Navigating Elden Ring’s treacherous landscapes can be daunting, especially in the early stages of the game. While the game's learning curve forces players to adapt, having the right weapon can ease the difficulty, enabling players to stand their ground against formidable foes. Whether you're exploring Limgrave, Stormveil Castle, or beyond, having a solid weapon early in the game can make all the difference. Here are some of the best weapons you can acquire early on in Elden Ring.

1. Banished Knight's Halberd +8

• Location: Dropped by Edgar the Revenger at Castle Morne or the Revenger's Shack.
• Max Damage: 306 (with a +8 upgrade).
• Scaling: Strength C, Dexterity C.
• Recommended Build: Strength 40, Dexterity 40.

The Banished Knight's Halberd +8 is a weapon that offers exceptional reach and powerful attacks. Players can acquire this early by defeating Edgar the Revenger. Its impressive range and thrusting attack make it a standout choice for melee-focused builds. With its scaling in both Strength and Dexterity, this halberd suits a variety of playstyles, and obtaining the +8 variant early ensures you're ahead of the curve.

2. Spear +7

• Location: Dropped by Patches in Murkwater Cave.
• Max Damage: 279 (with a +7 upgrade).
• Scaling: Strength D, Dexterity C.
• Recommended Build: Strength 35, Dexterity 45.

The Spear +7 is a solid early-game weapon that provides both reach and consistent damage. Found in Murkwater Cave, it’s dropped by Patches if you choose to defeat him. The spear excels in poking attacks, allowing players to maintain distance while dealing damage. Its unique skill, Impaling Thrust, is especially effective against slow-moving enemies with large health pools.

3. Uchigatana

• Location: Deathtouched Catacombs, Stormhill, Limgrave.
• Max Damage: 281.
• Scaling: Strength D, Dexterity C.
• Recommended Build: Strength 30, Dexterity 50.

The Uchigatana, a starting weapon for the Samurai class, is one of the best weapons for Dexterity-based builds. Its fast slashing and piercing attacks, combined with blood loss buildup, make it a formidable choice in the early game. For players who didn’t pick the Samurai class, the weapon can be found in the Deathtouched Catacombs.

4. Meteorite Staff

• Location: Street of Sages Ruins, Aeonia Swamp, Caelid.
• Scaling: Intelligence S.
• Recommended Build: Intelligence 30.

The Meteorite Staff is a must-have for any sorcery build. Although it cannot be upgraded, its exceptional S-tier scaling in Intelligence ensures significant damage output early on, especially when paired with the Rock Sling spell. Its effectiveness makes it a valuable tool throughout the early and mid-game stages.

5. Greataxe

• Location: Chest in a moving carriage, near Waypoint Ruins.
• Max Damage: 369.
• Scaling: Strength C, Dexterity D.
• Recommended Build: Strength 55, Dexterity 25.

The Greataxe is a devastating weapon that provides massive damage for Strength-based characters. Obtained early in Limgrave, this weapon requires considerable Strength to wield but rewards the player with high base damage and knockdown potential. Its weapon skill, Barbaric Roar, further enhances its damage with a powerful combo attack.

6. Shortbow

• Location: Purchased from a merchant near Coastal Cave.
• Max Damage: 159.
• Scaling: Strength D, Dexterity D.
• Recommended Build: Strength 30, Dexterity 50.

Perfect for ranged combat, the Shortbow is a versatile weapon that can be used both on foot and while mounted. Its fast attack speed and utility in hit-and-run tactics make it an excellent choice for players looking to soften enemies from a distance before engaging in close combat.

7. Nightrider Glaive

• Location: Dropped by the Night's Cavalry in Liurnia.
• Max Damage: 316.
• Scaling: Strength B, Dexterity E.
• Recommended Build: Strength 60, Dexterity 20.

The Nightrider Glaive is ideal for horseback combat due to its range and attack speed. This halberd's scaling with Strength makes it a powerhouse when infused with a Heavy upgrade, allowing players to deal massive damage from a safe distance.

Conclusion

These weapons offer excellent utility and power for the early stages of your Elden Ring journey. By acquiring and upgrading the right weapon, players can tilt the odds in their favor and become a force to be reckoned with. Whether you're focusing on Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence, there’s a weapon here that will complement your build and help you overcome the game's many challenges. Get Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items now from MMOexp to greatly enhance your power and become invincible on your journey.