Strength builds in Elden Ring are all about raw power. Whether you're swinging colossal swords or smashing enemies with gigantic hammers, there's a certain satisfaction in watching bosses stagger under the weight of your attacks. But not all strength weapons are created equal. Some offer superior poise damage, while others have unique Ashes of War or scaling that takes your build to the next level.
If you’re looking to create a truly devastating melee character, here are 22 of the best strength-based weapons in the game—tested, ranked, and ideal for anyone who enjoys flattening foes with overwhelming force.
1. Greatsword (Colossal Sword)
Inspired by Guts from Berserk, the Greatsword is the go-to for pure Strength builds. It has excellent scaling, tremendous stagger potential, and pairs perfectly with heavy infusions.
2. Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade
A heavy spear that hits like a truck and has a unique skill for breaking enemy stances. Great for bosses that are hard to stagger.
3. Ruin Greatsword
This colossal sword scales exceptionally well with Strength and offers a unique gravity-based Ash of War. Excellent for both PvE and PvP situations.
4. Prelate’s Inferno Crozier
This oversized flame-covered hammer is as brutal as it looks. Deals both physical and fire damage, with good Strength scaling. It’s a solid choice for a fire-themed build.
5. Great Club
A classic from previous Souls games, the Great Club offers raw, no-frills power. Its moveset is simple but effective, and it benefits heavily from strength investment.
6. Troll’s Golden Sword
Though often overlooked, this colossal weapon has a surprisingly effective moveset and scales well when fully upgraded. Bonus points if you like the troll aesthetic.
7. Dragon Slayer’s Great Axe
Massive and brutal, this weapon excels at staggering enemies and deals devastating damage. Its wide swings make it ideal for crowd control.
8. Giant-Crusher
Possibly the hardest-hitting weapon in the game when fully upgraded and infused. If you want to turn every boss fight into a three-hit contest, this is the one to use.
9. Beastclaw Greathammer
Great for thematic strength builds that lean into the Beast Champion gear set. It hits hard and has a compact yet efficient moveset.
10. Zweihander
A legacy weapon that’s been good since the original Dark Souls. Its reach, speed (relative to size), and stagger make it an easy pick for any strength build.
11. Great Stars
Not only does it scale well with Strength, but it also heals you with every hit. A perfect option for aggressive players who like to trade blows.
12. Cranial Vessel Candlestand
This weapon is not just bizarre in appearance—it’s also highly effective. Deals fire and physical damage, and its unique skill creates a deadly AoE blast.
13. Watchdog’s Greatsword
Its straightforward moveset and solid damage make this an excellent choice early to mid-game. Best used with a heavy infusion to max out Strength scaling.
14. Brick Hammer
This unassuming weapon becomes a serious threat in the right hands. It has one of the highest Strength requirements in the game, and its short wind-up delivers massive poise damage.
15. Troll Knight’s Sword
Available relatively early in the game and capable of dishing out respectable damage. It benefits greatly from upgrades and strength-heavy builds.
16. Rusted Anchor
Despite being a naval weapon, this greathammer swings with the best of them. Excellent stagger potential and a cool aesthetic for pirate-themed builds.
17. Dragon Slayer’s Great Hammer
While a bit slower, this hammer can obliterate enemies with a single charged heavy attack. It shines in situations where timing and poise matter more than speed.
18. Curved Great Club
Combines speed (relative to other colossal weapons) with sheer power. A fantastic option for aggressive players who want to stay mobile.
19. Tree Sentinel’s Halberd
Great for mounted combat, and its scaling with Strength allows you to use it effectively both on horseback and on foot. Pairs well with Faith builds too.
20. Troll’s Hammer
This massive weapon deals fire damage and has a unique spinning attack. It’s ideal for clearing out mobs or dealing with large bosses.
21. Envoy’s Long Horn
Don’t let its goofy appearance fool you—this weapon has deceptive range and excellent Strength scaling. Plus, its bubble-blowing skill is both fun and effective.
22. Brick Wall Greathammer
Rare and extremely powerful, this greathammer scales primarily with Strength and deals major posture damage. One of the best picks for tanky, slow-moving builds.
Strength builds offer a unique power fantasy in Elden Ring. With the right weapons, you can turn any encounter into a one-sided beatdown. From classic greatswords to outlandish hammers, these weapons bring out the best in high-strength characters.
Of course, to make the most of these weapons, you’ll need plenty of runes for leveling and upgrading. While some players prefer to farm manually, others look to buy Elden Ring runes to save time and jump straight into the action. Either way, these weapons will demand proper stat investment and a steady supply of upgrade materials and other Elden Ring items.
Experiment, two-hand your favorites, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Strength builds may be slower, but when every swing counts, few builds are more satisfying.