The world of Dark Souls Remastered is brutal, but mastering the right weapon can make all the difference. From the early hours in Undead Burg to the final clash with Gwyn, choosing the right tool for the job is essential. With dozens of unique weapons in the game, knowing which ones truly stand above the rest can be a challenge. This ranking breaks down the most powerful, versatile, and reliable weapons based on damage output, utility, accessibility, and effectiveness in both PvE and PvP.
S-Tier Weapons – Elite Choices for Every Build
Estoc
The Estoc is one of the most effective PvP weapons in the game. Its incredible poke range and thrusting attacks allow it to deal damage while keeping you safe behind a shield. It’s fast, precise, and ideal for both quality builds and dexterity-focused characters.
Claymore
A fan-favorite and for good reason. The Claymore offers a fantastic balance of speed, reach, and power. It has a versatile moveset that includes thrust and sweeping attacks, making it useful in tight corridors and open areas alike. It scales well and can be buffed, making it a great choice for any build.
Black Knight Halberd
This weapon is legendary for a reason. It combines long reach with devastating damage and a powerful moveset that can destroy enemies before they get close. While it can be obtained early, its real strength shines throughout mid to late-game PvE content.
Dragon King Greataxe / Demon’s Greataxe
These heavy hitters offer some of the highest damage numbers in the game. Though they require careful stamina management and commitment, their potential for raw damage and poise-breaking power is unmatched when wielded properly.
A-Tier Weapons – Strong Contenders with Great Value
Great Scythe
With high bleed buildup and sweeping attacks, the Great Scythe is perfect for dealing with groups of enemies. It requires smart spacing and timing, but in the right hands, it can be one of the deadliest PvE tools available.
Zweihander
An iconic ultra greatsword that’s surprisingly fast for its size. Its ability to stunlock enemies and knock them down makes it a great choice for strength builds. While heavy, it delivers staggering power and is easy to obtain early in the game.
Balder Side Sword
A lightweight straight sword with impressive reach and precise thrusting attacks. It’s perfect for dexterity and quality builds and has earned a reputation as one of the most technically proficient weapons in the game.
Moonlight Greatsword
Best suited for intelligence builds, this sword fires a magical projectile with heavy attacks. It’s a signature choice for sorcerer hybrids and works well in both PvE and PvP scenarios when properly supported by magic stats.
B-Tier Weapons – Situational but Powerful
Chaos Blade
High risk, high reward. This katana inflicts self-damage on each strike but compensates with strong bleed and fast attack speed. It’s especially deadly in PvP if you can manage your health effectively.
Partizan / Pike / Silver Knight Spear
Spears offer a defensive way to play, letting you attack while blocking. These weapons have good reach and are excellent for players who value safety and precision over aggressive play.
Gold Tracer & Ricard’s Rapier
These dexterity-focused weapons require skill but offer quick, multi-hit combos and bleed potential. Ricard’s Rapier in particular shines when buffed with resins or spells, turning it into a rapid-damage dealer.
Honorable Mentions – Reliable Tools for Specific Setups
Longsword
A straightforward and consistent choice. Its simple moveset and decent scaling make it a great starting weapon and a solid fallback in any situation.
Painting Guardian Sword
This curved sword delivers fast attacks with high bleed potential, ideal for dexterity and hybrid builds. It shines in aggressive playstyles and synergizes well with buffs.
Great Club & Large Club
Pure strength weapons that deal massive poise damage and high stagger. Their weight and wind-up times require patience, but their power is undeniable in both PvE and PvP.
PvE vs. PvP Considerations
When ranking weapons, it’s important to distinguish between PvE and PvP effectiveness. Some weapons dominate against NPCs but struggle in duels, while others are tailored for competitive play.
PvP favorites like the Estoc, Chaos Blade, and Gold Tracer reward fast reflexes and spacing. These weapons are commonly used in invasions and duels thanks to their safety, speed, and combo potential.
In PvE, you want reliability and raw power. The Black Knight Halberd, Great Scythe, and Claymore are ideal for dealing with multiple enemies, bosses, and tight situations. Staggering power and crowd control are key when facing mobs of enemies.
Final Ranking Summary
To recap, here’s how the best weapons stack up:
S-Tier: Estoc, Claymore, Black Knight Halberd, Dragon King Greataxe, Demon’s Greataxe
A-Tier: Great Scythe, Zweihander, Balder Side Sword, Moonlight Greatsword
B-Tier: Chaos Blade, Partizan, Pike, Silver Knight Spear, Gold Tracer, Ricard’s Rapier
Honorable Mentions: Longsword, Painting Guardian Sword, Great Club, Large Club
Final Thoughts
The best weapon in Dark Souls Remastered isn’t just about stats—it’s about what fits your playstyle. Whether you prefer heavy-hitting greatswords or fast, agile dex weapons, there’s a tool for every Tarnished warrior. Experiment with different movesets, find your favorite, and use what gives you the edge.
In a game where every hit matters and every enemy can kill you, choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between life and death. Equip wisely, level with purpose, and may your blade never dull.
