A good early-game weapon in the Elden ring will significantly impact your gameplay experience. They must be easily found, should have impressive damage output, excellent versatility, and fit according to your playstyle and build.
Surviving early in the game depends on your weapon choice whether you prefer a magical staff, brute strength weapons like a sword, or a dagger that makes rapid attacks and is easy to carry.
5 weapons that will help you survive the early-game stages easily in Elden Ring
1. Star-Lined Sword
The Star-Lined Sword is one of the best early-game weapons not only due to its striking appearance but also because of its powerful combos. The blood loss buildup ability increases the damage output. Moreover, it has a primary scaling in Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, making it useful for those focusing on magic and physical damage.
There is a basic move set for the katana but with its Ash of War: Onze’s Line of Stars, you will be able to perform a two-part combo with a single tap, and by extending this, you can also perform a four-part combo that produces enormous damage.
Head to the Charo’s Hidden Grave from the Cerulean Coast, and defeat the Demi-Human Queen Marigga to claim the Star-Lined Sword.
2. Backhand Blade
The Backhand Blade is a unique dual-wielding dagger, a new category of weapon, introduced in the latest update of Shadow of the Erdtree. These can produce rapid attacks and allow you to dodge while dealing damage to your enemies.
The Blades do not cause bleed however, they can be equipped with various effects or customized with Ash of War: Blindspot, to increase the flexibility of the Knight Blade build. The rapid attacks produced by the Backhand Blades are a great tactic for a hit-and-run strategy.
Head to the Scorched Ruins from the Gravesite Plains. Observe that there will be some pillars in the northeast direction. Head straight toward them and you will find the Backhand Blade shining beside a coffin next to the pillars.
3. Milady
Coming next on the list is Milady, known for its fluid and rapid attacks which allows you to land successive hits on the enemies thus making it ideal for those looking for brute strength rather than speed.
You may use blood and occult infusions on the weapon and make a Dark Paladin Build. It also uses the Impaling Thrust technique found in weapons of the base game. Ashes of War: Wing Stance can be used to modify the weapon as required to suit different combat needs.
Head northeast from the Castle Front site of grace and reach the Castle Ensis. Climb up the watch tower guarded by some enemies and you will find Milady inside a chest.
4. Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana
The Dragon Hunter’s Great Katana is a heavy weapon and deals a significant amount of damage to the enemies causing them to stagger as well. It has a blood loss buildup that increases the damage output and can also be upgraded using the Somber Smithing Stones.
The primary scaling of the sword is Strength and Dexterity with an attacking power of 152. It has a fast single-tap attack and a charged slash attack and its anti-dragon effect gives it a damage boost to any dragons-type enemies in Elden Ring.
To acquire the Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana, head south from the Castle Front Gate, cross the Pillar Path Waypoint, and reach the Ellac River site. To the east of this site, you will find the Dragon’s Pit dungeon where you can defeat the boss and claim the weapon.
5. Curseblade’s Cirque
The Curseblade’s Cirque is one of the earliest weapons in the game offering rapid attacks just like any other backhand blade introduced in the latest update. Although it can be obtained early, farming this weapon is quite difficult making it a rare and rewarding find.
The blood loss buildup ability is already present in the Cirque and is compatible with Arcane builds. So, it is suitable for players who are focusing on bleed and fast-paced combat strategies. The attacking combo consists of rapid multiple attacks, a unique dance move, and finishes with a deadly kick to the enemies.
As you enter into the DLC, head northeast from the Gravesite plain and you will notice some enemies carrying the Curseblade’s Cirque sitting on top of the towers close to the Church of Benediction. You may also find enemies carrying this weapon in Belurat, Tower Settlement. Defeat these enemies to claim the weapon, however, there is a low chance of dropping the blade so it can take some time to get your hands on it.
