Top 10 Elden Ring Greatswords in 2026: A Smashing Guide

In the unforgiving world of Elden Ring, a Tarnished has to be choosy about their tools. While any sword can get the job done, there's one weapon class that truly brings the thunder, the kind that makes you feel like you're bringing a cannon to a knife fight. That's right, we're talking about Greatswords. These bad boys have been a staple in FromSoftware's games for ages, and Elden Ring is no different. They're not without their flaws—sometimes you swing so slow you could brew a cup of tea in between—but the reward is oh-so-sweet. A well-placed hit from one of these beasts can completely demolish your foes, giving you a fighting chance to walk away without a scratch. Let's dive into the top 10 Greatswords that are still dominating the Lands Between in 2026, from classic staples to holy terrors.

10. The Reliable Claymore

First up, we have the old reliable, the Claymore. This weapon is a certified legend, a true OG from the Dark Souls days. If you're ever in a pinch and don't know what to use, the Claymore's got your back. It's the Swiss Army knife of Greatswords—versatile, dependable, and it never goes out of style.

• Why it Rocks: Whether you're a Strength-chad who loves to bonk or a tactical fighter who prefers two-handing, the Claymore fits like a glove. Its moveset is smooth as butter, with a nice sweeping motion that's perfect for crowd control. Plus, it can inflict piercing damage, which is a total game-changer in one-on-one duels. It's the weapon you can always trust to pull through.

9. Golden Order Greatsword

Next, we have a blade that's literally dripping with divine power—the Golden Order Greatsword. Modeled after the Elden Ring itself, this thing is so bright it could probably double as a lighthouse.

• Holy Power: This sword deals a truckload of Holy damage. Skeletons? They stay dead. Undead enemies? They take a whopping +20% extra damage. Talk about a niche specialization! It does require a decent investment in Faith and Dexterity, which is a bit of a bummer. And let's be real, later bosses often laugh at Holy damage, so its usefulness can taper off. But for cleaning up catacombs and graveyards, it's an absolute blast.

8. Sacred Relic Sword

Speaking of holy power, the Sacred Relic Sword is in a league of its own. Forged from the remains of a god, this sword's lore is as mysterious as its power is immense. It doesn't become available until you're basically at the end of your journey.

• The Ultimate Farming Tool: Why is it so sought-after? One word: farming. Its unique skill, Wave of Gold, is the single best Rune-farming ability in the game. After a brief wind-up, it unleashes a massive wave of golden light that obliterates everything in a wide arc. It's so effective that some players keep a character at the endgame just to use this sword for farming sessions. It's basically the Elden Ring equivalent of printing money.

7. Marais Executioner's Sword

If you're looking for something with a bit more... flair, check out the Marais Executioner's Sword. This beast scales with Arcane and Strength, and it comes from a family of, you guessed it, executioners. Its signature move is something else.

• Corkscrew of Death: The weapon skill, Eochaid's Dancing Blade, lets you infuse the sword with energy and fling it forward in a wild, drill-like corkscrew attack. It deals continuous damage and looks absolutely metal. Just a heads-up, bosses are often resistant to its stun potential, so it's better for clearing out elite mobs. But when it connects? Pure satisfaction.

6. Ordovis's Greatsword

For the Faithful warriors out there, Ordovis's Greatsword is a top-tier choice. This golden blade, wielded by the mighty Crucible Knights, is infused with ancient holy essence. It's fantastic for Faith builds but also packs a punch for Strength users.

• The Vortex: The real star here is the skill, Ordovis's Vortex. You spin the sword around, gathering holy energy before unleashing a devastating slam. It's slow, so timing is everything—you don't want to get caught mid-animation. But if you can pull it off, either with perfect timing or by having enough poise to tank through hits, the damage is absolutely insane. This sword rewards patience and skill.

5. Sword of Milos

The Sword of Milos is a PvE player's best friend. It's not just about raw damage; this sword brings some serious utility to the table.

• Debuffs and Blood Loss: Its skill, Shriek of Milos, lets out a terrifying scream that buffs you and debuffs nearby enemies. On top of that, this sword naturally causes Blood Loss buildup. The real pro move? Pairing it with another Greatsword for deadly jump attacks. Many veterans dual-wield it with the Blasphemous Blade, creating a combo that not only melts health bars but also restores your own HP and FP. It's a sustain machine!

4. Forked Greatsword

Now for something completely different: the Forked Greatsword. Crafted by the mischievous Imps, this weapon has one of the most bizarre and distinctive looks in the entire game. It's basically a giant, rusty fork, and it's awesome.

• Bleed on a Stick: Don't let the silly appearance fool you. This sword is one of only three Greatswords that build up Bleed on every single hit. Its Stamp (Upward Cut) skill is also great for breaking enemy stances. And because of its forked tip, landing a backstab or riposte looks particularly brutal and seems to deal extra hurt. It's a weird weapon, but it gets the job done in style.

3. Inseparable Sword

When you need to specialize in smiting the unholy, the Inseparable Sword is your go-to. While it requires Strength and Dexterity, its heart and soul belong to Faith. This weapon is all about maximizing Holy damage.

• The Undead's Worst Nightmare: Like other holy weapons, it prevents skeleton revives and hurts the Undead. But what sets it apart are its superior scaling stats that heavily favor Faith. If you're building a pure Faith paladin, this sword will channel your devotion into raw, destructive power more efficiently than almost any other holy blade in the game.

2. Dark Moon Greatsword

A mystical legend returns! The Dark Moon Greatsword is a FromSoftware icon, and its Elden Ring incarnation is one of the best. Obtained after completing Ranni's epic questline, this sword is the crown jewel of any Intelligence/Spellblade build.

• Frost and Magic: Its unique skill, Moonlight Greatsword, coats the blade in frost and temporarily supercharges your magic attacks. It causes Frostbite buildup, has excellent stagger potential, and fires glorious beams of magic. Once fully buffed, it's part of some of the most powerful PvE builds out there. It's beautiful, it's powerful, and it has a fantastic quest behind it. A must-have for any magic knight.

1. Blasphemous Blade

And now, the number one spot, the king of the hill, the MVP of Greatswords in 2026: the Blasphemous Blade. Let's not beat around the bush—this weapon is absolutely broken in the best way possible. It's arguably one of the strongest weapons in the entire game.

• The Ultimate Life-Stealer: What makes it so good? Two words: sustain and damage. Its passive ability restores a chunk of HP every time you kill an enemy. Its weapon skill, Taker's Flame, is a monstrous fiery eruption that scales purely with Faith, deals massive fire damage, and—here's the kicker—heals you on hit. It can even heal your Mimic Tear spirit ash! This combination makes you nearly unkillable in mob scenarios. The popular strategy is to dual-wield it for jump attacks, melting bosses and hordes alike while your health bar barely budges. In a game all about survival, the Blasphemous Blade is the ultimate cheat code. It's simply in a class of its own.

So there you have it, Tarnished. Whether you're a Strength brute, a holy crusader, a frost mage, or a life-stealing monster, there's a Greatsword in Elden Ring with your name on it. Choose your blade wisely, and go claim your throne. 💀⚔️🔥