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In thisElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreeguide, I’ll walk you through 19 weapons you’re able to acquire without defeating a single boss. These weapons are available very early in the game, making them perfect for anyone looking for new gear to use in the DLC. Whether you’ve just created a low-level character and are sneaking into the DLC to snag some weapons for the base game, or simply want to try out new equipment, this guide will show you how to get theseweapons, along with their movesets, weapon skills, and scaling.
The order of these weapons follows how they appear in my inventory, rather than any specific sequence. Remember, all these weapons are obtainable without defeating a single boss. While there are some bosses you can reach quickly in the game, you don’t need to defeat any of them to acquire these weapons.
Smithscript Dagger
Weapon Type:Throwing Blade
Location:Ruined Forge Lava Intake
Weapon Skill:Piercing Throw
Damage Type: Physical
Infusable: Yes
Requirements: STR 5, DEX 11, INT 11, FTH 11
The first weapon is theSmithscript Dagger, a new weapon type inElden Ring. It’s a throwing blade, designed to be hurled at enemies. you may find it at theRuined Forge Lava Intake, located just southeast ofCastle Ensis. Simply ride in that direction for about a minute, and you’ll come across it inside the forge. No boss fight is required to obtain this weapon. Its weapon skill,Piercing Throw, allows you to throw it farther and pierce through enemies. This dagger has unusual requirements, needingStrength,Dexterity,Intelligence, andFaithto wield.
Weapon Type:Light Greatsword
Location:Castle Ensis
Weapon Skill:Impaling Thrust
Requirements: STR 12, DEX 17
The next weapon isMilady, a newGreatswordtype. This weapon was showcased extensively during preview events, and players love its move set, which allows for quick, fluid swings in rapid succession, resembling a dancer’s movements. You can findMiladyjust insideCastle Ensis. It takes about 30 seconds to a minute to reach it; climb a tower by ladder, and you’ll find it guarded by a couple of enemies, but no bosses.
It’s very quick to acquire, taking only a few minutes. Its weapon skill,Impaling Thrust, should be familiar if you’ve played the base game, but you can infuse it to change this skill if desired. I featured this weapon in myDark Paladinbuild, so check out that video to learn how to maximize its potential.
Moonrithyll’s Knight Sword
Weapon Type:Colossal Sword
Weapon Skill:Tremendous Phalanx
Damage Type: Physical & Magic
Infusable: No
Requirements: STR 20, DEX 14, INT 18
The next weapon isMoonrithyll’s Knight Sword, a colossal sword. You can find several colossal swords early on, and this one is also located inCastle Ensis. To obtain it, you must defeatMoonrithyll, a hostile NPC in the castle. This weapon deals both physical and magic damage and has the weapon skillTremendous Phalanx, which resemblesGlintblade Phalanxbut with larger swords, potentially dealing more damage.
I haven’t tested it thoroughly yet, but it requiresStrength,Dexterity, andIntelligenceto wield. If you enjoy theGlintblade Phalanxplaystyle and want to use a colossal weapon, this could be an intriguing option for you.
Horned Warrior’s Sword
Weapon Type:Curved Sword
Location: Drops from Horned Warriors found inBelurat Tower Settlement
Weapon Skill:Horn Calling: Storm
Requirements: STR 11, DEX 14
The next weapon is theHorned Warrior’s Sword. This is acurved swordthat drops fromHorned Warriorswielding them. You can find two of these in theBelurat Tower Settlement. What’s really cool about thesecurved swordsis that they’re paired, so you only need to equip one to use both.
The moveset is absolutely fantastic. Its weapon skill,Horn Calling, shoots out anAoEat a distant location and hits enemies in that area, which is really nice. This weapon can take a little time to farm, but there is asite of graceright next to one of these enemies, making it relatively easy to obtain.
