Best Weapons In Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree DLC

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The Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion dramatically expands your combat options with five completely new weapon archetypes that fundamentally change engagement dynamics. Beyond traditional armaments, you’ll discover revolutionary tools like backhand blades that redefine defensive positioning, great katanas blending speed with overwhelming power, and light greatswords offering unprecedented mobility for strength builds. With upgrade materials being intentionally scarce throughout the DLC, strategic weapon selection becomes paramount for overcoming the expansion’s brutal challenges.

Our comprehensive weapon analysis covers 16 exceptional DLC armaments that deliver consistent performance across your entire journey through the Land of Shadow. While specific acquisition methods vary significantly, we’ve structured this guide to help you identify weapons that synergize with your established playstyle while introducing powerful new combat approaches.

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Backhand Blades: Advanced Defensive Offense

The revolutionary Backhand Blade weapon category introduces sophisticated defensive capabilities through its unique Blind Spot skill. This technique enables rapid lateral dashes that completely bypass enemy guard positions, creating openings against heavily armored foes and shield-bearing opponents. Mastery requires precise timing but rewards players with one of the most effective counter-attack tools in the entire DLC.

Pro Tip: The Blind Spot skill’s invincibility frames begin slightly later than standard rolls, so practice against slower enemies before attempting against aggressive bosses. The sideways movement also positions you perfectly for backstab opportunities against humanoid enemies.

Great Katanas: Balanced Power and Precision

Great Katanas bridge the gap between traditional katanas and colossal weapons, offering the bleed accumulation of their smaller counterparts with substantially improved range and stance damage. These weapons particularly shine against dragon-type enemies and large bosses where maintaining optimal positioning is challenging.

Common Mistake: Many players underestimate the stamina consumption of great katanas, leaving themselves vulnerable after aggressive combos. Always maintain at least 30% stamina for emergency evasion.

Specialized and Unique Armaments

Mastering Shadow of the Erdtree’s weaponry requires understanding sophisticated stat interactions and combat scenarios. Each weapon category demands specific attribute investments to unlock their full potential, with some excelling in pure damage output while others provide crucial utility against specific enemy types.

Stat Optimization Strategy: Backhand Blades scale exceptionally well with Dexterity investments beyond the minimum requirements, while Great Katanas benefit from balanced Strength and Dexterity distribution. Light Greatswords offer unique opportunities for strength builds seeking mobility typically reserved for lighter weapon users.

Weapon Combination Tactics: Pairing Backhand Blades with a high-poise weapon in your off-hand creates versatile engagement options—use the blades for positioning and guard-breaking, then switch to your heavy weapon for critical damage during openings.

Boss-Specific Counters: The Dragon-Hunter’s Great Katana deals bonus damage against dragon-type enemies, making it essential for specific late-game encounters. Similarly, perfumes provide area denial capabilities that trivialize certain gank fights.

Advanced Technique: The Blind Spot skill’s sideways movement can be chained into jump attacks for devastating counter-offensives, particularly effective against enemies with linear attack patterns.

Strategic planning for weapon upgrades is crucial given the limited availability of Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones throughout the DLC. Focus on upgrading weapons that complement your build’s core attributes rather than spreading resources thinly across multiple weapon types.

Material Farming Routes: Early-game upgrade materials can be efficiently acquired through specific cave systems and catacomb explorations. Mid-tier materials become accessible after defeating certain field bosses, while the highest upgrade materials require progression through the main storyline.

Priority Upgrade Decisions: Weapons with unique skills that cannot be replicated through Ashes of War should typically receive upgrade priority, as their specialized capabilities often provide unique solutions to challenging encounters.

For comprehensive guidance on character progression and stat allocation, consult our Class Guide to ensure your weapon choices align with your overall build strategy.

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