Elden Ring Best Strength Weapons Tier List

What Makes a Weapon Good for Strength Builds?

In general, Strength weapons work best when they meet most of these conditions:

• High Strength scaling, especially with Heavy affinity
• Good stagger and poise damage
• A moveset that most players can use safely
• Reasonable stamina efficiency for repeated swings

Most players value consistency more than perfect damage numbers. A weapon that hits hard but misses often usually performs worse than a slightly weaker weapon with a reliable moveset.

S Tier – Best Overall Strength Weapons

These weapons are usually considered the strongest options for Strength builds. Most players who switch to one of these tend to keep it through late game or NG+.

Giant-Crusher

• Extremely high Strength scaling
• Massive stagger and posture damage
• Best suited for slow, deliberate play

In practice, this weapon deletes enemy posture but requires patience. Most players use jump attacks and charged heavies rather than full combos.

Greatsword (Colossal Sword)

• Strong Strength scaling with Heavy infusion
• Long reach and familiar moveset
• Easy to build around

This is one of the most commonly used Strength weapons. It works well in almost every situation and does not rely on a weapon skill to perform.

Ruins Greatsword

• High base damage
• Strong unique skill for crowd control
• Good late-game performance

Usually picked by players who want raw power plus some ranged pressure from the weapon skill.

A Tier – Very Strong and Reliable

These weapons perform well in most situations but are usually slightly less dominant than S-tier options.

Brick Hammer

• Very high Strength scaling
• Excellent stance breaking
• Short range

Most players use this early to mid-game and keep it longer than expected due to how easily it breaks enemy posture.

Nightrider Glaive (Heavy)

• Can reach S Strength scaling
• Faster than most heavy weapons
• Flexible moveset

This weapon is popular because it combines good reach with manageable stamina use.

Gargoyle's Great Axe (Heavy)

• Strong Strength scaling
• High damage per hit
• Slightly awkward moveset

Usually favored by players comfortable with slower swing timing.

B Tier – Good but Situational

These weapons are solid, but most players eventually replace them.

Great Club

• Good Strength scaling
• Simple moveset
• Slower attack speed

Works well early and mid-game but feels limited later.

Dragon Halberd

• Decent Strength scaling
• Useful weapon skill
• Less flexible build options

Often used for specific fights rather than as a main weapon.

C Tier – Usable but Outclassed

These weapons are not bad, but they tend to fall behind as enemies become tougher.

Zweihander

• Light for a colossal weapon
• Lower damage compared to alternatives

Some players like it for its weight, but most switch to heavier options later.

Lordsworn's Greatsword

• Good early-game damage
• Poor late-game scaling

Usually replaced once better Strength weapons become available.

How Most Players Use Strength Weapons in Practice

Most Strength builds rely on:

• Jump attacks
• Charged heavy attacks
• Guard counters

Fast combo strings are usually avoided. Instead, players focus on timing, spacing, and breaking enemy posture.

In general, Strength weapons reward patience. Players who try to play them like Dexterity weapons often struggle.

Should You Use Pure Strength or Hybrid Builds?

Most players start with pure Strength, then later add Faith or Intelligence for utility. Pure Strength works well throughout the game and is easier to optimize.

Hybrid weapons can be strong, but they usually require more stat investment and careful planning.

Summary

For most players, the best Strength weapon is the one that feels consistent and safe to use. While damage numbers matter, posture damage, reach, and stamina cost usually matter more in real fights.

If you want the simplest and most reliable option, start with a Heavy-infused Greatsword or a high-scaling colossal weapon, then adjust based on how you like to play.