Backhand Blade
Weapon Type:Backhand Blade
Location:Gravesite Plains
Weapon Skill:Blind Spot
Requirements: STR 10, DEX 13
Next, we have theBackhand Blade. This is actually one of the new weapon types as well, which isBackhand Blade. It’s the namesake of the weapon. You can find this in theGravesite Plainsvery early on in the game. You can literally just ride over to this weapon on your horse and pick it up within 30 seconds. So, if you want to do aBackhand Bladebuild, you could grab this really quickly. Its weapon skill,Blind Spot, dashes forward and hits behind you with the sword, which makes me think that it might do backstab damage or extra damage.
TheBackhand Bladeis a weapon that, instead of being two-handed, allows you to use two at the same time, giving you a much faster moveset akin toCurved Swordsbut with different attack animations. It attacks very rapidly, and I imagine these would be a good weapon type for status effects.
Curseblade’s Cirque
Location: Drops From Curseblades inBelurat, Tower Settlement
Weapon Skill:Deadly Dance
Auxiliary: 45 Blood Loss Build Up
Requirements: STR 9, DEX 22
TheCurseblade’s Cirqueis obtainable right from the start. You’ll find aCursebladeenemy atop pillars just 10 seconds away as you enter the DLC. Defeating this enemy gives a chance to drop this weapon, though it’s rare—I spent about 40 minutes farming it with higharcane. Despite potentially taking longer to acquire than other weapons, it doesn’t require defeating a boss. What sets it apart is its nativeblood lossbuildup, making it a solid choice for bleed builds. Its weapon skill,Deadly Dance, strikes rapidly and finishes with a downward kick, mirroring the enemy’s moves.
Great Katana
Weapon Type:Great Katana
Weapon Skill:Overhead Stance
Auxiliary: 55 Blood Loss Build Up
Requirements: STR 14, DEX 18
Next, we have theGreat Katana. This is a new weapon type introduced inShadow of the Erdtree. It’s located just a minute’s ride away, next to aSleeping Dragon. Simply pick it up without needing to defeat any enemies. I’ve developed theSavage Slasherbuild around it, showcased in my video.
What stands out about this weapon is its enhanced stance damage compared to regular Katanas, along with its impressive range. TheOverhead Slashmove is reminiscent ofIchimonjifromSekiro—it delivers a chop with a light attack and three chops with a heavy attack while in the overhead stance. Additionally, like other Katana-type weapons, it features native bloodlust buildup.
Messmer Soldier’s Axe
Weapon Type:Axe
Location: Drops from Messmer Soldiers that wield it
Weapon Skill:War Cry
Requirements: STR 14, DEX 10
Next, let’s talk about theMessmer Soldier’s Axe. This axe is dropped byMessmer Soldierswho wield it, known for their devastating attacks that can easily catch players off guard early in the game. One of its notable features is a unique Charged R2 follow-up. Executing Charged R2 twice performs a sweeping motion upwards and then downwards, mimicking the enemies' own formidable strikes. Interestingly, this axe also comes equipped withWarcry, which can potentially override its distinctive R2 move. Consider infusing it with a differentAsh of Warto avoid this problem.
Bloodfiend’s Arm
Weapon Type:Colossal Weapon
Location: Drops from Bloodfiend’s who wield it
Weapon Skill:Endure
Requirements: STR 28, DEX 11, ARC 16
Next up is theBloodfiend’s Arm, acolossal weaponobtained fromBloodfiendswho surprisingly wield it. Interestingly, I’ve found this weapon frequently inProspect Town, suggesting a specificBloodfiendthere may drop it frequently. Alternatively, you may farmBloodfiendsknown to wield it elsewhere. Its weapon skill isEndure, but what makes this weapon truly intriguing is its heavy attack. This attack slams the weapon into the ground, creating a splatter of blood.
Additionally, the weapon boasts nativearcanescaling, enhancing the effects of arcane-enhancing items likeblood grease,poison grease, orsoporific grease. This unique property makes it a versatile choice for strategic builds inElden Ring.
