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Since the early days of the Soulsborne series, giant weapons have captured the imaginations of players worldwide. These colossal instruments of Elden Ring Runes destruction not only represent raw power and weight but also embody a specific style of play that rewards patience, timing, and tactical aggression. Elden Ring, the latest and most expansive entry in FromSoftware’s action RPG lineage, continues this proud tradition, offering an incredible variety of giant weapons that cater to players who want to wield overwhelming force in the brutal and beautiful Lands Between.

The Legacy of Giant Weapons in the Souls Series
Giant weapons have been a staple in FromSoftware’s design philosophy since Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls. Whether it’s the iconic Greatsword, the Dragon Slayer Great Axe, or the massive Ultra Greatswords, these weapons are known for their heavy attack animations, enormous reach, and the ability to stagger enemies and bosses alike.

The appeal lies in their satisfying weight and impact. They often trade speed for staggering power, forcing players to adopt a more deliberate, methodical combat style. Each swing is a commitment, and missing an attack can be costly. But when timed correctly, giant weapons can decimate foes, break enemy poise, and turn the tide of battle.

Giant Weapons in Elden Ring: Expanded and Enhanced
Elden Ring expands upon this tradition by introducing a diverse and refined collection of giant weapons, from colossal swords and axes to massive hammers and polearms. The sheer scale of these weapons is awe-inspiring, but so too is their versatility. Thanks to Elden Ring’s open-world design and refined combat mechanics, giant weapons now feel more impactful and situationally useful than ever before.

Key examples include:

Greatswords and Colossal Swords: Weapons like the Greatsword (famous from Dark Souls II), the Sword of Night and Flame, and the new Colossal Sword variants deal massive damage with wide, sweeping strikes capable of clearing groups of enemies.

Colossal Great Hammers: These weapons deliver crushing blows that not only deal physical damage but often cause staggering and knockback, breaking enemy defenses with brutal force.

Colossal Axes and Greathammers: Combining reach and power, these weapons are devastating in PvP and PvE alike, capable of staggering opponents and bosses with a few well-placed hits.

Colossal Spears and Polearms: Offering longer reach with sweeping and thrusting attacks, these weapons balance range with heavy damage, perfect for controlling space and punishing enemy mistakes.

The Mechanics Behind the Weight
What makes giant weapons unique is not just their damage output but the distinct mechanics that govern their use:

Weight and Stamina Management: Giant weapons are heavy, and each swing consumes considerable stamina. Players must manage their stamina carefully, balancing offense with defense to avoid leaving themselves vulnerable.

Poise Damage and Stagger Potential: Giant weapons excel at breaking enemy poise, allowing players to stagger foes with fewer hits than smaller weapons. This is invaluable against large enemies and bosses, where staggering can create crucial openings.

Movement and Roll Impact: Using these weapons typically requires a heavier armor loadout to avoid fat rolling. This means players accept slower movement and longer recovery times, making positioning and timing critical.

Strategic Playstyle: Patience and Precision
Mastering giant weapons in Elden Ring means adopting a patient, strategic mindset. Unlike faster weapon classes that rely on quick combos and dodge-rolling, giant weapon wielders commit to fewer but more impactful attacks.

The player must carefully read enemy behavior, waiting for clear openings to unleash devastating swings. A single well-timed heavy attack can topple foes and turn the tide of combat, but mistimed strikes often lead to punishments from enemies.

This slower, deliberate pace rewards players who enjoy tactical combat over frantic button-mashing and invites a deeper connection to the rhythm of battle.

Popular Giant Weapons in Elden Ring and Their Unique Traits
Here are a few standout giant weapons in Elden Ring that have become fan favorites:

Greatsword: A classic from Dark Souls II, this enormous sword features a sweeping, arcing heavy attack that unleashes a shockwave, dealing damage even at range. Its balance of raw power and reach makes it ideal for boss fights.

Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword: Inspired by Dark Souls, this weapon continues to intimidate with its sheer size and power. Its ability to stagger large foes and its iconic status make it a popular choice.

Great Club: A classic colossal hammer, the Great Club deals staggeringly high blunt damage, effective against armored foes and bosses with tough poise.

Ruins Greatsword: Known for its magical properties, this sword combines heavy physical damage with frost and magic attacks, adding a layer of elemental versatility.

Erdtree Greatsword: A colossal sword imbued with the grace of the Erdtree, it deals heavy holy damage and has unique weapon skills that make it a potent tool against both PvE and PvP foes.

Enhancing Giant Weapons: Ashes of War and Builds
Elden Ring introduces the Ashes of War system, allowing players to customize giant weapons with unique skills and affinities. This system enhances the viability of giant weapons in different playstyles.

For instance:

Lion’s Claw Ash of War adds a powerful jumping slash skill that leverages the weight of giant weapons for an aerial strike.

Flame of the Redmanes imbues weapons with fire damage and boosts attack power temporarily, pairing perfectly with heavy-hitting weapons.

Sacred Blade boosts holy damage and is excellent for weapons like the Erdtree Greatsword.

Players often combine giant weapons with high Strength and Endurance builds, optimizing poise and stamina to maximize their potential. Heavy armor complements this playstyle by reducing stagger and allowing for sustained aggression.

Giant Weapons in PvP: Risk and Reward
In PvP, giant weapons are a double-edged sword. Their slow swings leave openings for quick opponents, but landing a hit can be devastating.

Players using giant weapons in PvP must master spacing and prediction, carefully baiting enemy attacks before retaliating with punishing blows. Poise is crucial here—players often invest heavily in endurance and poise-boosting talismans to withstand enemy aggression.

Because of their reach and stagger potential, giant weapons can dominate the battlefield when used skillfully, turning the tide in duels and invasions.

The Visual and Audio Impact
Beyond gameplay mechanics, giant weapons are a feast for the senses. Their massive size and weight are reflected in the animations—the slow, grinding heft as the weapon is raised, the earth-shaking impact on hit, and the satisfying clunk and clang sounds immerse players in the power of their blows.

This tactile feedback enhances the feeling of wielding something truly monumental, creating a visceral and rewarding combat experience.

Conclusion: Why Giant Weapons Still Matter
Giant weapons in Elden Ring are more than just oversized tools for dealing damage—they are a celebration of the series’ core themes: risk versus reward, timing, and strategic combat. They reward patience, precision, and a willingness to embrace a slower, more thoughtful style of play.

Whether you’re smashing bosses, controlling PvP duels, or exploring the vast open world, wielding a giant weapon brings a unique blend of power, spectacle, and satisfaction. They remain a cornerstone of the Elden Ring experience, continuing the legacy of Elden Ring Items the Souls series and proving that sometimes, size really does matter.