In the brutal, unforgiving world of Elden Ring, the philosophy of "unga bunga" is not just a meme; it's a way of life. For the Tarnished who believe that every problem can be solved with a sufficiently large piece of metal, the Strength build is a sacred calling. It's the art of trading finesse for raw, earth-shattering power, of turning bosses into Elden Ring Runes paste and invaders into red stains on the grass.
But with a colossal arsenal of hammers, axes, and greatswords to choose from, which weapon deserves the right to be swung with your might? This tier list breaks down the best Strength weapons Elden Ring has to offer, judging them not just on raw Attack Rating (AR), but on their movesets, unique skills, and overall versatility in both PvE and PvP.
S-Tier:The Colossal Champions
These are the legends, the weapons that define the Strength archetype. They are not just tools; they are statements.
1. Giant-Crusher
Location:Found in a chest behind a chariot corpse carriage in the Altus Plateau.
Why It's S-Tier:The Giant-Crusher is the undisputed king of pure, unadulterated physical damage. When equipped with the Heavy affinity and buffed with skills like Royal Knight's Resolve or the spell "Flame, Grant Me Strength," its charged heavy attacks can obliterate health bars in a single, satisfying crunch. It is the ultimate expression of Strength, requiring a massive 60 Strength to wield one-handed. Its moveset is slow and deliberate, demanding mastery of timing, but the payoff is the highest single-hit potential in the game for pure Strength builds.
2. Greatsword
Location:Sitting in the back of a treasure chest on a wrecked carriage in Caelid's Dragonbarrow.
Why It's S-Tier:A homage to Berserk's Dragonslayer, this colossal sword is the perfect blend of damage, range, and versatility. While the Giant-Crusher hits slightly harder, the Greatsword's sweeping horizontal heavy attacks are far more manageable against groups of enemies. It can be infused with a vast array of Ashes of War, making it adaptable to any situation. Whether you use the poise-breaking Lion's Claw or the gap-closing Giant Hunt, the Greatsword is a reliable, devastating companion from the moment you pick it up until the final boss.
A-Tier:The Powerhouse Elite
These weapons are a hair's breadth from perfection. They offer incredible power, often with a unique gimmick or more fluid moveset that can sometimes outperform the S-Tier choices in skilled hands.
1. Prelate's Inferno Crozier
Location:Dropped by the Fire Prelate at the Mountaintops of the Giants, near the Guardian's Garrison.
Why It's A-Tier:This giant hammer is a direct competitor to the Giant-Crusher. It has a slightly lower AR but makes up for it with a superior and unique moveset. Its charged heavy attack is a two-part slam-and-drag that deals immense damage and can often catch rolling opponents in PvP. It's an excellent weapon for those who want crushing power without being locked into the pure vertical chops of the Crusher.
2. Ruins Greatsword
Location:Reward for defeating the Misbegotten Warrior and Crucible Knight duo in Redmane Castle.
Why It's A-Tier:This is a STR/INT hybrid weapon, but it scales so magnificently with Strength that it cannot be ignored. It boasts one of the highest potential ARs in the entire game and comes with the unique Ash of War, Wave of Destruction. This skill creates a massive shockwave that deals colossal damage and obliterates the poise of anything it hits. It's a boss-melter and a zone-controller all in one, though its stat requirements place it just outside the pure Strength S-Tier.
B-Tier:The Reliable Workhorses
These are the weapons you can build your entire playthrough around. They are powerful, accessible, and lack the crippling drawbacks of heavier options.
1. Nightrider Glaive
Location:Dropped by the Night's Cavalry patrolling the bridge in southern Liurnia, near the Bellum Church.
Why It's B-Tier:For Strength builds craving reach and speed, the Nightrider Glaive is the best halberd in the game. It achieves an "S" rank in Strength scaling with the Heavy affinity, and its moveset is exceptional. It offers sweeping attacks, a long-range poke, and the hyper-armor of a great-class weapon without the extreme weight of a colossal one. It's a dueling monster and a fantastic all-rounder.
2. Brick Hammer
Location:Found in a room within Stormveil Castle, accessible by breaking an illusory floor.
Why It's B-Tier:Available incredibly early, the Brick Hammer is a miniature Giant-Crusher. It has innate bleed buildup and the coveted "S" Strength scaling when made Heavy. Its lower weight and stamina consumption make it far more manageable in the early and mid-game, allowing Strength builds to come online much faster. It's the perfect training wheels for the colossal weapon lifestyle.
C-Tier:The Situational Specialists
These weapons have their niche and can be incredibly fun or powerful in the right context, but they are often outclassed by the options above.
1. Grafted Blade Greatsword
Location:Dropped by the Leonine Misbegotten boss in Castle Morne.
Why It's C-Tier:An iconic early-game Colossal Sword, the Grafted Blade's main draw is its skill, Oath of Vengeance, which provides a massive +5 to all attributes for 30 seconds. This is a fantastic buff for a low-level character, but the weapon's base damage and scaling fall off significantly in the late game compared to an infused Greatsword.
2. Beastman's Cleaver
Location:A rare drop from the larger Beastmen in Crumbling Farum Azula.
Why It's C-Tier:This is a curved greatsword, a weapon class known for its fast, flashy movesets. The Beastman's Cleaver is the strongest of its kind for a pure Strength build and can be infused with Ashes of War. Its main drawback is its abysmal drop rate, making it a weapon you might never find without dedicated farming.
The Honorable Mention:A Fistful of Power
No Strength list is complete without mentioning the Star Fist. Found in the capital city, this pair of spiked fists scales magnificently with Strength and, when made Heavy, can stunlock many enemies with rapid, high-damage punches. Their innate bleed buildup and low stamina cost make them a surprisingly potent and brutally fun alternative to the typical giant slabs of iron.
The Final Verdict
The "best" Strength weapon ultimately comes down to your personal playstyle. Do you seek the absolute pinnacle of single-hit damage? The Giant-Crusher awaits. Do you value a balanced weapon that can handle any threat? The Greatsword is your loyal companion. Or perhaps you prefer a faster, more technical approach with overwhelming reach? The Nightrider Glaive will not disappoint.
No matter your choice, the path of Strength is a rewarding one. It teaches patience, positioning, and best site to buy elden ring items the profound satisfaction of meeting Elden Ring's greatest challenges head-on-and smashing them into dust. Now go forth, Tarnished, and swing something heavy.
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