Anvil Hammer
Weapon Skill:Smithing Art Spears
Damage Type: Physical & Fire
Requirements: STR 39, DEX 10, INT 11, FTH 20
Next up is theAnvil Hammer, another colossal weapon you can find in theRuined Forge Lava Intake, just like theSmithscript Dagger. This weapon has many requirements: 39strength, 10DEX, 11INT, and 20Faith, making it quite the investment. It deals both physical and fire damage. Its unique weapon skill,Smithing Art Spears, unleashes spikes around you upon activation. You can obtain this powerful hammer in theRuined Forge Lava Intake, not far southeast fromCastle Ensis.
Swift Spear
Weapon Type:Spear
Location: On the road southeast ofCastle Ensis
Requirements: 10 STR, 26 DEX
Next up is theSwift Spear, a spear-type weapon found just southeast ofCastle Ensis, guarded by a few enemies along the road. you’re able to grab it from an enemy corpse, and its special move is the impaling thrust. What’s really cool about this weapon is how fast its R1 combo is—it’s seriously quick. If you’re into rapid-fire attacks, this could be a top pick for you.
Bloodfiend’s Fork
Location: Drops from Bloodfiends who wield it
Weapon Skill:Barbaric Roar
Auxiliary: 51 Blood Loss Build Up
Requirements: STR 14, DEX 8, ARC 13
TheBloodfiend’s Forkis another spear-type weapon that drops fromBloodfiendswielding it. Keep an eye out for these specificBloodfiendscarrying aspearinstead of theBloodfiend’s Arm. Its weapon skill isBarbaric Roar, which is decent—inflicts physical damage. What sets this spear apart is its inherent blood loss buildup, a trait shared by only a few spears. If you’re into bleeding effects with your spear, this could be your go-to choice. Moreover, it boastsnativearcane scaling, enhancing its blood loss capabilities—a rarity among weapons.
Messmer Soldier’s Spear
Weapon Type:Great Spear
Location: Drops from Messmer Soldiers wielding it
Requirements: STR 19, DEX 16
Next up is theMessmer Soldier’s Spear. It’s not your average spear; it’s a formidable one that drops fromMessmer Soldierswho wield it. Known for its exceptionally long reach, this spear surprises with its heavy attack, which extends further than expected—something you’ve likely noticed if you’ve battled these enemies. It featuresImpaling Thrustas its skill, making it a solid choice if you appreciate its powerful heavy attack and extensive reach.
Weapon Type:Fist
Location:Church of Benediction
Requirements: STR 11, DEX 15
Next up is thePata. It’s a sleek fist weapon with integrated blades that just looks awesome. You’ll find it at theChurch of Benediction, southwest of your starting point. Head north, pass through the giant doorway, hug the cliff, and you’ll arrive at the church where you’re able to grab both this weapon and an armor set. Its weapon skill isImpaling Thrust, which adds versatility to your combat style. You can tweak itsAsh of Warto tailor it to your preferences. Overall, thePatastands out not only for its impressive appearance but also for its smooth and effective combat mechanics.
Poisoned Hand
Location:Belurat, Tower Settlement
Weapon Skill:Poison Spear-Hand Strike
Auxiliary: 105 Poison Build Up
Requirements: STR 8, DEX 8, ARC 28
ThePoisoned Handis another fist weapon you can discover in theBelurat, Tower Settlement, amidst the area where those fly creatures swarm. Despite its rather repulsive surroundings, this weapon boasts an impressive fist moveset akin to other fist weapons. It inflictsdeadly poison, enhancing its effectiveness against enemies. Its weapon skill,Poison Spear-Hand Strike, reaches out to strike enemies, significantly increasing their deadly poison buildup.
Moreover, thePoisoned Handbenefits from nativearcane scaling, which further boosts its poison capabilities. For those looking to combine the power of fists with poison tactics, this weapon proves to be a formidable choice.
