Elden Ring: 10 Weapons That Scale Even at Low Upgrades
One of the more underrated mechanics in Elden Ring is how some weapons perform incredibly well even before you invest heavily in upgrades. While most players rush to +10 or max out their somber weapons as soon as possible, there are some standout options that scale surprisingly well right out of the gate.
This can be especially valuable if you're trying out new builds, doing challenge runs, or saving resources for your endgame gear. Below are 10 weapons in Elden Ring that hit harder than expected, even at their base or early upgrade levels—perfect for experimenting without committing too many smithing materials or runes.
And for those focused on fast progress or theory-crafting, some players prefer to gather cheap elden ring runes early on, making it easier to test these options quickly without a grind.
1. Bloodhound’s Fang
This curved greatsword is one of the most versatile early game weapons. With strong Dexterity scaling, a powerful weapon art, and bleed buildup, it performs well even at +2 or +3. It’s also one of the few somber weapons that holds up without full investment.
2. Great Épée
For thrusting sword fans, the Great Épée is a deceptive powerhouse. Thanks to solid Strength scaling and quick attack speed, even an unupgraded version can clear enemies with relative ease, especially when paired with a heavy infusion and a good Ash of War.
3. Winged Scythe
Not only does it deal both physical and holy damage, but its weapon art bypasses shields and heals. It scales well from base level due to its Faith scaling and unique utility, making it a favorite for early Faith builds.
4. Moonveil
Though most players chase the +10 for its devastating damage, Moonveil’s real strength comes from its Transient Moonlight skill, which deals high burst damage even at +1 or +2. It scales nicely with Intelligence and Dexterity, and its magic slash can chunk through early bosses without any upgrades.
5. Claymore
A classic weapon that never disappoints. Its balanced moveset and natural stagger make it reliable at all stages of the game. When given a quality infusion, it starts scaling decently even without upgrades, making it perfect for those who like experimenting with physical builds.
6. Uchigatana
Starting with the Samurai class gives you early access to this katana, which boasts excellent bleed buildup and fast attack speed. Even before upgrades, it can trigger status effects and stagger most enemies in short time frames.
7. Regalia of Eochaid
This straight sword has a powerful unique weapon art that inflicts high Arcane-scaling damage. Since it’s somber-enhanced, each level adds a lot, but even at base level it can chunk through enemies with its flashy AoE skill.
8. Cipher Pata
Faith builds don’t need upgrades to make this one shine. It deals pure holy damage and ignores all physical defense, making it devastating in certain matchups. Great for PvP and PvE alike, and no smithing required to feel its full effect.
9. Serpent-Hunter
Famously used to defeat Rykard, this spear becomes massive in power when fighting large enemies. It doesn't require any upgrades at all to perform its core function, which is highly unusual and incredibly useful during specific fights.
10. Reduvia
This dagger may look unassuming, but its weapon art—Reduvia Blood Blade—scales extremely well with Arcane and hits hard from range. Bleed builds love it, and its strength is evident even before you pour upgrade materials into it.
Not every weapon needs to be maxed out to make an impact. Whether you're trying to conserve materials or you're just not sure where to invest yet, these 10 weapons prove that power can come from smart choices, not just high numbers.
If you’re experimenting across multiple builds or jumping into New Game Plus, it’s often helpful to buy Elden Ring Items ahead of time to round out your gear options. Combined with cheap elden ring runes, this can speed up your ability to test what works best for your playstyle.
At the end of the day, Elden Ring rewards flexibility, and knowing which weapons scale early gives you an edge—both in combat and in resource management.