preparations, you’re good to face the new adventures Elden Ring has in store.