Firespark Perfume Bottle
Weapon Type:Perfume Bottle
Location: In front ofCastle Ensis
Weapon Skill:Kick
Damage Type: Fire
Requirements: STR 3, DEX 14
Next up is theFirespark Perfume Bottle, a newly introduced weapon type calledPerfume Bottles, included in the latest DLC. You can locate this weapon just in front ofCastle Ensisnear the castle’sSite of Grace, slightly southeast of that location. This unique weapon deals exclusivelyfire damage, offering intriguing possibilities when paired with items that enhance fire damage, such as theFire Scorpion CharmorFire-Shrouding Cracked Tear.
Notably, it primarily scales withdexterity, adding an interesting twist to its usage. TheFirespark Perfume Bottleis alsoinfusible, allowing for further customization. Its current weapon skill,kick, is a bit lackluster, so replacing it with a more effective skill is advisable. I’m particularly interested in seeing the results of infusing this weapon with other fire-enhancing elements, like fire and holy or fire and magic, which could lead to some unconventional but potentially powerful combinations.
Deadly Poison Perfume Bottle
Location: Purchased fromThiollierfor 9000 Runes
Weapon Skill:Deadly Poison Spray
Damage Type:
Auxiliary: 68 Poison Build Up
Requirements: STR 3, DEX 13, 18 ARC
Next up is theDeadly Poison Perfume Bottle, another addition to the new weapon category,Perfume Bottles. This particular bottle can be purchased fromTheolierfor 9000 runes, conveniently located just east ofCastle Ensis. Head towards the direction of the lava intake, and you’ll find him nearby. Acquiring this weapon is straightforward as you may simply buy it from him. Surprisingly, it dealsphysical damageand featurespoison buildupas part of its effects.
It also benefits fromarcane scaling. The weapon’s skill,Deadly Poison Spray, releases a cloud of poison in the surrounding area, quickly inflicting poison on enemies and potentially triggering beneficial effects like those from theMushroom CrownorKindred of Rot’s Exultation. This combination could prove highly effective for those keen on leveraging poison tactics.
Weapon Type:Light Bow
Weapon Skill:Rancor Shot
Requirements: STR 8, DEX 11
Next up, we have a couple of ranged weapons to discuss. First off is theBone bow, a lightbow obtainable in theBelurat, Tower Settlement. What stands out about this bow is itsRancor Shotfeature. Similar toBarrage, but with homing arrows, it significantly reduces the chances of missing targets, which proves advantageous against swift, agile enemies prevalent throughout the DLC. If you enjoy usingBarragebut find it frustrating to miss shots, this bow could be a worthwhile addition to your arsenal.
Weapon Type:Crossbow
Location: Southeast ofCastle Ensis
Requirements: STR 11, DEX 17
Lastly, let’s talk about theSpread Crossbow. Located southeast ofCastle Ensis, you’ll find it on a corpse. Its weapon skill isKick, but what makes this crossbow special is its ability to shoot 10 bolts simultaneously in a shotgun-like spread. This feature allows for potentially massive damage, particularly effective when fired at close range against larger boss targets. If you’re looking to deal significant burst damage and aren’t concerned about consuming ammo quickly, this weapon might be right up your alley.
So that wraps up our guide on some early game weapons. While there are other weapons available early on in the game, acquiring them often requires more time and effort. The ones we’ve covered here can all be obtained within the first 10 minutes of gameplay without defeating any bosses. There are additional early weapons accessible by defeating early bosses, but these don’t necessitate facing significant challenges to acquire.
I put this guide together to offer you quick weapon options, their locations, and potential for building strategies in the DLC or even for a speedy New Game Plus run in the base game. It eliminates the need to search extensively for weapons.
If there are any weapons I missed or didn’t include that you can obtain before defeating the main bosses ofCastle EnsisorBelurat, Tower Settlement, feel free to let me know in the comments below. How are you finding the DLC so far? What aspects do you enjoy the most? Have you taken time off work to dive into it? Share your thoughts below. Bye for now!
