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The Lands Between are full of formidable bosses, each with their own brutal patterns and punishing mechanics. But with the right weapon in hand, even the most overwhelming fights can be flipped in your favor. After hundreds of hours exploring every corner of Elden Ring, these are the 20 weapons I’ve found that truly transform boss encounters—whether through staggering power, unique weapon skills, or simply fitting the right strategy for the right foe.

1. Rivers of BloodThis katana turns bleed builds into boss-melting machines. Its special attack, Corpse Piler, makes short work of enemies with large health pools, especially those vulnerable to hemorrhage.

2. Blasphemous BladeA favorite among strength-faith hybrids, this weapon not only deals great fire damage but also heals you with every kill. It makes longer fights more manageable without relying heavily on flasks.

3. MoonveilThe intelligence-scaling katana is a staple for spellblade builds. Its Transient Moonlight weapon art can interrupt boss attacks while dishing out heavy magic damage.

4. Maliketh’s Black BladeIts weapon skill, Destined Death, reduces enemy max HP—an invaluable tool in prolonged boss fights where healing is common.

5. Serpent-HunterAbsolutely essential for the Rykard fight, but surprisingly effective against other large enemies due to its innate reach and power.

6. Starscourge GreatswordsThese twin colossal swords have excellent crowd control and AoE potential, perfect for bosses with multiple phases or minions.

7. Sword of Night and FlameAlthough nerfed from its early power, it still remains a versatile weapon for those who like to mix melee with magic.

8. Giant-CrusherA pure strength weapon that, when fully upgraded, can stagger bosses in just a few hits. Especially useful in solo melee builds.

9. Morgott’s Cursed SwordFast, stylish, and bleed-inducing. Its agility and reach allow you to stay close to bosses and apply pressure without overcommitting.

10. Hand of MaleniaThis katana excels in both reach and damage, and its unique weapon skill Waterfowl Dance can delete bosses who give you an opening.

11. Bolt of GransaxGreat for ranged builds, especially those who need a break from close-quarters brawls. Its lightning bolt attack is reliable and powerful.

12. Eleonora’s PolebladeA dual-wielded bleed weapon that works wonders against most humanoid bosses. Fast attacks mean fast buildup.

13. Dark Moon GreatswordPerfect for intelligence builds looking for heavy magic-infused damage and a frostbite debuff on bosses.

14. Ruins GreatswordMassive and slow, but when it hits, it hurts. Fantastic for punishing slow or telegraphed bosses.

15. Sacred Relic SwordThis weapon is ideal for farming runes post-game, but it’s also deadly in boss fights thanks to its enormous wave-clearing ability.

16. Dragon Slayer’s CragbladeGreat stagger potential and built for fighting large enemies or dragons. It creates openings where there shouldn’t be any.

17. Marais Executioner’s SwordIts corkscrew-like skill is a devastating opener that can melt through boss HP if timed right.

18. Cleanrot SpearEffective for status effect builds and maintaining range. Great for aggressive bosses where spacing matters.

19. Godrick’s GreatswordThe weapon art offers high damage output and covers a wide arc, ideal for bosses with wide hitboxes or adds.

20. NagakibaOne of the longest katanas in the game. Combined with bleed and a dexterity build, it’s a reliable choice in nearly every boss encounter.

Choosing the right weapon can drastically shift the momentum of a boss battle. Whether you're going for raw strength, bleed builds, or hybrid caster setups, having the right tool in your hands is key. And for those short on time, some players opt to buy Elden Ring runes PS4 or buy Elden Ring items PS4 to speed up the process. While not essential, it can offer a quicker path to testing new builds or gearing up for the game’s toughest fights.