Just about any type of sword in Elden Ring is worth using during any playthrough. Some classes tend to work better than others, but they're overall incredible weapons to wield. However, one type of sword in Elden Ring simply takes the cake for how impactful they can be: Greatswords.
Throughout FromSoftware's games, Greatswords have been a staple. They make for some of the most beneficial and iconic weapons. And, even though they have flaws from time to time, there is a high reward for using them. Greatswords can completely demolish any enemy in your path, leaving you a high likelihood of getting out of combat without a scratch. Several different kinds of Greatswords can be found within Elden Ring, each of them unique in their own right.
10 Claymore
The Claymore is a staple weapon in the Dark Souls series, being known as an iconic and reliable sword if you're unsure which weapon to turn to. With its appearance in Elden Ring, the developers brought back the classic properties that make the Claymore so exciting.
It's a powerful weapon for both high-Strength wielders and those who are confident with only using a two-handed weapon in battle. The look of the Claymore alone is classic — silver and long with a nice sweeping motion. You can also inflict piercing damage with this weapon, which comes in handy during one-on-one combat.
9 Golden Order Greatsword
This golden and bright Greatsword was modeled after the Elden Ring itself. Infused with light, the Golden Order Greatsword deals a considerable amount of Holy damage. It also prevents skeletons from reviving and deals +20% damage to Undead enemies.
Golden Order Greatsword requires a decent amount of Faith and Dexterity to be able to wield. This can make it a fun weapon to use in the game, but as you get closer to later bosses, you'll have a tough time using it due to their Holy resistance. Regardless, it's still a worthy weapon to have in your inventory.
8 Sacred Relic Sword
If you're looking to deal additional Holy damage while having decent physical damage, then the Sacred Relic Sword would be perfect. Worked from the remains of a god who deserved eternal life, what this Greatsword portrays will always be up in the air. Whether it represents sin or a new beginning, the Sacred Relic Sword ultimately represents a soul that's been lived.
The Sacred Relic Sword only becomes available at the end of the game. Despite this, it's a favorite for Rune grinding due to its extremely powerful Wave of Gold skill. After a two-second windup, a great burst of light of Holy damage destroys anything in its path.
7 Marais Executioner's Sword
The Marais Executioner's Sword scales mainly with Arcane and Strength, on top of being one of the best melee weapons for performing a corkscrew attack. Lore-wise, this weapon came from the Marais family, who were a family of executioners.
Once this sword is infused with energy, flinging it forward in a corkscrew attack will deal continuous damage. Despite how much damage it does, though, it's important to note that you should be wary to use it against bosses due to their resistance to stuns and knockdowns. But, overall, its mighty attack and stats make this weapon redeeming.
6 Ordovis's Greatsword
As one of the Greatswords honored among the Crucible Knights, this golden sword is infused with a holy essence. Because of its lore, Ordovis's Greatsword is an excellent weapon for anyone focused on a Faith build. However, it is pretty great for Strength builds as well.
Ordovis's Vortex, the weapon's skill, is what truly makes this Greatsword stand out. But, since it is slow, you have to be tactical with it to get the full damaging effect. Either focusing on timing or a higher poise is your ticket to getting a full charge on the Vortex. With a high Strength level, Ordovis's Greatsword is the best way to maximize damage.
5 Sword Of Milos
If you're striving to find a weapon that works well for PvE, then the Sword of Milos is the way to go. It's an amazing weapon choice, the Shriek of Milos skill being one of its main strong points through it buffing you and debuffing your enemies.
The Sword of Milos pairs best with another Greatsword to enhance its jump attacks. Most of the time, you can pair it with the Blasphemous Blade, which will restore your FP and HP. Incredibly, this weapon also deals Blood loss, making its damage even more powerful as you can quickly kill enemies to restore your HP.
4 Forked Greatsword
Oddly shaped and made by Imps, the Forked Greatsword has one of the most distinctive looks in the game. Besides ruthlessly dealing Bleed damage, its Stamp (Upward Cut) skill can make taking down enemies easier. On top of this, it is also one of the only three Greatswords to build up Bleed on every hit.
Even though the Forked Greatsword has a unique appearance, its mechanics are the same as any other Greatsword. On the other hand, getting a backstab with this weapon can appear to deal a lot of damage because of the forked blade.
3 Inseparable Sword
The Inseparable Sword mostly serves as a Faith-focused weapon. It still has a main focus on Strength and Dexterity, but its Faith elements overpower everything else. This weapon does wonders if you're striving to reach a high Faith level, as its Holy damage becomes more powerful.
Most of the Holy weapons in Elden Ring do a fantastic job at dealing a good amount of damage to the Undead and keeping Skeletons from reviving. But, the Inseparable Sword seems to be the best option out of all of them because of its notable stats that cater towards Faith above all else.
2 Dark Moon Greatsword
Being mystical and gorgeous on the surface, the Dark Moon Greatsword is a staple in FromSoftware's games. It focuses mainly on Intelligence, Dexterity, and Strength. The Moonlight Greatsword skill is unique to the Dark Moon Greatsword, infusing the blade with frost and temporarily increasing your magic attack.
Gifted to you after finishing Ranni's questline, this weapon is one of the best Greatswords for a Spellblade build. It's also part of one of the best PvE builds after it's been fully buffed. Causing a good amount of Frost buildup and having great stagger capability, the Dark Moon Greatsword is a weapon you shouldn't go without.
1 Blasphemous Blade
Out of all the different types of weapons, the Blasphemous Blade is one of the strongest weapons in the entire game. With an incredible ability of restoring a good amount of HP upon an enemy's death, its Taker's Flame skill restores HP after each hit. Taker's Flame also notably deals pure fire damage, only scales with Faith, and can heal Mimic Tear Ashes.
In general, it's best to dual-wield as jump attack playing style works best with the Blasphemous Blade. Ultimately, this weapon is remarkable in how it can keep you alive in a large group of enemies.